Storm Bionic Ball Review by Jeff Ussery

Layout: 60 degrees x 5 1/2" x 40 degrees

RG: 2.48"

Differential: .047"

M/b: n/a

Surface: 4000 Grit Sanded

Core shape: Symmetric

Manufacturer's Intent: The Bionic is the next evolution in the Ion line, and was engineered to be the ultimate symmetrical solution, an all-encompassing ball capable of handling virtually any lane condition. Its Torsion™ A.I. Core preserves the stacked ellipse structure of the Ion Max’s Element Max A.I. Core while revolving it into a symmetrical shape that balances low RG stability with a clean, controlled backend motion. Wrapped in the versatile NRG™ Hybrid coverstock, the Bionic gives bowlers confidence shot after shot. Experience The Bionic Advantage—predictable, versatile performance you can trust every time.

Storm has long been looking for an upgrade to the Phaze 2 that delivered everything the consumer wanted. There have been other attempts with modest success, such as the Summit. But Bionic is the product bowlers have been asking for. Bionic is symmetric/sanded ball motion with a combination of length and mid-lane traction that is upgraded for today's bowling lane oils. Simply put, if you're looking to upgrade from an older and tired Phaze 2, take a look at the Bionic for more hook and traction in the same spots of the lane.

Storm started by using tweaked version of a previous core and creating a symmetrical shape from it. The low rg/medium differential combination gives Bionic enough track flare to create mid-lane traction when other balls just won't pick up. If you've been watching the PBA so far this season, you've actually seen that in both majors that have been won with the Bionic. The most recent win featured a "speed bump" at the end of the oil pattern that most balls lose friction on. Bionic is strong enough in the mid-lane to get the ball transitioning back toward the pocket, limiting the effects of this additional oil toward the back of the lane pattern. You'll see a pattern with similar features this year if you're bowling the Greater Ozarks Open, so Bionic may be a new piece you'll want to consider.

Combined with a 4000 grit NRG Hybrid coverstock, the Bionic is setup from the factory for performance on medium to even heavier oil patterns, depending on your game. I've been using the Bionic for a few weeks at Olathe Lanes East and have actually found it useful in this moderately dry environment as well. This is a far more versatile piece than most bowlers are recognizing at this point. We believe this will be an excellent addition for a wide range of styles. It's strong enough for our weaker handed players who need help creating friction. It's also just clean enough for our rev dominant players, including our two-hand/no-thumb customers. We like this new ball from Storm a lot for nearly everyone walking in our door.

We see Bionic fitting in as a transition ball from your heavier oil pieces in the SPI line, such as the RST Hyperdrive Solid or Equinox Solid. It's also going to be a little easier to get through the front of the lane than the new Vengeance by 900 Global.

Come talk to us at the store about the new Storm Bionic. We have these in stock now in 12-15# weights at Total Bowling Gear!