- PhysiX Inspire

First Impressions
The Storm PhysiX Inspire presents itself as a distinctive addition to the popular PhysiX series, combining proven core technology with an advanced cover formulation. Visually, the ball stands out with a rich "Deep Red Wine" coloration that gives it a classy, aggressive look on the lane. Inside works the legendary Atomic™ Core, an asymmetric core that already brought success to earlier models such as the original PhysiX and the AstroPhysiX. This core is defined by a low RG (2.48 at 15 lbs) and a high differential (0.053), which produces early revving and massive flare potential. The technical heart of the shell is the NRG-2™ Pearl Reactive coverstock. This further development of the nanotechnology surface ships with a factory 1500-grit polished finish. Unlike classic pearl covers, which often tend to "float" on the film of oil, the nano additives in the NRG-2 cover create a microscopic texture that gives the ball more traction without sacrificing length through the heads (the front part of the lane). The package is rounded out by a fruity scent (typically Blood Orange / Orange Glaze), a Storm trademark.
Comparison
The PhysiX Inspire is placed most precisely in the context of Storm's "Premier Line." In direct comparison to the Storm AstroPhysiX, which used the R2S Pearl cover, the PhysiX Inspire reads the lane somewhat earlier. The NRG-2 surface generates more traction in the oil (midlane read) than the R2S version, which makes the Inspire more stable when you have to get through a bit more oil in the pocket. It is considered the "shinier" complement to the Storm Infinite PhysiX (ReX Pearl cover), with the Inspire tending to offer somewhat more length and a sharper reaction at the breakpoint thanks to its 1500-grit polished finish. Against current balls from other manufacturers, the PhysiX Inspire can be compared to the Roto Grip Attention Star, though the Inspire is often described as somewhat "rounder" and more continuous in the final phase of its motion because of the Atomic core, while the Attention Star reacts more angularly at times. In summary, the Inspire works harder in the oil than pure "skid-flip" balls, but offers noticeably more backend motion than solid balls such as the Storm Proton PhysiX.
On the Lanes
The Storm PhysiX Inspire is designed for conditions with medium to high oil volume where a certain amount of transition (change in the oil pattern) has already taken place. It is the ideal choice when asymmetric solid balls (like the Proton PhysiX or 900 Global's Harsh Reality) lose energy too early and start to burn up, but symmetric balls don't yet generate enough entry angle. You'll benefit from the NRG-2 pearl cover especially when you have to open up the lane. The ball skids cleanly through the broken-down heads, but finds enough hold in the midlane not to slide past the breakpoint ("blow-out"). That makes it an excellent weapon for league bowlers in the second and third game, as well as for tournament players on sport patterns when the outside boards dry up and you're forced to play deeper angles across the boards. Thanks to the strong asymmetric core, the ball retains enough energy for effective pin carry even at steeper entry angles into the pocket.