Today, we introduce the “ION PRO,” a new release from STORM.
Ball Performance
The specs are as follows:
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Coverstock | TX-16™ Hybrid Reactive |
| Core | Element™ Tour A.I. Core |
| RG | 2.470 (15lbs) |
| Differential | 0.035 (15lbs) |
| Mass Bias Diff | 0.014 (15lbs) |
| Flare | Medium-High |
| Hardness | 73-75 |
| Color | Navy + Carbon + Steel |
| Surface Finish | 4000 Grit Abralon |
| Available Weights | 12-16 lbs |
| Fragrance | Kiwi Tart |
The new core this time has an RG of 2.470, which is low and allows the ball to roll well from the front. The delta RG is 0.035, so it is a bit stronger than the IQ and slightly weaker than the Marvel or Phaze series. However, a ball with a non-asymmetrical core and a mass bias of 0.014 is quite rare. According to research on American websites, this ball was developed as a benchmark ball.
Impression During Throw
When I actually threw it, it moved very smoothly with a motion resembling a symmetrical core. It rolls very smoothly. Although the color is dull, making the roll less visible, it surprisingly rolls well. Due to the low RG, it rolls well from the front. The coverstock is TX16, the same as the Phaze II. However, this time it’s a hybrid, so it’s different from the solid of the Phaze II. This might be my first time using a hybrid. Compared to the Phaze II, the catch feeling of the movement might be slightly weaker, but since it’s dull, it moves very smoothly when thrown to the right. The movement range isn’t large, but it is easy to handle. The TX16 cover is of medium strength within the STORM lineup, but it doesn’t feel weak in these conditions. It surprisingly feels strong. Compared to the solid or hybrid types of GI or NRG, it feels like it runs stronger from the front. Since the cover isn’t that strong, it’s easy to throw as a benchmark ball. The feeling when throwing is similar to a symmetrical core, making it easy to handle. The new AI core also provides good pin action and is very easy to handle. I think it positions itself in the middle of my lineup. As for usable conditions, it seems stable even on lanes with fast outer and cutting inner conditions like sports conditions. It is a very versatile ball. Easy to read and easy to handle.
Comparison with Other Balls
Comparison with PHAZE II
I compared it with the Phaze II. The Phaze II uses TX16, but the core is different, though the cover type is the same. The Phaze II is also a very good ball, but the ION feels more stable in its skid and hook phases from the mid-front. The Phaze II seems to make a sharper turn, but the ION seems to lose less power.
| Item | ION PRO | PHAZE II |
|---|---|---|
| Coverstock | TX-16™ Hybrid Reactive | TX-16 Solid Reactive |
| Core | Element™ Tour A.I. Core | Velocity Core |
| RG | 2.470 (15lbs) | 2.480 (15lbs) |
| Differential | 0.035 (15lbs) | 0.051 (15lbs) |
| Mass Bias Diff | 0.014 (15lbs) | – |
| Flare | Medium-High | 5 – 6 inches |
| Hardness | 73-75 | 73-75 |
| Color | Navy + Carbon + Steel | Red / Blue / Purple |
| Surface Finish | 4000 Grit Abralon | 3000 Grit Abralon |
| Available Weights | 12-16 lbs | 12-16 lbs |
| Fragrance | Kiwi Tart | Red Velvet Cake |
Comparison with JOURNEY
I compared it with the pearl material JOURNEY. The JOURNEY uses a polished TX16 pearl cover, making it very easy to go down the lane, but it has strong straight-line properties because the cover is weaker. Just in terms of the cover, the Phaze II and ION are stronger.
| Item | ION PRO | JOURNEY |
|---|---|---|
| Coverstock | TX-16™ Hybrid Reactive | TX-16™ Pearl Reactive |
| Core | Element™ Tour A.I. Core | F-8™ Core |
| RG | 2.470 (15lbs) | 2.520 (15lbs) |
| Differential | 0.035 (15lbs) | 0.053 (15lbs) |
| Mass Bias Diff | 0.014 (15lbs) | N/A |
| Flare | Medium-High | Medium-High |
| Hardness | 73-75 | 73-75 |
| Color | Navy + Carbon + Steel | Deep Indigo + Smoke + Turquoise |
| Surface Finish | 4000 Grit Abralon | Reacta Gloss |
| Available Weights | 12-16 lbs | 12-16 lbs |
| Fragrance | Kiwi Tart | Kiwi Cantaloupe |
Overall Evaluation
The ION feels strong as it comes back and maintains its direction. The asymmetric core makes it interesting to throw. It is a very good ball as a benchmark. It’s also a good choice for those who haven’t used a hybrid before. Hybrids are often considered somewhat mediocre, but this one has a decent catch feeling and back-end movement. I recommend a hybrid for those who want to own just one ball. The AI core’s strength ensures pinfall even on lighter hits. The pin action range of the Element Tour AI core is wide. It’s a very unique core that looks symmetrical but is actually asymmetrical. The AI core provides good pin action and excellent manageability. I don’t think there’s been a ball this easy to handle in the STORM lineup until now. This ball is of a very high quality overall and is definitely a great benchmark. It’s a good idea to build your lineup based on this ball. I plan to continue using it in matches after filming this video. If you think this ball looks good after watching the video, I highly recommend purchasing it. I believe it will be released as a series with different covers in the future, but it’s rare to see such a good ball in the first installment. Highly recommended.
