Check out the Storm Virtual Energy Blackout Bowling Ball – A Fusion of Power and Precision! Step onto the lanes with confidence, armed with the cutting-edge performance of the Virtual Energy Blackout. This remarkable bowling ball takes the renowned foundation established by the Shape-Lock HD Core and elevates it to new heights of sleek sophistication. The Virtual Energy Blackout seizes control with its captivating tour-inspired 1-tone design, a testament to its dominance on the lane. Rekindle your passion for the game, as this ball brings back a shape that you didn't realize was missing until now. Unleash the true potential of your game with the Virtual Energy Blackout's groundbreaking features. The "HD" in the core's name stands for high density, a quality that works in tandem to enhance the ball's performance. By lowering the RG and boosting the weight block's differential, this ball is primed for extraordinary flare potential. With each rotation, this ball exposes a fresh section of its coverstock to the oil, ensuring consistent and dynamic gameplay that adapts to every lane condition. Traditionally, a "hybrid" coverstock implies a combination of solid and pearl components. However, Storm's pursuit of excellence led them to redefine the hybrid concept entirely. Enter the revolutionary pairing of R2S and NeX in their state-of-the-art laboratory. The outcome surpassed even Storm's loftiest expectations. Rigorous testing revealed that the NeX foundation yielded backend and entry angle figures akin to those of R2S, with a unique twist. The slight compactness of R2S's chemical porosity compared to NeX forged a new frontier of performance. Thus, the birth of ReX, aptly known as "Reactor Extreme," emerged as a testament to Storm's unwavering commitment to innovation. The Virtual Energy Blackout Bowling Ball is more than just a bowling ball – it's a game-changer that reshapes your approach to the sport. Dominate the lanes with unparalleled power, finesse, and control. Experience the fusion of cutting-edge technology and expert craftsmanship!

Color: Blackout
All colors do vary somewhat from the picture shown
Core: Shape-Lock HD (14#-16#)
Coverstock: ReX Pearl Reactive
Finish: Reacta Gloss
RG: 2.48 (15# ball)
Differential: 0.052 (15# ball)
Recommended Lane Condition: Medium-Heavy Oil
Fragrance: Orange Pop

My Virtual Energy Blackout sports my favorite 4.25x2.5x4 layout. I’ve had the same or similar layout on the Code Black and Dark Code. Mixing the Shape-Lock core with the R2X cover is the next logical step in a highly successful line of equipment.

I feel like from the Code Black to the Virtual Energy Blackout, each ball has been cleaner through the heads and stronger on the backend.

I’ve thrown this ball in a few different houses on different patterns ranging from house to challenge conditions. The most consistent characteristic from pattern to patterns is the reliability on the ball making it down the lane to the spot. For that reason, the Virtual Energy Blackout has become the ball I get a read of the pattern with even if it’s not the ball I end up competing with.

A smart choice for anyone to make this a top 3 in their arsenal.

Brian Sumner
Storm Amateur Staff
Gold Crown Lanes - St. Johnsbury, Vermont

The Virtual Energy Blackout combines the REX pearl reactive coverstock finished with Reacta Glosswith the Shape-Lock HD Core.  At 15 pounds, the RG is a low 2.48 with a differential of .052 and an intermediate differential of .020.  It has been quite a few years since I threw a ball with this core in it.  As soon as I threw the VEBO, I realized how much I have missed that core.  This ball is smooth, strong, and predictable all in one.  With the out of box finish, the VEBO glides through the front part of the lane and has a nice arcing motion on the backend.  For an asymmetrical pearl, this ball is very controllable.  It definitely needs to see friction to be effective, as the sheen finish will hydroplane on heavier conditions.  This ball reacts more like a benchmark ball than a big asymmetrical.  This will fit nicely between the more aggressive solid asymmetricals and the weaker pearl symmetrical balls.  Great ball for all the medium oil volume conditions!

PAP: 4.5 over x 1 up.
Layout: 5x6x3
Pin position: Above and slightly left of middle finger

QUICK! That is the best way to describe this ball. That and the smell is delightful. I personally have not had an asymmetrical pearl ball in my bag for quite some time and I didn't know what I was missing. The pearl REX coverstock does a great job getting downlane and it's very obvious when the core takes over because the change of direction on this ball is something I haven't seen in a very long time. I've been able to use this ball on both house shots and broken down sport patterns (was a little too clean and quick to be able to use on the fresh sport condition) but once they broke down the VEBO shined. The only critique, and it's not really a critique, is that if the ball sees the dry too early (and this is true of a number of balls, especially on drier house patterns) it makes that fast change of direction and runs out of energy. At least the ball lets me know when its time to make a step down to something like an Xponent Pearl, or Journey, that is a little tamer down lane. Either way, this ball will be a staple in my bag as it's a unique motion (at least for me) that has proven quite useful!

Brent Ritchie
SPI Pro Shop Staff

This is a very solid Asym Pearl! When your Asym Solids are starting to get too early, this ball does a really good job of getting through the fronts; but, with the R2X cover the ball wants to dig into the midline while still remaining angularity and energy in the back part of the lane! It's a great ball for any bowler.

LANE CONDITION

Length: Multiple

Volume:Multiple

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): MOdified


COMMENTS

Likes: Love the Angles.

Dislikes: Nonce


PICTURES AND/OR VIDEOS

VIRTUAL GRAVITY BLACKOUT.  All back just the way you needed it. 

Patterns used for review are HP modified.

Pattern A: 38Ft, 27.22 Mls, 6:1 ratio

Pattern B: 41Ft, 30.86 Mls, 4:1 ratio

COMMENTS

PLAY

The VGB OR VIRTUAL GRAVITY BLACKOUT. Gets down the lane very clean and makes the corner

Pattern A:

Ball 1.  Out of box VGB had to be left and go after it. Lane play was 20 to 5 and watch her backend. Very clean through the front and very distant roll and turn to break point. This pattern could be played from 12 to 2 and hold the line for speed players with higher rev rate. I backed off the revs and went to a more forward roll with success. Easily able to control the lane transition.

Typical house moves on a higher volume than most places.  High scores and Big angles.

Pattern B:

This pattern was longer and higher volume. Play was from the inside on fresh or far right. With no surface adjustment had to be spot in to carry. No room for error. As the pattern transitioned, area opened, it became easier and easier to play this particular pattern. Waited a few games for break down and the moves were to the right with feet and line.

Play the line not the angle

NOTE A:  When playing the fresh on higher ball keep lines tight from the inside or play straighter from the right.   

NOTE B: Start with something like the Optimum Idol out of box and open the lane up. You won’t regret what comes next with being able to use the VGB more and more without having to be perfect.

LOW DOWN: The VIRTUAL GRAVITY BLACKOUT is a ball that stronger rev players will often wait on for transitions or straighter players can start with medium speed and rev rate. You can lightly break the shine and get the VGB moving earlier to smooth out the angle for stronger players.

Normally i excel with Symmetrical balls but this ASYM pearl surprised and made its way in the bag. Plus the all black makes you pay attention to it all the way down the lane to read it.

I am a higher speed, rev challenged 220-250ish, high tilt, high rotation, and super low track player. I drilled my Storm Virtual Energy Blackout (VEBO)  5.5 x 3x 1.75 using Storm VLS and my axis point is 3 ¼ right and 7/8 up. The Storm Virtual Energy Blackout (VEBO) is a asymmetric pearl reactive piece that I really like medium volume patterns. The higher RG and big diff gives this ball high flare potential when I need something to give me more motion control down lane. Overall, this ball is very good when you need shape and power. Plus it smells like orange pop.