- Pitch Black

First Impressions
Technically speaking, the Storm Pitch Black marks a return to the roots of modern bowling, though it combines classic concepts with contemporary manufacturing technique. Visually, the ball comes in a plain, matte black, which puts the focus on the functional nature of the "Controll Solid Urethane" coverstock. Inside the ball works the purpose-built "Capacitor Core". At 15 lbs, this symmetrical core is characterized by a comparatively high 2.57 RG and an extremely low 0.022 differential. These specs suggest the ball is designed to reduce flare potential massively in order to ensure the most stable and predictable ball path possible. Out of the box, the surface is finished with a 1000-grit pad. This rough texture should allow the ball to build traction very early in the heads without becoming uncontrollable. Unlike modern reactive balls, which are often designed to store energy and release it at the backend, the construction of the Pitch Black aims to distribute energy more evenly across the entire length of the lane. The porous urethane material differs from the urethane blends of the '80s and should offer a more modern answer to today's oil patterns by reading early while still retaining enough energy for pin impact.
Comparison
Compared directly to balls with reactive resin covers, such as Storm's Phaze II or Hy-Road, the Pitch Black shows an entirely different ball motion. Where reactive balls typically show a pronounced response to the friction at the end of the oil pattern and generate a sharp angle into the pocket, the Pitch Black behaves far more linearly. It should produce considerably less snap at the backend and instead describe a smooth arc. This also stands in contrast to "hybrid" urethane options or stronger urethane balls from other manufacturers. Comparing the Pitch Black to the Purple Pearl Urethane from Hammer, for instance, the Storm entry should start to grab earlier and show an overall smoother motion, while Hammer's Purple Pearl often generates a bit more length and a more defined move at the backend. Against Storm's own Pitch Blue, which has a pearl urethane shell, the Pitch Black should read noticeably earlier and roll rounder overall. Compared to modern asymmetrical urethane options like the Rubicon UC3 from Roto Grip, the Pitch Black lacks the strong engine in the core, which makes it the more controlled, if weaker, option when the oil volume on the lane is lower. It positions itself as a tool for maximum control where other balls might react too aggressively to dry boards.
On the Lanes
The primary use for the Storm Pitch Black is on shorter or difficult sport patterns as well as on lanes with heavily worn heads or plenty of friction outside. Thanks to the extremely low differential and the urethane surface, the ball should prevent overreaction in the transition from oil to dry. If you have a high rev rate, particularly as a two-handed bowler, this ball often gives you the option of playing straight up the pocket without having to worry about the ball going too far through the nose. Here it serves to tame your aggressive rotation and convert it into a forward rolling motion. But even if you have less hand rotation, the Pitch Black can be an option on very dry lanes to keep the ball on the lane when reactive balls are already losing energy too early ("burning up"). One key aspect of practical use is managing the transition. Since urethane tends to push oil into the dry areas of the lane (carrydown), using the Pitch Black actively changes the lane conditions. Used strategically, this could be leveraged to influence your opponents' reaction. The ball does demand precision, however; because of the low entry angle into the pocket, carry often depends on how exactly you place the ball. It is less forgiving on misses to the outside than strong reactive balls, but in return it offers unmatched control of the boards down the lane.