- Power Lock

First Impressions
Released in July 2018, the Storm Power Lock is an exclusive "International Release" that primarily served the Asian and European markets. It continues the legendary Lock series, known for its strong asymmetry. At the heart of the ball works the famous RAD-X core (Radial Accelerating Disk), which also drove the original Lock, Snap Lock and Sure Lock. With a 2.48 RG and a high 0.054 differential (at 15 lbs) plus a significant 0.018 intermediate diff, this core is synonymous with quick revving up and massive direction change. In the Power Lock, this engine is paired with a strong solid reactive cover (often classified as R4S Solid or a variant of the GI-17 chemistry). The factory finish is rough (usually 2000 grit Abralon), which in combination with the dark color scheme (often navy/orange/black) signals immediately: this ball is built to bite in oil.
Comparison
In direct comparison to the Storm Sure Lock, which it is technically closest to, the Power Lock behaves very similarly but often feels a tick more dynamic in the backend. While the Sure Lock (with GI-17 Solid) was considered an absolute "snowplow" that read the lane extremely early, the Power Lock often offers slightly better energy retention thanks to modern chemical adjustments for international lane surfaces, without losing traction in oil. Compared to the original Storm Lock (hybrid), the Power Lock reads the lane considerably earlier and offers a smoother, more controlled motion in oil instead of flipping at the breakpoint. It is the "heavy oil" counterpart to the polished Storm Snap Lock.
On the Lanes
The Storm Power Lock is a specialist for heavy oil and long patterns. It is the absolute first choice on fresh lanes when you have to make sure the ball doesn't start sliding ("hydroplaning") in the thick film of oil through the heads and midlane. The RAD-X core makes sure the ball transitions early into a strong roll phase even with plenty of oil. It works excellently if you throw the ball fast or have a lower rev rate and need help getting the ball to hook. It is not suited for dry or burned-up lanes, however, since it loses energy too early there and hits flat into the pins. If the Sure Lock was too early and the Snap Lock skids too far, the Power Lock is the answer.