The new Virtual Energy has the HD core found in both the Gravity Shift, and Virtual Gravity. The cover is a hybrid of both balls yielding more resemblance to the Gravity than the Virtual. I drilled two Energy's using the same layouts I used on the Gravities, as well as the Virtual Gravities (pin above ring, key just below thumb, and pin under ring, key half way between VAL and ball track).
The finish on the pin over is at 4000 abralon by hand, with a coat of Xtra shine by hand. The pin under is 2000 abralon, also with a coat of Xtra shine.
After the success of the Hyroad, and the reaction it gives me compared to the T-road solid and pearl, I was hoping for some similarities in the way the Energy fit between the Virtual and the Gravity. First off, I use my Virtual Gravity for heavy fresh oil. With that said, I keep a little extra surface on the ball, to keep it smoother off the spot than what the factory finish gave me. This works really well for me, as it gives me alot of control of fresh backends on some of our regional patterns. I will actually then switch to a Dimension, to save energy, and give me a little more move in the back part of the lane, when the Virtual starts burning up a bit. This is because of my lower axis tilt(about 10 degrees). There are very many bowlers out there that seem to use the Virtual and Dimensions the exact opposite of the way I use them in my arsenal, because they get more move down lane from the VG than the Dimension. I just wanted to give a little background on my arsenal, as to why I see what I see out of the Energy before proceeding with my review.
The Energy reads the lane between The VG and the Gravity. I have found that I will be using the VE's not so much as a fit between the VG and the Gravity, but for different lane surfaces. That is one of the reasons I use the same layouts on the same cores. I am able to get the same kind of motion on the same patterns, but different lane surfaces and different volumes of oil when bowling the regionals. That is another reason I very rarely use the box finish as well. Proper surface on your bowling ball will keep you out of more trouble than having that magical drilling with magical hole placement. Layouts and pin placements are important, don't take me wrong, but your surface prep needs to match your style of lane play as well as release and speed.
With all that said, I will proceed with my actual review of the Virtual Energy. In box finish, this ball will give most bowlers a stronger roll in the backends than the Gravity, and more length than the VG. Notice I said stronger roll than the Gravity, not flip. The Gravity can be very flippy if there is enough dry on the backend. The Energy starts its roll a little sooner, and has a more defined strong arch. It will handle more oil than a Gravity. The Energy will open up the backends better than the VG on lighter volumes of oil. For me, the Energy produces the most reaction through the entire lane compared to the VG and Gravity. The only problem I can see with the Energy, is if the bowler has very bad speed control. In box finish, it can be very angular in oil, but get fast with the next shot, and you may washout. Using a little surface will correct this, and you will find that it won't be as speed sensitive. I think this will be a great ball for those that are bowling on less volumes of oil, and cannot get the VG to save enough energy for the backends. Also, this ball will be a good choice for those that need that in between fit of the VG and Gravity. I generally use this core on the longer patterns, as well as house shots that are flooded in the middle of the lane. The low Rg and high diff. core allows me to stay in the oil, away from the dry outsides smoothing out that hockey stick shaped backend that comes from getting to the dry of most house shots. I will be using the pin over VE on some shorter patterns, as well as my local house conditions, as the drilling does not produce a ton of flare. The pin under VE will see a lot of use on scorpion and shark, as these are longer patterns that I want to be able to control the motion coming out of the oil since I will be using tighter angles because of the lengths of those two patterns.
In closing, the Virtual Energy is going to be a big part of my arsenal. It will be used when I need to cover some boards, or just need extra help from the ball to cut through carrydown. The VE also has great shelf appeal and just adds one more great option from Storm. Please see your local certified pro shop and ask for the Virtual Energy, and ENERGIZE your game!!!
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Tommy Gollick
Storm Regional/Pro Shop staff
Red Crown Pro Shop Harrisburg, PA
stormbowling.com
