- Big Gate

First Impressions
The Storm Big Gate was released in November 2017 as a powerful addition to the Gate series for the international market. Visually, the ball stands out with its striking color combination of lime, white and black, complemented by the intense scent of orange sorbet. Technically, this model is based on the asymmetric Ignition core, which was developed specifically for maximum energy release and flare potential. In a 15-pound ball, this core delivers a low RG of 2.49, a high differential of 0.052 and a mass bias differential of 0.019. The cover is the R3S Solid Reactive shell, dulled at the factory to a 2000-grit Abralon finish. This combination aims to ensure early engagement with the lane even on high oil volume.
Comparison Within the series, the Storm Big Gate is the aggressive counterpart to the original Storm Gate. While the original Gate, with its R3X Pearl surface, provides more length and a sharper change of direction in the backend, the Big Gate reads the lane considerably earlier. Compared to the Storm Phaze II, the Big Gate offers stronger overall motion and a higher degree of flare thanks to its asymmetric Ignition core, which makes it superior on heavy oil. Compared to the Storm Physix, the Big Gate shows a similarly strong midlane presence, but appears somewhat more continuous and less jumpy in the final phase of the lane. Unlike the Storm Sure Lock, which is known for its extremely early reaction, the Big Gate saves a bit more energy for the backend, making it more versatile when the heads are still holding up.
On the Lanes The Storm Big Gate is a classic heavy-oil ball that plays to its strengths on freshly oiled lanes and long oil patterns. It should make sure that you don't lose contact with the lane surface even at high oil volume. Thanks to the dull finish of the R3S Solid shell and the dynamics of the asymmetric core, the ball creates a powerful, controlled arc that virtually cuts through heavy oil. That makes it ideal if you throw the ball at higher speed or with a lower rev rate and need help creating hook. In practice, the ball shows excellent carry, since the Ignition core stabilizes the rotation all the way into the pocket. Once the lanes begin to dry up (transition), however, you should switch to a model with a polished surface, otherwise the Big Gate may react too early and lose punch.