LOL, I love this post!
First of all, I was trying to get you Storm groupies "Fired Up" (pun definitely intended).
Part of my problem is that I have changed my hand positions and grips... I need to have my balls re-fitted for span and thumb positions/pitch. This will solve some of my problems, but some of the problems I'm experiencing are definitely inherent in the ball.
By the way, I throw the ball quite well, thank you. I will blame almost everything on user error, but my Triple Xtreme is a PIECE OF POO! Vertigo sucks as well. I had an X-Factor (original) when I first started bowling seriously, and I loved it, but it was 14# and I moved up to 15, so I sold it. My Screamin' Banshee is a very nice ball as well. Versatile as hell.
But you have to admit, it's a bit ridiculous how many X-Factors have been realeased by Storm here recently... They took something GREAT and beat it down like a dead horse.
Trifecta is a superb ball and the only one they've gotten right since the original. Ace is awful. Vertigo is terribla. Triple X and Triple Xtreme are both duds. Reloaded is OKAY, but nothing like it's predecesor... Same for Deuce. Fired Up seems to be really nice from what I've seen although I've never thrown one. Diablo is getting good reviews, but locally I've seen and heard mixed things. Drill sensitive I suppose. I like the Screamin' the most.
Overall, Storm just doesn't seem to match up well with me for some reason. I started here because my local pro-shop owner is sponsored by Storm and pushes their equpment at nice deals. The "Master Line" leaves something to be desired. A waste of money, as are most of the "upper class" balls in most brands. The real money with Storm is in the Fire and the Eraser Lines. I will be holding on to my Screamin' Banshee, although I will be re-drilling the thumb and see what that does. I may be selling it, so let me know if you're interested... But My Xtreme is getting the boot. If you want one, I've got one.
Also, I didn't just pick the Columbia Complete Chaos up and come to this sudden realization. I got it back in July and have thrown it MANY times. Had the thumb adjusted a couple times and that ball is ridiculous. Amazing. Phenominal. I've thrown a couple of other Colubia balls with GREAT results. I think I may match up to their balls better for some reason, whether it be the core or the stock. Maybe it's mental, who knows?? LOL. All I know is that Columbia works for me. I have many other brands to experiment with in the future, but Storm, for me, for now, is done.
Oh, and sbla... I'm not looking for 300's and 800's... I'm looking for a ball that doesn't die after 20 games. A ball that doesn't have to be re-released under a new (but somehow strikingly similar) name every 2 weeks because they know they are producing duds. I'm looking for a ball that will LAST. The Complete Chaos is 3 years old with hundreds of games on it and it out-hooks, out-powers, out-carries, and is simply more versatile than any of the Storm balls I've thrown. I'm simply looking to have fun, not to be perfect. I just refuse to let half-rate equipment hold me back.
Columbia has stood the test of time for a reason. Storm is still a baby and I'm sure they will find their place... just like me.
Later!
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"Man, I HATE this ball. It always hits like a WET TURD."
"Ah, must be one of the 10,000 different X-Factors that Storm released last month."