- Phaze Grip

First Impressions
Released in March 2017 exclusively for the international market, the Storm Phaze Grip adds a technologically very interesting hybrid variant to the still young Phaze series. At the center of the ball works the fast-revving, symmetrical Velocity core, which forms the heart of the entire Phaze line. At 15 pounds this core delivers a very low RG of 2.48 and a high differential of 0.051. This combination produces early revving and strong flare potential. The special part of this model, however, is the shell: Storm uses the AX-16 Hybrid Reactive cover here. This chemical formula was developed with the help of the new "B.O.L.T.S." (Ball on Lane Tracking System) and should leave a wider "footprint" on the lane than conventional materials. Although the ball carries the name "Grip", it comes out of the box with a 1500-grit polished finish, which at first glance seems contradictory, but aims to combine chemical traction with mechanical length. The package is rounded off by the distinctive "Pear Berry" scent.
Comparison To place the Phaze Grip correctly, you have to look at it between the original Storm Phaze (red/blue/purple) and the legendary Phaze II. The first Phaze used the AX-16 Pearl shell, which was often considered very sensitive and sometimes hard to control. The Phaze Grip uses a hybrid version of that chemistry (AX-16 Hybrid) to stabilize the reaction. Compared to the Phaze II, which uses the extremely tacky TX-16 Solid shell, the Phaze Grip is noticeably cleaner through the heads and offers more length. It doesn't get into a roll as early as the Phaze II, but thanks to the hybrid blend it offers more traction in the midlane than the original pearl Phaze. It acts as a bridge: it provides the length of a polished ball, but through the aggressive AX-16 chemistry it has a stronger bond with the oil than a classic skid-flip ball like the Storm Sky Rocket.
On the Lanes The Storm Phaze Grip is ideally suited to medium oil conditions. The name "Grip" here refers less to a rough surface that mechanically breaks through the oil, and more to the chemical ability of the shell not to "float" on the oil despite the polish. That makes it an excellent weapon during the transition phase. When a dull solid ball (like the Phaze II) starts to lose energy too early, but a pure pearl ball still reacts too nervously, the Phaze Grip offers the solution. The polish helps it through the played-in heads, while the Velocity core and the hybrid shell make sure it doesn't slide out at the breakpoint but turns toward the pocket in a controlled manner with plenty of traction. It is especially effective if you're looking for a ball that is forgiving and offers a smoother reaction than typical "hockey stick" balls without giving up hitting power.