- Phaze Ruby

First Impressions
The Storm Phaze Ruby marks the 2023 return of one of the most successful combinations in Storm's history, wrapped in a striking ruby red. Technically, this ball is built around the legendary Velocity Core, a symmetrical core with a low 2.48 RG and a high 0.051 differential (at 15 lbs). This core is known for revving up quickly and generating a tremendous amount of motion. The decisive feature of the Phaze Ruby, however, is its cover: it uses the classic R2S Pearl Reactive coverstock. This formulation is considered the "gold standard" for reactive balls, since it glides extremely clean through the heads without becoming uncontrollable. Out of the box the surface is polished with the Reacta Gloss finish, which gives the ball its visual shine and, technically, allows it to store energy for the back third of the lane. It is essentially the technical configuration that fans of the line have been waiting on for years: the engine of the Phaze II with the shell of a Hy-Road Pearl.
Comparison
The most important reference point for the Phaze Ruby is inevitably its "big brother," the Storm Phaze II. Where the Phaze II with its TX-16 solid cover reads extremely early and creates a round, smooth motion, the Phaze Ruby is the exact opposite on the same core. It ignores the oil in the front part of the lane almost entirely and reacts drastically faster to friction at the end of the pattern. Compared to the Storm Phaze V, which used the R2S Deep cover, the Phaze Ruby with the classic R2S formula often feels a bit cleaner through the heads and more defined in its change of direction ("snappier"). The R2S formula is known for being less sensitive to light carrydown than the Deep variant. Against a ball like the Storm IQ Tour Ruby (which also uses R2S Pearl but has a weaker core), the Phaze Ruby offers noticeably more flare and a more aggressive overall motion thanks to the Velocity core, which makes it the better fit when you need more hook to open up the pocket.
On the Lanes
The Phaze Ruby is the ideal "step-down" ball when stronger benchmark pieces like the Phaze II or a Summit start hooking too early or burning up energy. Its home is medium oil patterns, and especially the transition phase, when the heads are already drying up and the oil has been pushed further down the lane. Thanks to the R2S Pearl cover, the ball glides effortlessly over those dry spots. As soon as it hits the dry backend, the strong core goes to work and produces a steep entry angle that optimizes carry. It lets you move deep inside and send it to the friction. If you throw the ball slowly, it is an excellent choice for gaining length without giving up core power.