What are all the options that are out there in the urethane market now? I brought my storm natural out last night for the first time in awhile and had a great look with it at my house shooting 705 with a 289 game (damn 6 pin).

So what all is out there now urethane wise? The Natural Pearl and the Blue Hammer? Am I missing one?

Also what would be a good ball that would sit just above the urethane if it is not quite enough to get back to the pocket?  I love the smooth look of the urethane and would like to keep a similar roll but a few boards stronger for when the urethane just cant make the turn.

Me bowling. I am working on going much straighter and playing more on the outside of the lane. I have found this is where to score in this house and I have nothing but a urethane ball that will allow me to get that far out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLm7AT5wp4o

i havent read this whole thread but the arson low flare and the tropical breeze i think would be the best bet for 1 step above...i would go with the breeze though since you are not speed dominant and put the pin way out by your axis to go it to roll real early like urethane and not flare much

So take a weaker ball like a breeeze or the low flare and drill it pin axis?

I wouldn't.
I think he suggested that just because the Reactor coverstock on the Breeze is such a flippy b*stard. I used a lower than average pin placement on my Breeze; even then I had to dull the surface to make it controllable. Still hits hard with a 3000 grit matte surface, and I rarely use that much surface on anything.

I believe and the BTM review in this issue (Feb.) indicates that the ALF is a very arc-y, very even reacting ball. Unless you want or need this ball to roll, roll, roll, don't put the pin on axis. Wait til you see some videos and read the BTM and the BJI review of it to get a better feel before drilling.