- Hy-Road Up

First Impressions
Released in August 2018, the Storm Hy-Road Up is an exclusive "International Release" (mainly for the Asian and European markets) that expands the legendary Hy-Road family with a high-performance pearl variant. Like every ball in the series, the Up relies on the iconic Inverted Fe² Technology core. This symmetrical core features a high RG of 2.57 and a differential of 0.046 (at 15 lbs), which provides the typical, effortless length. The decisive difference from the US models lies in the shell: Storm gave the Hy-Road Up the R3S Pearl Reactive coverstock. That is a clear upgrade over the standard R2S cover of the classic Hy-Road Pearl. The factory finish of 1500 grit polished and the eye-catching color scheme (often red/silver or something similarly bright) underline the intent of being a ball for plenty of length with a more aggressive "kick" at the end.
Comparison
The most important comparison is with the regular Storm Hy-Road Pearl (purple/blue). While the US Hy-Road Pearl uses the weaker R2S cover and shines on very dry lanes, but sometimes slips ("squirt") in oil, the Hy-Road Up offers noticeably more traction in the oil film thanks to the R3S cover (known from the Storm Snap Lock or Intense). That means it gets through the heads just as easily, but reacts more stably and more strongly when it hits oil in the midlane. Compared to the Hy-Road X (solid/hybrid blend), which also came out in 2018, the Hy-Road Up is considerably longer and more angular. The X rolls earlier and rounder, the Up stores energy longer and fires harder at the breakpoint.
On the Lanes
The Storm Hy-Road Up is a weapon for medium oil conditions. It was developed to close the gap between "too weak" pearl balls and "too early" solid balls. Its great strength is handling carrydown (oil that has been pushed down the lane). Where a normal Hy-Road Pearl might slip and miss the pocket, the R3S cover of the Up bites through and generates the necessary entry angle. It is ideal for the second or third game in league play or a tournament, when the heads are dry and you have to play deeper angles ("opening up the pocket"). It offers the familiar Hy-Road feel (length), but with a modern engine under the hood that also copes better with today's oil volumes.