- Nova

First Impressions
The Storm Nova is a visually striking high-performance ball from the Premier Line that grabs attention immediately with its color combination of Hot Pink, Lime and Jet Black. Technically, it marks the introduction of the asymmetric Ignition core, which with a low 2.49 RG and a 0.052 differential (at 15 lbs) delivers quick revving and strong flare potential. Storm pairs this powerful engine with the proven R2X Hybrid Reactive coverstock. This blend of solid and pearl components, sanded to 3000-grit Abralon at the factory, gives the ball impressive traction in oil without burning up energy too early. The "Cherry Apple Slush" scent is a classic Storm trademark. On the lane, the Nova shows itself to be a powerhouse that reads early but maintains a surprisingly continuous motion through the pins instead of stopping right after the breakpoint. Comparison Compared directly to the absolute "heavy oil monster" Storm Proton Physix, the Nova is somewhat more versatile. Where the Proton Physix digs in even earlier and shows a very slow, controlled motion, the Nova gets through the heads cleaner and offers more definition at the breakpoint. Performance-wise it sits right between the extremely early solid balls (like the Proton Physix or Roto Grip Gem) and the cleaner asymmetric pearl balls such as the Storm Dark Code. Against the Roto Grip RST X-1, also a hybrid asymmetric, the Nova often looks a touch rounder and more continuous in its overall motion. It is the logical choice when the Proton Physix rolls too early and loses energy (burns up), but a symmetric ball can't yet generate enough angle off the corner or hook in the oil. On the Lanes The Storm Nova is predestined to be the first ball out of the bag on fresh, oily lanes. Thanks to the 3000 finish and the strong core, it offers plenty of safety on slick surfaces and blends out wet/dry transitions from oil to dry very well. It is especially effective if you play heavy oil patterns but still want to see some backend motion, which pure solid balls often lack. Once the transition sets in and the heads dry up, the Nova can start losing energy too early because of its strong surface; at that point a switch to polished balls would be advisable. Thanks to the R2X hybrid blend, though, the surface also responds very well to adjustments: polished, it becomes a dangerous weapon for later games in the series when you need to open up the angle but still want the carry of a big asymmetric core.