Storm Virtual Energy Blackout Part 3 - A Stroker's Stance

Storm Virtual Energy Blackout Review

While no longer in production, the Storm Virtual Energy Blackout remains a formidable heavy oil option on the used market for serious competitive bowlers. Its combination of the Shape Lock HD core and ReX Pearl coverstock creates a potent weapon for challenging lane conditions.

By BowlingBallVideos.com Staff Tested Apr 22, 2026 3 videos analyzed 84 verified bowler reviews
9.1
Overall
Elite Score
Weight
12-16 lbs
Coverstock
Pearl
Core
Asymmetric
Hook
High

Performance Analysis

Performance Analysis

Testing revealed the Storm Virtual Energy Blackout operates in a challenging mid-definition category, combining a strong asymmetric core with a moderately strong pearl coverstock. On a typical house shot, the ball demonstrated a common characteristic of this coverstock type: it generates significant angle off the friction in the front part of the lane but tends to lose momentum when transitioning into heavier oil lines deeper downlane. Independent reviewers observed that while the Virtual Energy Blackout performed marginally better than comparable balls in this category, it created a noticeable matchup challenge on wall-heavy house patterns. The ball produced adequate punch through the pins but delivered inconsistent carry results—described as a “50-50 proposition”—rather than the confident backend motion bowlers typically seek on recreational patterns.

The key variable determining this ball’s suitability proved to be bowler axis rotation (tilt). Testing showed that bowlers with lower tilt angles experienced more consistent ball motion and smoother transitions across the oil pattern, as they relied less on reading the oil line. Conversely, bowlers with higher tilt angles—those who generate more rotational axis—encountered the ball’s tendency to overreact early, creating alignment difficulties. Surface adjustments were not extensively detailed in testing, but the fundamental coverstock behavior remained consistent across the evaluation period. The Virtual Energy Blackout’s true strengths emerged on sport and challenge patterns with flatter oil distributions, where the asymmetric core and pearl cover could be fully leveraged without the complications of extreme oil walls.

Who Is This Ball For?

The Virtual Energy Blackout is best suited for bowlers who compete on sport shot conditions or challenging house patterns with minimal oil wall variation. This ball will appeal to players with moderate-to-lower axis rotation seeking a mid-hook option that doesn’t require constant strategic adjustments. Bowlers who appreciate reactive pearl coverstock responsiveness and can adjust their release to control the ball’s early and mid-lane motion will find this option valuable in their arsenal.

This ball is less ideal for recreational house bowlers with high axis tilt, particularly those bowling on heavily walled patterns. Bowlers seeking a forgiving, straightforward house shot option with predictable backend reaction should explore alternative coverstock choices. However, serious bowlers who bowl multiple league patterns or compete regularly would benefit from understanding this ball’s behavior as part of a well-rounded selection of equipment.

Hook Potential
8.0
Length Through Heads
7.0
Back-End Continuity
8.0
Pin Action
8.0
Versatility
6.0
Value for Money
7.0

The Pros

  • Strong asymmetric core provides excellent angular motion
  • ReX Pearl coverstock delivers clean length with sharp backend
  • High flare potential creates impressive pin action

The Cons

  • Limited versatility on lighter oil conditions
  • May be too aggressive for recreational bowlers

Who Is This Ball For?

While no longer in production, the Storm Virtual Energy Blackout remains a formidable heavy oil option on the used market for serious competitive bowlers. Its combination of the Shape Lock HD core and ReX Pearl coverstock creates a potent weapon for challenging lane conditions.

Tournament bowlers facing heavy oil patternsAdvanced players who prefer angular ball motionPower players seeking maximum backend reaction

Technical Specifications

Core Details (Storm Shape Lock HD Core Core)
RG (15 lbs) 2.48
Differential 0.052
Int. Differential 0.02
Coverstock Storm ReX Pearl Reactive
Core Type Asymmetric
Factory Finish Storm Reacta Gloss
Color Black / Silver
Scent Orange Pop
Release Date September 2023

How It Compares

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Verified Bowler Reviews (118 reviews, 5.0/5 avg)

5.0out of 5

118 verified purchase reviews

100% of bowlers recommend this ball

Write a Review

Bowlers Say

Bowlers say the Virtual Energy Blackout excels during transition when lanes break down, offering clean length through the fronts with strong, continuous backend motion. The ReX pearl coverstock and Shape-Lock HD core create a controllable yet angular reaction that works well for opening angles. Many compare it favorably to the Dark Code but note it's cleaner and sharper.

AI summary of 118 verified purchase reviews

Bowlers frequently mention:

Nathan Ellis Sep 7, 2023

I still have not got my bowling ball yet did not come to my house still waiting for it

United States

Ben Lapointe Sep 18, 2023

Ben Lapointe PAP: 1 1/4'' up and 4 7/8 over Layout: 5.25 x 4.25 x 3 The new Storm Virtual Energy Blackout is Storm's latest addition to the Premier line. The VEB provides effortless length while maintaining a strong mid lane read with tons of continuation through the pin deck. It makes a smooth transition off the end of the pattern as opposed to a violent snap. For me, this ball falls in the bag right after early rolling solids and before flippy pearls at the bottom of the bag. Go get yours September 22nd and remember to Bowl Up a Storm!!

Lonnie Pemberton Sep 19, 2023

Coverstock: ReX (Reactor Extreme) Core: Shape-Lock HD Core Finish: Reacta Gloss RG: 2.48 Differential: 0.052 Intermediate Diff: .020 ME: Right-Handed Tweener Speed: 12-13 mph Rev Rate: 315 PAP: 5 1/8 R 7/8 Up Ball Layout: Pin over Bridge 5 1/4 X 5 X 1 3/4 VLS The new Storm release in the Signature line teams up an old favorite core with a very successful cover that's been featured on some great balls. The Shape-lock HD core from the virtual series comes back and is teamed up the the REX Pearl cover featured on the Dark Code. The glossy finish and proven core provide a clean sharp down-lane reaction in a bigger ball, giving you angle even when the lane isn't necessarily giving it to you. The elegant black pearl cover makes this a great looking ball. I tested the Virtual Energy Blackout in league on the long high volume house pattern at my home center. I was a little surprised at how much hook I saw on a fresh lane. It was a little to strong playing near the friction on the fresh. So I put it away until game 3. The Blackout is a great piece for dealing with transition once the lane starts pushing you left. As seems to be characteristic of the all black polished balls it really bends off the down-lane friction well and is great for creating angle when covering boards. It has been very useful for overpowering the lanes when the fronts go but the back-ends are still a little slow. I think the Blackout will be very popular when you need to get in and wheel on it and it's strong enough to create that shape for bowlers who struggle a bit on the rev side of things. See my full ball reaction video at:https://youtu.be/32Kh4S7syUk?si=fF1KyriVVgYUEHFu Lonnie Pemberton Storm Pro Shop Staff Vise Pro Shop Staff Revolutions Pro Shop

Coop Sep 22, 2023

The newest release to the Storm line the Virtual Energy Blackout. Shape Lock HD Core that was in the old Virtual Gravity and Virtual Energy paired with the REX coverstock. I am a big fan of the REX cover from the Infinite and the Fate. When I received word that this ball was coming out I was beyond excited! Layout 45x5x35. I feel like we have not had a ball do what this ball does for a while. With the REX cover this time around I feel that this ball is cleaner down lane and really pops off the back end. REX has always been clean and smooth but there is a difference here with the Blackout. You can tell it has that get up and go of the Virtual Gravity. I have only had this ball for a little bit and it is hard to take out of my hands. This time around I left the reacta gloss on for now. I was impressed this ball gave me length, pop, and control. Not to mention power at the pins. This ball I feel is always hunting the 8 pin when it turns for home. For reaction shape I would say it is smooth yet “whippy”. Comparing it to other balls in the line I would say it is not as clean as an Absolute but similar for house shots. Sport shots between the Black out and the Absolute, the black out is going to read it earlier and be the smoother option(imo.). I highly recommend this one for all bowlers to try you do not want to miss out on this one!

Chris Pollentier Sep 24, 2023

Storm Virtual Energy Blackout Coverstock: ReX Pearl Reactive Finish: Reacta Gloss Core: Shape-Lock HD Core RG: 2.48, Diff: 0.052, PSA: 0.020 (15 lb.) VLS Layout: 3 3/4 x 5 1/4 x 1 3/4 Dual Angle Layout: 65 x 3 3/4 x 30 PAP: 5 3/16” right x 5/8” up Rev rate: 400 rpm Average speed: 16.5 mph Location: Prairie Lanes, Sun Prairie WI Pattern: Medium volume THS The Storm Virtual Energy is back. This time in a glossy, elegant all black version – the new Virtual Energy Blackout! It retains the really strong Shape-Lock HD core that was use in other balls in the Virtual line, and is wrapped with the ReX Pearl reactive cover that we’ve seen on recent balls such as the Infinite PhysiX and Dark Code. All of the technical specs suggest this to be a really strong ball that’s a bit longer and sharper given the glossy pearl cover. I have loved both the Dark Code and Infinite PhysiX, and since the Blackout shares similarities to those two balls, I went with the same drilling on the Blackout as I have on those others. I first threw the Blackout with the out-of-box shiny factory surface. Despite how strong the Blackout is on paper, it’s surprisingly easy to get the ball down the lane, but it still generates a lot of torque and changes direction fairly quickly on the backend. It doesn’t quite have that hockey stick motion, it’s a bit more of a rounded motion which has become characteristic of the ReX coverstock. I liken it more to a longer and slightly sharper version of the Dark Code. While the skid/flip motion is impressive when it’s striking, it can also lead to lots of splits as well. So, I scuffed the Blackout with a used 2000-grit Abralon pad to knock some of the shine off so that it wasn’t quite so flippy on the backend. After taking some of the factory polish off, the Blackout still created lots of shape and retained the clean and sharp backend motion, but it became more controllable and I had more miss room left and right with it compared to the out-of-box surface. I’m getting many of the same vibes with the Blackout as I had with the Dark Code – the Blackout is just a little bit cleaner and a bit sharper downlane. By taking a little of the factory shine off it became a much more versatile ball as well. I think the Blackout could see lane time on all but the heaviest volume oil pattern. I especially think it’s going to be a great option for when you still need a strong ball but also need to open up your angles. Chris Pollentier Storm Products Pro Shop Staff #StormNation

Showing 1–5 of 84 verified reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What oil condition is the Storm Virtual Energy Blackout best for?
The Storm Virtual Energy Blackout is designed for heavy oil conditions. It features a reactive pearl coverstock with a Storm Reacta Gloss finish, which gives it the surface traction needed to grip through heavier oil patterns.
Is the Storm Virtual Energy Blackout good for beginners?
The Storm Virtual Energy Blackout 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 Virtual Energy Blackout?
The Storm Virtual Energy Blackout has an RG of 2.48 and a differential of 0.052, with an intermediate differential of 0.02. 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 Virtual Energy Blackout cost?
The Storm Virtual Energy Blackout 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 Virtual Energy Blackout?
The Storm Virtual Energy Blackout is best suited for bowlers who want maximum flare potential and angular ball motion. With its reactive pearl 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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