The Lucid uses the M.A.D. (Maximum Accelerating Disc) core, the same core used in the Vivid.

The new ERGâ„¢ coverstock utilizes similar technology from the NRGâ„¢ coverstock (used in the Virtual Gravity Nano and Virtual Gravity Nano Pearl) but without the Nano additive. Evolution Reactive Genesis, ERG for short, is closer to a pure reactive which creates a later break point, putting more emphasis on the backend.

Storm also states that bowler's will see up to a 10% increase in entry angle from the new cover.

When I first read about the Lucid I was immediately excited to see what the ball would do and if it would live up to the hype. As a medium rev player (~370 RPM) I can always use a ball or two in my bag that will help me create more entry angle from deeper on the lane.

After spending a couple of weeks rolling the Lucid I’m definitely of the opinion that it’s worth all the hype and then some.

Out of the box the cover is matte finish 4000 abralon which provides great midlane control while maintaining the down lane reaction and hitting power. Adding polish allows the ball to glide through beat up heads with increased entry angle without becoming “squirty”. The surface prior to polishing will be an important factor in matching the ball to your game or desired reaction.

I liked the strong roll of the Vivid but the smooth backend reaction made it difficult for me to throw it on anything but fresh backends. The Lucid retains the strong roll the Vivid had but with much more down lane reaction.

Watch the Lucid compared to the Vivid at the 2:30 mark of this video. The ball hits the lane 2 boards left of the Vivid and comes back to flush the pocket from 3-4 boards farther right at the breakpoint. Same layout on both balls, the ERG cover makes all the difference here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_BpJ5JU8fk&feature=plcp

My Lucid layout is 60 degrees by 4 7/8 inches (pin to PAP) by 2 inches (pin buffer)

The Lucid is a ball that will clearly make a difference in your arsenal, it’s that good and that different.

How is that any different from any of the other reviews on the site?  I think you would be hard pressed to find many negative reviews at all.  I'm guilty as well (except for a couple Ebonites and a Track Kinetic review from many years back).  Truth is that most balls roll pretty well.

I think the videos do a nice job, showing surface and comparison with the balls "big brother".

This review is going to be kind of biased, he's a staffer, its his job.  I like that he did a video..and isn't like all the hammer staffers...recommending a deep purple for almost everything LOL.  His video is awesome because he's human....most videos show extremely above average speed, revs, and hook...

@luv2c10falll - I agree, I would like to do the ball videos on a sport/named pattern as well but the reality is that these patterns are not readily available at centers to practice on or shoot a video on necessarily. I feel fortunate that I can pick up the ball and head out to a fresh pair of lanes even if it's dressed with their house shot. The shot I bowled on was 40' or 41' with a fairly high volume of oil. I don't know the exact specs of the shot though. Also, the layouts that might work for me on a given pattern may not work for you, the important part of the video is to show how the next piece in the line reacts relative to the new piece no matter the lane condition. What I mean is that from the video you can see that the Lucid is more angular than the Vivid while still handling the oil.

@jrs813 - I don't have a Nano Pearl to test it against at the moment but do have a new one on order that I plan to drill the same as the Lucid in the video. I will report back once I have the new Nano Pearl drilled and compare. The Storm website has the Nano Pearl traced along the same line on heavy oil as the Lucid is on medium oil.

@jrs813 - I finally got my replacement Nano Pearl and drilled. The Lucid is definitely stronger in the midlane. I would say the Nano Pearl is slightly sharper in the back but not much. The major advantage with the Lucid that I see is the surface is adjustable if you don't polish it, making it more versatile. You get the midlane read and backend angle and the ability to adjust to the volume of oil on the lane on a given day. The Lucid has been a great tournament ball for me.