The Axiom is the latest release in the master line of bowling balls from Storm, the bowlers company. NeX solid (Nano Extreme) is the new cover on the Axiom, and is wrapped around a new core called Orbital core. The color scheme of the Axiom is sky blue, navy, and slate, and has a blueberry muffin scent. The numbers in a 15lb undrilled Axiom are 2.48 rg, and 0.050 differential.
The NeX solid cover on the Axiom is the strongest cover to date to be put on a domestic release Storm bowling ball. This cover really creates a lot of traction. I drilled two different Axioms, the first with a 4†pin, and 2.5†pin buffer, the second with a 4.5†pin, and a 4†pin buffer. Comparing both balls at the box finish, the 4.5 X 4 Axiom reacts later on the lane, and the shape off the spot is more rounded and continuous. The 4 X 2.5 Axiom stands up earlier on the lane, and has a more defined shape that rolls forward sooner and heavier towards the pocket. The 4.5 X 4 is better when the backends are really fresh and there is plenty of oil in the heads to get the ball to the spot. The 4 X 2.5 is better when the lane is a little lazier off the spot, but still has that same heavier oil in the front of the lane. I have used the 4.5 X 4 Axiom on patterns with a little less built in hold, and seem to like the 4 X 2.5 when the lane is a little easier because of higher left to right ratios built into the pattern. Using a 4†pin buffer, for me, creates a little tighter flare pattern on the ball, thus keeping the differential of the drilled ball down a bit. This helps me take advantage of the strong cover without too much flare, resulting in me having to give away the pocket too much. The 4 X 2.5 has more distance between the flare rings, and finds it’s forward roll point sooner, therefore works better for me if there is more oil downlane. I do not use inserts or a changeable thumb, so my final drill isn’t manipulating the core as much as what other bowlers may be able to do. I’m fine with that, as I like to use the drilled ball as close to what the manufacturer intended when they designed it. Comparing the overall shape of the Axiom to an Idol, the Axiom seems to slow down sooner and have more board coverage. It’s very similar in shape, just a little more of it; Idol’s big brother, if you will. I also like how the Axiom complements my Omega Crux, as a 1-2 punch. The Axiom is better on the fresh, and then transition sees the Omega at its best.
I like the Axiom. This is a ball that will help speed dominate players get the ball to slow down sooner and create roll to the pins, and with the right layout, can help heavy handed players control wet-dry conditions. The Axiom is a great ball when you use it how it is intended to be used. Dry lanes wouldn’t be the first choice to use an Axiom on. There are plenty of other balls for that kind of condition. Thank you for taking the time to read my review of Storm’s master line release called Axiom. Now go bowl up a Storm!!
