- Virtual Energy Blackout

First Impressions
The Storm Virtual Energy Blackout marks the return of the legendary Shape-Lock HD core, which already caused a sensation in the famous Virtual Gravity series, this time in an all-black "Blackout" design. Technically, this ball pairs the proven asymmetric core with the modern ReX Pearl Reactive coverstock (ReX stands for "Reactor Extreme"). With a 2.48 RG (at 15 lbs), the core is one of the very fast-revving designs, which encourages early rotation. The high 0.052 differential combined with a 0.020 intermediate differential should deliver strong flare potential. Out of the box, the ball comes with the Reacta Gloss finish, giving it a mirror-smooth shine. This combination of low RG and polished pearl surface aims to store energy in the heads and release it at the end of the pattern with a drastic change of direction. Visually, the ball shows up in a monochrome black that underscores the aggressive nature of the ball reaction, accompanied by the characteristic "Orange Pop" scent.
Comparison
Compared directly within the Storm lineup, the Virtual Energy Blackout slots in as the more aggressive and more angular option next to the Storm Infinite PhysiX, even though both use the ReX Pearl coverstock. While the Infinite PhysiX plays a bit rounder thanks to the Atomic Core, the Shape-Lock HD core of the Blackout creates a more defined skid-flip reaction. Against the Storm Dark Code, the Blackout shows similar angularity off the backend, but should read a little earlier due to its lower RG without giving up length. Compared to products from other manufacturers, such as the Exotic Gem from Roto Grip, the Virtual Energy Blackout travels cleaner through the heads and responds more quickly to friction, while the Exotic Gem is designed more for earlier roll on even oilier lanes. The Blackout therefore works as an ideal complement when balls like the Roto Grip Gem or the Storm DNA start losing energy too early.
On the Lanes
The ideal use case for the Virtual Energy Blackout is on medium to heavy oil conditions, especially once transition has set in. Thanks to the Reacta Gloss finish, the ball glides effortlessly through the heads and largely ignores the first several feet of the lane. It shows its strength as soon as it hits friction: that's where it generates an explosive hook, which is necessary to create steep entry angles into the pocket. If you play deeper lines and have to cross a lot of boards, you should benefit from the ball's ability to make the corner "round" and still hold enough energy for carry. It is less suited to extremely fresh, long oil patterns where a dull surface is needed to create traction. Instead, it shines when the lane starts to break down and you have to keep moving left to create more room.