- Drive

First Impressions
The Storm Drive was released in February 2018 (and through 2019 was one of the dominant balls in the line) as the second model in Jason Belmonte's exclusive signature series. It is the direct successor to the Timeless and comes in a striking color combination of Navy, Red and White. Inside, the Drive uses the innovative Dual-Drive core system – a unique "core within a core" design developed specifically to maximize energy transfer. In the 15-pound version, this symmetric core carries a 2.57 RG and a high 0.050 differential. Wrapping this powerhouse is the R2S Solid Reactive coverstock, dulled at the factory to a 3000 grit Abralon finish. This ball has the characteristic "Berry Blast" scent, and its matte surface already signals that it is built for more traction than its predecessor.
Comparison Compared to the original Storm Timeless, the Drive's solid cover and matte finish give it a considerably earlier reaction and a noticeably more stable read of the lane. Where the Timeless was known for its extremely long skid phase and its at times unpredictable backend snap, the Drive smooths out the entire ball motion and offers more security in the midlane. Set against the Storm Phaze II, the Drive gets a bit more length in the heads due to the higher RG of the Dual-Drive core, but reads the midlane about as strongly. Compared to the Storm IQ Tour Solid, the Drive offers massively more overall hook and hitting power; where the IQ Tour is about control, the Drive aims at maximum board coverage. Against the Storm Timeless Tour (hybrid), the Drive provides distinctly more resistance to the oil film, which makes it the better choice for starting out on fresh patterns, while the Tour is better suited to the transition.
On the Lanes The ideal application for the Storm Drive is on medium to heavy oil conditions. Thanks to the 3000 finish and the R2S Solid cover, the ball offers excellent traction, which especially helps if you throw the ball fast and need to get it into the hook phase in time. It is an outstanding benchmark ball for an asymmetric-feeling game even though it is technically symmetric, since the Dual-Drive design produces a very dynamic energy release. For two-handers (like Jason Belmonte himself) or rev-dominant players, the Drive provides the stability needed to get through the heads without reacting uncontrollably at the breakpoint. On very dry surfaces, however, the Drive will lose steam too early, which can lead to weak carry. In the pocket, the special core architecture delivers exceptional pin action. All in all, the Drive is a powerhouse for bowlers who want to combine a strong midlane presence with the signature series' typical hitting power.