Raise Your IQ | Storm IQ Tour 78-U Review - 2 Testers, Challenge Pattern

Storm IQ Tour 78/U Performance Test

The Storm IQ Tour 78/U is Storm's premium urethane offering. More hook potential than the Pitch Black thanks to the C3 Centripetal Control core and 78D urethane formula at 500 grit. The choice for tournament bowlers who need urethane with a bit more bite.

8.0
Overall
Great Score
Weight
12-16 lbs
Coverstock
Urethane
Core
Symmetric
Hook
Medium
Price
$159.95

Performance Analysis

Performance Analysis

Where the Pitch Black is Storm’s entry urethane, the IQ Tour 78/U is the premium option. The C3 Centripetal Control core (.029 differential) provides noticeably more midlane read than the Capacitor core in the Pitch Black (.022 differential), creating a urethane ball that actually has some shape.

The Control 78 Solid Urethane at 500 grit grabs the lane earlier, giving bowlers more hook potential while maintaining urethane’s signature smooth, controlled arc. On sport patterns and demanding tournament conditions, the IQ Tour 78/U gives you the predictability of urethane with enough movement to play angles that the Pitch Black simply can’t.

Who Is This Ball For?

Tournament bowlers who need more hook than the Pitch Black can provide but still want urethane control. Two-handed and high-rev players who need urethane that can actually shape on sport patterns. Competitive league bowlers facing challenging lane conditions where reactive is too unpredictable.

Hook Potential
6.0
Length Through Heads
6.5
Back-End Continuity
5.5
Pin Action
7.5
Versatility
8.0
Value for Money
8.5

The Pros

  • Premium urethane with more hook than the Pitch Black
  • C3 core provides more midlane read than basic urethane
  • 78D hardness rating for consistent, predictable motion
  • 1,599 units sold — proven tournament weapon
  • 500 grit OOB gives immediate traction

The Cons

  • Not as versatile as reactive options on heavier oil
  • Higher price than the Pitch Black for a urethane ball

Who Is This Ball For?

The Storm IQ Tour 78/U is Storm's premium urethane offering. More hook potential than the Pitch Black thanks to the C3 Centripetal Control core and 78D urethane formula at 500 grit. The choice for tournament bowlers who need urethane with a bit more bite.

Sport PatternsShort OilTournamentControl Players

Technical Specifications

Core Details (C3 Centripetal Control Core)
RG (15 lbs) 2.49
Differential 0.029
Coverstock Control 78 Solid Urethane
Core Type Symmetric
Factory Finish 500 Grit
Color Charcoal / Purple
Release Date January 2023

More Videos (3)

iQ Tour 78/U CloserLook | Storm Bowling
4:33 Official

iQ Tour 78/U CloserLook | Storm Bowling

Storm Bowling Products Inc.
Storm IQ Tour 78-U | Urethane is Here to Stay | The Hype
16:25 Influencer

Storm IQ Tour 78-U | Urethane is Here to Stay | The Hype

The Hype
Storm IQ Tour 78/U Bowling Ball Review | Multiple Styles and Testers
5:30 Influencer

Storm IQ Tour 78/U Bowling Ball Review | Multiple Styles and Testers

BowlersMart

Verified Bowler Reviews

Malissa Wagner Dec 31, 2023

Was on pre order and came quickly. Son was excited to get it.

united states

Verlon Artis Dec 16, 2023

Best urethane I've bowled with

united states

Steven Collins Dec 19, 2023

Dual Angle Layout: 60 x 5 x 40 Storm Vector Layout: 5 x 4 ¾ x 2 ¾ This ball has that controlled, early urethane reaction with the hardness compliance of the PBA tour in 2024. Very smooth predictable reaction which is very comparable to the Pitch Black.

fazzone22 Dec 20, 2023

With the PBAs new urethane rule that start the beginning of 2024, it was only a matter of time before Storm came out with something. Introducing the iQ Tour 78U, the ball features the iconic C3 core that has been in the iQ Tour for over 10 years and the new Controll 78 Urethane solid cover. This ball comes out of the box pretty dull with 500 grit finish to help with the added hardness and with the lower RG in the core I expected it to be way different than anything else SPI has created with urethane. I drilled mine like my favorite Fast Pitch, 5.5 x 1 and man I am super excited to have this ball in my bag. This ball is easy 4-5 boards of more overall hook than my Fast Pitch was so I believe I can use this on patterns with more volume and even a couple feet longer. It still gives me that typical urethane shape even with the hardness being higher. If you are in the market for an new urethane ball, look no farther than the iQ Tour 78U.

Onefrombills Dec 20, 2023

Hey everyone, I'm back with another ball review, and this time it's for the Storm !Q Tour 78-U. In 14 pounds this ball is wrapped in the Controll 78 Solid Urethane Cover and has the C³ Centripetal Control and has an RG of 2.54, Diff of .034. The layout for this ball is 4x4x2 Urethane…..I am not sure that a piece of raw material has changed and divided a sport or industry as much as urethane has. No matter what side of the fence you are on it is here and doesn't seem to be going anywhere soon. I honestly can attest that this is not a ball that I will use a lot and that is not because it is bad, but the fact is that controlled urethane reaction is best suited for those with a much higher rev rate then mine. With proper urethane reaction it has an early hook and stays continuous but for me I saw it as early due to the 500 grit surface and the ball burned up/rolled out. Standing on 20 and trying to “hook” it just had the ball roll out and I could move all the way right and throw it directly at the pocket but the ball hit very light. For me and low rev guys that can not get that urethane reaction can rely on a weaker ball like a Storm Tropical Surge or a Roto Grip Hustle. My best suggestion as always is to find a Matchmaker Live to throw the new balls and talk with the Pro Shop and/or Pro that is there on what ball is best for you. Check us out on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/onefrombills Get out to your STORM VIP shop or Pro Shop and get yours today! BOWLER STYLE: RH - Power Stroker Rev Rate: 320 Ball Speed: 15-16 PAP: 4 7/8 right 3/8 up. #Storm #VISE #BowlersChoiceProShop #BabesAndBallsBowling #LogoInfusion or #IAmBowling (coupon code HIRSCH 20% off at checkout)

Showing 1–5 of 91 verified reviews

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