The IQ Tour A.I is the newest addition in the storm lineup and is already a cemented piece in my arsenal.
The new IQ gives off IQ ruby vibes with its skid through the fronts and strong backend motion down lane. I don’t normally match up with hybrids very well but any ball in the IQ line looks good in everyone’s hands. This ball will be a great staple in any bowlers tournament and league arsenal and is usable for many skill levels.

TESTING ENVIRONMENT

Length:39ft

Volume:Medium

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): Modified House (appx 6 to 1)


COMMENTS

Cover: R2S Hybrid
Core: C³ Centripetal Control + AI
Finish: Power Edge
RG: 2.48 (15)
Differential: .031 (15)

ME:
Right-Handed Tweener
Speed: 12-13 mph
Rev Rate: 315
Axis Tilt: 14°
Axis Rotation: 74°
PAP: 5 1/8 R 7/8 Up

Ball Layout: Pin over Ring 4 5/8 X 5 1/8  X 1 3/4 VLS


The new IQ Tour from Storm features the AI version of the legendary C3 core wrapped in my favorite cover to pair with this core, the R2S Hybrid. The IQ Tour Fusion was my favorite IQ and getting an updated version made my day! The Hybrid cover seems to give it the most length and snap, which puts it in play on more patterns in my opinion. The A.I. addition does skew the numbers slightly, but not much.

I tested the IQ Tour A.I. on Kegel's Middle Road Pattern. I was looking for a medium length pattern that was a small step down in volume from our house pattern. I underestimated how much friction is built into the lane surface and the pattern played much shorter, feeling more like a 36 foot pattern than a 39. However the IQ Tour A.I. still looked amazing. I could play near the friction with the speed up and my breakpoint to the right. I also felt like I could create a little miss room left by moving in and rolling it a bit more. It was still pretty speed sensitive but I never lost the look with it completely despite playing different parts of the lane.

I did also get a chance to throw the IQ Tour A.I. on our house pattern. It really showed it's versatility off here as I could really manipulate the ball to do what I wanted as I played through the transition. I could roll it more directly towards the pocket and use the hold. The ball had no problem creating the necessary angle in a smaller window down-lane. I could also play the ample friction to the right on the 44 foot 12:1 ratio pattern by getting my hand around it more and watching it scream back from the outside boards.

The IQ A.I. may be the best version of this storied ball, at least for me and people who throw it similarly. This ball doesn't feel like it demands rev-rate perform like many of the more medium pieces in the line, but it seems to roll just as good for people who have the revs. I think this ball is going to get more popular and more people see it being used in a variety of places and it's another great Storm release that seems to match up with a wide variety of styles.

See my full video review at: https://youtu.be/xILUBTIFY6c?si=NLbld49J0IL4k2ti


Lonnie Pemberton
Storm Pro Shop Staff
Vise Pro Shop Staff
Revolutions Pro Shop

Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/@Revstormaz


PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

The Roto Grip RST Hyper Drive is a powerhouse for bowlers seeking strong mid-lane read with a controlled yet aggressive backend motion. Featuring the RST + A.I. Core and the MicroTrax Solid Coverstock, this ball blends the best of both worlds—strong traction in oil while retaining energy for a dynamic finish. Out of the box at 2000-grit Abralon, it handles medium to heavy oil conditions exceptionally well, providing a smooth yet continuous motion without being overly sharp. Compared to the original RST X-1 and X-2, the Hyper Drive offers a slightly earlier roll with a more predictable backend, making it ideal for players who want consistency without sacrificing hitting power. Whether you're a high-rev player looking for control or a straighter player needing extra motion, the RST Hyper Drive delivers a well-balanced reaction that excels in transition.

How does the Low Friction Cover on the Radical Torpedo Direct Hit Pearl compare to other coverstocks in terms of durability and performance over extended use on dry lanes?

LANE CONDITION

Length: 44'

Volume: 28 ml

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS


COMMENTS

The RST Hyper Drive marks my first dive into the RST line. I skipped the first two releases and passed on the third—it just wasn’t my style, aesthetics-wise. But the Hyper Drive’s color scheme, reminiscent of rainbow sherbet, has quietly won me over. With so many modern balls packing a serious punch, I struggle to use them on typical house shots, often drilling them with the pin in my middle finger to tame the reaction. For the RST Hyper Drive, I opted for a 6-inch Pin-to-PAP, and I’m genuinely blown away by how straight I can play with it. It delivers the extra length I need while still packing enough punch when it hits the pocket. If I swing it too wide, it’ll fight its way back—sometimes leaving a 10-pin—but as long as I keep it in front of me, this ball impresses me more with every shot.