Storm Ion MAX
Core: Element™ Max A.I. Core
Cover stock: NRG™ Solid Reactive
Out of Box condition: 2000-grit Abralon®
Layout: 6 ½ x 4 x 3
Conditions of play: Pro-Lane panels with Terrian oil used with a typical house pattern
Using on fresh conditions, the Ion Max needed to be used inside of my normal track area to be productive, if I got the ball outside of the last tracer board, the ball would still get the pocket with a good entry, but I would leave a 10 pin constantly, being left-handed, I did not expect this. In 30 clean shots using this area of the lane, I left several 10 pins. Once I got back into heavier part of the lane conditioner, the ball slowed down more and you can see the difference down lane, where the roll looks better and once that happened, no “blower” 10 pins where left. Watching my playback videos, I noticed the 6-pin would wrap around the 10-pin high up. Opening my angles also helped the carry percentage went up, projecting the ball to go across the pattern more really helped the overall reaction. The straighter I played, the less I carried the 10-pin. After 60 quality shots and the Ion Max gain lane shine, the ball just kept on getting better and better. The flare on the Ion Max is much wider than my Ion Pro. I can really see the difference in shot shapes with both balls. I can see why several players I have spoken with have BOTH Ion balls in their bags. I thought it would be one or the other, BUT, which such a BIG difference in performance in all aspects of the 3 stages of the ball motion, I now understand why they have both. If you want to take your game to the MAX, Ion MAX will be the perfect BIG piece you are looking for.
Thanks to ABC North for the time on the lanes, Earl Burger at ABC North Lanes for his expertise and guidance, to the pro shop staff at Bowlers’ Supply, Bret and Shorty, for all their help and assistance, SPI and the staff members Travis Celmer, Roto-Schlem, and Mike Sinek for their trust in me to do what I do. Also, to Vise Inserts and Coolwick for always having my back and providing me with top notch products.
Check with your local pro shops to see when the next Storm Matchmaker will be in your area. The Ion Pro and Ion Max are BOTH in the demo set and give them a try.
