- SKILL 3.02

First Impressions
The PBA SKILL 3.02 shows itself to be a purpose-built non-flaring ball with a pearlized urethane cover at a hardness of 80-82D. The technical numbers are deliberately kept low: a 2.58 RG and an extremely low differential of just 0.010. The pearlized urethane cover should deliver the durability of the SKILL 3.0 while allowing more length like the SKILL 2.0. The core has intentionally low performance values, which reduces track flare to a minimum. The urethane cover absorbs practically no oil, making it a very predictable and controllable piece of equipment.
Comparison
The technical specifications closely resemble the Storm Tropical Breeze, with practically identical core numbers (2.57/.009). Compared to modern reactive balls, the SKILL 3.02 deliberately lacks all the refined extras that normally provide more length, midlane read or backend. The cover is harder and both the RG and the differential are weaker than on most balls normally used on tour. While modern balls work with aggressive asymmetric cores and high-performance coverstocks, the SKILL 3.02 sticks to basic urethane characteristics. These traits make it a direct counterpart to current high-tech developments such as the Storm Phaze II or similar reactive systems.
On the Lanes
The ball was developed in 2013 with the goal of leveling the playing field and creating a competitive environment in which strong fundamentals and shot execution are the main keys to success. The less reactive ball should give bowlers with higher rev rates an advantage, as well as those with plenty of experience on balls with weaker cores and covers. The goal is for the bowler's shot execution to determine the ball motion rather than core strength, cover strength or the layout. Speed control becomes an enormous factor, since the ball depends mainly on manually generated forces. It is the only approved ball at the Teen Masters Championships and was limited to a maximum of 15 pounds until 2025. It is particularly suited to bowlers who want to improve their fundamental skills without being able to rely on ball-generated reaction.