The Ball We've Been WAITING For! | Phaze 4 Bowling Ball Review

Storm Phaze 4 Review

While no longer in production, the Storm Phaze 4 remains an excellent option on the used market for bowlers seeking reliable length with strong backend motion. The combination of the Velocity Core and R2S Pearl coverstock creates a ball that's particularly effective when lanes begin to transition.

By BowlingBallVideos.com Staff Tested Apr 22, 2026 8 videos analyzed 48 verified bowler reviews
9.2
Overall
Elite Score
Weight
12-16 lbs
Coverstock
Pearl
Core
Symmetric
Hook
Medium

Performance Analysis

Performance Analysis

Testing revealed that the Storm Phaze 4 delivers a clean, controllable motion characterized by a smooth transition through the mid-lane. Independent reviewers observed the ball across multiple layouts—a stronger drilling with a half-inch longer pin and a weaker layout designed for earlier hook—on a broken-down medium-heavy oil pattern. The reactive pearl coverstock proved notably cleaner than the comparable Phaze 2 (solid cover), creating noticeable separation in motion shape. When compared directly to the Zen (a ball with a stronger symmetric core), the Phaze 4 played slightly longer and shaped a touch later, demonstrating its position as a controlled step between entry-level and high-strength pieces. The pearl cover’s characteristics were most apparent as the lanes transitioned; testers noted the ball maintained length through the front portion of the lane before picking up in a gradual, predictable arc rather than an aggressive hook.

The stronger Phaze 4 layout proved particularly versatile in testing. Reviewers found it capable of playing multiple board angles—from aggressive angle plays to more direct shot angles—without requiring dramatic speed or axis rotation adjustments. When moved left on the oil pattern, the ball demonstrated appropriate strength for the breakdown conditions without becoming “lazy” or losing shape. The weaker layout’s longer pin buffer extended the ball’s skid phase further downlane, making it better suited for centers with earlier-hooking lane conditions. Both configurations responded predictably to minor adjustments, suggesting the Phaze 4 offers the consistency bowlers need for tournament play or challenging league conditions. Testing showed the ball maintained its line through the pocket with solid carry, delivering the performance expected from a medium-heavy response piece.

Who Is This Ball For?

The Phaze 4 is ideal for intermediate to advanced bowlers who already own a solid-cover pearl (like the Phaze 2) and need a cleaner, more versatile complementary piece. It works particularly well for bowlers transitioning to heavier oil conditions who want predictable motion without overwhelming aggression—those stepping up from entry-level equipment but not yet ready for the strongest reactive cores. The ball’s controllability makes it a strong choice for league bowlers working in medium-heavy conditions and tournament players building a quiver that handles broken-down oil patterns.

This ball also suits bowlers who value shot versatility. The Phaze 4’s smooth transition and gradual hook shape allow players to adjust their angles and speeds without drastically changing ball motion, making it forgiving for bowlers still developing consistency in their release and delivery. It’s less ideal for fresh, heavy oil play (where a stronger core would be more appropriate) or for bowlers already carrying a similar pearl-cover ball in their bag—the gap between the Phaze 4 and comparable pieces like the Zen is small enough that carrying both creates redundancy.

Hook Potential
7.0
Length Through Heads
8.0
Back-End Continuity
8.0
Pin Action
7.0
Versatility
8.0
Value for Money
8.0

The Pros

  • Excellent length through the front part of the lane
  • Strong backend motion for a pearl coverstock
  • Versatile across medium to heavy oil conditions

The Cons

  • Limited effectiveness on lighter oil patterns
  • Discontinued status makes finding new examples difficult

Who Is This Ball For?

While no longer in production, the Storm Phaze 4 remains an excellent option on the used market for bowlers seeking reliable length with strong backend motion. The combination of the Velocity Core and R2S Pearl coverstock creates a ball that's particularly effective when lanes begin to transition.

Bowlers seeking length and backend motion on medium-heavy oilPlayers who need to get through the heads cleanlyThose looking for a versatile piece in their arsenal

Technical Specifications

Core Details (Storm Velocity Core Core)
RG (15 lbs) 2.48
Differential 0.051
Coverstock Storm R2S Pearl Reactive
Core Type Symmetric
Factory Finish 1500 Grit Polish
Color Gold / Purple / Silver
Scent Root Beer Float

How It Compares

More Videos (7)

Phaze 4 | Bowling Ball Review | BEST PHAZE FOR BURN!
0:00 Influencer

Phaze 4 | Bowling Ball Review | BEST PHAZE FOR BURN!

JR Pro Shop
Storm Phaze 4 Video Bowling Ball Review
0:00 Influencer

Storm Phaze 4 Video Bowling Ball Review

BowlersMart
Storm Phaze 4 Bowling Ball Video | The Phaze We Have All Been Waiting For! BowlerX with JR Raymond
0:00 Influencer

Storm Phaze 4 Bowling Ball Video | The Phaze We Have All Been Waiting For! BowlerX with JR Raymond

BowlerX.com
LOWER REV RATE BALL REVIEW - Storm Phaze 4 - TruBall Reviews
0:00 Influencer

LOWER REV RATE BALL REVIEW - Storm Phaze 4 - TruBall Reviews

Creating the Difference
Storm Bowling Phaze 4 | Ph4ze full review
0:00 Influencer

Storm Bowling Phaze 4 | Ph4ze full review

Tenpin Doctors-JR Raymond
Storm Phaze 4 Ball Review by Joshua Tajiri | Comparisons to 4 other Storm Balls
0:00 Influencer

Storm Phaze 4 Ball Review by Joshua Tajiri | Comparisons to 4 other Storm Balls

Joshua Tajiri Bowling
Storm Phaze 4 Ball Review! Chance At 300 While Filming! The Next Great Transition Bowling Ball!
0:00 Influencer

Storm Phaze 4 Ball Review! Chance At 300 While Filming! The Next Great Transition Bowling Ball!

Luis Napoles

Verified Bowler Reviews (137 reviews, 4.9/5 avg)

4.9out of 5

137 verified purchase reviews

99% of bowlers recommend this ball

Write a Review

Bowlers Say

Bowlers say the Phaze 4 delivers excellent length and strong backend motion with R2S pearl coverstock and Velocity core. It works well as a transition ball when stronger pieces get too early, excelling on medium patterns and during later tournament games. Some note it's too clean for fresh oil conditions but praise its predictable angular response downlane.

AI summary of 137 verified purchase reviews

Bowlers frequently mention:

josh shoemaker Jan 28, 2022

The Phaze 4 (like the name insinuates) is the 4th generation Phaze ball. It features the same velocity core as the previous 3 domestically produced Phaze balls but is now wrapped in R2S pearl. I personally was a huge fan of the original Phaze. It offered a very heavy rolling and controllable medium friction option that rolled like nothing else we had in the line at that time. The second run of original Phaze were darker and more vibrant and were cleaner and faster downlane which seemed to fit more peoples eyes. Even so, I feel like it was very underutilized at the time. The Phaze 4 is a slightly catchier color scheme and is wrapped in our most responsive cover to date which will provide yet another very unique motion. The velocity core likes to stabilize extremely fast for a symmetrical core but since it’s wrapped in such a clean cover, it still wants to get farther downlane before using friction to slow down. This combo I believe will roll extremely well on lots of higher ratio conditions as well as games 5-8 in longer tournament blocks. When compared to the Dark Code, the Phaze 4 is much cleaner, weaker and more responsive off of friction. When compared to the Original Hyroad, the Phaze 4 is a touch earlier, stronger and slower to respond to friction downlane. Be sure to head into your local Storm VIP pro shop to pre order your very own Phaze 4 for the February 11th release! Review Video: https://youtu.be/iradOPG9HYY

United States

Stanley Waite Jan 29, 2022

Phaze 4 - Ball Specs Cover Stock: R2S Pearl Reactive Finish: 1500 Grit Polished Core: Velocity Core Layout: 65 x 5 x 35 RG: 2.48 Differential: 0.051 Fragrance: Root Beer Float Review The Phaze 4 is the newest ball in Storm’s iconic Phaze line. Storm has combined the velocity core with the R2S pearl reactive cover stock. I tested this ball on a 42 feet typical house pattern. The Phaze 4 is not as clean as the Spectre, it reads the midlane sooner and is stronger on the backend. This ball is very versatile I was able to the right and left of the track area without losing any hitting power. This ball will be in my bag for league and tournaments. 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

Adam Chase Feb 1, 2022

Layout: 60 x 5.5 x 70 Surface: Box The Phaze 4 brings back the popular Velocity Core and R2S pearl. This ball is everything you expect with this combination; Clean, continuous and control to angular motion. On my 44ft THS, I found it as a good transition or #2 ball when my strong symmetrical or Asymmetrical is a little too early and forward. My THS prefers clean yet stronger/smoother type motions on the fresh and more angle as they transition. What I found with this was exactly the latter. Still cleaner in the front then solid/hybrid covers with more length and controlled/continuous backend since the drilling is pin down for me. What makes this great is that, the ball keeps me in the same zone which is essentially just left of the track as my fresh ball. That keeps my confidence up because I don't have to make a major left move with my feet. If you are a bowler who likes the Velocity Core or even just the R2S coverstock, this seems like a no brainer to me. The ball motion expectations are there so no need to get used to its motions. Just get out there and bowl! On a 39ft sport pattern, the Phaze 4 as expected was tough to use on the fresh as the pearl cover did not read the overall pattern that consistently. Like the THS, playing more of the track from a deeper inside angle was more of the answer for this ball. Playing the inside angle still gave me enough angle downlane to get the corner pins out even being pin down. The Phaze 4 will be more successful on medium volume and medium length then necessarily something heavier then that on either side. If you are a tournament player, this ball will be cleaner then a Zen and smoother then a UC2. If you have a Phaze 2 and/or 3, this would be a good add to your arsenal. Adam Chase Storm Staff

United States

Quentin Feb 19, 2022

I have always loved the phaze line and this one has what I needed. A smooth rotation and string backend. Can't wait to get more games on it so it will cut loose

FL, United States

Chad M Feb 9, 2022

The Storm Phaze 4 is a ball you are going to want in your arsenal! The Phaze 4 is a strong, shiny, symmetrical option that is good on a multitude of lane conditions. Clean and smooth through the fronts with a strong, not snappy, finish. A very nice arc type motion you would expect from a symmetrical weight block. I have been very pleased with how the Phaze 4 continues to react as the pattern burns up and the ball continues to allow me to open up the angles instead of having to change balls. I did not drill/have the Phaze or Phaze II, but I did have a Phaze III. The Phaze 4 is a bit cleaner through the front and a bit stronger on the end compared to the Phaze III. However, the 4 does have a very similar ball motion down lane. It is also very similar to the recently released Storm Spectre in terms of ball motion, but stronger overall. For me the Phaze 4 is at least 3-4 boards feet and target stronger than the Spectre. This is a fun looking ball and the Root Beer Float scent is spot on as well! I used the dual angle layout for this ball, 35 x 4 ¼ x 30. I am a tweener that tends to spin the ball some.

United States

Showing 1–5 of 48 verified reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What oil condition is the Storm Phaze 4 best for?
The Storm Phaze 4 is designed for medium-heavy oil conditions. It features a reactive pearl coverstock with a 1500 Grit Polish finish, which gives it the surface traction needed to grip through heavier oil patterns.
Is the Storm Phaze 4 good for beginners?
The Storm Phaze 4 offers moderate hook potential, making it a reasonable option for bowlers transitioning from entry-level equipment. It provides enough reaction to help develop a hook shot without being uncontrollable.
What is the RG and differential of the Storm Phaze 4?
The Storm Phaze 4 has an RG of 2.48 and a differential of 0.051. 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 Phaze 4 cost?
The Storm Phaze 4 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 Phaze 4?
The Storm Phaze 4 is best suited for bowlers looking for a predictable, smooth ball motion. With its reactive pearl coverstock on medium-heavy conditions, it works well for a wide range of bowling styles from strokers to tweeners. Its high versatility makes it a great benchmark piece that can handle multiple conditions.

Never Miss a Release

Join serious bowlers getting the weekly data dump on new ball releases and performance data.

Explore Reviews Compare Arsenal