BALL SPECS
 Pin Length: 3.25
 Starting Top Weight: 2.82oz
 Ball Weight: 16.2

 

 

 

DRILL PATTERN
 Pin to PAP: 4 ¾ (pin in ring)
 CG is 1” up on the centerline
 No hole

 

 

 

BOWLER STYLE
 Rev Rate: High
 Ball Speed: 18.6
 PAP/Track: 5” across ½” down

 

 

 

SURFACE PREP
 OOB

 

Later hand adjusted with a light rub of a well-used old 500 grit pad

 

 

 

BALL REACTION
 I thought the cows were jumping over the moon as I dreamed that the Tropical Breeze Black-Teal didn't go sideways off of the dry. But then I realized it was not a dream and that Storm delivered the ball I know I've been waiting patiently to come back to the line-up.

 

 

 

My first test took place at a center in the area known for two things; a high friction surface along with a not so generous portion of conditioner. After watching the Big Hit Pearl roaring back off of the dry a few shots, I knew I was in the right place to test the Tropical Breeze Black-Teal. The ball was not only jerk-free on the dry boards but it made the pins dance. (I threw a few good messengers into the 10-pin) It was easy to see this ball was built for a friction party. Between the length, smooth transition off of the friction and the bonus of carrying the swisher strikes I was satisfied. The hype around this ball was that is was going to be the new version of the Lightning Storm and this ball definitely reminded me of this ball. Eventually an old 500 grit pad came out and I lightly rubbed the surface to see how the change would affect the motion. Even the surface adjustment could not force the ball to stand up early.

 

 

 

Since initially throwing this ball I got to throw it before league payout and the lanes had not been done for a day. That was just what I wanted to hear. Again the ball was not fighting to get down the lane and my carry was not scarified, evident by tossing 8 strikes on 9 pitches. I was thinking I might rough this ball to 2,000 but now I think I'm done playing with it until my pink-purple Breeze arrives. I did get to use this ball at the Dutchman tournament and it was a gem as my other equipment other than my Mainframe were just too much ball!!!

 

 

 

The Tropical Breeze series is going to give the league bowlers a ball that they can stay in the track, while giving the tournament players an option for the short patterns and patterns as they erode. The high rev guys are going to just love the fact that they don't have to play nice at the bottom, FINALLY!!! I'm looking forward to seeing how the shell comes to life the more I use it.

 

 

 

COMMENTS 
 Likes: Reaction, reaction, reaction
 Dislikes: That this ball wasn't out before now

 

 

  

The solid Tropical Breeze (black/teal) has the reactor cover. This cover has proven through the years to be a predictable, reliable cover stock. Although modern day chemistry has only improved on this formula, we still see the original design characteristics shine through. The Breeze is the replacement for the Tropical Storm, a ball that was at the top of the “entry level” category for a very long time (talk about big shoes to fill!!). The black teal Breeze also adds a solid version to the lineup, as we did not see a solid cover stock on the Tropical Storm. The core called camber core has a traditional look of an upside down light bulb. This general core shape was found in the Lighting Storm, a very popular ball from a few years ago when control of the lane was needed. In 15lbs, we see an RG of 2.57 and a diff. of .009. The look of the ball reminds me of the Street Rod solid, except the Breeze comes from the factory with a polished 1500 finish, whereas the Street Rod was sanded.

Since I drilled a Kona blue/ silver at the same time, I hit the black teal with a green scotch brite pad to start.  The layout has the pin over the ring, cg on my grip line. This layout is a 5x5.5 for me. The Breeze gave me a clean glide to the breakpoint, with a nice even arch through the backend of the lane. The breeze allowed me to stand on top of the dry part of the pattern. As long as there were clean boards on the backend, the Breeze made a nice move back to the pocket. The Breeze will be a great compliment to the Natural. The natural is great for controlling short oil patterns and keeping the ball in front of you, but does struggle a bit when you have to move in on true dry lanes. The fact that the Breeze has a reactive cover with very minimal flare potential, allows it to save energy, and just continue through the pins. The other advantage to the Breeze is you don’t have to get as deep as you may with other bowling balls that just check up way too early once oil starts depleting.

The Breeze is in the entry-level price point, but is not an entry level ball reaction. The carry was great for such a low priced bowling ball, and the predictability is one that many tournament bowlers should be looking to put in their bag.  Often bowlers get timid of lower priced bowling balls, as being an inferior product, but the Breeze really has what it needs to throw strikes when the conditions call for it.

 

Another great hit from Storm.  Solid version of the Breeze is now a staple in my bag.  Playing straighter or looking for a more consistent shot on some touchy conditions then this is the ball for you.  The solid coverstock helps give this ball an edge while still being able to maintain a consistent roll to and through the pins.  If you saw the video and read the review for the Pearl Kona Breeze then you can see exactly what I am talking about.  I was able to play directly in the track area of the lane with the Breeze Black Teal without having to give up ball speed or amp up my rev rate at all.  It goes without question that I enjoy throwing stronger bowling balls but do not make any mistake about this ball - it is anything but weak.  For this pricepoint the hook potential and hitting power make this ball standout.  Don't be afraid to take the surface down a little bit if you are looking to handle a slightly heavier volume.  

 

Comparing to the Heat Black Silver with the Hybrid cover you can see you will be further toward the outside part of the lane but you can easily see that the hook potential and hitting power are there to stay.  

 

Great choice for shorter patterns with medium to low volumes of oil and great transition ball when things start to get a little sticky so to speak.  Keep up the Great work Storm.  This ball is a hidden gem.