- Intense Focus

First Impressions
The Storm Intense Focus was introduced in December 2017 as an international special edition (overseas release), adding a specific variant of the original Intense to the Premier line. Visually, the ball comes in a striking mix of black, white and orange, combined with the scent of Cranberry Marmalade. At its heart sits the asymmetric RAD-E core, with the E standing for Energy. This design uses elongated ellipses near the pin to increase mass separation and the potential for energy storage. The specs on a 15-pound ball show a low 2.49 RG, a high 0.050 differential and an intermediate differential of 0.017. The coverstock is the proven R2S Pearl Reactive, which ships with a 1500-grit polished finish. This combination promises a controlled skid phase through the heads along with high dynamics in the back part of the lane.
Comparison Compared directly to the standard Storm Intense, which is fitted with the R3S Pearl cover, the Storm Intense Focus offers a noticeably later reaction and a more defined breakpoint thanks to its R2S Pearl cover. Where the regular Intense already reads the midlane more strongly and starts its transition somewhat earlier, the Intense Focus glides more cleanly through the heads and creates an entry angle into the pocket that is roughly six percent steeper. Compared to the Storm Code Black, which uses the RAD4 core, the Intense Focus shows a slightly rollier and more continuous motion due to the RAD-E core, without losing aggressiveness in the backend. In contrast to the Roto Grip No Rules Pearl, the motion of the Intense Focus feels less like an abrupt hook (hockey stick) and more like a very powerful, hard arc, which should make it easier to control the breakpoint on different patterns.
On the Lanes The Storm Intense Focus was developed specifically for scenarios that call for maximum backend reaction and a steep angle. It is ideal for medium oil conditions where the heads are already slightly broken down but there is still enough friction available in the backend. Through the combination of a strong asymmetric core and a fairly clean pearl surface, the ball should retain the energy needed to guarantee excellent carry even at wider angles. If you throw the ball at higher speed or have moderate rev rates, you'll benefit from the RAD-E core's ability to start late and still flare massively. In practice, the ball proves to be a valuable tool when the lane transition forces you to move your game further left (for right-handers), since it reaches the pocket with high hitting power even from deep angles.