Layout: 5 x 3 x 2-1/2
Surface: Power Edge
Rev Rate: 470
Tilt: 13 degrees
This is the pearl Phaze you have been waiting for! This is that compliment to the Phaze 2 that you need! This ball is the real deal, and I will tell you why. The new Phaze AI brings back the Velocity core but with AI technology and it's paired with the TX-16 Pearl Coverstock (Finally) finished with the new Power Edge polish! The AI technology lowers the RG a point and raises the differential a point to give a slightly earlier and stronger downlane motion then if it did not have AI Technology. Not only does this ball read the midlane as strong as the Phaze 2, but it gives that angular pop down lane that most of the pearl Phaze balls have been missing. This Phaze AI gives me the old Storm "Angular" ball motion that some of the more recent pearl balls have been missing.
On my 44ft Typical House shot, I saw exactly what I expected out of it. Clean through the front, strong midlane roll and pretty fast off the breakpoint. This reaction is great but more ideal for the transition to burn phase of the pattern. On the fresh, it wanted to be a little too angular down lane and was harder to control as you would expect. Shots that missed in, hooked more and those that missed right, recovered, but didn't quite carry as well. The better I threw this ball, the better it certainly looked. Compared to the Phaze 2, I saw about 2 more feet of overall length and much more angle down lane. As the pattern developed and broke down, this Phaze AI got better and better the more I moved my feet to the inside part of the lane. There was no fear that this ball wouldn't recover enough down lane or when I missed into the oil. When I see this type of ball reaction, my eyes widen and I am able to relax and make great shots because I know the ball will do the right thing. If you are on a typical house pattern that hooks a little more in the front part of the lane, this could be your choice. If you love the Phaze 2 and want a cleaner more angular version, this ball is definitely your choice. If you love the way Storm Pearl balls used to be, then pick this up! I have a lot of great things to say about this ball. It made my league arsenal immediately and hasn't disappointed me.
On sport patterns, the Power Edge finish makes the ball a little inconsistent. The strong down lane motion can make it a little more difficult to control depending on the condition. Scratching the surface with a 1000 or 2000 abralon pad to cut the shine will help the control of this ball and make this more usable when the conditions are tough. Bringing the surface down to the same as the Phaze 2, will give the AI a reaction much closer to the Phaze 2 while still being cleaner through the front. The AI will have no problem opening the lane up if that's the desired reaction. Drilling this ball pin down will give a smoother motion and slightly more control.
The Phaze AI will give that down lane reaction that Storm fans have not seen in some time. Designed for medium il conditions, it will fit most bowler styles. I recommend this ball to anyone who like to see length and backend shape or just want a compliment to the Phaze 2.
Adam Chase
Storm Staff
