Storm LEVEL by Roto Grip Rick
Ball info and layout: Equalizer AI Core, with all RPM solid coverstock - factory finished at 1000 grit abralon, but I changed the surface to 3000 grit abralon after using it at 1000 grit and 2000 grit. Layout is: 4 x 4 x 1 which was suggested by Earl Burger at ABC North Lanes and Pro Shop.
My updated specs: Rev rate 420’s, ball speed 15.3 to 15.8 mph off the hand, axis tilt of 16 degrees and axis rotation of 70 degrees, PAP is 3 15/16th up 3/16th.
Tested on Pro-lane surface on a 44 ft house pattern with lower volume used for the junior and senior leagues, a 44 ft house pattern with larger volume, and patterns that ranged from 33 ft to 39 ft sport patterns.
Time to see what the LEVEL is all about:
When the teaser hit the Stormbowling.com website, I thought that we were just trying to recreate the wheel again. But instead, WE have completed a whole new LEVEL when it comes to ball dynamics and ball motion. I will start with the ONLY downfall to the LEVEL for me, the 1000 grit out of the box surface was too early and looked like a lane gnome would kick it sideways down between the first and second tracer boards and the ball would immediately go right on me. After playing with the surface in the pro shop on the Innovative Haus machine, I landed on 3000 grit with VISE abralon pads, which hold up very well over the course of time and usage. I found the LEVEL to be smooth like urethane on the front and mid part of the lane, but have a slightly stronger reaction and motion after the second tracer board than the !Q 78U and very predictable Roto Grip X-Ray that I LOVE LOVE LOVE so much. The LEVEL meant my expectation once I tweeted the coverstock to my game and what my “eyes” liked to see in my ball motion. The LEVEL stayed consistent for me during the course of my time on the lanes and once I was locked in, my angles and starting spot did not change much because the LEVEL stayed true to the roll and reaction, once a little carry down occurred on the 33 ft and lighter volume THS, I just need to move a closer to the 13-15 board as my starting spot and close the swing angle down a smidge so that the ball rolled more end over end to keep the energy stored a little more. LOVE the LEVEL on the shorter length patterns from 35 to 39 ft patterns where urethane is not strong enough for me and the X-Ray and even the new Tropical Surge blue/purple solid would be way too strong. On the THS, but lighter and heavier THS the ball struggled inside of the normal track area, it needed to see the friction a little bit earlier than the X-Ray, but would still recover remarkably well. If I square up with the X-Ray, the X-Ray would start its final move towards the pocket at the same point as the LEVEL but would be too strong entering the pins and would leave a bunch of 6 pins or even 4 pins. The LEVEL would stay firm and carry through the pocket and still have enough energy to kick out the corner pins. The LEVEL is NOT designed to be a BIG HOOK IT in the box piece, it was designed to absorb oil,but still be predictable, and still produce better pin carry. Over time the ball will keep the cover profile and will not need resurfacing like balls similar to surfaces. The LEVEL will be replacing my !Q 78u spot. MY ball bags will now consist of:
BALL#1 - LEVEL
BALL #2 - Roto Grip X-RAY
BALL #3 - Storm Lighting Blackout
BALL #4 - Roto Grip ROCK STAR - which is now my benchmark ball
BALL #5 - Storm Equinox
BALL #6 - Roto Grip Attention Star S2
My tournament balls will be: LEVEL, Hustle RIP, Physix Blackout, Zen 25, Attention Star, Idol Cosmos, Hustle X-Ray, Origin and X-Cell depending on pattern lengths.
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