Color: Blue/Red

Coverstock: Reactive Pearl

Core: 2-piece Asymmeterical

RG: 2.53

Differential: 0.058

Factory finish: Polished

Weights: 14 thru 16lbs

   The Storm X-Factor was tested with both dull and polished shells, on synthetic lanes with medium-heavy oil with fresh back ends.  The ball was drilled with the pin 5" from the axis and the RAD in the strong position. (half way between the track and v.a.l.)  There was a need for an extra hole, which was placed on the axis to bring the ball to ½ oz positive and 1/4 oz thumb.  

   We found that the X-Factor had some lope to it through the front part of the lane, picked up some revs at the break point and charged hard from there to the pocket with explosive carry.  The reaction type didn't change much as we altered the surface but rather the shape of the reaction.  The X-factor is a much more angular ball with a polished shell but will still handle oil better than most polished models.  It plays very well from inside angles and can cut through some back end oil.  The ball can be a bit too sharp breaking for some bowlers on fresh back ends but that can be helped some through layout and shell adjustments.  

   The X-Factor has a very versatile shell, dull, smooth or polished the ball preforms like a premium model, which it is.  If you are a Storm fan, we found the X to be stronger than the Shock Trauma by a couple of boards and not dissimilar from the original Trauma.  It is like the Trauma in it's angular back end but overall it is slightly more aggressive.  Being a stronger ball, there are bowlers and conditions that will make it a struggle to get to the pocket.  If you are bowling on lighter volumes of oil, shorter patterns or throw slower ball speeds you will have to be careful about this (or any) strong reacting ball.  

   If you have any questions about this or any other of our reviews, e-mail us at proshop@bowlero.com

great go to ball. this thing works on anything!
I shot 2 300's with it!
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Don Ollie sux!!!

Revised review...Ball specs..15 lbs, 3 inch pin
See profile for my info.

I got this ball to possibly fit above an Eraser and be a bit stronger medium to oily ball...hoping the RAD core, slightly stronger cover (less mica) and bigger differential would be worth the extra cash.  

My original drill was the same as my Eraser, pin over ring, CG grip center, about 4.5x4 for me.  While the carry was good when I had the right shot, I was somewhat disappointed...the ball was about the same as the Eraser, and the backend pop was not always there, as if the RAD/MB held it back instead of helping (was on the arc/track side). I ended up kind of in between as far as the balls ability...too strong on mediums once the heads start to go..a bit too weak on med to oily lanes, even dulled a little.  I had thought the ball would be real strong so I did not drill it strong, my mistake...

Trying for an oil ball, I redrilled it to roll earlier, about 3x3.5, CG out (no hole) for more side weight, RAD under thumb, pin is left of fingers (lefty).  This made it roll much earlier, big smooth arc.  The good news is it was good with a lot of oil up front and some backends...when my Eraser would go a bit long the X-Factor would usually roll sooner and finish.  But if there was any hint of carrydown, slick backs, or if the pattern was a bit longer, the ball (being pearl) would just not dig in, and would be weak, no defined move/hit.

In talking to Storm, they said for strokers with average speed and revs like me, sometimes the RAD core may not work as well.  I think you have to either have good revs or else drill it with a strong MB (PAP side of thumb) to get the most out of this ball.  Both my drillings had the MB in a weaker position (track side of thumb). Also, for oily conditions, you are better off with a particle ball or a solid.

I had a couple good sets, but the X-Factor did not fill the need I had in my bag.  Rather than redrill again, I sold it, and will stick with my Eraser for mediums...I picked up an Eraser Particle Pearl for more oil.

I got the XFactor when I was in Vegas just now have gotten around to drilling it.

Specs:
15 lb.
3" pin
3 oz. TW

Drill specs:
4 1/2 X 5 (pin over ring finger)
MB under thumb
Box finish

I drilled this Chocolate scented beauty for something to match up on long, drier patterns and later league shots.  Initally, I had going with my old faithful for length (5 1/2 X 5 1/2), but I really felt that would be too flippy even with the  earlier rolling core/cover combo.

I've had the chance to throw this on a couple of different league patterns and a Sport pattern, the drill combo definitely delivers length, that's for sure.

On our screwed up league pattern (Prodigy) I could square up and go dead up the boards with a smooth transition down the lane.  The problem was on the slicker pattern the ball would squirt with any increase in ball speed.

On the Sport pattern, the X Factor gave me the backends to kick in a open up a little swing down the lane.  However, once the carrydown kicked in, it got bagged quick, not enough surface.

On the drier shots, this baby really shined.  Great through the heads and big hook down the lane.  No matter how much I moved in (6th arrow), I got all the recovery my release would allow.  The reaction was always the same, big, but not hockey stick.

I would really have to recommend this ball on any medium to medium-dry condition.  The X Factor has one of the best cover/core combos I've ever seen.  The core is just about too much on the Deuce, but the Mystic Pearl is just about perfect for this big motor.

I can see how the X Factor has become one of Storm's all-time sellers.  The ball picks up the lane just a bit earlier than other comparable pearls, but still clears the heads great.

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Mongo the UnLefty

I don't bowl like other leftys

Specs
#15.5
Top: 3.64
Pin: 2.5-3

Style
RH,Stroker
Avg revs
MHP-15-17

All I have to say for this ball is wow I have had this ball for about a bit over 2 months and this ball is great. I have never had a ball save so much energy on the back end I was throwing it and once I missed my mark by about 5+ boards and it came back hard. I have mine set up with pin over right finger grip and cg kicked out a bit like my EPP but to snap more and RAD right next to my thumb. This ball gets out and just comes back hard one of the hardest hitting balls that I have ever own and it is great for any one to have and it has a great smell. Great length and backend into one ball. Great 10+ out of 10. Great job storm way to go.
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Mike

Not sure what to drill, drill a Storm there is no better.

I picked this ball up, a few weeks ago and been throwing ever since.  I find that the skid snap reaction i great for my house shot.  This would be one of the better balls for a beginner and a ball for everyone.  This is one of the better balls Storm has created (Not a storm bowler) i rate it a 10.

This review is on one of the best bowling balls ever made. Like I said in my last review I'm only 14. This ball is 16 lbs drilled stacked and has 3-4 pin and 3.46 top weight. This is a great all around ball. This ball has good length and a very good snap to the pocket. This ball is my average ball, meaning that i always bowl my average or better. My highest game with this ball is 245. There is no flaws with this ball. If you miss your mark it will find a way to recover. So I give this ball a 100000005555555 out of 10. This is one of the greatest creations by Storm. Keep up the X-Factor line.