The Omega Crux is the latest edition in the Crux series. It has the GI-20 Pearl overstock and features the same core that was in one of last year’s high performance releases, the Crux Prime. I drilled my Omega 75 x 5 x 40. Out of the box you will notice something is different about this ball. It has a sanded pearl finish. Usually Pearl balls come out of the box with with factory shine or a high surface finish such as 4000 grit. I personally am a fan of the sanded finish. When I get a shiny ball, the first thing I do is take a pad to it. I do this for a few reasons, first is the fact that polish fills the pours of the overstock which hinder reaction. Secondly, shine typically doesn’t give consistent ball motion. Im looking for my ball to pick up in the fronts or midlane, the pattern dictates how soon the ball needs to read, and continue through the pins. I think when you use more surface it allows you to see that midland shape better. I am quite impressed with this ball. I’ll be honest, the Crux Prime was not my favorite ball nor have any of the past Crux’s been for that matter. I used it on some heavy lane conditions where it rolled well, but average bowlers generally don’t see the kind of volume that the Prime requires. I also bowl in centers with lots of friction, so I never found myself throwing it much. With that being said, I was quite skeptical about the Omega. Out of the 30ish shots I threw with it, I only missed a handful of times. It really surprised me how well this ball went through the pins. I think it was due to the surface/cover combo. The surface was really conducive to blending the wet/dry of the house pattern. Sometimes with shiny pearls, they tend to underperform in the puddle of the house condition. With the surface and the big catalyst core, the Omega picks up easily in the oil and slaps the 10 out. I think a variety of players will enjoy this ball. Lowrys rev players who are looking for mega shape, but can’t get the Prime through the fronts will love this piece. I also believe high speed player will like this too. The Omega Crux will continue through the pins when the Prime doesn’t quite hit right. Higher rev players should be cautious about drilling any asymmetrical ball and the Omega is not excluded. The best knowledge comes from PSO’s. So if you’re interested in any new Storm/Roto Grip ball, you should talk to them.
It goes without saying that the Omega Crux is cleaner and shapes harder downlane than a Crux Prime. However, the Omega Crux doesn’t give up that lopey slow roll that is associated with the core. I compared the Omega to a Gravity Evolve, Halo Vision and a Halo Pearl. Compared to the Evolve, the Omega was about the same overall strength but produced more shape downlane. Compared to the Vision the Omega was abut 3-4 boards stronger and the Omega was much stronger downlane. Finally, compared to the Halo Pearl, because the Omega comes out of the box with surface, its about 3-4 boards stronger as well.
