So, there's a lot of different bowling ball polishes out there. Some of them are quite pricey too. Are there noticeable differences between the brands (Storm Steps 1-3, Brunswick Crown Polish, Ebonite Powerhouse, Motiv Power Gel Polish and Gloss, etc.)? Is there any reason to have more than one kind at a time?

I do understand the different applications between the varied Storm Steps or the Crown Polish and Crown Compound, but is one "better" than the other or more universally liked?

Reacta Shine puts a moderate polish on the ball and can also clean (doesnt take much and easy to apply but expensive).  Xtra Shine puts on a higher gloss polish.    Motiv Power Gel Gloss will put a mirror shine on the ball with decent polish times.  Have to go easy on volume or green gunk will fill your polish pad very quickly.  Power Gel Scuff is pretty abrasive and will put a very light shine over like maybe 2000 grit (awesome for removing tracks as well).  Crown compound will put a light polish on the ball (3000 gritish) and also easy to apply.   Royal compound has about the widest variety of final results depending on polish time (very thick also so need to take it easy on volume).  Beans's secret sauce will also put a mirror polish on a ball and only requires a few drop.  Save Bean's now only for polishing urethane (what it excels at).  The various black magic polishes are more like a slip agent than polishing agent (other than the compound one).   Horses for courses as far as which is best.  Going to depend on what surface you prefer.  Kind of like Motiv's stuff to be honest as they tend to have the best prices and don't require buying a whole quart.

(edit:  Sorry never tried any of the Storm step compounds)