ION PRO SOLID | Is This What The Ion Pro SHOULD Have Been??

Storm Ion Pro Review

Name: Storm Ion Pro
Brand: Storm
Rating: 4.9 (63 reviews)

The Storm Ion Pro features the Element Tour A.I. core and TX-16 hybrid cover, one of the most celebrated heavy oil balls of 2024. Watch the review.

By BowlingBallVideos.com Staff Tested Apr 4, 2026 4 videos analyzed 63 verified bowler reviews

Jeez, [Music] it's crazy. The Ion Pro Solid is releasing very soon on June 20th, and I think you can already tell it looks just as successful for Zach as it did for Tobias. Once again, despite being impressed with the reaction, you know by now that I'm the tech guy that shoots you straight. It's all about the ball reaction and getting you what you need. For a long time, the ball review formula has been the same.

You turn a camera on, give some details, talk general reaction, and move on. But I'm going to try to reinvent the wheel and give you an actual product review, hitting specific points like you get for anything else you'd watch a review for. And I'll make sure to hit each of these points going forward to give you a much more streamlined, consistent, and clear picture of what you're buying with the points or chapters marked on the video timeline. I have a full review up front, followed by a live commentary with shot-to-shot context and in-depth conversation about the ball reaction. Storm Products Incorporated owns the brands of Storm, Rotogrip, and 900

Global. And the Ion Pro Solid is a release from Storm, again, becoming available to the public on June 20th. That's tomorrow as of the posting of this video. The center we're bowling at is of course Royal Crest Lanees in Lawrence, Kansas. And the pattern we're testing on is Kaggel Chromium, which is which is a challenge pattern that's 25 1/2 ms and 42 ft long, which is slightly above medium volume and length. The graph is linked in the description if you like all of the pattern details. Our tester, Zach, is obviously very versatile, but I'd say he's most comfortably a little on the rev dominant side. I think he's at his best when he

can play a little more lane and slow roll it, so he can really control the ball roll. Zach can also throw everything, but most often finds himself in symmetric balls because he really doesn't need any help from asymmetry to get the ball to move down lane. The Ion Pro Solid is a solid version of the original ion pro, which is a mild ASIM in the style of the Envy Tour, Obsession Tour, Hammer Effect Tour, and Black and Lethal Venoms. The 15lb numbers for the core are a 247RG, 035 differential, and an 014 in diff. If you don't understand what the different core numbers mean, I

have a couple instructional videos linked in the description from Storm that will explain them thoroughly. The cover stock is TX16 solid, which is uh most famously the same cover stock the Phase 2 uses, and it's also the solid version of the cover from the original ION Pro. It comes factory shined with Power Edge, which is somewhat unusual, though several companies have released polished solids in the last couple years. Zach did what he typically does. Uh, very lightly touched it with a 1500 pad to crack the shine. It's still shiny, so obviously he he didn't mash it

or take it to 1500. But this is a very effective adjustment to break the hard shine of a box polish to create a little blend and increase stability while still getting the length and pop of a shinier or polished finish. The reaction shape is a rounder, mostly continuous arc. I mentioned that Zach typically doesn't need any help getting a ball to move down lane and this one definitely gets a lot of gets a lot of work done on its own, but we do talk a little in the livecom about how this one goes through the pins. Tobias noticed this too that the while it's continuous, it doesn't

cut or dive through the pins. It's very strong through the pins, but it rolls strongly enough that it maintains a nice balance between being continuous, but also kind of tempered and controlled. Zach's no stranger to nine pins either, but we didn't see a single one throughout filming. With the box shine on it, it will probably be a ball down on regular house shots unless you have a lot of friction or have slower speed or a higher rev rate. From what we've both seen and heard, it's really sharp out of the box. It could be over under or more inconsistent on fresh patterns, but it

should fit well on light to moderate transition. Um, with the surface adjusted, meaning knocking the shine off or sanding, it could be in play on the fresh on medium light to medium heavy conditions. And with it being a mild ASIM as well, as you can see, it can hang out from deeper angles, you know, especially for Zach. But it's probably going to be at its best for most people from second to fourth arrow depending on your game and conditions. With it being a mild or tour style asim, it's built to be controllable, but with more punchdown lane than something like an IQ Tour. So,

it's not intended to be a ball that's going to go coast to coast or cover a ton of boards. So, strong enough that you'll typically need to give it a little swing to get it down the lane, but it will probably have trouble from more extreme angles. This ball will fit the vast majority of bowler styles. Because it's such a middle-of the road ball across the board, there's nothing either of us can see that would knock it out of play for anyone. Barring extremes or just poor matchups, it may be a little weak out of the box for high-speed, low rev combos and too responsive or too strong for low-eed,

high- rev combos. Uh, your conditions obviously factor in there, too. But the Ion Pro Solid is going to fit for most people on most of the conditions you bowl on regularly. It's a very plugandplay kind of ball that I think accomplishes the goal that Storm was trying to hit with the original ION Pro. As always, lots of great stuff in the description. I've appreciated you all using my coolwick code as often as you have. Most of the credit I get from your purchases goes to providing jerseys for the youth league at Royal Crest every year. So, I am paying it forward. I will take your kindness and pay it forward.

I've also really liked a lot of the stuff I've been using from Genesis. I'm a big fan of their tapes and shammies and the sport three ball mod roller especially. Um, I still use and love the Nexus backpack. Uh, V2 is out now. There's a discount link in the description for that as well as their journal. That's a great tournament and league companion. It pairs really well, really well with a score tracking app. And don't forget the email address for the custom handcrafted items made from bowling balls. The bowling video thing is a lot of time and expense for not a lot in return. So, I'm sorry for the ads, but I I really do actually use and

like this stuff. I think you will, too. And it's a really easy way to support me at the same time. So, I appreciate it. Depending on your surface prep, the Ion Pro is either a two ball or a three ball. Uh, I think I think most people when they think about buying a ball like this, they're not necessarily they're they're envisioning it with surface on it. They're not thinking, "Okay, well, I'm going to buy this ball and I want to shine it up." Now, it looked really good for the women at that the uh the US Open here just the last week with the shine on it. Um, and with the box shine, it's

a it's a high three ball uh with some surface. Instead, it's a two ball. I think it'll be equally as happy either way. I' I've seen it both ways and it looks great with either with the shine or without. It's just going to be cleaner and sharper with the shine and then earlier and smoother without it. And it all depends on where it fits best for you. The number system, by the way, is typically what collegiate bowlers use to rank the strength of their equipment. One is the biggest, strongest ball you have. Two is a step down, three is a step down from two, so on and so forth. This one's a bit of a unicorn for Zach

as far as what it compares to. Uh we talk a little bit about that in the livecom. I mention it kind of shapes like a weaker origin. It's definitely at least a ball to a ball and a half up from the original ion pro in addition to being sharper. That really surprised him for a, you know, for a solid version of a ball to out boing a hybrid version. But some covers act like that. It seems like everything's either just earlier or it seems like everything else that we compare it to is just earlier and stronger or a fair amount cleaner.

Plugging a gap is always good. It's just not always helpful for a review. It's a ball up from something like the Attention Star and Equinox. And even something like a physics Blackout that's probably on par strength-wise is so different from an overall reaction standpoint that I'd need a paragraph to talk about that one. The Ion Pro Solid is in SPI's highest price line, coming in at just under 200 on Bowlers Mart, but that's on par with the Hammer Effect Tour. So, I'd say the performance to price ratio fits or is appropriate or maybe reasonable is the better way to put it. I don't do ratings anymore

because of all the problems there. But as far as a grade would go from first impressions, I said a territory in Tobias's review, but after seeing it at the women's US Open, it's it's A+. A++ maybe. I mean, this is this might be the best tour ASIM that we've seen yet. And that's that's I know that's a that's a bold claim seeing as how it's not even out yet, you know, but it is it's a versatile ball that's going to that's going to fit a wide range of styles and

conditions, and it's exactly what you'd expect and want it to be. We went over Storm's reaction chart in Tobias's video, so we'll skip that this time to talk about this. We expand on it a little in the livecom, but I've been very critical of the Storm umbrella in general for several years now from several different angles. But since the origin came out late last year, the ball reaction has been consistently impressive. Their covers all seem to be seeing the lane very well. Now there's a stability and a strength and an energy back in the ball reaction. We just got some throwback type big hitters in the

Typhoon and Ultimate Record. Then we get something like this. And calling it like I see it also means giving them their flowers when they're deserved. I saw again this ball in play a lot at the Women's US Open over the weekend and it looked great every for everybody. Every time I saw it, it was probably the ball of the tournament overall from any brand. They were even talking about it on the Bull TV stream. Really liking what I'm seeing from the Storm brands in general again. And while I definitely don't need to go out of my way to drill any extra bowling balls with all the ones I already go through, I already can't throw most of the ones I already

have. And like I consider it a big compliment though when I say, "Yeah, I think I need one of these." Anyway, once again, the Ion Pro Solid releases on June 20th. So if you buy stuff online, the best place to do that from is Bowlers Mart. And if you follow the link in the description, I get some kickbacks on your purchases. So, it's it's a really easy way to support me without really having to do anything. Tobias's review is already up, of course, if you haven't seen that one yet. Um, unfortunately, the new review format means some of the things I said here kind of redundant, but it is what it is. We'll have the live commentary coming up

next that's full of good stuff and more conversation than normal, so you'll definitely want to stick around for that. Thanks for watching and may the strikes be with you. This video was brought to you by Panda Bear Productions. We put the in bowling. All set. Yeah. All righty. Yep. We are good. Let's give it a whirl. Ion Pro Solid here. Throw one to the right. Watch it hook and then we'll move left.

This should be hilarious. Goodbye. Closer. [Music]

It's really strong, too. It's not like it's just flippy or something like it's just getting some work done. It just hooks. Let's keep chasing. [Music] Jeez.

Oh, I did not roll it a pinch more. Wow. Here [Music] we go. [Music] Holy hook.

I got to say it looks like it it sees the lane really well. Like as soon as it hits the lane, I wouldn't call it early, but it definitely sees it. But it looks like it also rolls a little more a little stronger than the the original does. Yeah, for sure. I wouldn't call it like heavy rolling or chuggy, but it just it's just stronger. Yeah. Just overall overall throughout. Yeah. Just everything.

[Music] Yeah. I've been like trying to stay up the back of it a decent amount after those first few went sideways and it's still Yeah. Still coming off of it pretty good. Mhm. The shape is really good though. Mhm. [Music] It's crazy. Yeah.

What What is What else does it feel like? If anything, I don't know. Is it I'm I'm seeing like weaker origin vibes maybe. Kind of. Yeah, just because of how much it shapes. I could see that. Um definitely not as chuggy as Origin, which makes sense. But just the fact that it like continues as well as it does Mhm. throughout the lane.

Yeah. I don't know. That's definitely I don't think I've thrown anything like it. Yeah, that's what that I can think of. That's what I was I was trying. I was kind of struggling cuz everything else is either earlier and stronger than it is or it's like significantly cleaner almost. So, yeah. I It's just crazy how like how much more it hooks down lane from the hybrid version of the same

ball. Yeah, the hybrid's really kind of round and just kind of eases its way in there and and this one just goes Yeah, I it feels like stronger but in a different part like a different part of the lane and it covers more boards. But I would probably actually use that one later than the hybrid. Yeah, because the hybrid I can keep it in front of me a bit better. That one feels like I have to give it away a little bit just as much as it wants to continue. Yeah. Some

some balls need the puddle and the angle to actually get down the lane and then shape right where just because you know moving inside most people think you're just going to automatically ball down and sometimes that's not the not the play. Yep. Bang. Yeah, that one especially too considering it's a tour as that's kind of like an Envy

Tour Obsession Tour or whatever else. This one seems like it handles angle better. Better. Yeah, I would agree with that. Or it's just kind of surprising for basically being a asymmetric IQ. Yep. How well it really winds up and you're like you're not you're not having to help it. No. No. Do anything. Right now, I'm actually kind of trying to help it not do too much.

I'll move in here though a little bit and shape it a little more. [Music] [Music] I got to get it get it going that way. [Music]

[Music] This is This is funny, too, because for all the hype that they gave the original one, this one feels like it like the original is is good. I don't think it's really anything special. This one feels like it's kind of in that special territory almost. Yeah. Yeah. It's uh It's different, but really good. Yeah.

It just wants to fly. Yeah, I'd probably want a little more friction on the lane before I threw it to help it slow down some. Uhhuh. Like this probably isn't quite the right time to throw it, but I can definitely see where I could use it. Mhm.

That's another good point, too, cuz people are thinking, "Okay, well, you're playing so far left. Why Why would you want more friction?" But it's to help slow it. Yeah. Help smooth out the transition down lane. Cuz right now it just wants to get to the end of the pattern and go left just cuz it's not using up enough energy to help it kind of slow down a little bit. Yep. [Music]

And that's where you can kind of see that cuz I'm wanting to give it room cuz it wants to be quick. Yeah. But then I don't have the help yet developed to the right. Uhhuh. Let's soften up a little bit from this spot.

See if I can strike from there. He's got a chance. Bang. Yeah, I think we've seen all we need to see there. Yep. [Music] Pretty self-explanatory.

Auto-generated transcript · 3,011 words

8.9

Overall

Great Score

Weight

12-16 lbs

Coverstock

Hybrid

Core

Asymmetric

Hook

High

Performance Analysis

Independent reviewers tested the Storm Ion Pro Solid on the Kegel Chromium challenge pattern (25.5 ml, 42 ft) and observed a controlled, rounder continuous arc that distinguishes itself through strong mid-lane drive without aggressive pin action. The ball’s TX16 solid coverstock came factory polished, and testing revealed that a light surface adjustment with a 1500 pad—cracking the shine while maintaining length and pop—expanded its versatility across conditions. Out of the box with factory polish, the ball performed sharply on light to moderate house transitions and lighter sport patterns, though it may prove overly aggressive on fresh medium-volume patterns. With surface preparation, the Ion Pro Solid moved into play on medium-light to medium-heavy conditions, demonstrating the flexibility of a true utility piece.

The ball’s mild asymmetric core design (247 RG, .035 differential) enables it to work from deeper angles without over-driving boards, positioning it best from the second to fourth arrow for most bowlers. Testing showed the Ion Pro Solid performs approximately one full ball strength above the original Ion Pro hybrid version—a notable upgrade for a solid coverstock iteration. Reviewers observed consistently clean energy transfer through the pins with roll control that balances continuous motion against diving or cutting behavior. The reaction shape proved particularly effective at the professional level, where it was spotted frequently during competition play. Surface adjustments determine its role in a bowler’s bag: polish equals a high-three-ball strength for fresh or shorter patterns, while light sanding moves it into two-ball territory on more demanding medium conditions.

Who Is This Ball For?

The Ion Pro Solid is built for bowlers seeking a versatile mid-range reactive piece that doesn’t demand extreme angles or speed-rev combinations to perform. It fits well across multiple playing styles—particularly those who prefer controlled, predictable motion over aggressive hook potential—and works across the majority of house shot conditions and league oil patterns. Bowlers who value plugging a gap between weaker entry-level reactives and stronger heavy-oil equipment will appreciate its plug-and-play nature; it requires minimal adjustment strategy and handles most regular bowling situations without special surface preparation.

This ball is less ideal for bowlers throwing extreme speed-low rev or low-speed-high rev combinations without lane oil to support its motion. However, competitive bowlers and those who regularly encounter sport or challenging patterns will find the Ion Pro Solid rewarding with modest surface work, making it a legitimate option for tournament play at reasonable price-to-performance ratio. Its stability and lane read make it particularly suitable for bowlers still developing consistency in their release or targeting improved control over maximum backend motion.

Hook Potential

8.0

Length Through Heads

7.0

Back-End Continuity

8.0

Pin Action

9.0

Versatility

7.0

Value for Money

6.0

The Pros

• Exceptional pin carry and hitting power from the Element Tour A.I. core
• Professional-grade performance — Darren Tang called it the best ball of 2024
• Strong backend reaction with controllable, readable motion

The Cons

• Discontinued — increasingly hard to find
• Premium pricing when available on the secondhand market

Who Is This Ball For?

The Storm Ion Pro features the Element Tour A.I. core and TX-16 hybrid cover, one of the most celebrated heavy oil balls of 2024. Watch the review.

Tournament competition on medium oil patternsAdvanced bowlers seeking maximum pin actionPlayers who want proven tour-level technology

Technical Specifications

Core Details (Storm Element Tour A.I. Core Core)

RG (15 lbs) 2.47

Differential 0.035

Int. Differential 0.014

Coverstock Storm TX-16 Hybrid Reactive

Core Type Asymmetric

Factory Finish 4000 Grit

Color Blue, Grey

Scent Kiwi Tart

Release Date May 2024

How It Compares

9.1

Verified Bowler Reviews (82 reviews, 4.9/5 avg)

4.9out of 5

82 verified purchase reviews

99% of bowlers recommend this ball

Write a Review

Bowlers Say

Bowlers say the Ion Pro is a versatile benchmark ball that fits perfectly between the IQ Tour and Phaze II. It provides clean length through the heads with strong midlane read and continuous backend carry. The TX-16 hybrid coverstock and asymmetric core create predictable control while handling various conditions from house shots to sport patterns. Most praise its versatility for different bowling styles.

AI summary of 82 verified purchase reviews

Bowlers frequently mention:

Lonnie P. Jun 10, 2024

TESTING ENVIRONMENT: Length:43 Volume:Med-High Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS 12:1 Ratio BALL: Coverstock: : TX-16™ Hybrid Reactive Core: : Element™ Tour A.I. Core Finish: 4000 Abralon RG: 2.47 (15lb) DIFF: .035 (15lb) PSA: 0.014 (15lb) Storm has created some of the greatest benchmark pieces in industry history and now they are reinventing that benchmark. The Phaze II and !Q Tour have been staples for many years and have stood the test of time because of their amazing versatility. Storm is now introducing the new Ion Pro. The Ion Pro features a hybrid version of the Tx-16 cover featured on the Phaze II wrapped around a new Assym core called Element Tour A.I. The Element Tour A.I. has a diff number closer to the IQ range so you get the tour shape, with a great cover to give it a little more power. I tested the Ion Pro on a freshly conditioned lane which had sat for a few hours. I lined up where I would expect to throw my Phaze II, expecting that I would move right to compensate for the weaker core. Instead I watch the Ion split the 8-9. Surprised I tried changing my angle through the front a few different ways to see how the ball responded. When I pushed the ball further right, the Ion Pro had no issues getting back. On the 12 to 1 house pattern most things will recover on shots missed right. The biggest surprise came next when I intentionally pulled the ball into the soup just inside the track and watching it recover and split the 8-9 again. After throwing a dozen or so more shots intentionally changing up my angles and speed to see how the ball reacted I began to wonder if I had misjudged the lane condition so I brought out my Phaze II, threw it on the same line I had started on and saw exactly what I expected. It was a bit smoother motion but an identical line to the Ion Pro. I then closed the angle to get the Phaze II into the heavier oil zone, watched it hit the same spot the Ion Pro had come off of, and leave the bucket. I'm probably the biggest cheerleader for the Phaze II ever, (except maybe Verity Crawley) and I never thought I would see a ball compete for the benchmark spot in my bag. This Ion Pro isn't just hype it's the real deal. I also decided to see how it would respond if I got in deep and tried to slow hook it. The deep inside line is usually where my Phaze II goes out of play. Ion Pro has so much continuation that even though the difference in shape was imperceptible, the ball had no issues going through the pins no matter how deep I got. I would recommend this ball to literally everyone. A statement I've only ever made about the phaze II but can happily add here is everyone should have this ball in their bag. Lonnie Pemberton Storm Pro Shop Staff Vise Pro Shop Staff Revolutions Pro Shop

Adam Chase Jun 14, 2024

Layout: 5 x 3 1/2 x 2 1/4 Surface: 4000 Abralon Rev Rate: 460 The new Ion Pro brings new technology in terms of core shape, dynamics and ball motion that hasn't been seen in the Storm lineup. The low rg of 2.47 and medium differential of .035 and PSA of 0.014 gives a new meaning to the word benchmark. Typically, we don't see asymmetrical balls considered "benchmarks" as they tend to be more responsive to friction making them not as readable as a symmetrical version. The Ion Pro changes that entirely. The Ion Pro at 4000 abralon finish gives easy length through the front part of the line but the core allows the ball to read the midlane well and have a nice continuation in the backend through the pins. I found this ball to be very predictable while still giving me enough shape to actually play the lanes both straight and left to right as the lanes broke down which isn't typical for a benchmark type ball. I was able to try this ball out on a 37ft sport pattern with medium volume. What I saw from the Ion Pro was the ability to attack the lanes several ways. The lower differential gave me that ability to play the lanes straighter on the fresh without giving up the continuation but also gave me the ability to play left to right if I saw a better option because of the hybrid coverstock. I found a ton of versatility that this ball can provide. At the factory 4000 finish, I found a little too much length for my style to be most effective for me. A quick surface change to 2000 abralon gave me a stronger and earlier motion that I like to see for my style. The 2000 finish allowed me to still play straighter while not having to be as close to the friction spot. The extra surface also allowed me to play left to right with ease as the pattern started to breakdown. Being in the Northeast, I see a lot of older lane surfaces with a lot of built in friction. The Ion Pro is clean enough to handle the extra friction while maintaining the control you look for in a benchmark ball. I can honestly see myself having this ball in the arsenal quite often especially on sport patterns. Compared to the Phaze 2, I saw a lot more length but a slightly stronger backend and compared to an IQ Tour, I saw stronger overall ball motion that read the lane a few feet sooner overall. I can see myself bringing both the Phaze 2 and the Ion Pro within the same arsenal as they can play off each other well. This ball will be able to fit most styles and lane conditions of all sorts. Adam Chase Storm Staff

Steven Collin Jun 15, 2024

Dual Angle Layout: 55 x 4 1/2 x 35 Storm Vector Layout: 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/4 Storm's New Benchmark Ball, the Ion Pro, is everything you want it to be. The Ion Pro fits perfectly between the IQ Tour and the Phaze II just like the advertising states. For me this ball starts up strong in the midlane and continues through the pins with power. I'm excited to see how this ball rolls with some lane shine. This is will my go to ball on medium patterns to feel out the lanes.

Lawrence Bernal Jul 5, 2024

Best ball I’ve purchased by far.. I’m an average 180 bowler, I bowled 4 straight 200+ games on this freshly drilled ball..

Nevada, United States

Todd P Jun 18, 2024

Well my bowling family...It's coming! The release date is 6-21-24. The new Storm benchmark bowling ball. The ION Pro! I received this ball, got to throw it a few times. I'm pretty happy with it. Out of the box finish, I left it how it came. TX-16 Hybrid Reactive Cover stock, this is a asymmetric ball, with a A.I. Core. People who like the IQ Tour or the Phase II...here you go. It rolls so good, I love the color, and the reaction. I can't wait to try it on different lane conditions. This is the first asymmetric benchmark ball ever designed by Storm Bowling and will be the new standard of reliability.

Mike S. Jul 15, 2024

Storm Ion Pro Coverstock: TX-16 Hybrid Reactive Finish: 4000 Grit Abralon Core: Element Tour A.I. (14 pd) RG: 2.51 Differential: 0.036 Int Diff: 0.010 Layout #1: 3 x 5 x 5 - 2LS Layout #2: 2 x 6 x 5 - 2LS Layout Extras: 2 1/8 Finger Depth, "X" - 4 1/2 D and 1 Inch Left Tester: PAP 6 1/2 R, 1 1/4 D Review: The Ion Pro features the newer Amplfied Inertia (A.I.) core technology. This core as you would expect will help the Ion Pro in providing a predictable shape at the end of the pattern. As A.I. core technology has been previously tested that means a few extra percentage points of carry can be anticipated. For my review I compared my Ion Pros to the famous and long standing !Q Tour. As advertised by SPI, the Ion Pro falls between the Phaze II and !Q Tour. For me, the Ion Pros lean more toward the !Q side of the arsenal. Also, the layouts I chose for my Ion Pros allow me to keep my angles tighter and less steep for sport patterns I prefer to play on. Both of my Ion Pros I did roll on a standard 43' house pattern to test with the !Q Tour. Ion Pro layout #1 is new for me and I was impressed with this one. Basically it is a great option for me when jumping out of urethane or need good control off the spot. It allowed me to blend the wet/dry as a rev dominant player. Ion Pro layout #2 simply transitions smoothly through all phases of ball motion. In comparison, my !Q Tour gets offline a touch quicker. I feel the Ion Pros give me more strength and reliability overall. If I could make one change I would adjust layout #2 to more of my standard 5 x 4 x 3 - 2LS. Simply to see all the versatility these Ion Pros have. I recommend the the Storm Ion Pro for the player seeking straighter angles as lanes transition. I'm definitely excited about this ball from Storm. Please be sure to visit your favorite pro shop today or https://youtube.com/channel/UC1VA-MgFBo9mIZde-G3T11A for my occasional ball videos. Be sure to grab your Storm Ion Pro today! Michael Slatky 900 Global Staff Member York, PA

Roto Grip Rick Aug 6, 2024

Storm Ion Pro Core and cover: Element Tour core with A.I. technology with TX-16 HYBRID coverstock Box finish: 4000 grit abralon --- Tested: at box condition and with Storm Rough Edge finishing product Layout: 5 ½ x 5 x 5 – tested on 44ft house pattern and a 50ft USBC Junior Gold pattern What I liked and found about the all new Ion Pro is the ball was very STABLE on both patterns I bowled on, may it have been the house pattern or the tougher 50ft USBC Junior Gold pattern. On the house pattern, the Ion Pro reacted similar to my Roto Grip Tour Dynam-X with a little extra “kick” on the back part of the pattern and onto the dry part of the lane. Adding Storm’s Rough Edge finishing product to the coverstock calmed the backend down to where it was not over reacting on the dry part of the lane. It basically promoted the surface to looking like “lane shine” condition without wearing down the peaks and valleys on the TX-16 HYBRID coverstock. Which brings me to the next topic: TX-16 has been a major player in the coverstock game for years, and NOW, for the first time ever Storm made it into a HYBRID coverstock, which is ESSENTIAL for today’s playing conditions and having TX-16 Hybrid on an asymmetrical core is UNIQUE for a “benchmark” ball. My SPI arsenal has changed a little bit this summer with SPI adding the Ion Pro and Roto Grip X-Cell to the line-up. My current arsenal is from weaker to stronger is: Roto Grip X-Ray at box finish with a super smooth 5” pin to pap layout, Roto Grip X-Ray with Rough Edge on it with a strong 4” pin to pap layout, Storm Lighting Blackout, Storm Ion Pro, Roto Grip Attention Star, Roto Grip X-Cell. That is one of the BEST summer arsenals I can remember having in the past 5 years at least. The Ion Pro is readily available at your local pro shops and watch for more SPI Matchmaker Live! Events coming to a bowling center near you. Check out my YouTube channel for my Ion Pro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISymRjy-IW0. Thanks to my sponsors and partners: Roto Grip, Storm and 900 Global, Vise Inserts, Coolwick, Bowlers’ Supply and ABC North Lanes and Lounge

Rick Klimowicz Sep 12, 2024

Ion Pro • Storm • Premier Core • Element Tour A.I. Core Coverstock • TX-16 Hybrid Reactive Finish • 4000-grit Abralon Weight • 15 lbs. RG • 2.47 Differential • .035 PSA •.014 Layout • 4 ¼ x 4 x 2 ¼ Tester PAP • 5” R, 5/8” D Tester Axis Tilt • 11° Tester Rev Rate • 300 Test Pattern • 42' THS (Typical House Shot) • Modified, Kegel Stone Street Storm has created another striking success with the all-new Ion Pro! And what makes the Ion Pro such a success is that Storm has developed something every straighter player like me has been waiting for – an asymmetrical benchmark ball that delivers enormous results! The Ion Pro combines the Element Tour A.I. Core with the TX-16 Hybrid Reactive coverstock. And together they make the Ion Pro a ball that belongs in any serious bowler's arsenal! So, let's take a closer look at The Ion Pro. The Element Tour A.I. Core asymmetric design leaves plenty of room for any pro shop operator to tweak a layout to get the most out of the Ion Pro. And with that tweaking ability, I found the Element Tour A.I. core to be stable and consistent. I liked how the Element Tour core revs smoothly through the mid-lane without sacrificing the energy at the exit of the pattern. Further, I found the Element Tour A.I. Core crisp and vibrant as it heads to the pins without being overly aggressive. And because of its uniquely smooth asymmetrical design, the Element Tour A.I. Core strikes the pins with the precision of a symmetrical core but with the power of its asymmetrical design! Lastly, the Element Tour A.I. Core is far from lazy! So, if you are a straighter player like me, you will appreciate the Element A.I. Core's ability to stand up and roll with authority even when you know you missed! You can trust the Element A.I. Core to fight for you every shot! When it comes to coverstocks – you can't get any more consistent than the TX-16 Hybrid! The solid version of the TX-16 was on the Phaze II, and how long has the Phaze II been around? Exactly! So, it's no wonder Storm used a Hybrid Version of the TX-16 on the Ion Pro – it is that good! The TX-16 Hybrid at the factory 4000-grit surface is ideal for straighter players like me. You can count on the TX-16 Hybrid to be clean through the front part of the lane. And I loved how the TX-16 Hybrid had smooth traction in the mid-lane, giving me the predictable motion I needed to see as my Ion Pro made its way down the lane. And what I loved most about the TX-16 Hybrid is its ability to be consistent through an entire night of league conditions. The TX-16 bites crisply on fresh oil but also blends the broken-down pattern equally as well making the TX-16 the benchmark skid, hook and roll you can depend on! In closing, Storm has done an outstanding job creating the Ion Pro! And I will boldly say the Ion Pro delivers what Storm claimed it would -the Asymmetrical benchmark ball that sets the new standard in reliability! And if you are a straighter player like me, that reliability belongs in your arsenal! So, stop into your local Strom VIP Pro Shop and have our Ion Pro ready to roll. And be prepared for that asymmetrical benchmark reliability you have been waiting for! The Ion Pro is well worth the investment! Rick Klimowicz Storm Products Pro Shop Staff Roll the Ball Pro Shop Penndel, PA

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Frequently Asked Questions

What oil condition is the Storm Ion Pro best for?

The Storm Ion Pro is designed for medium oil conditions. It features a reactive hybrid coverstock with a 4000 Grit finish, which gives it a balanced response that works well on standard house shot conditions.

Is the Storm Ion Pro good for beginners?

The Storm Ion Pro is a high-performance ball with high hook potential, which may be difficult for beginners to control. It's better suited for intermediate to advanced bowlers who have developed a consistent release. Beginners should consider an entry-level ball like the Brunswick Rhino or Roto Grip Hustle series first.

What is the RG and differential of the Storm Ion Pro?

The Storm Ion Pro has an RG of 2.47 and a differential of 0.035, with an intermediate differential of 0.014. The lower RG means it revs up earlier, creating an earlier roll in the midlane. The moderate differential provides a balanced combination of flare and predictability.

How much does the Storm Ion Pro cost?

The Storm Ion Pro is priced at varies by retailer. This is a competitive price point for a ball in its performance category. You can find it at BowlersMart.com with free shipping and 60-day returns.

What type of bowler should use the Storm Ion Pro?

The Storm Ion Pro is best suited for bowlers who want maximum flare potential and angular ball motion. With its reactive hybrid coverstock on medium conditions, it works well for medium to high rev rate players who need a ball that can handle oil and still make a strong move on the backend.

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Storm Ion Pro Review

Performance Analysis

Performance Analysis