Storm Phaze II Pearl Ball Review by Jeff Ussery

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

RG: 2.53"

Differential: .050"

M/b: n/a

Surface: 1500 grit w/ Power Edge Polish

Core shape: Symmetric

Manufacturer's Intent: The Phaze II Pearl is what bowlers worldwide have been asking for — a versatile, responsive complement to our lineup. For nearly 10 years, the premier choice for symmetric performance on medium to heavy oil has undoubtedly been the Phaze II. The Phaze II Pearl broadens the spectrum of performance within the Master line by bridging the gap between the original Phaze II Solid and !Q Tour series.

This is the long-awaited release for Storm users, and it definitely delivers on the performance side. Phaze II Pearl combines the original Phaze II core with a polished and pearlized coverstock that is actually a tweak from the original Phaze II. This isn't the same ball as a polished version of the original Phaze II. Instead, Storm increased the friction footprint by using an upgraded TX-25 pearl coverstock. This gives the Phaze II Pearl more bite in the oil and downlane than a polished original Phaze II.

Mine is drilled with the regular pin up layout that I use. All season long, one of my favorite balls to use has been my Roto Grip Rock Star Amped. That's another SPI symmetric ball with a polished finish. I haven't had a symmetric, polished cover ball that will cover boards consistently with big downlane reaction like the Amped in a long time. The Phaze II Pearl seems to mimic some of that shape in the Storm lineup. Phaze II Pearl is super clean through the front of the lane. Some polished balls with bigger cores don't get as long down the lane as you might expect them to. But with the moderately strong core shape, this ball pushes to the breakpoint with ease and saves all of the motion for the back of the lane.

The backend of the Phaze II Pearl is as big as any symmetric ball you'll find on our wall right now. It's definitely competitive with the move the Amped makes in my opinion. The core inside the Phaze II Pearl creates that familiar strong revving mid-lane, and it just never stops coming back to the pocket once it makes a move. If you're looking for a product that can cover a lot of boards in a short amount of time, Phaze II Pearl is a ball you should be looking.

This new Storm piece is going to be a superior option on our medium to dry environments we find here in the KC Metro. With the polished finish and the length it creates, this ball is also going to be in play for a wide range of player styles at the store. We won't be afraid to recommend this ball to anyone who walks in. It's simply a fantastic product that should roll well for all. And it smells like Christmas!

Storm's Phaze II Pearl is in stock in 12-15# weights now at Total Bowling Gear!