- !Q Tour Edition

First Impressions Released in July 2012, the Storm !Q Tour Edition — often referred to reverently as the "IQ Tour Solid" — defines itself visually through a deep, understated "Midnight Blue." That restraint in color corresponds directly to the ball's technical direction: control and predictability come before visual showmanship. While many modern balls stand out with loud colors and complex patterns, this one radiates a professional calm. Inside sits the C³ Centripetal Control Core, a symmetrical weight distribution said to have been developed specifically to stabilize rotational characteristics. With an RG of 2.49 (at 15 lbs), the core classifies as "low RG," meaning the ball wants to get into rotation very early and build traction already in the heads. The 0.029 differential was deliberately chosen on the low side. This number is decisive, since it limits flare potential and thus keeps the ball from making an overly aggressive, uncontrollable change of direction at the breakpoint. Wrapped around this technology is the proven R2S Solid Reactive coverstock. This chemical formulation is regarded as one of the most durable and consistent blends in the Storm portfolio. Finished out of the box at 4000-grit Abralon, the surface has exactly the right amount of roughness to read the oil without immediately giving up valuable rotational energy. Another unmistakable feature is the "Apple Crisp" fragrance, which gives this model a sensory identity of its own. The combination of the core's early roll phase and the cover's smooth energy release should create a symbiosis that makes the ball extremely forgiving and exerts a "smoothing" effect on lane play.
Comparison To understand the special position of the Storm !Q Tour Edition, it needs to be set apart from other benchmarks on the market. Compared to the Phaze II, likewise considered a benchmark ball with a solid cover, the !Q Tour goes noticeably earlier but with less total hook. The Phaze II uses the more aggressive TX-16 coverstock and a core with a higher differential, which lets it respond much more strongly to friction on the backend and generate more angle. The !Q Tour, by contrast, stays calmer and rounder in that phase. Set against the Hy-Road, the differences in core philosophy become clear: the Hy-Road projects farther down the lane thanks to its higher RG (2.57) — more length — and reacts with more angle at the breakpoint. The !Q Tour starts earlier and eliminates that sharp corner in favor of a predictable arc. A frequent comparison is also drawn to the Idol from Roto Grip. While both balls are valued for their control, the Idol's nano-technology surface (MicroTrax) offers even more traction in oil and a stronger overall motion, which could make it better suited to heavier oil patterns than the !Q Tour. Unlike asymmetric balls such as the Reality or the Eternity Pi from 900 Global, which tend to react very defined and quickly to friction (fast response time), the !Q Tour maintains its slow, steady reaction. It is therefore not the ball for maximum hook on the heaviest oil volumes, but positions itself as the more controlled alternative when stronger balls get too jumpy.
On the Lanes The Storm !Q Tour Edition shows its full potential above all on medium-heavy to demanding lane conditions ("sport patterns"). It is the classic tool for reading the lane. Many ambitious bowlers use it as their first ball to see how the oil is behaving, since it doesn't show extreme reactions that could distort the picture. Its greatest strength lies in handling "wet/dry" conditions (heavy oil inside, very dry outside). Where other balls jump too hard on contact with the dry boards ("over-reaction") or slide too far in the oil, the !Q Tour should harmonize the transition. The low differential ensures that even when the ball is thrown a bit too far outside, it doesn't snap back uncontrollably but finds its way gently back to the pocket. That significantly increases the margin for error. If you're a "stroker" (less wrist action), the low RG gives you support so the ball doesn't start rolling only just before the pins even at lower speed. If you're a "cranker" (lots of rotation), it serves as a control piece, funneling energy toward the pocket instead of wasting it through too much hook angle. The ball's carry is often described as above average, since the flatter entry angle transfers energy into the pins optimally and drives them deep into the deck instead of sending them flying up. If the heads are already very dry ("head friction"), however, the ball could lose energy too early and arrive "dead" at the pin deck. In that case a switch to shiny pearl balls would be advisable. In summary, it is the ideal ball for holding a line and finding pocket entries that stay closed with more aggressive equipment.