- Virtual Tour Exclusive

First Impressions
Released in March 2017 exclusively for the international market, the Storm Virtual Tour Exclusive brings back one of the most popular cores in Storm's history: the Shape-Lock HD (High Density) core. This asymmetric engine was the heart of the legendary Virtual Gravity series. At 15 pounds it delivers aggressive numbers with a low 2.48 RG, a high 0.052 differential and a 0.020 intermediate differential. These figures guarantee a quick revving up and strong torque. This proven core is paired with the R3S Hybrid Reactive coverstock. This shell is a blend of solid and pearl components and comes finished at the factory with a 1500-grit polish. The ball gives off the "Sweet Sangria" fragrance and often shows up in a striking color mix (frequently blue/gold/turquoise or something similarly vibrant), which immediately marks it as a high-performance ball meant to combine length with a strong reaction at the end of the pattern.
Comparison Compared directly to the original Storm Virtual Gravity, which came with the rough R2X Solid shell, the Virtual Tour Exclusive goes considerably longer and cleaner through the heads. Where the original Virtual Gravity was an "oil monster" that dug in early, the Tour Exclusive is designed as a "transition killer." Its ball motion closely resembles that of the Storm Virtual Energy, though the R3S Hybrid shell (instead of R2X) gives it a somewhat more modern and perhaps slightly smoother reaction to friction. Compared with the contemporary Lock series (the Snap Lock, for example), the Shape-Lock HD core in the Virtual Tour Exclusive often provides a somewhat rounder but extremely continuous arc ("continuous roll"), while the RAD-X core of the Lock series tends to turn the corner a bit more sharply at the breakpoint. Against a symmetric hybrid like the Storm Hy-Road, the Virtual Tour Exclusive is in a completely different weight class: it handles considerably more oil and, thanks to its asymmetry, generates far more angle when played deep from the inside.
On the Lanes The Storm Virtual Tour Exclusive is made for medium to heavier oil conditions, especially when the lane is in transition. It is the perfect choice when pure solid balls (such as a Virtual Gravity Nano or Sure Lock) start burning up energy too early and hitting flat. The polished hybrid surface lets the ball ignore burned-up heads and store energy, while the strong asymmetric core makes sure the ball doesn't float in the backend but instead drives through the pins with authority. It is an excellent fit if you like to let the ball run ("skid-snap") but need the security of a strong core to maximize carry. It is often the first choice for moving the game inside once the outside boards dry up.