Storm has introduced a groundbreaking innovation following the success of revered models like the !Q Tour and Phaze II. Enter the Storm Ion Pro, Storm Bowling's inaugural asymmetric benchmark ball. It sets a new standard for reliability, offering balanced performance across various lane conditions. Versatile and adaptable, it empowers bowlers to fine-tune their game without the need for multiple balls. With its inclusive design catering to every style and approach, the Ion Pro is a must-have addition to any bowler's arsenal. The Element Tour A.I. Core showcases a unique stacked ellipse design, positioning smaller ellipses at the ends of the X-axis and the widest ellipse at the central point of the Y-axis. Diverging from the cavity designs seen in the Crux™ and Absolute™, this configuration amplifies the dynamic shifts between different layouts. By centralizing mass with a focus on the largest ellipse at the ball's geographic center, the Element Tour A.I. Core achieves a lower RG, making it one of Storm's most strikingly low RG asymmetrical designs to date. In contrast to typical asymmetric weight blocks, where the thinnest portion generating asymmetry lies close to the Y-Axis, the Element employs a stairstep asymmetry approach. Despite the widest part being at the Y-Axis, each subsequent ellipse, though narrower, is offset, intensifying the asymmetry with every step. Finding a coverstock as dependable and adaptable as TX-16 is a challenge in itself. Initially introduced through the Phaze™ II, TX-16 has instilled unwavering confidence in bowlers worldwide over the years. In this hybrid rendition, it combines length and durability, offering a level of versatility that's seldom matched. The Ion Pro sets out to redefine the very essence of "benchmark" in bowling.

Color: Navy/Carbon/Steel
All colors do vary somewhat from the picture shown
Core: Element Tour A.I. Core (14-16#)
Coverstock: TX-16 Hybrid Reactive
Finish: 4000-grit Abralon
RG: 2.47 (based on 15# ball)
Differential: 0.035 (based on 15# ball)
Length: Long
Hook Potential: Medium
Recommended Lane Condition: Medium to Heavy Oil
Fragrance: Kiwi Tart

The Storm Ion Pro is a fantastic addition to my bag, offering a powerful and versatile reaction that fits perfectly between my Phaze II and IQ Tour. This ball revs up quickly in the midlane, and its hybrid TX-16 coverstock, combined with the new Element Tour AI core, gives it an angular move at the backend that I haven't seen in other balls. On medium to heavy oil, the Ion Pro outshines my Phaze II with its sharper motion, yet it still delivers the same predictability that I love about the Phaze. It’s a perfect complement to the IQ Tour as well, adding more punch when I need it without sacrificing control. This ball is a must-have for anyone looking for a reliable benchmark that can handle a variety of conditions.

Layout: 55 x 4 x 70

This ball is a staple in my tournament bag and will continue to be for the forseeable future. "Benchmark" may be a subjective term, but most bowlers will be able to get lined up off of this ball easily, no matter what pattern is in front of them.

The combination of midlane read, controllable yet hard backend motion, and versatility make the Ion Pro a must-have for all competitive tournament bowlers.

Compared to the similar Tour Dynam-X from Roto Grip, the Ion Pro features a little stronger ball motion. And with the weaker hybrid coverstock compared to the Tour Dynam-X's solid cover, gives the Ion Pro a little sharper motion downlane, and provides a more ideal motion for when the move is a little deeper than the Dynam-X. These two make a great 1-2 punch for your arsenal!

Todd Sigeti
Storm Amateur Staff   

Layout: 4 3/8 x 4 ½ x 2 5/8
Pin position: Above bridge
PAP: 4.5 over x 1 up
Lane condition: THS

One of the newest releases from Storm fits right in the middle of the bag as the “benchmark reaction” that any bowler can judge ball reaction from. The TX-16 hybrid cover stock is weak enough that it won’t immediately pick up once it hits the dry, and the Element core, with it’s low RG of .035, fits perfectly giving an incredibly stable, arcing type reaction. Several centers in our area use a pretty low volume THS so the lower diff balls have been staples in my bag for years. When other balls, like an IQ RUBY, start to go a little too long before making their turn to the pocket, the ION PRO will be a nice small step up to read a little earlier read while still maintaining the controllable reaction off the breakpoint. I can certainly see this ball being a staple in the middle of the bag, replacing some of my older low diff solids (my previous “benchmark” equipment”) for a very long time.

Brent Ritchie
Storm Pro Shop Staff Member

Orientation:  Right Handed
Rev Rate:  400 RPM
Speed:  16-17 MPH
PAP:  4 ½ over and 1 1/8 up

Location:  Enterprise Park Lanes, Springfield MO
Pattern:  High Volume THS
VLS Layout:
Layout 1:  4 5/8 x 4 x 2 ½ (Pin above bridge)
Layout 2:  4 ¼ x 4 x 4 (pin below bridge)
 
The ION Pro is the ball I’ve been waiting for!  I wanted a lower diff/Int diff ball forever!  The Tour DynamX was really close but it is a little too slow due to the differential being 0.026.  It was hard to get that ball into the roll phase if there was too much oil or with too much ball speed.  The ION PRO solves that problem!  It always gets into a roll.  It’s not too strong, or weak, it’s the perfect benchmark ball. I can throw it harder and I can get real straight, or slow down and really send the ball right and it will recover.  That’s how I measure my benchmark balls, how many zones can I play!  Tour Dynam-X was limited, the ION PRO built on that ball and can do ANYTHING and the carry is vastly improved.  Pick one up today!

Storm Ion Pro
Coverstock: TX-16 Hybrid Reactive
Finish: 4000-grit Abralon
Core: Element Tour A.I. Core
RG: 2.47, Diff: 0.035, PSA: 0.014 (15lbs)
VLS Layout: 4 1/2 x 4 x 2 1/4
Dual Angle Layout: 45 x 4 1/2 x 35
PAP: 5 3/16” right x 5/8” up
Rev rate: 400 rpm
Average speed: 16.5 mph
Location: Prairie Lanes, Sun Prairie WI
Pattern: Medium volume THS

The new Storm Ion Pro is an impressive addition to the Storm lineup, designed to serve as a versatile ball that redefines the meaning of “benchmark”. It features the TX-16 Hybrid Reactive coverstock, first seen on the Phaze II as a solid cover, and the newly developed Element Tour A.I. asymmetric core which offers a lower RG of 2.47 and a medium-strength differential of 0.035 in 15lbs. This core and cover combination gives the Ion Pro the ability to rev up quickly, providing strong midlane traction and a sharp but controllable backend finish.

I’ve found that the Ion Pro does not disappoint when it comes to versatility, especially on medium volume oil patterns. It has offered a solid balance between control and power, and for me it fits somewhere between the !Q Tour and Phaze II. The Ion Pro’s smooth yet angular backend reaction makes it an ideal ball given the number of centers with older lane surfaces in my area – it’s clean enough to handle the extra friction while still being able to provide good down-lane continuation. By comparison, the Phaze II is stronger in the midlane and not as sharp on the backend thanks to the solid cover; and the !Q Tour is a step down from the Ion Pro.

I see this as a very versatile ball that deserves a spot in every bowler’s bag. The Ion Pro can be used on house patterns as well as sport conditions delivering a consistent and predictable reaction. From everything I’ve seen, the Storm Ion Pro lives up to the hype of redefining the definition of a “benchmark” ball.

Chris Pollentier
Storm Products Pro Shop Staff
#StormNation

Ion Pro • Storm • Premier
Core • Element Tour A.I. Core
Coverstock • TX-16 Hybrid Reactive Finish • 4000-grit Abralon
Weight • 15 lbs. RG • 2.47 Differential • .035 PSA •.014
Layout • 4 ¼ x 4 x 2 ¼
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 created another striking success with the all-new Ion Pro! And what makes the Ion Pro such a success is that Storm has developed something every straighter player like me has been waiting for – an asymmetrical benchmark ball that delivers enormous results! The Ion Pro combines the Element Tour A.I. Core with the TX-16 Hybrid Reactive coverstock. And together they make the Ion Pro a ball that belongs in any serious bowler's arsenal! So, let's take a closer look at The Ion Pro.

The Element Tour A.I. Core asymmetric design leaves plenty of room for any pro shop operator to tweak a layout to get the most out of the Ion Pro. And with that tweaking ability, I found the Element Tour A.I. core to be stable and consistent. I liked how the Element Tour core revs smoothly through the mid-lane without sacrificing the energy at the exit of the pattern. Further, I found the Element Tour A.I. Core crisp and vibrant as it heads to the pins without being overly aggressive. And because of its uniquely smooth asymmetrical design, the Element Tour A.I. Core strikes the pins with the precision of a symmetrical core but with the power of its asymmetrical design! Lastly, the Element Tour A.I. Core is far from lazy! So, if you are a straighter player like me, you will appreciate the Element A.I. Core's ability to stand up and roll with authority even when you know you missed! You can trust the Element A.I. Core to fight for you every shot!

When it comes to coverstocks – you can't get any more consistent than the TX-16 Hybrid! The solid version of the TX-16 was on the Phaze II, and how long has the Phaze II been around? Exactly! So, it's no wonder Storm used a Hybrid Version of the TX-16 on the Ion Pro – it is that good! The TX-16 Hybrid at the factory 4000-grit surface is ideal for straighter players like me. You can count on the TX-16 Hybrid to be clean through the front part of the lane. And I loved how the TX-16 Hybrid had smooth traction in the mid-lane, giving me the predictable motion I needed to see as my Ion Pro made its way down the lane. And what I loved most about the TX-16 Hybrid is its ability to be consistent through an entire night of league conditions. The TX-16 bites crisply on fresh oil but also blends the broken-down pattern equally as well making the TX-16 the benchmark skid, hook and roll you can depend on!

In closing, Storm has done an outstanding job creating the Ion Pro! And I will boldly say the Ion Pro delivers what Storm claimed it would -the Asymmetrical benchmark ball that sets the new standard in reliability! And if you are a straighter player like me, that reliability belongs in your arsenal! So, stop into your local Strom VIP Pro Shop and have our Ion Pro ready to roll. And be prepared for that asymmetrical benchmark reliability you have been waiting for! The Ion Pro is well worth the investment!


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