- AstroPhysiX

First Impressions
The Storm AstroPhysiX comes in an eye-catching color scheme of cyan, indigo and charcoal. At its heart sits the asymmetric Atomic core with a 2.48 RG, a 0.053 differential and an intermediate differential of 0.017 (15 pounds), wrapped in the proven R2S Pearl Reactive coverstock. The factory surface is polished to 1500 grit and should deliver easy length along with a definite move at the breakpoint. The ball promises the characteristic combination of delayed reaction and explosive backend performance that defines Storm balls in this class.
Comparison
The AstroPhysiX is less flippy than the Storm Code Black, but still offers plenty of angle for fans of strong backend reactions. Compared to the Storm Halo Pearl it is more responsive and sits one step below it, complementing rather than competing with it. Practical experience credits it with similarities to the Storm Snap Lock through the heads and midlane, though with stronger and more continuous backend performance. On house shots, players typically start with the AstroPhysiX and move to the heavier Storm Physix once the AstroPhysiX travels too far. The ball provides roughly one to two feet more length than the Storm Halo Pearl with about three boards less overall hook, filling the gap between the Halo Pearl and the Storm IQ Tour Emerald perfectly.
On the Lanes
The AstroPhysiX works excellently on THS and medium to heavy oil patterns, particularly as a strong ball with clean midlane performance. It shines on fresh oil, since it needs the oil to work at its best and can get squirrely when conditions are too dry. As one of the most skip-flip asymmetric balls on the market, it shows strong backend motion out of the box and can almost be characterized as a skid-flip. The combination of the R2S cover and the asymmetric core makes the AstroPhysiX a versatile tool. It pairs especially well with bowlers who have a big swing and want additional backend power. You can play out around the 5 board as well as over the 4th arrow, adjusting nothing but your hand position. The ball should show its strengths when patterns break down and more length plus backend reaction are required.