Ball NPS Score: 100.00
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Storm's The Lab Series represents the pinnacle of bowling ball innovation, crafted for bowlers who demand the absolute best performance. Engineered in a laboratory where boundaries are meant to be broken, the Level is the first release in this groundbreaking series. Every ball in the Lab Series embodies relentless experimentation, meticulous refinement, and the use of revolutionary materials and designs. The standout feature of the Level is the cutting-edge Equalizer A.I. Core, a breakthrough in bowling ball core technology. This unique design combines a tall, low-density weight block with advanced A.I. Core Technology. By carefully engineering the core’s density, the RG (radius of gyration) value is increased, allowing the ball to take longer to respond to friction. Traditionally, low-density cores sacrifice differential, but the Equalizer A.I. Core compensates with innovative cuts in the weight block’s midsection and an elongated shape. This creates a higher total differential than typically seen in cores of similar density and size. The result is one of the smoothest transitioning cores Storm has ever designed—perfect for maintaining a controlled, repeatable reaction as the ball encounters friction. Complementing this revolutionary core is the all-new RPM (Regenerative Polymer Matrix) Coverstock, a material unlike anything the bowling industry has seen before. RPM offers unmatched flexibility in fine-tuning ball reactions without altering the core formula. This first iteration of RPM was specifically engineered for rapid oil absorption, providing bowlers with a faster yet more controlled response to lane conditions. Unlike traditional coverstocks, RPM breaks the usual correlation between oil absorption and friction: bowlers experience faster oil absorption with reduced overreaction to friction, creating a more predictable motion. Additionally, the proprietary additives in RPM enhance the coverstock’s surface profile, preventing the usual “lane shine” that smooths textured bowling balls over time. This innovation ensures consistent performance and surface integrity, delivering repeatable reactions shot after shot. Bowlers can feel the difference immediately—visit your local Storm VIP Pro Shop to experience it for yourself. Designed without compromise, the Level is perfect for bowlers who believe excellence has no limits. Whether you’re seeking smooth control, sharp angularity, or anything in between, the Lab Series is your gateway to unparalleled performance.

Color: Black
All colors do vary somewhat from the picture shown
Core: Equalizer A.I. Core (14-16#)
Coverstock: RPM Solid Reactive
Finish: 1000-grit Abralon
RG: 2.59 (based on 15# ball)
Differential: 0.027 (based on 15# ball)
Length: Middle
Hook Potential: Medium
Recommended Lane Condition: Medium Oil
Fragrance: Grapple

LANE CONDITION

Length:40 ft

Volume: 25 mls

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS


COMMENTS

Likes: Predictability and Grapple Scent!

Dislikes:

I had the Level drilled at 65 x 3 3/8 x 35. My launch ball speed is at 16 mph. This ball gives me an earlier read once it reads the friction and a nice smooth continuation through the pin deck. I'm able to go a little left to shape it, but I must keep the same ball speed, and keep this ball closer to the friction. The RPM coverstock is something totally unique in this ball, and makes the ball shapes so well!

This is a good to start off on the fresh, and I'm able to keep my angles tighter to pocket. The AI core definitely provides more punch and pin action. This ball is great for anyone that wants a smooth, yet continuous motion to the pocket, and is a ball designed for all styles; from the croker to the cranker, and definitely great option for two handers. I'm a one-handed tweener and I enjoyed throwing this ball! Once the coverstock settles in, this ball is absolutely amazing!

I'm definitely getting another one with a different layout to have a different motion!

PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

LANE CONDITION

Length:

Volume:

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):


COMMENTS

Likes:

The Storm Level is a brand new ball in the new Lab series.  This new coverstock, Regenerative Polymer Matrix, or RPM (solid) is a new concept.  How will a polymer ball react on the lanes?  Is it really a different surface, or a variation of what we've seen before?  I'm not sure I was able to answer all those questions yet, but I have formed some thoughts on the ball.

The RPM solid cover, as advertised, does seem to hold the surface longer, does not seem to lane shine very much, and seems like the cover would hold up through a block of competition.  Now, for the ball motion.  This ball seems to roll and continuously change direction from the moment I let it go to the pins.  There is no sudden change of direction that I've seen with this ball.

Compared to an IQ Tour 78, which is great for me when I'm going straight on 39' and shorter patterns, the Level has a lot more shape from 20' to 40' where the IQ 78 tends to go pretty straight.  It does look like a ball that would allow me to play a urethane-like reaction once I have to get out of the IQ 78 when the front of the lane starts to hook too much.

I do feel like this ball will bridge the gap between urethane and reactive, particularly on the 35'-40' patterns where I can get trapped.  I liked the layout I put on this ball, as it did produce enough flare to avoid oil carry down, but I can see trying a stronger layout on this ball to see if I could create a little more miss room.  It's a very different ball motion than anything from Storm in recent memory!

https://youtu.be/8bYDVIG9aFk

Dislikes:

Speed control is important with this ball.  Like urethane, you can throw it too hard and throw it through the break point.
PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

Storm Level – WWRD 1/17/2025

Cover: RPM Solid
Core: Equalizer A.I.
RG: 2.59
RG. Diff.: 0.027
Finish: 1000-Grit Abralon
Fragrance: Grapple

Storm’s new Level is a Solid Symmetrical piece that is good for Medium-Dry Volume patterns.  PAP is 5 5/16 R 1 3/16 Up. Rev Rate: 400.  Speed: 16.5.  Drilled this piece with the Pin up between the fingers and CG kicked out 1” from the palm.  This bowling ball is the groundbreaking debut of the Lab Series.  I threw this piece on a Fresh 43’ house pattern.  Out of Box ball motion started in the mids with a smooth backend reaction through the pins.  I compared this to the IQ Tour 78/U and Tropical Surge Purple-Navy. 
IQ 78/U was 5-5 right.  Started earlier in the mids with an ok backend reaction.
Tropical Surge Purple-Navy was similar line but was smoother through the fronts with a little more on the backend.
This piece fits between the two pieces I compared them too.  This will be a good piece to start off a block or game 1.  This piece will be good for all types of styles.  I think this is the best option if you’re not a fan like I am of urethane.

Check Out the Ball motion Video on my YouTube Page:
https://youtube.com/shorts/1FaRjjeCPvk?feature=share

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 Level is a brand new ball in the industry!  The Design intent:  Control ball that absorbs oil!  The LEVEL does this.  Out of the box it rolled GREAT in front of me, it did all the right things.  It acted like a control ball, but was a little cleaner and a little more backend.  When trying to make it do the ‘thane thing, I had to hit with 500 or 360 to get it to pick up early enough, but once it did…..WOOOOOOWWW.  It rolled plenty early, in the right spot, backed off enough through on the backend and continued through the deck.  Then when I tried to throw it harder and jam it, it did that too. 

I’m not exactly sure what this ball is…..it’s definitely a control ball.  ‘Thane replacement, maybe.  At the least something I think I can throw a LOT!

Disclaimer:  This is not a UC3, Zen U, Pitch Purple, etc……It’s truly something new.

Level •Storm • SPI Lab Series
Coverstock • RPM Solid • Finish 1000-grit Abralon
Core •Equalizer A.I. Core
Weight • 15 lbs. RG • 2.59 Differential • .027
Layout • 4 ¼ x 4/ ½ x 2 ¼
Tester PAP • 5” R, 5/8” D Tester Axis Tilt • 9° Testers Rev Rate • 300
Test Pattern • 42' THS (Typical House Shot) • Modified, Kegel Stone Street

Storm brings in the New Year by striking a perfect game with their release of the all-new Level! The Level is the first release in Storm's all-new Lab Series, an Elite Series designed to bring excellence and absolute top performance to a player's game. And I will tell you the Level lives up to all Storm claims it to be. From the all-new Equalizer A.I. Core to the revolutionary RPM (Regenerative Polymer Matrix) Coverstock, the Level was terrific. So, let's take a closer look at what makes the Level so successful!

The Equalizer A.I. Core has an all-new type of design. Without getting into the technical jargon, I will tell you the Equalizer Core has an exceptionally smooth and predictable motion through all three phases of ball motion, i.e., skid, hook, and roll. Further, rather than seeing the temperamental jumps and squirrelly motion straighter players like me tend to see as the pattern breaks down, I liked how the Equalizer A.I. Core was continuous and steady when it found friction, providing me a predicable angular motion I could depend on, especially in late night conditions. Lastly, there is no doubt that the A.I. Core technology added to the Equalizer makes the Level deliver a hard striking blow and provides the continuation I depend on as a straighter player.

As a straighter player, coverstock and surface can make or break a night of bowling for me. However, with the all-new RPM (Regenerative Polymer Matrix) coverstock found on the Level, Storm has changed how I look at coverstock and surface. The RPM coverstock blends the lanes beautifully in all types of conditions. I especially like how the RPM Coverstock weaves its way through broken-down and worn-out THS conditions with a smooth and effortless motion. Further, as a straighter player, I usually find myself in a nightmare when I come across urethane on the lanes. However, with the RPM Coverstock found on the Level, I enjoyed blending through the push and carry-down caused by urethane and still maintaining my line without losing power at the pocket. That makes the RPM Coverstock a unique solid-reactive cover that certainly is a game-changer for straighter players like me.

The 1000-grit Abralon surface on the Level is an excellent fit for straighter players looking to bowl on fresh THS and medium-type patterns. However, depending on your speed and rev rate, consider bringing up the Level's surface to 2000 or 3000-grit Abralon to best fit your game. I found 2000-grit Abralon worked best for me overall, especially in late-night conditions. But most importantly, be prepared to wipe the oil flares off the Level after every shot; I loved how the Level finds oil even when you think it's all burnt up!

In closing, Storm has done a fantastic job creating the all-new Lab Series Level! The Level is smooth, strong, and predictable and belongs in any straighter player's arsenal! So, stop into your local Storm VIP Pro Shop today and have your Level ready to roll for tonight's league! You will love the results!


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

The Level is Storms first ball released in the Lab series. The Level features the RPM cover wrapped around the Equalizer AI core. The RPM cover is marketed to be the fastest absorption cover that Storm currently offers. The RPM cover combined with the Equalizer AI core provides a very early, stable and controlled piece for shorter and flatter oil patterns. The Level for me will be a great option when I need a little more traction than my Pitch Black but balls like the Harsh Reality and Physix Blackout are too strong. The Level is now available in all Storm VIP pro shops!

Review Video: https://youtu.be/vAaLwVC3Ht8?si=k3xwyedev4UvzD86

If you’re looking for a non urethane ball that rolls similar to urethane, then this is the ball for you. That equalizer core wrapped with the rpm solid cover stock is that 1..2 punch. Dont sleep on this ball, get down to your local pro shop to pick up this piece!

Anthony Wiegand