Layout: 4 x 4 x 2
Surface: Power Edge
Rev Rate: 470 RPM
Rotation: 60*
Tilt: 13*

The Equinox is a brand-new Core and coverstock combination never before seen on the market that is designed especially for house patterns and 39-44ft length patterns.  The brand-new Solarian AI brings in three cylindrical shapes to enhance drilling versatility and a lower RG.  The new A1S coverstock is a new pearl technology including cohesion additives to help with a bigger footprint as well as a down lane reaction which is also finished with Power Edge Polish.  I was able to test the Equinox on a typical 44ft house pattern and a 40ft sport pattern.

On the house pattern, I saw a lot of angularity out of the Equinox.  The medium strength A1S coverstock gave me a lot of length down lane and ample down lane motion.  Since the coverstock was so clean, I was not able to have much success on the fresh conditions.  As the lanes transitioned, and I had to move my feet more left, I saw this ball start to come alive.  The skid flip motion didn't disappoint in the first transition phase.  Compared to the Physix Blackout, I saw a lot more length and a more angular backend.  These two balls could certainly be in the same bag as they aren't relatively close to one another in terms of ball reaction.   I would recommend the Equinox to a bowler bowling patterns closer to 40ft then 44ft as the length the ball creates could be a little challenging to shape correctly.  Those who bowl on more warn lane surfaces will also get a lot of use out of the Equinox more in general.  It can also be a ball down off a stronger asymmetrical ball such as the Physix Blackout or Ion Max.

On the 40ft sport pattern, I saw a lot of the same characteristics.  Due to the extra oil volume, the Equinox was not great on the fresh.  I saw too much length and flip that was not ideal on the conditions.  Again, as the lanes transitioned off a stronger and earlier ball motion, the Equinox showed up much more.  I still had to make sure I rolled the ball well to get the ball to slow down in the right spot, but it gave a me a significant better ball reaction.  I was able to get to the pocket fairly consistently in during transition.  Towards the end of the session, I changed the surface to a fresh 3000 and it gave me ample more overall hook on the ball.  It gave me about more 4 boards to be exact and allowed me to move deeper on the lane while giving me better overall motion. 

I think the Equinox can give a fairly expected ball reaction on medium length conditions, both on house and sport conditions.  I recommend this ball for the bowler who likes skid flip asymmetrical balls in general.  The Equinox gives that traditional Storm Skid Flip look that they are known for and I believe it can work for many styles.  I think that Storm has definitely narrowed this ball to be best used in that 39-44ft range of patterns.  I think heavier and longer patterns would need more surface on the ball to be most effective.  This ball would certainly work best as a ball down from a stronger ball used for the fresh.  The Equinox for me would be the 2nd or 3rd ball out of the bag based on my style. 

Adam Chase
Storm Staff