Layout: 4.5 x 30 (4.5 x 3 x 1.5)
Surface: 2000 abralon

The new Storm Fate brings the new F-8 core with the REX Pearl coverstock.  This combination brings a new look to the Storm Products family with a 2.52 rg and 0.053 differential in a symmetrical ball.  I was able to test the Fate on my typical 44ft house pattern as well as 40ft challenge pattern. 

House pattern test:
My first few shots out of the box with the original reacta gloss finish gave me a lot of length and fairly angular backend.  Due to my higher speed, I found that the factory finish did not allow the ball to read soon enough on the lane to get the reaction I was searching for.  My Phaze 5 is more of my cleaner and angular go to ball for games 2-3 of league.  I decided to change the surface to a 2000 abralon to get an earlier hooking reaction with a more continuous backend.  This shape would put the Fate as a step down from the infinite physix and a step up from the Phaze 5.  I was able to get the ideal ball reaction at this surface.  It's a cleaner infinite physix with a more continuous shape and it did not disappoint for me.  The ball really came around and read the midlane fairly well and still gave me the right shape to strike on the fresh.  The cleanliness of the cover actually allowed me to stay in the ball for all 3 games of league whole moving in and still seeing really good shape through the pins.  It's definitely one of those cleaner balls for me I can use either on the fresh or during the breakdown.  It's a ball that will stay in my bag for a while.  The strength of the rex cover can handle more oil with removal of the reacta gloss.  I recommend this for anyone who's ball creates too much length or for lower rev rates.

Challenge pattern review;
The fate on this pattern was a little touchy on the fresh due to the higher volume of the pattern.  Even at the 2000 surface, it was a little hard to control on the flatter pattern.  Once the lanes broke down for two games, I was able to use the fate with ease.  I was able to move left with my feet, open my angles and create a lot of good down lane motion.  For these type of patterns, the fate will be a better transition ball then a fresh ball.  Bringing the surface to a lower grit can help to use this earlier on the heavier oil patterns.

Adam Chase
Storm Staff

Fate • Storm •Signature Series
Core • F-8 Core
Coverstock • ReX Pearl Reactive Finish • Reacta Gloss
Weight • 15 lbs. RG • 2.52 Differential • .053
Layout • 4 x 41/4 x 13/4
Tester PAP • 5” R, 5/8” D Tester Axis Tilt • 11° Testers Rev Rate • 325
Test Pattern • 42’ T.H.S. (Typical House Shot) • Modified, Kegel Stone Street

The Fate is another excellent release in the Storm Signature Series. And with its combination of the new F-8 symmetrical Core and the proven ReX Pearl Coverstock, the Fate delivered some very satisfying results on a THS for this straighter, high-speed/low-rev player. So, let's take a closer look and see why Fate belongs in your arsenal!

When I first rolled the Fate, I was pleasantly caught off guard by the crisp yet balanced motion I saw from the F-8 symmetrical Core. First, I liked how the F-8 Core gradually builds momentum through the mid-lane and stores plenty of inertia as it heads toward the pins. And as the F-8 Core "stands up" and makes its move to the pocket, I like how the F-8 is decisive in its motion but also has a welcomed forgiveness that I didn't expect to see. And as I got more dialed in with the Fate, I could count on the F-8 Core to provide a clear margin of era that increased my strike percentage! Further, as it unleashed its stored inertia, I liked how the F-8 Core strikes with a brisk and powerful impact yet leaves enough energy for a strong continuation through the pins. And lastly, as a straighter, high-speed/low-rev player, I found the F-8 Core to be an excellent balance of torque and power that is reliable for my style.

The ReX Pearl coverstock is an excellent choice for the Fate. However, the Reacta Gloss finish needed tweaking for my speed and rev rate. Surface is a straighter bowler's best friend, and on a THS, the surface can be the difference between striking or leaving you with ten-pin nightmares. So, I sanded the ReX Pearl with 1000-grit Abralon and followed it up with Storm's Step #3 (1500-2500) compound, and the results were outstanding! On a fresh THS, the Rex Pearl cut cleanly through the front part of the lane and had a crisp, biting motion through the mid-lane. And as the Fate made its way off the pattern, I liked that the ReX Pearl was decisive without overreacting off the exit. And as the night progressed, I enjoyed how the ReX Pearl kept its consistent motion without becoming jumpy or erratic through the spotty conditions. So, overall, I found that the Rex Pearl coverstock performed brilliantly on fresh and burned THS conditions. And with the proper surface adjustment, it produced some quite effective results.

So, in conclusion, the Fate is a superb release in the Storm Signature series. And for any straighter, down-and-in player, the Fate is an excellent choice to complement your game. Furthermore, I highly suggest the Fate as your "go-to" when strong asymmetrical balls like the Storm Infinite Physix's become too much ball for the conditions. So, stop in your local Storm VIP Pro Shop and have the Fate ready for tonight's league! Your scores will thank you!

   
Rick Klimowicz
Storm Products Pro Shop Staff
Roll the Ball Pro Shop
Penndel, PA