Layout: 60 x 5.5" x 70
Box Surface

The Idol Helios reminds me of a slightly stronger and a little smoother Original Idol but with more continuation.  I went with the longer pin to PAP distance due to my more forward release and lower tilt.  With the amount of higher friction lane surfaces I bowl on, my ball tends to read the front part of the lane sooner than desired.  The 5.5" pin on this Helios does exactly what I expected.  Cleaner through the front with a smoother and more continuous backend to bowl well on the fresh on my typical house shot and on medium to longer sport patterns.  For this review, I have tried the Helios on both my Typical House Shot and the 42' PBA Scorpion Pattern. 

For the typical house shot, I was able to play more in the track area where the heavier oil is.  This ball not only read the oil well but it blended the dry parts of the lane very well.  What was also great about this ball was how well it continued even after I moved left with my feet (righty).  I was able to use this for almost the full 3 games in my league which is almost unheard of considering my 450 Rev Rate.  I am truly impressed with how this ball rolls and believe it will be great for a wide range of bowlers.

On the Scorpion pattern, I saw a lot of control and continuation again when this pattern was fresh.  I had a little bit of area left and right of my target but tended to leave 4 or 9 pins more often when missing left due to its continuation.  Being an avid tournament player, I think that I would have this in my bag for a majority of tournaments.  The smooth nature of the coverstock will all it to be more effective across many different lengths of oil.  Certainly, feel free to add more surface on this ball for higher volumes of oil or if you want more overall hook.

Adam Chase
Storm Staff