- PhysiX M

First Impressions
The Storm PhysiX M, released in February 2019 as an exclusive international special edition (overseas release), represents an aggressive evolution of the successful PhysiX platform. Visually, the ball follows the dark, rich tones of the series, but with one decisive change in surface preparation: out of the box it comes with a coarse 2000 grit Abralon finish. Inside works the proven Atomic Core, an asymmetric core with a low 2.48 RG and a high 0.053 differential (at 15 lbs). The intermediate differential of 0.017 provides the asymmetry needed to let the ball rotate around its axis in a defined way. This powerful engine is wrapped in the NRG Hybrid Reactive cover. While the original PhysiX came to market with a smoother 3000 surface, the PhysiX M was tuned specifically to read even earlier and generate more traction in heavy oil. The combination of the NRG cover's tacky nano technology and the fast-revving Atomic Core promises a ball reaction that gets going extremely early and offers massive hook potential all the way down the lane.
Comparison
Compared directly to the original Storm PhysiX (released in late 2018), the PhysiX M shows even earlier and stronger grab on the lane thanks to its 2000 grit finish. Where the original PhysiX still preserves a certain amount of length and shows a bit more kick on the backend, the PhysiX M digs into the heads immediately and creates a heavier, more continuous arc. Compared to the Storm AstroPhysiX (pearl), the PhysiX M behaves in completely the opposite way: the AstroPhysiX skids far and reacts angularly to friction, while the PhysiX M creates friction where there is none and starts its arc much earlier. Against a pure solid monster like the Storm Proton PhysiX (released later), the PhysiX M is a touch more versatile thanks to its hybrid component, since it doesn't quite "die" as early when it hits drier boards. It handles oil better than a Storm Code X, but the Atomic Core gives it a rounder shape than the often sharply cornering Code core.
On the Lanes
The Storm PhysiX M is clearly designed for high-volume oil patterns and long sport patterns. It's the ideal "snow tire" in the arsenal when the lane is swimming in oil and other balls can't find traction. Through the 2000 grit finish and the strong core, it smooths out overly touchy reactions down lane by giving up energy in a controlled way already in the midlane. That makes it a perfect choice if you throw the ball fast and need help getting it into a roll early, or for starting out on fresh lanes to open up the pocket. Once the heads start to dry up, though, the ball will lose energy too early and should be swapped for a polished option like the AstroPhysiX or a weaker hybrid. The PhysiX M offers tremendous safety and control when oil is the biggest challenge.