Storm Next Factor is a UNIQUE Ball!

Storm Next Factor Review

Unique ball motion unlike anything else in Storm's lineup. Clean through the fronts with angular backend. $199.95. Video inside.

By BowlingBallVideos.com Staff Tested Dec 15, 2025 20 videos analyzed 36 verified bowler reviews
8.5
Overall
Great Score
Weight
12-16 lbs
Coverstock
Pearl
Core
Asymmetric
Hook
High
Price
$199.95

Performance Analysis

Performance Analysis

Testing revealed that the Storm Next Factor exhibits a notably clean, early-motion characteristic due to its higher RG asymmetric core and pearl coverstock. On a fresh house shot with medium-heavy oil, the ball showed impressive length down the lane, requiring adjustments as testers worked to open up the pattern. Independent reviewers observed that out-of-box performance delivered extended skid through the front end, storing significant energy for the backend motion—a hallmark of the higher RG design relative to previous pearl iterations from the manufacturer. When bowlers slowed their ball speed slightly and allowed the lanes to transition, the Next Factor began showing the expected aggressive hook and strong pin action associated with asymmetric pearl equipment in this oil condition range.

Surface adjustments proved necessary during testing. Reviewers noted that the stock polished finish produced particularly clean ball motion on fresh oil, and applying surface (such as 4000-grit sanding) helped control excessive length and improve ball response earlier in the lane. Direct comparisons to competitive solid pearl and pearl asymmetric options (including the Equinox Pearl and other mid-tier asymmetrics) showed the Next Factor holding its own in terms of overall hook potential, though some testers perceived the Face Two Pearl as slightly “rollier” through the midlane. Pin carry was consistent once the ball was thrown at appropriate speeds and angles; testers who initially left corner pins corrected the issue by reducing velocity rather than adjusting hand position, suggesting the ball’s core design rewards controlled deliveries over aggressive release.

Who Is This Ball For?

The Next Factor is well-suited for league bowlers and tournament competitors who bowl on medium to medium-heavy oil patterns and want a pearl asymmetric that delivers long skid and strong backend motion. Bowlers with moderate to higher ball speed will find this equipment particularly effective, as testing showed the ball requires some lane transition to display its full potential—making it ideal for someone who plays deeper into a pattern as oil breaks down. At the $199.95 price point, it offers a solid mid-tier option for players looking to upgrade from entry-level equipment without committing to premium pricing.

This ball is less ideal for fresh-oil house shot play without surface adjustments, as reviewers observed it may be too clean out of box in those conditions, potentially requiring sanding to match typical league house conditions. Bowlers with lower ball speed may find it skids past their desired breakpoint, and those who bowl primarily on lighter oil patterns should consider stronger solid coverstock options instead. The Next Factor works best for bowlers who have solid fundamentals and are comfortable making minor speed or surface adjustments to dial in performance.

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

The Pros

  • Unique RAD-TQ asymmetric core creates distinctive ball motion
  • R3S Pearl provides clean length with responsive backend
  • Called 'the cleanest ball of 2025' by The Hype
  • Dark Berry scent

The Cons

  • Higher RG (2.56) means less midlane read than lower-RG options
  • Premium price at $199.95

Who Is This Ball For?

Unique ball motion unlike anything else in Storm's lineup. Clean through the fronts with angular backend. $199.95. Video inside.

Medium-Heavy OilTournament

Technical Specifications

Core Details (RAD-TQ Core)
RG (15 lbs) 2.56
Differential 0.051
Int. Differential 0.017
Coverstock R3S Pearl Reactive
Core Type Asymmetric
Factory Finish Storm Power Edge
Color Black
Scent Dark Berry
Release Date December 2025

How It Compares

More Videos (19)

The Cleanest Bowling Ball of 2025 | Storm Next Factor
29:04 Influencer

The Cleanest Bowling Ball of 2025 | Storm Next Factor

The Hype
BIG Smoove Definitely Different | Storm Next Factor | Deep Dive
12:00 Influencer

BIG Smoove Definitely Different | Storm Next Factor | Deep Dive

Creating the Difference
Storm Next Factor | 6 Ways
2:00 Official

Storm Next Factor | 6 Ways

Storm Bowling
Storm - Next Factor | First look with Verity Crawley
10:00 Influencer

Storm - Next Factor | First look with Verity Crawley

The Bowling Passport
Can ONE Ball Strike From Every Arrow? Kyle Troup Tests Storm's Next Factor
10:00 Influencer

Can ONE Ball Strike From Every Arrow? Kyle Troup Tests Storm's Next Factor

Kyle Troup
Storm Next Factor | Stefanie Johnson 2 Minute Ball Review
10:00 Influencer

Storm Next Factor | Stefanie Johnson 2 Minute Ball Review

BrunsChick
Storm Next Factor
2:00 Influencer

Storm Next Factor

Beef and Barnzy
Meet the Next Factor
2:00 Influencer

Meet the Next Factor

The Bowling Passport
Introducing: Next Factor
2:00 Influencer

Introducing: Next Factor

The Bowling Passport
The neXt factor shape is something special
2:00 Influencer

The neXt factor shape is something special

Brad and Kyle
STORM NEXT FACTOR  |   Review vs Equinox, P2P, Typhoon, & Gremlin!
0:00 Influencer

STORM NEXT FACTOR | Review vs Equinox, P2P, Typhoon, & Gremlin!

Luke Rosdahl
STORM NEXT FACTOR  |   Is It ACTUALLY Different??
0:00 Influencer

STORM NEXT FACTOR | Is It ACTUALLY Different??

Luke Rosdahl
STORM NEXT FACTOR  |  They Better Get This Right!!!
0:00 Influencer

STORM NEXT FACTOR | They Better Get This Right!!!

Luke Rosdahl
Testing the Limits and Backend of the Next Factor | Storm Bowling
7:22 Official

Testing the Limits and Backend of the Next Factor | Storm Bowling

Storm Bowling
Introducing the Next Factor! Reimagined For What's Next | Storm Bowling
0:36 Official

Introducing the Next Factor! Reimagined For What's Next | Storm Bowling

Storm Bowling
The Most Fun Bowling Balls to Throw! | Storm Next Factor vs Motiv Nebula
18:47 Influencer

The Most Fun Bowling Balls to Throw! | Storm Next Factor vs Motiv Nebula

The Hype
The Storm Next Factor is VERY Interesting! | Beef and Barnzy Show
1:15:19 Influencer

The Storm Next Factor is VERY Interesting! | Beef and Barnzy Show

Beef and Barnzy
STORM NEXT FACTOR AT 500-GRIT 😳 🥵 #stormbowling #bowling #ball #sports #viral #insane #bowlervibes
0:12 Influencer

STORM NEXT FACTOR AT 500-GRIT 😳 🥵 #stormbowling #bowling #ball #sports #viral #insane #bowlervibes

Real Experience Bowling
Is The Storm Next Factor Good For Everyone?
17:27 Influencer

Is The Storm Next Factor Good For Everyone?

Nate and Elise

Verified Bowler Reviews (42 reviews, 5.0/5 avg)

5.0out of 5

42 verified purchase reviews

100% of bowlers recommend this ball

Write a Review

Bowlers Say

Bowlers praise the Next Factor as a uniquely clean ball that gets through the front easily with strong angular backend motion. They say it excels on transition and medium oil conditions when movement inside is needed, comparing its modern skid-flip motion to the classic X-Factor. While ideal for speed-dominant and slower-speed bowlers, some higher-rev players find it too clean on fresh conditions.

AI summary of 42 verified purchase reviews

Bowlers frequently mention:

Mary Blaschka Dec 25, 2025

I purchased this bowling ball as a Christmas gift for my son. He was very pleased with it. And it had an amazing scent.

WI, United States

Casey Murphy Dec 11, 2025

Orientation: Right Handed Rev Rate: 400 RPM Speed: 16-17 MPH PAP: 4 1/8 over and 1 up Location: Enterprise Park Lanes, Springfield MO Pattern: High Volume THS VLS Layout: Layout 1: 4 3/8 x 4 x 2 ½ (Pin above bridge) Layout 2: 4 x 4 x 3 7/8 (pin below bridge) Strength Rating (out of 10) : 5.5 Shape: Skid Snap Best Use: Medium/Light Transition The Next Factor is basically a HyRoad with a weight hole. But better really. This is a ball for lots of Friction, or to get an arrow or 2 back right with. It’s a FANTASTIC ball for almost everyone. HyRoads and a lot of other weak balls aren’t that good anymore because you can’t get them to flare enough to carry when they hit the pocket. The Next Factor is different because of the asym part of the core. It acts like a weight hole and lets the ball flare enough to go through the pins! There is nothing like this ball on the market!

Onefrombills Dec 14, 2025

TESTING ENVIRONMENT Type: Lakes Bowl House Shot (After League) BALL: Storm Next Factor Coverstock: R3S Pearl Core: : RAD-TQ Core Finish: Power Edge RG: 2.59 (14 Pounds) Differential: 0.050 (14 Pounds) MB/PSA: 0.019 (14 Pounds) ME: Right-Handed Tweener Speed: 14-15 mph Rev Rate: 220 PAP: 5 7/16 Right 1/8 Down Ball Layout: 50x33/4x30 “Reimagined for what’s next. The Next Factor brings one of Storm’s most iconic ball lines into the modern era. First introduced in 2002, the X-Factor quickly became synonymous with explosive backend motion and the unmistakable skid-flip reaction that defined an entire generation of Storm performance. Now, more than twenty years later, our Innovation Team—led by CTO Hank Boomershine—has reimagined that legacy for today’s game. This new iteration blends Storm’s high-tech heritage with the advancements bowlers expect from our strongest modern releases. Clean through the front, dynamic at the breakpoint, and relentless through the pins, the Next Factor is built for when you’re ready to open up your angles and let your ball do the talking. It’s a revival with purpose—honoring the past while pushing performance into the future.” Storm Next Factor had me thinking/feeling one way before throwing the ball, but after throwing it I was convinced this will be a ball that will be in the bag for some time to come. Leading up and watching other staff reviews. I was a little nervous that I would not be able to make this ball look very good. To my surprise, this ball as advertised is clean but definitely has a great reaction off the spot without it being too aggressive. One of the words used was forgiven to describe this ball because if you got it right too quickly it didn't over bounce and if you got it left it kind of just sat there and held. I was fortunate to use this ball tonight at a center that I have been struggling to find the right combination of ball or balls to use, but tonight I was able to use the next factor all three games and even though the series wasn't honor score worthy, I shot 640 and was tied for high on the pair. Thanks for reading, watching, and if you like this or any of the jerseys in my videos just head over to www.IAmBowling.com and use HIRSCH at checkout for 20% off your order. This ball is available on 12/19/25 at Pin Point Pro Shop inside Lakes Bowl in Round Lake, IL or your local STORM VIP Pro Shop! #Storm #SquadRG #GoGlobal #Turbo #DrivenToBowl #PinPointProShop #3GShoes #stormbowling #iambowling #sheridanlanes #Castlelanes #LakesBowl #900global #MasenHirschBowling #teamshimmy #USBC #KenoshaYouthBowling #MatchMakerLive Check out my full ball reaction video on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onefrombills/reel/DSMbYZnDZNR

Tobias M Dec 15, 2025

The Storm Next Factor pairs the R3S Pearl reactive coverstock with the RAD-TQ asymmetric core, finished with Storm’s Power Edge factory surface, creating a ball that gets down the lane easily and unleashes a sharp, defined backend. Compared to the Storm Typhoon, the Next Factor is noticeably stronger overall, with more midlane presence and a faster, more angular response to friction thanks to its asymmetric core and higher-performance cover. The Typhoon, by contrast, is cleaner and smoother front to back, offering a more controlled and forgiving motion best suited for lighter oil or higher-friction environments. In terms of shape, the Next Factor allows you to open up the lane and create steeper angles, while the Typhoon excels when you need predictability and control with less total hook. Tobias Myers #Stormnation

Michael Grimm Dec 16, 2025

Specs: • Coverstock: R2S Solid Reactive • Core: RAD-TQ • Finish: Power Edge Factor Finish • Layout: 5×5×2 I’ve been throwing the Next Factor on a medium-oil house shot, and it’s quickly become a ball I can rely on. It gets through the front part of the lane really clean without feeling like it wants to read too early. In the midlane, it starts to pick up in a smooth, controlled way and gives me a strong move down lane that’s easy to read and trust. What I like most is how it blends out the wet/dry. It doesn’t jump when it hits friction, but it still has plenty of continuation through the pins. Even on misses, the reaction stays predictable, which helps me stay confident and make small adjustments instead of big moves. As the lanes start to break down, I can move left and keep the same ball reaction without feeling like I have to force it. The carry has been very consistent, and it drives through the pins well. Overall, it’s just an easy, dependable ball to throw, and one I’m comfortable starting with and staying with throughout the night.

Showing 1–5 of 36 verified reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What oil condition is the Storm Next Factor best for?
The Storm Next Factor is designed for medium-heavy oil conditions. It features a reactive pearl coverstock with a Storm Power Edge finish, which gives it the surface traction needed to grip through heavier oil patterns.
Is the Storm Next Factor good for beginners?
The Storm Next Factor 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 Next Factor?
The Storm Next Factor has an RG of 2.56 and a differential of 0.051, with an intermediate differential of 0.017. The higher RG means it stores energy longer, pushing further down the lane before transitioning. The high differential creates strong flare potential and aggressive ball motion.
How much does the Storm Next Factor cost?
The Storm Next Factor is priced at $199.95. This is a premium price point reflecting its high-performance design and advanced core/coverstock technology. You can find it at BowlersMart.com with free shipping and 60-day returns.
What type of bowler should use the Storm Next Factor?
The Storm Next Factor is best suited for bowlers who want maximum flare potential and angular ball motion. With its reactive pearl coverstock on medium-heavy 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. Its high versatility makes it a great benchmark piece that can handle multiple conditions.

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