Optimus Solid
   The Optimus Solid is the new solid bowling ball from the Master Line by Storm. If you are expecting the ball to roll similar to the Marvel ‘s, then you will be in for a shock. I felt that the R2Xâ„¢ Solid Reactive used on the Optimus Solid is very clean and not as responsive to the front part of the lane. I would compare this ball to a Disturbed as the balls are slower response down lane and don’t make a hockey stick shape. Also, I found that the Optimus Solid picked up very well in the midlane and didn’t immediately hook when it saw friction down lane which benefits me on many sport compliant patterns especially later in the day.
   During many tournaments, I always brought the Sky Rocket and Optimus Solid because I felt the Optimus Solid was a ball up from the Sky Rocket. I also used the Optimus Solid as a benchmark ball because I believed that it always gave me a controllable read when I wanted to see the general starting point on the lane. I also brought this ball with me to the PABCON Youth Championships and found great success with this ball on the fresh and burn. When I was attempting to control my angle through the front part of the lane I tended to use the Optimus Solid and when the lanes opened up just a little bit I was still able to jump inside and still get the ball to pick up in the midlane without splitting or go to high.
   For all bowlers I feel like the Optimus Solid will be a great benchmark ball when they want to get a feel for what the lanes are showing them. It will be better for many bowlers on medium to long length patterns and medium to heavier oiled patterns. For myself I would give this ball a 9/10 as I felt it was very similar to my Disturbed but didn’t completely match the ball but it served its purpose very well. For the average bowler definitely a must have especially for bowlers with a heavier hand on the ball.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCeS5TGZErY

1) Optimus Solid by Storm

2) Ball Specifications:
-R2X Solid Cover Stock
-Tri-sphere core
-Finished at 2000 grit

3) Drilling Layout
- pin beside the ring finger

4) Bowler Specifications
a) Right handed
b) Stroker
c) 18 mph (est)
d) 300 rev rate (est)
e) Positive Axis Point: 5 1/2", up 1"
i) If not known use high track, low track, full roller, 3/4 roller or spinner.

5) Lanes
a) Synthetic lane
b) 41'
c) Typical house shot

6) Ball Reaction Characteristics
With this layout, I was aiming for a very strong ball for pattern play and was not disappointed. This thing grabs the midland and hooks on anything.

7) Comparison
Compared to the original Optimus, this Optimus is much smoother as expected, but surprisingly it still has plenty of pop on the back end. The solid version can handle much more oil than the shiny Pearl version from before.

Summary
This ball seems more suited for higher oil patterns and I wouldn't expect much success on a typical house shot found in most leagues.  With the mid lane this ball has, it can waste all of its energy and hit weak without an abundance of oil.