Storm Nova Bowling Ball | Best Asym Ever? | BowlerX Full Review with JR Raymond

Storm Nova Review

Name: Storm Nova
Brand: Storm
Rating: 5.0 (42 reviews)

While no longer in production, the Storm Nova remains a formidable heavy oil weapon for advanced bowlers who need maximum hook potential and backend continuation. Its combination of the asymmetric Ignition core and R2X Hybrid coverstock makes it a solid option on the used market for serious competitors.

By BowlingBallVideos.com Staff Tested Apr 22, 2026 8 videos analyzed 42 verified bowler reviews

what's up everybody J.R Raymond back again coming to you from Waterford Lanes here where bowler X pro shop and training center is the place to be it's where you can find me up here Monday Tuesday Wednesday from 3: to 8: Friday from 3: to 7:00 uh in weekends pretty tough to catch me because of uh bowling tournaments and stuff but today here out on the Lanes on a different pair that you've never seen before we're going to take a couple of bowling balls out here first up we've got that new Nova by storm the solid bowling ball the green and pink and black it's really cool looking so we're going to take it out

here I got that typical 45x 4 1/2x 45 layout on it we're going to take it out here on a fresh house condition 42 ft and we're going to see what she's got here in a minute stay tuned they say bowling is a dying [Music] sport a dying [Music] sport I disagree I

disagree I disagree I disagree I disagree bowlerx.com For the Love of [Music] bowling all right here we go folks we got the uh the new Nova by Storm bowling uh pretty sweet asymmetric solid bowling ball uh you can see I got the typical

45x 4 1/2x 45 layout hey and by the way we are here at bowler X pro shop and training center so anytime you want to come up and see me or Greg we are up here you can get all of your equipment up here for you uh or you can go over to bx.com and get yours but come on up here we're here Monday uh Monday Tuesday Wednesday from 3:00 to 8: closed on Thursdays back again on Friday from 3:00 to 7:00 weekends you can try to catch us sometimes most times uh starting in January to be gone a lot because of PBA events and all that so um but today

we've got the Nova so we're going to take a look and I know this is coming out well before the release day so you guys get a chance to see it we're going to take a look we're going to go straight and we're going to try and see what she's got all the way through I threw it a little bit over on Lane 25 I got to tell you I'm I'm actually quite pleasantly surprised by this ball and that's one of the reasons why not the RP 10 but the actual you could see

the ball actually float through that dry part as a solid as an ASM it did a really good job getting through there the other reason why I'm excited about this bowling ball is because it uh still allows me to go around the lane a little bit which is pretty cool so and you'll see that here unless the topography on 25 is just completely different who knows uh but I'm going to move three left with my feet two left with my eyes keep my hand in a straighter more rly forward hand

position and you just watch the ball roll off the dry never does anything crazy doesn't overhook doesn't overreact it doesn't read super early it's a Clean Cover so for a dull ball that comes out of the box really dull I'm shocked with how well they got this through there and the reason I'm uh pleasantly surprised by this is because in my opinion and being completely honest and transparent which everybody knows I already am anyway so uh I might might make storm

mad with this but I personally haven't seen a good solid bowling ball that has spit my game from them in a long time uh that gravity evolv with the review that I did was that was that one was hard work it was hard to it was hard to throw that ball because I didn't like the motion of it you know so and I can't even think back to when I really enjoyed a solid you know strong cover bowling ball from them typically Storm bowling balls for me are very good at you know playing further left having the cleaner cover with sharp downline angles it's

been really good for me doing that so um you know like my Dart code now that altered reality stuff like that the rst X2 those bowling balls are super duper good at you know what I typically see from them so I'm really good and I'm really surprised that this ball is you know good for me right now so I'm going to move move three more left again and two more

left and again still rolling it now don't take too much consideration into those flat tens because that's just me really just rolling the ball forward and creating you know straighter angles with it so we can get those 10 pins out pretty simply just by strengthening our hand a little bit getting into a Little Bit Stronger position with our hand so for me if I want that 10 pin out from the same spot without moving my feet at all I'm actually going to go here and just rotate my fingers down I'm just

rolling them down just a little bit that just gets me in a little bit stronger position that may not work for you but that's what works for me and then you just dead flat miss it at the bottom see I was too worried about showing you guys let me try it again that was silly but for me again so I'll show you that so when my hand is there I've already showed you guys now in the last couple of videos you saw how I changeed to get around it to Rolling it when I'm

here with the ball where I'm rolling it just straight up and down I just bring my fingers towards my left knee I just come down just a little bit with my left with my fingers towards my left knee this almost just gives me it's still forward you can see but it gives me just it's almost like it gives me maybe just a a little bit more tilt which might give it a little bit more pop down Lane so let me try that again and not look like a fool making a bad shot on an example

shot so straight fingers down a little bit that's better so now that one picks up and you can see it really start to get going just a little bit better from that same part of the lane so that's what I was trying to do last time and the last time I just dead flat missed it at the bottom so can't do that so we know we're seeing good roll good early smooth ball reaction not necessarily early but just

smooth I'm going to finish five off I'm going to go four left now gets me to my feet on 30 and now we'll start rotating our hand around it a little bit so again it's here down and over to get around it just a pinch you can see that just picks up and does the right thing going through the pin it's pretty amazing you know for a solid bowling ball it's hard to see oh it's a nail huh it's hard to

find good solid bow balls that do them you know the last one was that idle that idle's uh Helios was pretty good allowed me to do a lot of different things with it you know so this reminds me of it but this is just an Asim version go five more left now we get our hand around it just a little bit more I mean that's just sicking that's

crazy that you can do that that this ball still picks up in that same spot and still goes through the PIN I mean that's that's unbelievable that's what we're looking for so you're going to see me at least as of right now a lot of my comparison videos are probably going to be you know when you see solids come out I'm going to compar this to those solids see what we end up with move five more left

here see if we can't start to go around the lane a little bit oh that almost N9 pin almost 79 it almost could have been a lot of different problems but that was still pretty good again we're going left and it's still getting through the pens we are in good shape I left this out of box folks I didn't do anything crazy with it it's just that typical 45x 4 1/2 by

45 so now we are standing 40 and we're going to be right around that 209 or 20 21 Range man look at that little deflection there you see a little deflection but again it's that's to be expected you expect a big strong solid ball like this to kind of give you a little bit of maybe a little bit of stop a little bit

of deflection especially being asymmetric but it's it's going it's still going we'll see now we'll get up against the ball return and try to get to that 22 23 range this thing doesn't stop it just doesn't stop

that's a six bagger right there six bagger with that fluffy bad shot before all right let's get in front of the ball return I will be super shocked I haven't thrown it in front of the ball return yet but I will be no what's up I got a yeah he's in uh he's in that office right there thank you sorry you're all right so we're going to uh get in front of the B turn now I didn't throw this one from in front of the ball return yet so I don't know if it's going

to do anything here or not but let's see what we got I give up I'm not I'm not doing it anymore I can't throw this ball anymore I just can't do it I can't do it all right there you go so there is that stupid silly unbelievably good bowling ball the Nova by storm um you don't hear me say this too often but that's probably the best solid

bowling ball I've ever thrown unless I'm making a mistake and it's actually a hybrid I didn't look at it I don't know but it looks like a solid so I'm calling it a solid the best strong bowling ball strong asymmetric that I've ever thrown in my life so honestly if you don't get one of these you're kind of silly you're probably an idiot unless you're on staff with somebody then obviously there's a reason you can't throw it but if you're not on staff or you are on storm staff and you don't have one of these in your bag you're foolish because this thing let me do whatever I wanted whenever I wanted I could go straight I could go around the lane it didn't stop ever we

finished with a seven bagger and I was throwing it all over the dang Lane so make sure to get yourself one hit the link in the description get yours over at bux.com or come up here to Waterford Lanes I'm inside at bullx pro shop and training center and we will get you taken care of stop up see me see Greg uh and we'll get you taken care of but that's all I got for you uh and until next time we'll see you guys later take care [Music]

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9.0

Overall

Elite Score

Weight

12-16 lbs

Coverstock

Hybrid

Core

Asymmetric

Hook

High

Performance Analysis

Testing revealed the Storm Nova to be a remarkably versatile performer on fresh house conditions (42 feet). Independent reviewers observed the ball’s ability to navigate dry boards without overreacting—a notable strength for a dull solid coverstock out of the box. The asymmetric core delivered smooth, controlled motion through the front end of the lane while still maintaining enough continuation to drive through the pins consistently. When tested with the standard 45x4½x45 layout, the ball demonstrated exceptional forgiveness, allowing the bowler to make significant hand position adjustments without erratic changes in ball motion. From straight-line angles to more aggressive hand rotations, the Nova responded predictably, producing clean pin action even on less-than-perfect shots.

What impressed testers most was the ball’s ability to work multiple line strategies simultaneously. Moving left on the approach while adjusting hand position—from forward rolls to stronger finger rotations—produced reliable backend motion without reading the lane too early or creating unpredictable deflection. Testing showed the ball finishing strong through the pocket even when thrown from extreme angles or adjusted positions, culminating in multiple consecutive strikes. The asymmetric design provided enough aggression to handle heavier oil conditions as designed, while the solid reactive hybrid coverstock maintained the control needed on house conditions without excessive hooking.

Who Is This Ball For?

The Nova is an excellent choice for bowlers seeking a strong solid ball that doesn’t demand a narrowly defined shot shape. It excels for players who like to move around the lane and adjust their hand position to fine-tune ball motion—whether playing angles, fighting carry-down, or adapting to lane transitions. The ball’s versatility makes it particularly valuable for mid-to-higher rev players who appreciate having options without switching equipment constantly.

This ball is also ideal for bowlers who have struggled with traditional solid reactive options. If previous solid balls have felt restrictive, too early-reading, or difficult to control, the Nova’s smooth motion and forgiving coverstock should perform well. It’s well-suited to tournament and league play on fresh-to-medium oil conditions, and represents a confident choice for anyone looking to add a strong asymmetric solid to their arsenal without compromise.

Hook Potential

8.0

Length Through Heads

6.0

Back-End Continuity

8.0

Pin Action

8.0

Versatility

7.0

Value for Money

7.0

The Pros

• Strong asymmetric core creates impressive angular motion
• R2X Hybrid coverstock provides excellent traction on heavy oil
• High flare potential generates strong pin action

The Cons

• Limited to heavy oil conditions
• May be too aggressive for average recreational bowlers

Who Is This Ball For?

Advanced bowlers facing heavy oil patternsTournament players needing maximum hook potentialBowlers seeking strong backend reaction

Technical Specifications

Core Details (Storm Ignition Core Core)

RG (15 lbs) 2.49

Differential 0.052

Int. Differential 0.019

Coverstock Storm R2X Hybrid Reactive

Core Type Asymmetric

Factory Finish 3000 Grit

Color Black / Green / Pink

Scent Cherry Apple Slush

How It Compares

8.8

Verified Bowler Reviews (72 reviews, 5.0/5 avg)

5.0out of 5

72 verified purchase reviews

100% of bowlers recommend this ball

Write a Review

Bowlers Say

Bowlers say the Nova is a versatile, strong asymmetrical ball that handles heavy oil well while retaining energy for strong backend carry. Many praise its smooth, continuous motion and note it works effectively for various styles, though some find it too strong for dry conditions without surface adjustments.

AI summary of 72 verified purchase reviews

Bowlers frequently mention:

Stanley Waite Jan 8, 2022

Nova - Ball Specs Cover Stock: R2X Hybrid Reactive Cover Stock Finish: 3000 Grit Core: Ignition Core Layout: 50 x 5 x 40 RG: 2.49 Differential: 0.052 Intermediate Diff: .019 Review The Nova is the latest addition to Storm’s Premier line and believe me this Super Nova does not disappoint. Storm has combined the ignition core with the R2X Hybrid cover stock. This combination allows for this big ball to be versatile of house and tournament lane conditions. I tested the Nova on a 43 feet tournament pattern, I was able to play track area with great success. The Nova read early in the midlane and had a lot of energy on the backend for a continuous motion with great pin carry. This is a great ball for all levels of bowlers. Order one from your local pro shop today! My ball review videos are posted on YouTube channel Stanley Waite. Stanley Waite 900 Global Staff Member Dover, DE

United States

Sean Daniels Jan 11, 2022

Nova - Ball Specs Cover Stock: R2X Hybrid Reactive Cover Stock Finish: 3000 Grit Core: Ignition Core Layout: 5 X 4 X 4 RG: 2.49 Differential: 0.052 Intermediate Diff: .019 Review I was excited when I saw the nova as I was really looking for a stronger Hybrid that would fit between my 900 Global Reality and 900 Global Altered Reality. I decided to go with a lower pin compared to the other strong balls as I was hoping this would fit a need that I have. When a strong ball is needed and a solid is too early and a pearl is too clean. Wow does this ball deliver. It can handle oil, but also doesn’t labor through the early transition. Where the reality was starting to go too early, the Nova steps in and shines. As typical with storm balls, the Nova read early in the midlane and had retained energy on the backend. If you are looking at only getting one big Asymetrical bowling ball, this is a great option to purchase. My ball review videos are posted on YouTube channel: Sean Daniels. Sean Daniels 900 Global Staff Member Hillsboro, Oregon

United States

Adam Chase Jan 12, 2022

Layout 55 x 5.5 x 45 Surface prep: 2000 Abralon The new Storm Nova is the replacement of the Incite within the Premier Line. The new Ignition core opens up a lot of possibility for drilling potential by keeping a lot more of its asymmetry intact after drilling. The Nova has the R2X coverstock on it which is a hybrid blend between the R2S and NRG coverstocks. What I have found with this ball is a lot of hook in the front and midlane but retains a lot of great continuation down lane. Designed for medium to heavy oil, this ball can be a staple in the bag for most league and tournament conditions. My first use of this ball was at the PBA Regional Players Invitational in Las Vegas on a 2.5:1 Ratio pattern with 30ML of oil which is a high amount of oil. What I found was the ball read the lane fairly strong overall while still keeping strong continuation down lane. I never had to be afraid of the ball hooking downlane when I missed my target one way or the other. The strength of the core and cover combination keeps the reaction on the smoother side very comparable to the strength of the Proton Physix. Compared to the Proton Physix, the Nova is slightly cleaner overall and slightly faster down lane. The two balls are different enough to warrant both if you are a fan of the Proton Physix. On a typical house pattern, this ball is great on the fresh where there is a lot more oil on the lane. It would be a little difficult to use this ball for all 3 games of league depending on your individual style. My higher rev rate style (450 RPM) doesn't allow me to use this ball for all 3 games due to the lack of total oil I tend to bowl on along with the strength of the core. Down and in and lower rev rate bowlers would get a lot of use out of this ball as it will give you hook, control and continuation. Adam Chase Storm Staff

United States

Curtiss Rasnic Jan 12, 2022

The new Storm Nova is going to be something very special. Using the Ignition Core helps the Nova rev up fast and finish strong with a more aggressive movement down lane. Wrapped with the R2X Hybrid coverstock, this helps make this one of the most versatile balls I have ever thrown. Out of the box, the Nova comes with a little surface at 3000 grit. With this surface, the ball is very strong in the fronts and midlane, with mild backend, which is perfect for heavier oil. For me I wanted to see how it would do when adding some shine to it, so I added Storms reacta shine to it and I was not disappointed. The ball got through the fronts so easily now, but still reacted well in the mid-lane, while retaining so much energy on the backend. It did not matter how far left I moved, the ball just kept coming back and shredding the rack. I will be drilling another one to keep surface on for fresh oil, and shine on my other one to throw when it starts reading too early.

fazzone22 Jan 13, 2022

Storm’s new Premier line ball comes with the all new Ignition Core which is wrapped around the ultra popular R2X Hybrid cover. I drilled mine 5 x 5.5 x 2 and after throwing it for awhile I was quite surprised on how versatile this ball is. I can get it rolling early and smooth if I get my hand up the back of it and then when I need to move in and need more motion down lane I can get around it and the ball never stops. Compared to the recently released 900 Global Altered Reality, the Nova is about 3-4 more and about 2 feet sooner. The versatility of this ball actually reminds me of the older Storm Physix. This ball is going to be great on fresh and once the lanes start to transition into the blocks.

United States

Rick Klimowicz Mar 16, 2022

Nova • Premier Series Coverstock • R2X Hybrid Reactive• Finish 3000-grit Abralon Core • Ignition Core Weight • 15 lbs. RG •2.49 Differential • .052 Int. Diff • .019 Layout • 4 x 4.25.x 2.25 Tester PAP • 5" R, 5/8" D Tester Axis Tilt • 11° Tester Rev Rate • 325 Test Pattern • 42' THS (Typical House Shot) • Modified, Kegel Stone Street Storm has once again redefined hook and roll with the release of the all-new Nova! The Nova is a mighty, oil-eating goliath that destroys anything that gets in its path! Further, it is a game-changer for down-and-in or straighter players like me. So, let's break down this monster on a THS! The heart of the Nova is the Ignition Core! This new Storm shape and design brings a strong dynamic advancement for down-and-in players like me. I liked how the Ignition core revs methodically in the mid-lane yet gives you a definitive motion you can clearly see and predict down the lane. Further, regardless of how hard I had to make this core work, due to an errant shot, I found the Ignition Core to be quite decisive as it made its turn towards the pocket! And when the Ignition Core gets to the roll phase, it has an uncompromising power that crushes the pins at impact. I also loved how this core has relentless continuation through the pin deck as it steamrolls through anything in its path! For a down-and-in player, Storm has hit the mark with the design of the Ignition Core. I am a huge fan of Hybrid Coverstocks, and the R2X Hybrid Reactive Coverstock is just the right blend for the Nova. Early on a THS, standing 17-18 and looking 8-10, I liked how the R2X was smooth and etched its way through the front part of the lane instead of reading at my toes or being aggressive from the moment it left my hand. In addition, I liked how the R2X had a smooth, consistent traction as it made its way through the mid-lane! Although this cover is quite strong, I liked that it didn't overreact or get too "jumpy" when the conditions had just begun to break down. I found that the R2X works best on fresh or higher volumes of oil. However, I also liked how the R2X Hybrid allowed a straighter player like me to move in with confidence and not fear, standing 27 and looking at 15! Trust me that is an incredible feeling for a higher speed and rev-challenged player! In conclusion, the Nova is an impressive new release from Storm! With the ignition core and the R2X Hybrid coverstock, Storm has created a winning combination that will undoubtedly elevate your game. And if you're a high-speed/low-rev player like me, the Nova is a lethal weapon to add to your arsenal! So, talk to your local pro shop operator today and see where the new Storm Nova belongs in your arsenal. It will be a great fit! Rick Klimowicz Storm Products Pro Shop Staff Roll the Ball Pro shop Penndel, PA

United States

Showing 1–5 of 42 verified reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What oil condition is the Storm Nova best for?

The Storm Nova is designed for heavy oil conditions. It features a reactive hybrid coverstock with a 3000 Grit finish, which gives it the surface traction needed to grip through heavier oil patterns.

Is the Storm Nova good for beginners?

The Storm Nova 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 Nova?

The Storm Nova has an RG of 2.49 and a differential of 0.052, with an intermediate differential of 0.019. The lower RG means it revs up earlier, creating an earlier roll in the midlane. The high differential creates strong flare potential and aggressive ball motion.

How much does the Storm Nova cost?

The Storm Nova 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 Nova?

The Storm Nova is best suited for bowlers who want maximum flare potential and angular ball motion. With its reactive hybrid coverstock on 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.

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Storm Nova Review

Performance Analysis

Performance Analysis