- Fate

First Impressions
The Storm Fate is the result of the ongoing collaboration with Jason Belmonte and comes in a classy "Sapphire / Golden" color scheme. As is customary with Storm, the visual experience is rounded out by a fragrance, in this case "Cherry Berry Smoothie". Technically, the Fate introduces the new symmetrical F-8 core. At 15 lbs it carries a 2.52 RG and a high 0.053 differential. Those numbers combine good length through the heads with very high flare potential in the backend. The core is wrapped in the ReX Pearl Reactive coverstock (Response Extension), which already proved successful on the Dark Code. The surface is polished out of the box with the Reacta Gloss finish. This combination promises a ball that glides effortlessly through the heads but shows an explosive reaction at the breakpoint thanks to the aggressive ReX chemistry and the strong core.
Comparison
In a direct comparison with the Storm Phaze V, which is also a shiny symmetrical ball, the Fate comes across as stronger and more reactive overall. While the Phaze V with its R2S cover often responds a bit more softly to friction, the ReX cover of the Fate provides more traction on dry lanes and a harder change of direction. Compared to its predecessor in the Belmo line, the Storm Trend 2, the Fate offers more overall dynamics and better carry through the pin deck thanks to the F-8 core and the higher differential. It acts as the symmetrical alternative to the Storm Dark Code: both use the ReX Pearl cover, but the symmetrical core makes the Fate somewhat more controllable and rounder ("continuous") in its motion than the extremely angular, asymmetrical Dark Code.
On the Lanes
The Storm Fate is made for medium oil conditions and plays to its strengths once the lane starts to transition. It is the ideal ball for moving deeper inside when stronger solid balls (such as a Phaze II) begin to lose energy too early. Thanks to the high differential, the Fate generates enough revs even out of steep angles to hit the pocket with authority. It needs a clean backend to work properly; it may react somewhat sensitively to carrydown. For two-handers it offers the length needed to avoid hooking too early, while classic strokers benefit from the strong core dynamics that help bring the ball back at the breakpoint.