Info about me – Right handed…..PAP 5.5 over and 7/8 up, 19 mph, 500 RPM.  

Invasion – Drilled pin above my bridge with mass bias just right of my thumb and a small hole on axis.

I normally drill everything pin down, but with the more aggressive covers Storm is making, I have had to start drilling all the solid balls Storm makes pin up due to my rev rate and tilt.  I was looking forward to throwing the Invasion since I have had a lot of success with the Virtual Gravity.  

The first time I used this ball was on old beat up wood lanes.  The Invasion was just too aggressive for the house pattern that was being used.  I normally use a Reign and Second Dimension on the old beat up wood lanes.  

The next opportunity I had to use the Invasion was at the Masters in Reno.  I used it for a game and a half on the fresh in qualifying.  It gave me a little room left and right.  When I missed in it didn’t over react and when I missed right, it would still read.  I only had that look for the first game though as that pattern blew up quickly.  

What I found out at the Masters is the Invasion is exactly what Storm says it is.  For me it is more overall hook than the Virtual Gravity, but the break point is a different shape.  For me the Virtual Gravity changes direction faster than the Invasion.  That quick change of direction actually forces me deeper and makes my angles harder to control.

What impresses me about the Invasion is that is doesn’t lope like a lot of aggressive balls do.  I have to be careful about layout and surface on aggressive balls, as some in the past (Vertigo and Passion) were too strong in the midlane for me and I never could use them.  The Invasion still needs oil, but the extra length is what makes it so good.  Once it starts to hook, it doesn’t stop.

As I mentioned earlier, the Invasion has a different shape than the Virtual Gravity.  Compared to the Reign of Fire, the Invasion hooks about 4-5 more boards.  The Reign of Fire is more midlane than the Invasion as they both have the same layout.  

If you liked the Virtual Gravity (which I think everyone did), you should like the Invasion.  Remember that it is a strong ball and needs oil.  It will be great for heavier and fresh lane conditions.  If you are afraid it will read the lane too early, polish it.  I saw a lot of guys at the Masters using shiny Invasions.

Derek Eoff
Storm Staffer