- Optimus Solid

First Impressions
The Storm Optimus Solid draws every eye with its aggressive Red, Navy and Yellow solid design. Inside works the asymmetric Tri-Sphere core, which comes with a 2.480 RG, a strong 0.048 differential and a 0.013 intermediate differential. For the cover, Storm relies on the extremely high-performance R2X Solid Reactive coverstock, finished at the factory with a 2000 grit Abralon surface. This combination of an extremely strong asymmetric engine and a rough solid shell should make the ball dominate the heads and build massive traction in the oil.
Comparison
Compared directly to the Storm Optimus, which uses a pearl cover, the Optimus Solid shows drastically earlier length and a far rounder, more arcing reaction on the backend. Against the Storm Alpha Crux, the asymmetric core of the Optimus Solid delivers a marginally tamer weight distribution, but behaves just as forcefully at the breakpoint. When friction on the lane is high and the transition dries out the front part of the lane, however, the Optimus Solid loses energy quickly. It is a weapon for closed angles.
On the Lanes
The Storm Optimus Solid is best suited to lane conditions with medium to high oil volume. For strokers and bowlers with moderate ball speed, it offers the chance to play direct lines through the oil, since the cover provides an enormous amount of hold. The asymmetric drive toward the pocket should deliver convincing carry. On dried-up, extremely short oil, though, this ball can lack control because of the rough finish. It is a strong ball for fresh boards.