Storm ParadigmWeight = 15lbs
Pin = 3 inch Pin
Top Weight = Unknown
Layout = Pin over and right of ring with MB @ 75-80* degrees
Weighthole = 5 1/2 inches over from middle of grip
Surface Finish - 1000 Scotchbrite with Ebonite Factory Polish overlay
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----------------*X-Hole 5 1/2 over
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My StatsRight Handed
High Tracker
High-End Tweener
PAP - 5 1/2 > 5/8 ^
Speed - 15-15.75 mph @ Pindeck (Quibica Scorers)
Rev-Rate - 325-400 approximate guess
Axis Rotation - 75*-90* degrees
Axis Tilt - 7*-11* degrees axis tilt (11.5-12.5 inch track diameter)
Hey BR Family!
I acquired this ball from BR user Tracy Brockette (T Brockette). I left the drilling and layout alone and went ahead and plugged and redrilled it in the same spot. Our spans were nearly identical! I wanted to see just how good this Paradigm was and since it is supposed to be Storm's version of their High End Go Long and Flip type of ball.
I only have 15 games on this ball, but I figured that was enough to warrant some type of initial review. It has been used in league and tournament play. It has also seen game time on Wood and Synthetic surfaces. Here is what I've experienced, observed and noted down since I've acquired this ball in June 2006.
VersatilityIn regards to lane conditions, I would say this ball is good for Mediums all the way up to slightly Medium-Heavy type conditions. On 2nd shift shots or when the lanes start to fry up, the ball in a polished state still cannot get enough push. The weight block, coverstock, my 15 mph speed & rev-rate ratio combined is too strong for dry lanes.
On another note, this ball will squirt on some carry down, hang or on Heavier oiled lanes. On Heavier oiled lanes, I would find myself squaring up to the pocket, but with the Pearl coverstock, it just fights to get through the oil. I'd rather take something with a Solid coverstock that could handle more soup. The jury is still out on this ball on whether or not it will adapt to a light scuffing or a sheen finish. I'll let you know if I decide to experiment with a sheen surface in the future.
HookWith the Pin up over the ring and MB around 75*-80* degrees, this baby turns on the back with the best of them. On normal crowned/top hat style house shots this ball recovers with a pronounced "Hard Arc." I wouldn't call it Flippy, but the shape it produces on the backend is more of an angular motion.
LengthWith Ebonite Factory Polish applied over a 1000 grit surface, the ball seems to clear the front and mids with ease. When the heads/mids break down, I find myself chasing the oil in a little more and this seems to get the ball to push. With this ball, if I get it through enough head oil, it usually gets the job done and gets me enough push before it starts to make it's hard move to the pocket.
Control/ReadabilityThe natural ability to clear the heads and a hard arcing backend do not qualify this ball as a control ball (for me at least). I have a Columbia U-Turn Particle Pearl scuffed at 800 grit that reads the lanes and arcs evenly on the back for control. If I need some help in the back, I usually pull out the Paradigm.
Experience on PBA Pattern #5On August 19, 2006, I found myself practicing on a somewhat broken down PBA Regional Pattern #5 Pattern (After a win a spot event). On this pattern, the ball was too strong on the back if I got the ball in. It would squirt on the outside where there was an OOB. Best line to the pocket semmed like a slow hook from around 18 playing a small swing to about 12-13 at the breakpoint. Other than that, this ball was too strong for the backs and too squirty in the oil. My U-Turn Particle Pearl was a better choice as it blended out this tough PBA Pattern. Neat experience for my first time on a PBA Pattern though!
Hit & CarryOne thing I've noticed is that it mixes up pins a bunch when encountering those light pocket hits. For me so far the Hit this ball generates is outstanding. So far I've left a couple of solid 8 pins, but other than that, the carry has been awesome.
Compared to Other Balls in my ArsenalEbonite The One (Virtually Same Drilling) 1000 Grit W/Ebonite Fac. Polish -The Paradigm has a heavier arc while the One is snappier. The Paradigm will also handle a pinch more oil with the same surface prep.
Brunswick Rampage - The Paradigm will check up a little earlier than my Rampage with Pin over ring finger and CG stacked below. It will also handle more oil than the Rampage. Rampage gives me about the same hard arcing motion, but later down the lane
Columbia U-Turn Particle Pearl *800 Grit Scuffed* - The Paradigm will clear the heads and midlane better than the U-Turn. It also has a mroe angular backend than the even-arcing U-Turn. You can truly see the difference when you throw these two balls side by side.
Storm X-Factor Vertigo 800 Grit - The Paradigm and Vertigo have almost the exact same layout/drilling. Paradigm goes down the lane a pinch further. The Vertigo has more of a hockey stick type shape movement. These two balls compliment each other well. I believe they both have the RAD+ weightblock as well.
Overall Impressions and Final ThoughtsI really like this ball a lot. This is my first encounter with Storm products since the Orange Flame Reactive and Original Eraser PBT Reactive. I'd have to say with all the problems Storm had with the first batches of Paradigms cracking, they have stepped up and corrected the problem with flying colors. I see myself buying Storm in the future. The RAD+ weightblock is also very impressive as it revs up quickly. I def. would like to see them utilize the EOX coverstock more. If you need a ball that will handle most Mediums to Medium-Heavy, I would suggest the Storm Paradigm.
Video of the Paradgim, X-Factor Vertigo & Brunswick Rampage in ActionStorm Paradigm Vs. X-Factor Vertigo Vs. Brunswick Rampage 8/08/2006:http://media.putfile.com/Paradigm-Vs-Vertigo-Vs-RampageHope this review helps out!
Good luck & Good Shooting!
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Regards,
The Candy Man
Rammy Davis Jr.
