2024-25 is off to an interesting start as Track, Jeff Richgels from the 11thframe.com reported that Columbia 300 and Radical have decided to no longer be PBA registered brands.  This is interesting as Brunswick had purchased the EBI brands back in 2019 to prevent them from being eliminated with EBI going out of business.

Only Brunswick, Hammer, DV8 and Ebonite will remain registered.  That being said, there will be many changes to staff at the start of this season. 

In addition to that major change, Andrew Anderson has recently left Motiv as he mentioned on his YouTube channel.  Where he lands remains to be seen.  Until then, he is a free agent.

Roto Grip Optimum Idol Pearl
Coverstock: MicroTrax™ Pearl Reactive with Reacta Gloss
Core: Ikon™ A.I. Core (Symmetrical)
Color: Bubblegum/Iris

Review:
Our style: tweener, 350-375 revs, 16.5mph, layout of choice is 4x4x2 (pin is above bridge). Our first experience with this ball was a little interesting… it looked terrible on the fresh and couldn’t really get a consistent look on the burn where it makes you confident in switching to this ball. After the Phaze AI came out and the release of Power Edge we took reacta gloss off and switched it to the PE… and wow did it make a huge difference. Now the ball looks great on the fresh and even better on the burn. If you had a poor experience at first with this ball we recommend trying the new polish. The ball seems more smooth (which you can expect from an Idol line ball) and more stable through the end of the pattern while the pearlized cover really helps this ball stay continuous through the pins. Just another reason to make sure to alter the surface of your equipment to help match YOUR game.

Kyle, Joel, & Dean Johnson
Roto Grip Pro Shop Staffers
joel@parklanes.net
kyle@parklanes.net
dean@frontierfuncenter.net
www.RotoGrip.com
#SquadRG

Ball Specs:
Storm Phaze A.I.
Coverstock: TX-16™ Power Edge Pearl Reactive
Core: Velocity™ A.I. Core (Symmetrical)
Color: Ivory/Anchor/Onyx

Review:
This is a BIG release for many reasons… First, the Phaze II is probably the GOAT so coming out with another variation has very large shoes to fill. Then comes adding the A.I. core to the famous weight block and not to mention the debut of the new polish POWER EDGE (Thank god – as we were not huge fans of the reacta gloss finish). The first thing we notice is it definitely has a patented phaze ball motion which is described as forgiving, continuous, predictable, stable, and versatile. We drilled this ball with our normal layout: tweener, 350-375 revs, 16.5mph, layout of choice is 4x4x2 (pin is above bridge). It is early to come to conclusions but the power edge finish probably has a lot to do with this ball seeming to be more forgiving off the pattern. In our short experience with the reacta gloss finish we did note that sometimes it seemed to give a little too over/under and be very sensitive off the pattern to speed. This polish seems not as “slick” and seems to pick up a touch earlier to help with this issue. So far we like what we see out of this ball. If there is any downsides… reading a black and white ball that is very shiny is a little tough and distracting but if the ball strikes then who cares. Another banger from the Phaze line!

Kyle, Joel, & Dean Johnson
SPI Pro Shop Staff Members
kyle@parklanes.net
joel@parklanes.net
dean@parklanes.net
www.stormbowling.com
#StormNation #GoGlobal #SquadRG

Ball Specs:
Storm Summit Ascent
Coverstock: 4000 Grit R2S™ Solid Reactive
Weight Block: Centripetal™ A.I. Core (Symmetrical)
Color: Aqua/Smoke/Shadow

Review:
The long awaited solid version in the summit lineup! We loved how strong the original summit (hybrid coverstock) was and how angular the summit peak (pearl coverstock) was so the solid version has a lot to live up to. We drilled this ball with our normal layout: tweener, 350-375 revs, 16.5mph, layout of choice is 4x4x2 (pin is above bridge). Sporting the R2S cover we expected this ball to give off very clean/smooth Phaze 2/Axiom vibes. We were actually a bit surprised at how clean it was. On a fresh house shot we found this ball to be easy to get to the pocket but difficult carrying. After a few 10 pins in a row if was clear with the cover being so clean and having a 4K finish this is probably not the ball to start on the fresh with. In league/tournament settings we threw this ball towards the end of the block and it looked much better. It is clear this ball with factory finish is more of a transitional piece if that is what you’re looking for. If you want this piece to look good on the fresh you may consider putting a slightly heavier grit with or without polish to try and create some more angle to the pocket if you find it being too smooth and too clean. Overall this ball will fit great as a 2nd or 3rd option ones the lanes get a little chopped up.

Kyle, Joel, & Dean Johnson
SPI Pro Shop Staff Members
kyle@parklanes.net
joel@parklanes.net
dean@parklanes.net
www.stormbowling.com
#StormNation #GoGlobal #SquadRG

900 Global
The Origin
Coverstock: Reserve Blend 93 Hybrid
Finish: Power Edge
Core: Ellipse Core with A.I.
(14 pd)
RG: 2.49
Differential: 0.050
Int Diff: 0.020

Layout: 4 1/2 x 5 x 4 - 2LS
Layout Extras: 2 1/8 Finger Depth, "X" - 4 1/2 D and 1 Inch Left
Tester: PAP 6 1/2 R, 1 1/4 D

Review:
The Origin features an all new coverstock/core combination. The excitement around this ball is huge. Where it will fit in your bag is right under your big asymmetrical pieces such as your 900 Global Harsh Reality and/or your Harsh Reality Pearl.

One thing you will notice the core is a completely different shape but the "numbers" are similar to other 900 releases such as the Sublime and the Sublime Focus. Although the Origin is an asym offering compared to a symmetrical you will find The Origin will fit nicely in an arsenal. What does this mean to you? It means your Origin new coverstock along with the new Power Edge finishing will give you length and still retain energy. It also means when your big asymmetrical balls start to labor The Origin will start to shine during the transition period.

A good ball within the 900 Global line to compare The Origin to is the Sublime. The reason why is the Sublime concept is good but the Reacta Gloss finish untouched could make this ball slightly unpredictable. Specifically the Sublime was a touch to clean and a bit late off the spot. The Origin with Power Edge appears to match up much better with the OOB finish. A much deeper analysis will be coming as a few SPI MatchMaker events will be coming up to round out the year.

My speed tends to be slower, so bigger balls burning up early can be a common occurrence before I change surfaces or let lane shine build up. The Origin with Power Edge takes some of the above out of play which I'm excited about. Also, out in the eastern region lane beds are continuing to get older and older. The need to create length and control with bowling ball offerings is continuing to grow.

For me, I did not do any surface adjustments on The Origin. It was not needed and I'm satisfied with the OOB surface as is. Please be sure to visit your favorite pro shop today and don't forget to check in on my channel at: https://youtube.com/channel/UC1VA-MgFBo9mIZde-G3T11A for occasional video reviews. Be sure to grab your 900 Global The Origin today!

Michael Slatky
900 Global Staff Member
York, PA