Sky Rocket is the pearl release of the Rocket. The Sky Rocket uses the R2S pearl cover and has the same Booster core that was in Rocket. The Booster core has an Rg of 2.54 and a differential of 0.046 in 15lb undrilled bowling balls. This cover and core combination offers easy length and strong backend reaction that Thunder Line pearl releases are known for. The color combination of sky blue/charcoal is very pleasing to the eye.
I drilled my Sky Rocket with a 5 x 5.5 x 2.5 layout. This layout puts the pin above my ring finger, and doesn’t require an extra hole to meet USBC legal static weight requirements. I kept the Sky Rocket in out of the box, 1500 grit polished finish. The Sky rocket gives me easier length with less overall board coverage than the Rocket (drilled 4.5x5x2.5, and left at the box finish of 1500 grit polish) on medium conditions. When comparing Sky Rocket to Hy-Road pearl, I get an earlier read of the lane, with a touch smoother motion out of the dry, on medium conditions. Even though my Sky Rocket is a tad smoother on the backend of the lane than Hy-Road pearl, it still is a strong backend reaction, or skid-flip motion, if you will. I use my Sky Rocket to open up the backend of the lane, when I need to move deeper on the approach.
I have used Sky Rocket on different patterns with varying lengths. I prefer to use my Sky Rocket on medium conditions the most. Heavy volumes are too much for this ball in the box finish, for me, and the Sky Rocket hooks a bit too much for really dry lanes. Sky Rocket, for me, is a true skid flip, open up the backend of the lane ball.
Sky Rocket is just one of the balls that just flat out works for my style of bowling, and my prefered way to see the lane. The way it reads the lane is a great addition to my arsenal. If the conditions are on the slightly heavier side of medium, I can go a bit straighter with it with good success. If the conditions are on the lighter side of medium, I can get plenty of backend reaction to get the corner pins out, as I have to move in on the lane. Again, Storm offers better options for dry lanes, and heavily oiled lanes.
Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the Storm Sky Rocket. and as always, remember to Bowl up a Storm!