Storm Ion Max - Premier Line
Coverstock: NRG Solid - 2000 Grit
Core: Element Max A.I.
RG: 2.47  Differential: .055  PSA: .014 (15 lbs)
Fragrance: Strawberry Milkshake
Layout: 5.5 x 5 x 3
PAP: 6" Right, 1 3/8" Up
Axis Tilt: 16°
Rotation: 51°
Rev Rate: 450-500
Speed: 17-18 mph
Location: Vista Lanes - Yorkville, NY
Pattern: Kegel Carbon
Lane Surface: HPL

The Ion Max was created to generate unprecedented power while maintaining adaptability and consistency on heavy oil patterns. The Max features the NRG solid coverstock with the Element Max A.I. core, which will produce 50% more flare potential than the Ion Pro. The Ion Max was designed to complement and be a step up from the Ion Pro. The Ion Max gave me a great look sliding on 30, looking 18 at the arrows with my breakpoint around 7-8, but if I wanted to play straighter I could get softer with my hand and stay more up the back of the ball. It also looked great further left with more tilt and slower ball speed. When compared to the Ion Pro, the Max was 3-4 boards stronger, a couple feet sooner, and more forward off the end of the pattern. The Ion Max will be my big solid asymmetric that comes out on heavy or long tournament patterns. For bowlers on higher volume league patterns, the Max could be an excellent choice and when you need something cleaner, a switch the Pro will be the way to go. Stop by your local Storm VIP pro shop to check it out!

Dave Jecko
Storm Amateur Staff Member
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@maximumpotentialbowlerssho7625

The Ion Max features the brand new Element Max AI core wrapped in NRG solid. The Ion Max has the same core shape as the Ion Pro but with the addition of a puck on the bottom of the core, the differential is increased substantially. The Ion Max is going to be the perfect heavy oil replacement for anyone that was sad to see the GEM go. The Ion Max is available now for order so stop into any of your local Storm VIP pro shops and buy your own today!

Review Video: https://youtu.be/Esm5wpqYxzg?si=XQKzCQWb_WOibgCP

Dual Angle Layout One: 55 x 1 ½ x 40
Storm Vector Layout One: 1 ½ x 5 7/8 x 1
Dual Angle Layout Two: 50 x 3 ¾ x 40
Storm Vector Layout Two: 3 ¾ x 4 ½ x 2 1/4

The New Storm Ion Max features the Storm NRG Solid Reactive cover stock wrapped around the Storm Element Max AI Asymmetrical Core.  I drilled 2 of these balls because it is so good.  I drilled one with a short pin to pap layout to allow myself to combat over/under reaction at my primary league house.  This layout provided me a smooth but controlled reaction which allows me to play straighter on a dry league condition.  The 2nd Ion Max I put a much stronger layout which allows me to play in the oil on heavier conditions.  The Ion Max gives me a good amount of length for a solid but plenty of backend to kick out the corners.  If your looking for a heavy oil ball this is the ball for you.

Ball Reviews:

Ion Max:
Asymmetric, strong and designed for heavy oil conditions. The Ion Max with its strong engine will combat the heaviest of oil. Built for the fresh to play on top of it early and slowly migrating in as the transition begins, the Ion Max will be the strongest ball out the bag. This ball can be used with a lot of volume, tighter oil conditions and/or longer oil patterns.
Sublime Focus:
Symmetric and strong. What I like about this ball is the ability to keep my angles tight and up the lane when there is more oil or they are tighter and the stronger asymmetric's are too much ball. For comparison purposes against the other symmetric solids, this  will be earlier than a Phaze 2 and provide a heavier roll smoother roll.
Phaze AI:
The Phaze AI is a throwback to those cleaner angular Storm bowling balls. This ball reminds me of what the UC2 provided with discernible backend motion. This ball will be usable for when the lanes begin to transition, open up and left to right (for righties/reverse for lefties) is needed without losing angle and continuation down lane. This is a great option to have when the solids become too smooth.

Video Review:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwBg2kS4_vg

Core: Element Max A.I. Core Asymmetrical
Coverstock: NRG Solid Reactive
Finish: 2000-grit Abralon
RG: 2.47 Diff: 0.055
Length: Early
Hook Potential: High
Lane Condition: Heavy Oil
Fragrance: Strawberry Milkshake
Layout: 4 x 4 x 4 VLS

LANE CONDITION

Length: 42'
Volume: Medium/Heavy
Type: THS


COMMENTS

Introducing the new Storm Ion Max. A high-performance bowling ball designed for a powerful and controllable option on medium to heavy oil conditions.

The Ion Max features the Element Max A.I. Core which is modified with a flip disk to raise the flare Diff to .055 when compared to the Ion Pro. An asymmetrical, designed to provide a strong mid-lane and backend reaction combined with the added weighted disk, delivers unmatched torque and control for a strong and continuous motion through the pins. This makes it a great choice for bowlers who like to play down and in, as well as deep on the lanes.

The ball is equipped with the proven NRG Solid Reactive coverstock, finished with a 2000 grit Abralon. This coverstock ensures traction through heavy oil volumes, making it ideal for sport lane conditions.


Used a PIN DOWN layout for versatility which gave me that smooth and predictable roll, which is crucial for maintaining consistent control. The ball's strong coverstock and core design allow for various drilling layouts, making it adaptable to different playing styles and lane conditions.

My impression of the Storm Ion Max is a powerful and reliable bowling ball that can complement your arsenal, especially on challenging oil patterns. Its combination of a strong backend reaction and consistent performance makes it a valuable addition to any bowler's bag.

Visit your local VIP Proshop today! As always Bowl Up a Storm


https://youtu.be/BnWwqaBeVqA?si=ITjlHJgziJjCo2tG

Ion Max • Storm • Premier Series
Coverstock • NRG Solid Reactive Finish •2000-grit Abralon
Core • Element Max A.I. Core
Weight • 15 lbs. RG • 2.47 Differential • .053 PSA • .014
Layout • 4 3/8 x 4 1/8 x 2 5/8
Tester PAP • 5” R, 5/8” D Tester Axis Tilt • 11° Tester Rev Rate • 300
Test Pattern • 42' THS (Typical House Shot) • Modified, Kegel Stone Street

Storm has once again hit another striking success with the release of the Ion Max. Storm built the Ion Max from the successful benchmark design of the Ion Pro. However, Storm designed the Ion Max to be its own distinct pin-crushing weapon. Storm attached a weight block to the Element A.I. Core, producing the Element Max A.I. Core and the NRG Solid Reactive coverstock; the Ion Max is a high-flaring and hard-driving machine that delivers results. So, let's break it down to see what is behind the Ion Max's success!

The Element Max A.I. core is different than the original Element A.I. Core in that Storm has added an extra weighted disk to the bottom of the Element core. And for straighter players like me, that added weighted block creates the ultimate flare or hooking potential we low-rev players lack in the modern game! I found the Element Max A.I. core is aggressive in the mid-lane as it fights to find its center. And when it stands up, I like how the Element Max A.I. core transfers that aggressive energy into a hard-driving rolling machine as it exits the pattern. Then, with the added A.I. Core technology, the Element Max A.I. core delivers a powerful striking blow through the pins. And as a straighter player, when I see an unrelenting continuation like the Element Max A.I. produces, I know my corner pins are about to fall! So, overall, I found the Element A.I. Core to be what every straighter player needs in their game.

The NRG Solid Reactive coverstock for straighter players delivers predictable and adaptable motions you can trust while playing many different lane conditions. On a fresh THS, the NRG Solid reads crisply as the Ion Max migrates from the heads to the mid-lane, and in the mid-lane, it has a smooth, predictable traction that we straighter players like to see. And as the Ion Max comes off the pattern, I liked how the NRG Solid cuts a crisp line to the pocket but doesn't overreact to friction. And that smooth predictability to friction makes the NRG an excellent choice for getting through spotty and over-under conditions we see in transition and late-night conditions. And as a straighter player, if urethane is your nemesis - have no fear! The NRG Solid is an excellent choice to get through those pushed-around and scattered conditions we struggle with due to urethane being on the lanes. So, for straighter players like me, the NRG Solid reactive coverstock was a superb choice that Storm put on the Ion Max.

In closing, Storm has produced a strong-rolling, hard-driving machine with the Ion Max. With the Element Max A.I. Core combined with the NRG Solid Reactive Coverstock, the Ion Max will redefine power and versatility to any straighter player's game! The Ion Max is strong, predictable, and will undoubtedly deliver results. So, stop into your local Storm VIP Pro Shop and have our Ion Max ready to roll in tonight's league! The Ion Max is well worth it!


Rick Klimowicz
Storm Products Pro Shop Staff
Roll the Ball Pro Shop
Penndel, PA