Storm Ion Max Pearl Ball Review by Jeff Ussery

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

RG: 2.49"

Differential: .053"

M/b: .010"

Surface: Power Edge Polished

Core shape: Asymmetric

Manufacturer's Intent: The Ion Max Pearl takes the oil-fighting strength of the original Ion Max and adds a quicker, controlled response at the breakpoint with its NRG™ Pearl coverstock. Its low RG Element Max™ A.I. Core delivers strong midlane read and powerful downlane motion, while maintaining the dependable, smooth arc bowlers trust. From league play to tournament environments, the Ion Max Pearl offers a versatile reaction that stays in control as conditions change. Find your moment. MAXimize your game.

Ion Max Pearl is the long awaited follow up to Storm's bestselling sanded asymmetric ball from last season, the Ion Max Solid. Ion Max Solid continues to be an incredible seller at our store for bowlers looking for a heavy revving, mid-lane rolling ball that excels on heavier oil patterns. Now Storm has pearlized the NRG cover and finished it off with Power Edge Polish to create a far longer, bigger back-ending option in the Storm high-performance line.

I drilled my Ion Max Pearl with my regular pin up drilling due to the asymmetric shape of the core. I also left the surface alone out of the box, as the Power Edge polished balls have been a significant improvement for Storm in the last year. So far, I've thrown the Ion Max Pearl on everything from fresh to medium transition lane patterns, and this product excels on both. While I did think it was a little better on the lane after the oil had transitioned to a slightly drier state, Ion Max Pearl definitely has enough core strength to get moving on some heavier oil.

My best success so far with Ion Max Pearl has been at larger launch angles through the front of the lane, throwing the ball far away from the pocket, and letting this strong pearl cover cross a lot of boards in the backend. But there's no doubt this ball will be in play going up the boards as well. We see this as easily the best polished asymmetric ball in the Storm brand, and competitive with the RST Hyperdrive Pearl (which we liked quite a bit).

There simply wasn't any reason to try surface changes on this piece. I have several dull balls that perform excellent right now (see my Bionic review). This one will be a great "middle of the bag" solution for bowlers looking for a heavy rolling, polished ball that will still exhibit some skid/snap features.

Storm's new Ion Max Pearl is available Friday, March 13th!