ALERT: We have a Code Red on our hands! The Storm Code Red features the RAD4 core. This high torque, high differential core technology was very successful internationally and with the Code Black so Storm is continuing that success through this high performance bowling ball. This core is paired with Storm's proven R2S Hybrid Reactive coverstock and finished with a 1500 grit polish. This combination causes the ball to glide through the front part of the lane then create the unique breakpoint shape and backend reaction that Storm is known for.

Color: Red Pearl / Red
Core: RAD4
Coverstock: R2S Hybrid Reactive
Finish: 1500-grit Polished
RG: 2.50 (based on 15# ball)
Differential: 0.058 (based on 15# ball)
Recommended Lane Condition: Medium-Heavy Oil
Fragrance: Cinnamon

I drilled up my CODE RED the same as my original CODE BLACK, 75 x 5 x 35 which is my favorite drilling for stronger balls as they retain energy in the back end of the lane more this way for me. I noticed right away how much earlier the CODE RED is compared to the original CODE BLACK. I get continuous motion and can play multiple angles with this ball as long as there is enough head oil present. The CODE RED is a great compliment to the CODE BLACK as an earlier reading piece when your CODE BLACK is too long to the spot.

I loved my Code Black, so I was really looking forward to the Code Red. I drilled my Code Red the same way I drilled my Black with Dual Angle numbers of 55* x 4.75” x 65*, which for me puts the pin under my bridge and the MB near my VAL with a weight hole near the P3 location.

I have the Code Red about 5 boards stronger overall from the Black and reads the mid-lane much sooner. Now the Red has a stronger hybrid coverstock which makes a huge difference.

My Code Red actually rolls the best at 4,000 Abralon with no polish. I can see a lot of rev dominant players taking some of the shine off of this ball to fine tune it with great success.

Where this fits for me is just underneath my Sure Lock. When the head oil starts to go and the sure lock is picking up too quick, the Code Red is a great ball change.

I love hybrid covers, so having the Code Red in my bag is pretty much a given for me now.

Storm Code Red Ball Review by Mark Michalek

In my opinion the Code Red is the most versatile ball currently in any line. I've had the surface 1000-4000 and had a completely different reaction at all 4 levels. Normally surface adjustments will tweak ball reaction but with this coverstock surface changes have completely change the ball motion. While some bowlers may not like the cover being that sensitive and having to keep up with the maintenance to keep the same motion week to week, for tournament bowlers this ball is great on every pattern. I highly recommend anyone looking for a high performance ball to give the Code Red a try.

The Code Red is the latest hybrid covered asymmetrical in the premier line of Storm bowling balls. The Code Red uses the same RAD-4 core, found in the Code Black, while still using R2S cover, but being a Hybrid version. THe core numbers of the RAD-4 are 2.50 rg, 0.058 diff, and 0.020 intermediate diff. The Code Red comes out the box with a 1500 grit factory polish.

I drilled the Code Red using a 4 x 5 x 2 ¾ , to compliment my 4 x 5 ½ x 2 ¾ Code Black. The Code Red in the box finish, rolled a slight bit earlier and smoother off the spot than the Code Black and still has that easy skid through the front of the lane. I could stand at the same spot, but just see the transitional shape of the ball a little differently, and a slightly heavier roll through the pins. On a house condition in box finish, the Code Red and the Code Black (I returned the Code Black back to a polished finish using Storm step #2 for testing purposes), even with the slightly stronger PSA, aren’t really that different of a reaction. I decided to add a little surface to Code Red just as I originally tried with the Code Black, and this is when I started to see a bigger difference in the two balls. Hitting both balls with a slightly used 3000 grit abralon pad, the Code Red started up much earlier, by about 2-3 feet, and had a much more defined shape through the backend of the lane. I had to move 2 and 1 further right with the Red compared to the Black (already a 2 and 2 move right with Black after adding some surface) to catch a little more oil and angle to give the bigger move down lane the right amount of room to get to the pocket. To recap, from box finish, to a 3000 abralon finish, I had to move my feet and mark a total of 4 and 3 right, to get back into the pocket.

The Code Red with surface adjustments, has more overall motion through the lane pattern than what the Code Black has. I’m glad to see some strong core bowling balls use some covers that aren’t the strongest available on the market. I still bowl in a center that is using an older oil, that isn’t the really slick  new stuff that you need “snow tires” on the ball to gain traction. If you are looking for a strong asymmetrical ball hook shape, but find that some of the new covers seem to slow down too soon or cover too many boards, look at trying the Code Red by Storm. Thank you for taking the time to read my Code Red review, and bowl up a Storm!