Storm Parallax Ball Review

by Jeff Ussery at Total Bowling Gear

Layout: 60 degrees x 5" x 40 degrees

RG: 2.52"

Differential: .054"

M/B: .019"

Surface: 1500 grit polished

Core shape: Asymmetric

Storm's new Parallax is a different take on polished surface combined with an asymmetric shape. Most of the balls in this category from Storm have been the super skid-flip shape. Parallax offers slightly less length than combined with a bit of a more controlled backend, making it better for flatter and tougher lane conditions where control is key.

I used my pin up drill on the Parallax. You'll find this one on several asymmetric reviews from the past. Out of the box, I was very surprised by the ball motion. Parallax is a littler flatter down lane with more of an arcing shape. It's somewhat similar to what you might expect from some of the super-strong asymmetric balls if you had polished them (ex. Omega Crux). This makes it far more useful on wet/dry patterns, as you can see in my First 50 Shots video. That arcing shape off of the friction becomes an asset when there's a big disparity between the slick boards and the dry boards.

As the lanes transition and "blend" more, Parallax can lose a little steam on the backend compared to balls like an Astro Physix. I also found Parallax to be far better going up the lane, versus hooking it around the oil pattern. When playing to the strengths of this ball, I found it to be an excellent piece. When I didn't, it was very noticeable.

I did take a look at the Parallax at a 2000 grit sanded finish after throwing it a few places with the 1500 grit polished finish. I never quite found enough head oil to hold it online at this surface, but I really think it would have some potential in the right environment. Imagine a pattern like the Open Championships where you need to keep your angles in front of you to start while controlling the backends.

We have these in stock at TBG in both 14# and 15#. Come by and take a look at them today!