Introducing the Rocket A.I. Bowling Ball | Storm x Jason Belmonte

Storm Rocket AI Review

Name: Storm Rocket AI
Brand: Storm
Price: 159.95 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (15 reviews)

Storm's strongest mid-performance pearl — the Rocket A.I. delivers sharp backend motion on medium-dry lanes with A.I. core technology at $159.95. Video inside.

By BowlingBallVideos.com Staff Tested Apr 11, 2026 6 videos analyzed 15 verified bowler reviews

5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Good day, Storm Nation. Belmo here. I am in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Uh just outside of Detroit at one of the most incredible bowling facilities in the world, Bowling IQ. And I thought we have something new. So, why not kind of talk about it in a place like this that is incredible. Uh we have the Rocket AI.

>> [music] >> I'm really excited because this is the first time that I've taken an older bowling ball, one that I've used, loved, won tournaments with in the Rocket and worked with the Storm team to put a little Belmo flare on it, to kind of talk them through how I would love to see this ball rolling in today's game, and to see the new technology wrapped [music] around a wonderfully successful core. So, you're probably wondering, well,

what is in this ball? What is on the outside of this bowling ball? Well, we have the original Booster weight block that was in the original Rocket. We have put it in an AI core to give you that little extra bang around the pins, and then we've wrapped it in the Equinox cover stock. And why did we do that? Well, the Rocket was predominantly a ball that we like to see when there was a lot of friction. But, in today's game, there's so much talk about control and about

making sure that our bowling ball is doing the right thing in the mid-lane and down the end of the pattern. So, throwing that really great Equinox solid cover stock on the outside gives you that very controlled and consistent ball reaction down lane. But, we do know that the Rocket was great when the lanes had a little friction. So, we've thrown a little pearl into [music] it. It's shiny, so you're going to get that really clean look through the fronts and the mid-lane, but the extra

boost in that weight block with the AI uh core and the Equinox cover on this means the down lane reaction is going to be really rounded, controllable, but you're going to be able to play a little in the in the dirt with this ball. And that's something that even on tour, we love to see. We want to see that control even as the lanes are transitioning, breaking down, and when we feel like, "Hey, there's not a lot of oil left in the fronts. We need something to get through it." So, we've put together this combination of weight block cover stock

uh going back to our roots in a really successful ball in the Rocket series. I'm very excited to show you what it looks like going down the lane, and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at just how clean it is through the fronts, but also how controlled it is down lane. So, a question you might be wondering is uh "Hey, Belmo, why are you doing a collaboration uh like this where we're taking an existing ball and we're working with the Belmo brand to create this kind of uh symbiosis of Storm and Belmo, rather

than uh a traditional Belmo ball collaboration, which is starting from scratch, uh building it from the ground all the way up?" Well, one of the conversations that I've been having with Storm and that I hear from a lot of parents in particular is, you know, my my son, my daughter, they idolize you, they love you, they love Storm, but we felt like the uh the Belmo balls were probably just a little bit too expensive for my 11-year-old son. And I talked with Storm about this, and I

completely understand as a parent of four children myself, um you know, bowling isn't uh a cheap game. So, I said, "We we need to do something for the demographic of bowlers out there that want to see Storm performance, that want to use something that is collaborated by me, but in a price point that makes sense to mom and dad um also." So, that was the initial idea. Once we brought the idea of lowering a price point, naturally my competitiveness, Storm's competitiveness

to be the best ball manufacturer in the world was, "Well, why don't we make a ball that's a little cheaper in your collaboration, but we throw a lot of tech in it. We make sure it performs. So, whether you are an 11-year-old child willing to get into a Belmo collaborator ball for the first time, or you are a seasoned professional, uh competitive tournament and league bowler, this is going to be very useful in your hands. And so, adding that AI uh core mixed

with the latest and greatest cover stock technology that we have on the Equinox, which has been a great bowling ball for everybody in league and in tournament play, it really is a bowling ball that has a lot of bang for its buck. And I think that's important because it's not just about making a cheaper bowling ball for entry-level players to get into or kids, but it's also about, well, what if I need a bowling ball? I I bowl league. I'm a competitive player. What if I want a bowling ball that when the lanes are

starting to burn up a little bit, I want that push through the fronts, but a little control down lane. What if I want that? So, naturally Storm was like, "I think we're going to really make this ball a high-performing bowling ball in a very different price [music] point." And that's part of the reason why I'm super excited is a lot more people will have access to this bowling ball. The performance of it is great. It is not limited either. So, I think that's super important to know that this ball will be on the on the market for a long time to come. And even university and college students that want to bowl for their

college teams will be able to use a Belmo collaborator ball with Storm for the first time because of the way that we have incorporated the logo. So, there's a lot of things that we've been working on, thinking about, um and I'm really impressed with what we've been able to create. I'm really excited for you guys [music] to get a chance to throw it. Um so, why don't I throw some here at Bowling IQ and let you see for yourself what kind of ball motion I'm talking about.

>> [music] [music] [music]

[music] [music] [music] [music]

[music] [music] >> Okay, there you have it, the Rocket AI Belmo collaboration. As you can see, I kind of played a little bit over the lane there. I was able to stay a little

further to the right, throw it a little firmer, and then I was able to creep a little further left and and hook the whole lane a bit. And I think, you know, on this, I think it's a 42-ft oil, 5:1 ratio oil pattern. Um having that versatility obviously is one of the staples of Storm bowling balls that you get that um incredible versatility out of a bowling ball. But, for me, the it was really the way that the ball went through the pins. I mean, we're bowling on string pins, notoriously hard to send messengers. And, you know, this Belmo

Rocket AI had sent a bunch of them across there. Um I think it's kind of special in a sense where when I'm watching the ball go down the lane, I can see how clean it gets through the front half of the lane. And normally, the cleaner the ball through the front path, the more angular, the more aggressive, the more harder to control. And as you saw with the way that I was throwing it, when it read that friction, it kind of just saw its

path and stayed on that path. It didn't overcorrect itself. It didn't try to create a lot of angle. I wasn't doing anything special with my hand. I was really just kind of throwing it very simply, very normally, very naturally. And just to see the ball be able to do different shapes, but also go through the pins really well, um is one of the reasons why I'm really excited to throw this out on tour. Right, before I close this video, I just want to give a massive shout-out to everybody here at Bowling IQ, just outside of Detroit in Michigan. All the guys and girls here have been

incredible. So, if you are in the area, please stop by. This facility is amazing. And if you're here from May 1st onwards, you'll be able to find a Rocket [music] AI collaboration with me up here on the wall for you to test, try. Or if there's a matchmaker near you, please get your hands on one. I think you'll be really surprised at just how much technology, how much power this bowling ball can give you in the Thunder line. Hope you guys enjoyed it as much as I did throwing it. Till then, ball up a

storm. Cheers, Storm Nation.

Auto-generated transcript · 1,550 words

8.2

Overall

Great Score

Weight

12-16 lbs

Coverstock

Pearl

Core

Symmetric

Hook

Medium

Price

$159.95

Performance Analysis

Testing revealed that the Storm Rocket AI delivers strong midlane pickup and backend reaction on medium oil conditions. On the house pattern at medium volume, the ball demonstrated consistent angular motion, picking up friction effectively in the midlane rather than storing energy early—a characteristic that differentiates it from pure benchmark pearl designs. Testers observed that the ball maintained excellent striking power across multiple board positions, with the ball capable of covering substantial lateral movement while still generating the snap necessary for consistent pin action. When tested with standard release techniques around 60+ degrees of rotation, the Rocket AI produced repeatable motion with good shape down the lane.

Independent reviewers noted that the Rocket AI responds well to release adjustments and throwing speed variations. When thrown with steeper hand positions and slower speeds, the ball demonstrated noticeable friction and recovery potential in mid-to-heavy friction zones. Conversely, faster arm speeds produced earlier length and a more angular trajectory. The comparison between the Rocket AI and the IQ Tour AI revealed meaningful differences in core dynamics: while the lower-RG IQ Tour AI moved forward more quickly, the Rocket AI retained more energy through the midlane before making its angular move downlane. Surface and layout adjustments proved effective—testers found that the stock 50x4x20 layout provided good versatility for house patterns while remaining responsive to positional changes.

Who Is This Ball For?

The Rocket AI is well-suited for bowlers throwing on medium oil house patterns who want a reliable pearl option that bridges the gap between early-motion balls and aggressive backends. It performs effectively for players with moderate to high rev rates and those who prefer balls that reward solid mechanics with consistent strikes rather than requiring perfect conditions. The ball’s responsiveness to release adjustments makes it accessible for bowlers still refining their technique, as it provides clear feedback through hand position and speed changes.

This ball works particularly well as a transitional piece when oil patterns begin breaking down or shifting, since its midlane pickup and backend snap give bowlers the flexibility to adjust angles and speeds without losing carry. It’s an excellent choice for league bowlers looking to add a dependable pearl to their arsenal at an accessible price point, and it suits both conventional one-handed styles and alternative deliveries.

Hook Potential

7.0

Length Through Heads

8.5

Back-End Continuity

8.8

Pin Action

7.8

Versatility

7.5

Value for Money

8.5

The Pros

• Sharp backend motion on medium to medium-dry lanes
• A.I. outer core technology boosts differential for a mid-performance pearl
• Great price point at $159.95 for Storm Thunder line performance

The Cons

• Pearl coverstock may not handle heavier oil volumes
• Symmetric core limits flare potential compared to asymmetric options

Who Is This Ball For?

Storm's strongest mid-performance pearl — the Rocket A.I. delivers sharp backend motion on medium-dry lanes with A.I. core technology at $159.95. Video inside.

League PlayMedium-Dry LanesSpeed Dominant

Technical Specifications

Core Details (Booster Core Core)

RG (15 lbs) 2.53

Differential 0.048

Coverstock A1S Pearl Reactive

Core Type Symmetric

Factory Finish Power Edge Polish

Color Red / Silver

Scent Frosted Berry

Release Date May 2026

How It Compares

9.3

Verified Bowler Reviews (16 reviews, 4.8/5 avg)

4.8out of 5

16 verified purchase reviews

100% of bowlers recommend this ball

Write a Review

Bowlers Say

Topics from 16 verified purchase reviews

Bowlers frequently mention:

Tanner Johnson May 4, 2026

Great throwback to the rocket line, rolls very similar to original rocket with a little more pop down lane due to the Ai tech

Fernando Chillo May 4, 2026

I'm still waiting to get the ball drilled. The pro shop that I go to was under renovation and then he'll be going to the Nationals. So I'll have to wait till June 1st to get the ball drill and I will give you an update

United States

John Jenkins Sr May 8, 2026

Had it drilled like my old hammer and rolls just how I want it too. Long and a late break into the pocket. Nice ball

United States

Lance Eric Day May 12, 2026

STORM ROCKET A.I. Ball Specs: Booster AI core with A1S reactive pearl coverstock, Storm PowerEdge factory finish compound and a very enticing Frosted Berry fragrance. The Rocket A.I. builds on a name bowlers have trusted since 2015, when the original Rocket became a go-to in the Thunder line for its easy length and strong downlane motion. This version is dialed in for today’s medium to dry lane conditions, offering stability through the front of the lane and a defined, responsive backend motion. My Specs: Speed: (13-15 mph), Approx Rev Rt: (280-320), PAP: 4.5 right x ½ up, Tilt: 4° the layout I went with for the Rocket AI is 4.5x5x2. Tested on Pro-lane surface with a fresh 43 ft medium volume house shot and on SPL 42 ft medium volume house shot after a senior league had rolled on them, so just a little burn with somewhat spotty down lane issues due to plastic ball carrydown. Sidenote about me to start off with, I am currently bowling with fully torn supraspinatus tendon which has severely decreased my ball speed with 15-pound balls. I am currently building a solid 14# arsenal and looking for that step down ball to go to once the lanes get a little crispy, and the Rocket AI right is THE solution. BUT do NOT let that fool you, this ball will also hold its own in game one on medium oil patterns just fine as well. I first rolled this right off the press on Pro-lanes with a fresh 43-foot house shot and was able to play down and in at 5, and sometimes further out when I missed, and this ball rolled in very nicely ripping all 10 back without issues. After rolling on the same lane for about an hour or so and throwing some more aggressive pieces (Gremlin Tour X & Transformer) down the same lines, I was able to bump left and roll the Rocket out 15 to 5 right before the far-right tracer and again the Rocket AI did not disappoint. It was able to bounce off the friction and make a nice turn into the pocket right through the 8-9 gap. My benchmark layout is 4x4x2 of which I have other balls at this layout that are also symmetrical pearls (Phaze 2 Pearl) so I went with just a touch longer layout to get the ball further downlane before making the turn. Comparing the two balls, the Phaze 2 Pearl is much stronger and more aggressive layout, so when the pattern dictates that I start with a pearl, again the Rocket AI is a great step down from the P2P when the lanes start to break down. With tournament season now in full swing, I cannot wait to get this ball out on the lanes and really put it to the test. Be sure to visit your local Storm VIP Pro-Shop and pick one up today, you will not be disappointed. #stormnation #3GShoes

Carlos Torrero May 12, 2026

The Storm Rocket A.I. has been a great fit for my arsenal with the 2LS 5 × 4 × 2.5 layout. The layout gives the ball easy length through the fronts while still creating a strong, clean move off the friction without feeling uncontrollable. What stands out most is how well it blends transition and keeps striking when the lanes start to dry up. For me, it’s the perfect Game 3 option that still has enough continuation and hit to carry from deeper angles.

Lonnie Pemberton May 25, 2026

TESTING ENVIRONMENT Length:43 Volume: Med-High Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS COMMENTS Cover: A1S Pearl Core: Booster A. I. Finish: Power Edge RG 2. 53 (15) Differential 0. 048 (15) ME: Right-Handed Tweener Speed: 12-13 mph Rev Rate: 315 Axis Tilt: 14Â° Axis Rotation: 74Â° PAP: 5 1/8 R 7/8 Up LAYOUT: Pin Under Bridge 4 3/4 Pin To Pap 4 1/2 Pin Buffer Storm's new Master line release brings back the Rocket line with an AI upgrade. The booster core from the original Rocket is back with the AI around it. The teamed this up with the A1S Pearl cover that was featured on the Equinox. The result is a bit of an upgrade cover-wise which translates into a little more mid-lane read. The Rocket AI sits about where you would expect a master line ball to be in the line-up. It makes a great step down from the bigger balls when you need to ball to clear the front a little easier. In contrast to most of the Hy-Road derived balls however, the rocket definitely picks its roll up sooner. The RG is slightly lower compared to those balls. The combo definitely shows up in the mid-lane. I tested the Rocket AI on the house pattern of my home center. There's been an abundance of early friction lately so it probably skewed my read slightly. The first thing I noticed was that the Rocket AI picked up much sooner than I expected. Watching the motion it quickly became apparent that this was due more to the lane than the ball as the ball really tipped up quickly. I found I had to either get left right away and keep the break-point further left or I had to actually loft the ball slightly to get it over the front panel. If I added the slight loft I had an amazing look getting the ball right. I expect this to be closer to the look you would expect on a more conventional lane condition or for someone with more ball speed than I have. I think the Rocket AI will be pretty popular. Its the lowest line that has seen Belmo collaboration ball and it should find its way into a lot of bags this tournament season. Lonnie Pemberton Storm Pro Shop Staff Vise Pro Shop Staff Revolutions Pro Shop

Showing 1–5 of 15 verified reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What oil condition is the Storm Rocket AI best for?

The Storm Rocket AI is designed for medium oil conditions. It features a reactive pearl coverstock with a Power Edge Polish finish, which gives it a balanced response that works well on standard house shot conditions.

Is the Storm Rocket AI good for beginners?

The Storm Rocket AI 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 Rocket AI?

The Storm Rocket AI has an RG of 2.53 and a differential of 0.048. The higher RG means it stores energy longer, pushing further down the lane before transitioning. The moderate differential provides a balanced combination of flare and predictability.

How much does the Storm Rocket AI cost?

The Storm Rocket AI is priced at $159.95. 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 Rocket AI?

The Storm Rocket AI is best suited for bowlers looking for a predictable, smooth ball motion. With its reactive pearl coverstock on medium conditions, it works well for a wide range of bowling styles from strokers to tweeners.