Darkness Is Your Ally | Storm Virtual Energy Blackout Review
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- Опубліковано 31 сер 2023
- This is our review for the new Storm Virtual Energy Blackout bowling ball!
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Angel's stats: 325 revs, 15 mph speed, 15 degrees tilt, 60 degrees angle of rotation
Luke's stats: 375 revs, 17 mph speed, 7 degrees tilt, 45 degrees angle of rotation
Special Thanks: Chad McLean (Storm), Brett Cooper (Storm), Carolyn Dorin-Ballard (Turbo), Larry Burton (Royal Crest Lanes), Rusty Burton (Royal Crest Lanes), Jessy Bauer (Royal Crest Lanes), Rocky Russell (Royal Crest Lanes), Nick Brown (SRGBBFS), Jim Nemeth (CoolWick), Cliff Barnes (Bowler's Mart)
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Love Luke raving about another ReX ball. He just needs to throw ReX, XtremeTrax, and Reserve Blend 800 stuff and he's good.
Luke was pretty straight up honest about his "meh" feelings for the Night Road and its REX cover until he made surface adjustments to it. It's what make Luke's reviews among the most valuable out there....always honest and with great explanations.
And he's RIGHT on with the comparison to the Hammer crews HK22....just put it on everything! If it's awesome, it's just awesome.
LUKE!!! The opening sequence was dope! I really enjoy watching you throw…but can get a good read when Angel throws. I’m putting the Blackout on my short list…knocking down the ReactaGloss before I throw my first shot with it! Nothing wrong with being on a winning bandwagon sipping the kook-aid! Thanks for the quality reviews!
Cannot wait for the comparisons of the Infinite and the Dark Code. Those are currently two of my favorite and are different enough to want to keep both in the bag!
Luke, another (as usual) great ball review. This ball looks absolutely great.
Damn. Now I have 2 balls on my list! I definitely just told my wife that there was only 1 that I wanted for fall league on Wednesday. I will still probably go TDX first, but I also love Rex!
The dark code was a killer ball. Sad that they discontinued it. I'm excited for this one.
Great video, that all looks very versatile, and I almost looks like a symmetrical ball based on how it performs
about time spi revisited an older model like motiv with the primal and b7 with...almost everything, really.
I love to see that they brought back the Virutal Energy. Any possibility of bringing back the original VG with an updated cover? The Evolve wasn't great!
Possible but doubtful, they're actually still using that same cover though, the Virtual Energy cover was on the Nova.
Seems the absolute is just a bit sharper at the break point but they are super close.. love them both
Absolute is sharper for Angel, partially because she's throwing it slower in the Absolute footage, but my Blackout is decidedly sharper than my Absolute.
For me at least, the Master Code already IS a Cheat Code (it's NeX Cover with a Rad4 core). I'm 230+ when conditions allow for that ball to be thrown and 1st game out of the drill press was a 300. The NeX cover does have a minimum oil volume requirement so it's not always in play.
For my eyes, it looks like the Absolute turns the corner a bit more decisively, even if it’s not always in the same spot. A light Absolute hit would carry better than one from the VEBO, I think.
I’m looking forward to a new ball. I don’t know what I want, but I’m kinda torn between the Summit or the Virtual Reality Blackout. I’ve had the Nova for the last year, and it worked out for me very well. And the new league starts so I’m about to get another new ball.
The Summit and Blackout are two very different balls, but if you liked the Nova, you'll like the Summit. Summit is a little more of everything vs the Nova. Little stronger, little sharper, same overall shape and feel though.
@@LukeRosdahl and out of those two balls, which is better on a THS, Typical House Shot, pattern?
You said longer cleaner Dark Code - You made that comment about Gold Label as well. Considering those are both current releases what about a comparison between those two? Gold Label vs Blackout
My opinion this is a slightly smoother dark code but not enough separation of the two
I actually have it longer and sharper than the Dark, but yeah they're VERY close. I actually got some clips on my phone for shorts and I can't remember which clips are which now lol.
Alright, you got it. This is by far the ball I am looking for as my dark code replacement. It has that same super clean front with a nasty off the spot reaction without standing up. Any advice on a layout as a possible step above an xponent (my next ball/middle of bag) without being as much as the eternity? (thinking more above my ring/bridge rather than pin right/up of the ring like my dark code was)
Yeah I'd just copy paste the Dark layout. This one is slightly longer and sharper than the Dark but veeery similar overall.
Shape seems somewhat similar to a UFO alert but with a little more dig?🤔 Maybe why you love it so much. Since we all know you loved the alert.
Yes actually, that's a good read on it I think
I bought the whole kool aid factory on the infinite physix. The shape reminds me of the infinite. I’ll definitely be picking this one up. Can I have them both in my bag?
Yeah I think so, I have a comparison coming soon
Totally agree on the "Cheat Code" name 😆😆😆
But you're probably right....the bosses would probably never go for it. Plus, you'd better be damned certain it's the best thing ever or you'll be ridiculed for the "Cheat Code" name.
But more importantly, while you mention people are clammoring for the Dark Code/Infinite Physix reviews, I know I can't be the only one dying for a Night Road comparison!
Finally, if they DID actually change the REX formula, shouldn't they just call it something else? From a consumer perspective, how could we really make the most educated decisions on ball purchase when our experience with a cover we THINK we know actually turn out to be something a good bit different? Ones understanding of a certain cover could lead us to either gravitate OR totally avoid a certain ball with that cover, either of which wouldn't be warranted.
Love your videos, as always.
Marketing 101, people buy more stuff when they're confused about what they're buying . .
It DOES actually shape quite a bit like the Night, this is just obviously a stronger version of it. I might actually make that video. They're pretty good about identifying variants as far as I know, but I think they tend to make small adjustments one way or another within a certain cover to get to the specific reaction they're after if something's a little wonky. Like ReX can still be ReX if it's a 90-10 or a 70-30 blend, you'll still recognize what it is, but the small tweak will adjust the usability and characteristics a little in a certain direction without losing the intended/familiar feel.
I saw Tamer Albaga throw his this morning.
I think for Angel, the Blackout looks like it keeps climbing while the Absolute seems more hook/stop. Would LOVE to see this ball compared to the Clone. Kinda regret getting the Clone with how good this one looks, but time will tell.
Should be no regrets on the Clone, that ball is also stupid good
Much agreed @@rb8999
Eh, there's zeeeeero overlap between this one and the Clone, those two are miles apart across the board. I don't think you'll regret the Clone tho, I think you'll be just fine.
Astro physix replacement maybe just a tad stronger also is it possible to maybe drill two have one sanded n one polished for a one two punch
It's a fair amount stronger than the Astro, but it's a very similar ball motion, or if you liked the Astro, you'll definitely like the Blackout. And sure, you could have a couple and keep them at different surfaces.
I'm on the left side and I love love love my Intense, but it's getting on in years and has a ton of games on it. Would this be a good replacement? The cover/core combo seems the closest of what's out there now
On paper yes, on the lane, not really, the Intense was a lot chuggier/heavier rolling, this one is a lot cleaner and a touch sharper than the Intense. I think the Exotic Gem is what you're wanting, it's reaaaally close.
Luke, What was Angels layout on these two? I'm struggling to find a continuous layout for my wife who is much more flat handed and up the back, but roughly the same speed and rev rate as Angel.
She only has one layout that she uses:
4 5/8 x 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 in VLS
30 x 4.625 x 30 in Dual Angle
If she gets more up the back of it, it's going to be hard to get something to be continuous, because even more naturally continuous balls aren't going to fight the way the ball is traveling and rotating too much.
Ngl, ik the comparison for the Blackout is gonna be the Dark Code. But this actually seems like a kinda good replacement for the Rubicon UC2
It actually is. The cover on the Blackout is a lot stronger on paper, and overall it's stronger, but in action, it's realistically pretty close
Looking for a ball up from my pin down Absolute. Something a little stronger and sharper. I was thinking Infinite Physix or Summit or Eternity until I saw this release. Which would u recommend?
Definitely this one! Hard to get the Infinite anymore, Summit is deeefinitely the wrong choice, and the Eternity is stronger but not sharper.
Blackout, Nova, P2, IQ Tour, IQ Emerald, & Zen U (all pin up). Blackout and Nova would be what I would be adding this year. Good enough? or could I use something else?
My pin down balls are Gem, Exotic Gem, Rubicon, UC2, UC3, & Zen.
That would cover it pretty well actually.
@@LukeRosdahl awesome! Thank you!
I asked a question to Stu Williams the other day. He sees the Blackout below a Nova with surface, and below a P2. Which confuses me because the core/cover is overall stronger than the other to.
Well rex is really clean and sharp, it acts weaker than it is or than it's supposed to be. The Nova is really weird, it's craaaazy strong and early with surface but never picks up when it gets shiny. The P2 also has a really early diggy cover on it. It's kind of like how urethane acts, it's really early and strong but also really smooth, so it's technically weaker than other stuff even though it's so early and diggy
Ok I guess I'll wait. My question was going to be, as a fellow lefty would this be a good replacement for my dark code? Since I didn't get a chance to order another dark code, and it's in the bag where ever I go because REX i feel has the largest coverage area from light oil to heavy oil. You can almost always find a consistent line to the pocket no matter what's out there.
Yeah it's definitely a good replacement. The Blackout is a little longer and sharper, but shapes almost identically.
Id be curious to see James throw this and the Reality Check. Numbers wise they are very similar. The shape on the Blackout is too smooth to be an asymm 😅.
Yeah they are really similar, the Check is just a bit more defined and forward or directional
@@LukeRosdahlThe Check was a great stand left, throw right into friction ball on THS. The blackout looks like a really nice replacement. The shape is just sexy smooth. 😂
Yeah I'd say it's similar enough or even slightly improves on it actually. I'll get my check back out and see.
@@LukeRosdahlHaha nice. Thanks for the user research. It's what separates you from the others.
Look forward to your findings 🍻
My 3 asyms are pretty smooth (Infinite and both Novas). Do you think the Blackout, or something else, could be a good complement as sharper shape option? Thanks!
Yeah definitely, I'm hoping to get my Blackout vs Infinite vs Dark video done in the next couple days so you'll have a better idea how they compare.
Nice! @@LukeRosdahl
One of my favorite pearl asymmetric balls of all time was the Gravity Shift, which was the same core with a Pearl R2X cover. Any view into the difference? What should I expect between Pearl ReX and R2X?
Similar shapes but rex is quite a bit stronger
@@LukeRosdahl so stronger as in earlier? With similar cover prep and layout it will read the mids earlier? My go-to house shot combo for a few years was my Special Agent on fresh more up the back and when the lanes broke down make a big step left and come around the ball with my Gravity Shift. I’m thinking my Phaze 2 and a VE Blackout properly surfaced may be comparable but earlier.
Marginally earlier, probably a little sharper, but again, very similar look, it just hooks more overall. Big step left and coming around it is the Blackout's wheelhouse, it looooves to get deep and hook the lane.
How good do you think this ball would be for a 2 hander righty with a high rev rate as a get left ball for college?
It'll definitely cover all those boards lol, I think it'd be perfect. Probably need a bit of surface to blend it out, but I think it's a great option.
what are the drill specs on this?
I am lefty and bowl very similar to Luke. I just acquired VRBO so thinking maybe longer pin?
4 3/4 x 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 for me
How close is this to the Nuclear Cell? I'm thinking the core makes it quite different, my nuke can get goin forward pretty (too) easily.
Very similar on length, strength and friction response, but it's not quite as forward as the Nuke wanted to be.
Would this replace the Eternity? I'm just not clicking with that ball. I've tried different surfaces but just can't get it to work.
If you don't like it, then yes. I'm making that comparison video, but this ball is much more successful for me than the Eternity. Same idea, similar strength, this one just shapes quite a bit differently, and for me, much more effectively
How does it compare to the duo?
Also I saw a yt short with james throwing the duo but no sign of him in the review.
He didn't get the Duo until a couple weeks after, and I just haven't had a chance to do anything with the footage yet. This one is fairly different, sym vs asym, different acting covers, different shot shapes, etc., there's really not much there to compare.
I know it's not Asym, but how would you compare it to your other favorite REX ball the Fate? Also, I like the name "Cheat Code", but if something happens with it (wolverine, phaze 4, spectre), that would be too ironic...😂
This one is quite a bit stronger and faster, but I can still feel the similarity from the cover
I have a Absolute and Eternity. Where does the Blackout fall between these 3?
I'm getting ready to do an Eternity vs Blackout video, probably be a week before I get it up though. The Blackout is stronger and either a little smoother or sharper depending on surface prep vs the Absolute, and it's longer and sharper than the Eternity but about the same hook amount.
Hey Luke.. it's Jason your favorite FLORIDIOT..
Listen, I just went to my pro shop to order this ball.. and I told him to take it down to 1000 and use Step 2 on it.. and he tells me there is no more Step 2..
I'm looking at the Storm 2023 Product Catalog, and, well there's none.. they now have
"Rough Edge"
"Smooth Edge" and
"Reacta Gloss"
All 3 of those bottles are labeled as "Premium Finishing Product"..
So I was hoping to get some insight from you, maybe u can use your contacts and find out what's what and who's who..
Ok thanks again buddy,
Once again, great vid..
Ttyl,
Jason
Yeah all the step compounds have been discontinued, they announced rough edge and smooth edge at Bowl Expo, but at this point they're still unavailable for staffers to order.
Reacta Gloss is pure unmitigated dogshit, it's basically like when shops used to use Finesse It or Turtle Wax on stuff for the seniors or for when you wanted to really make a ball stop hooking. It's a product called Uno that's made by Mark V Products, it's a "boat/car finishing polish and glaze," that has a slip agent in it which repels oil, water, etc., so basically they took something designed to seal the cover and repel oil and they put it on a ball designed to absorb oil to keep the cover clean and tacky . . so all it does is keep the oil on the surface of the ball which makes it slick and slimy like urethane.
I haven't tried the new ones yet, won't until we can order them, but Smooth Edge is supposed to be in between Step 2 and Step 3, and Rough Edge is supposed to be in between Step 1 and Step 2. Step 2 was always the good one, Step 1 was really chalky and Step 3 would turn the ball into a mirror in a heartbeat, so I think these two sound like better products. They're also made by Mark V, their "real" names are MV-250 and MV-350, and there's not a slip agent in these, so these should be fine and hopefully an improvement over the Step compounds.
If they suck, Brunswick's Crown Compound is the other premier and proven finishing compound out there.
@@LukeRosdahl thanks.. I knew I'd get the straight truth from you.. I'll go ahead and pass this on to the Bowlers in my city..
But the way..Hustle M-M Ball Güüd..!!
Shot a 238, and 222 I league with it, after I had the reacta-crap taken off..
I had my pro shop take it to 1500 and use Crown on it..
Please don’t bash me for this Luke but to be 100% honest after watching you bowl with this ball reminds me of the Spectre. Now I know some people are going to hate me saying that because the cover stocks are extremely different level and the cores being total opposite etc. etc. but the performance of this ball ‘to me’ from watching a lot of people review it seems like the Spectre they never had. 😢
Lol no bashing. This ball is tons stronger and a whole lot sharper on the backend. It might give you general roundish shape vibes, but there's not much else there besides that. The Spectre was pretty easy down lane and then buttery smooth on the backend.
What's Angel's favorite ball on house shot currently?
It's been the Eternity pretty dominantly, but the Clone is making its way in there now with splashes of the TDX
This looks like a shiny Infinite on paper so I’m confused why everyone is comparing it to the Absolute.
Partially because Storm has rules for videos, and partially because it's the other shiny asym in the line. The Infinite has been discontinued, so it doesn't really compete with it any more. In the reviews, Storm requires us to compare new balls to other recent releases, or at the very least, balls from the same brand that are still in production, they never want to see us comparing new balls to discontinued balls in the reviews. I'll have a separate comparison of course because yeah, it's virtually an Infinite on paper, and people still have them, so naturally they'll want to see that comparison, but if someone is going to buy a ball right now and they see a shiny asym in the Absolute and another shiny asym in the Blackout, they need to know what the difference is. Can't buy the Infinite any more so it really doesn't matter in that direction.
Ok so could these two ball take up the same spot in the bag?
Depending on their surface prep I'd say yes, but the Blackout is just generally stronger, and its strength is more consistent, the Absolute's strength is much more dependent on its surface, so on that hand I'd say the Absolute is a definite step down from the Blackout. I personally would treat it as a general step down
With league starting you should make a ball arsenal lineup for league!
I'll put that on the board!
Is this the background music for Black Ops 4 ?
Yeeeep
Do I need this if I have a dark code and zen gold label?
Probably not, I use the gold label quite a bit and there's definitely separation between those two, but there's very little separation between this and the Dark.
@@LukeRosdahl Zen ball good !
Did you use this ball for your Monday night league?
I don't have a Monday night league but I used it on my Thursday league. It's a little sharp and strong on a house shot for me, but everything on the left side is too strong and sharp it seems like.
Can u compare it to the fate ?
Yeah this is just a step up across the board. Similar shape, this one is just sharper and hooks more.
if they do release a storm cheat code, it should be purple pearl hah
Where can I find the current strength chart?
They don't really post it anywhere, and I haven't seen one that has the new EXO cover added to it yet.
@@LukeRosdahl Where did you get the info that REX is the 4th strongest cover then?
They generally share the strength chart with the staffers, and on the last strength chart, ReX was the third strongest cover. When they released the DNA, they said EXO is their new strongest cover, so naturally that would make ReX their 4th strongest cover now
Oh, one other thing I forgot, I haven't seen where the Summit's TX-23 cover lands either, so it may not still be the 4th strongest cover I guess, but it's still up there and that doesn't change the point I was making. NeX is in the top 3 of the strongest covers they make and R2S is in the bottom 3rd, it's like the 25th strongest cover they make or something, so if ReX is only a couple spots behind NeX on their strength chart, that tells me that ReX is mostly NeX, that's the ultimate point, not the exact rank of the cover.
From what it’s looking like the way this ball is drilled in the matchmaker does it no favors. I couldn’t get it to move like that
It's the reacta gloss . . that's why I resurface everything. That stuff doesn't allow the ball to absorb oil so the cover gets kind of slick and the ball ends up being lazier and smoother with the gloss, so I sand and repolish and everything is fine after that.
@@LukeRosdahl maybe so though I’ve had no issues with my absolute with reactagloss
It's hit and miss for a lot of people, ours were awful with the gloss but the Exotic Gem was just fine for me with it. That's been the one single exception though.
I really like your resurface method. I'm trying to convince my wife, but she likes the shine on her new Hy-road Pearl. Will the Reacta Gloss finally wear off after a certain number of games? P.S. You recommended the HP for her and she loves it. Thanks for the happy wife!@@LukeRosdahl
Ah sweet! Yeah it'll eventually get worn off but if she likes it the way it is, I wouldn't screw with it!
Nice music , Black Ops 4
I'm glad some people recognize the easter eggs!
👀🍿
Am I the only one that realizes that that's cod4 music playing in this video🤣🤣🤣🤣
Yep that's the Black Ops 4 multiplayer menu theme!
#cheatcode😅
Looks like absolute (Pun Intended) magic ✨✨