- Wild Bite Extreme

First Impressions
Released in October 2016 as an international release, the Storm Wild Bite Extreme brings a fascinating combination of proven power and controllable surface to the lane. Inside works the extremely strong G2 Core, an asymmetric weight block that delivers massive flare potential with a low 2.47 RG and a very high 0.058 differential (at 15 lbs). This aggressive engine, however, is tamed by the NRG Smooth Pearl Reactive coverstock. Unlike many typical pearl balls that come highly polished, the Wild Bite Extreme is shipped with a factory 2000-grit Abralon finish. This gives the pearl shell a matte texture that slides through the heads more easily than a pure solid, yet still develops enough traction not to skid over the oil. The result is a ball that makes use of the G2 core's strong torque without reacting in an uncontrollable, twitchy way at the breakpoint.
Comparison
Comparing it to the Storm Code Black, released at roughly the same time, the difference in philosophy becomes clear. While the Code Black, with its polished R2S Pearl surface and RAD4 core, was designed for maximum length and a whip-like hook off the backend, the Wild Bite Extreme works considerably earlier and rounder. It reads the midlane more strongly than the Code Black and creates a heavy, continuous arc instead of an abrupt change of direction. Compared to the Storm Phaze II (solid), the Wild Bite Extreme shows a bit more length through the heads thanks to the pearl base, but because of the stronger asymmetric core (G2 vs. Velocity) it converts that into a more aggressive motion in the oil as soon as it finds friction. That places it right between the typical skid-flip balls and the pure snowplow solids.
On the Lanes
The Storm Wild Bite Extreme shines above all on medium to heavy oil conditions where control through the transition is required. Thanks to the 2000 finish and the NRG Smooth technology, it is less prone to over/under reactions than shiny balls. It works excellently as the first ball out of the bag on fresh sport patterns or heavy house patterns, where you need the authority of an asymmetric core but want to avoid too early a reaction in the heads. If you throw the ball at higher speed, you'll appreciate the traction of the surface to get the ball rolling in time, while if you have a lot of rotation you'll benefit from the controlled way the ball transports energy through the pin deck (carry) without jumping unpredictably.