- Solid Lock

First Impressions
Released internationally in June 2023, the Storm Solid Lock brings back a legendary core shape and pairs it with the latest cover technology. Visually, the ball shows up in a rich "Dark Red," which gives it an aggressive presence. Inside works the famous RAD-X core, an asymmetric weight block known for its extremely quick revup (2.48 RG at 15 lbs) and massive flare potential (0.054 differential, 0.018 intermediate). The special part is the surface: Storm uses the extremely tacky NeX Solid Reactive cover here (known from the Proton PhysiX), but surprisingly delivers it with a 1500-grit polished finish. This combination of a chemically aggressive solid cover and a high-gloss polish is rare and aims to unite the traction of a solid with the length of a pearl.
Comparison
Technically, the Solid Lock is a direct relative of the Storm Proton PhysiX, since both use the NeX Solid cover. Compared to the Proton, which was sanded matte and "plowed" extremely early, the Solid Lock goes considerably longer thanks to the polish and stores much more energy for the backend. It behaves almost like a hybrid: it comes through the heads cleanly like the original Storm Lock (which was a hybrid), but offers an even more defined and sharper reaction at the breakpoint. Using the Roto Grip RST X-3 as a reference, the Solid Lock feels a bit more stable in the midlane and less prone to over/under reactions, since the solid base of the cover absorbs oil better than a pearl blend. Against a Storm Absolute, the Solid Lock is noticeably earlier and rounder in its overall motion, because the RAD-X core generates more torque.
On the Lanes
The Storm Solid Lock is a specialist for medium to heavy oil conditions where you still have to create length. It's the ideal solution when matte "snowplow" balls (like a Gem or Reality) lose energy too early, but pure pearl balls are still too slippery in oil. Thanks to the NeX base, it offers enough chemical traction not to slide out on the oil line, while the polish helps get through burnt-up heads. It works very well if you like to "twist" the ball deep down the lane to create a steep entry angle. If the ball skids too far, the polish is easy to break down with a 2000 or 3000 pad, which turns it into an absolute traction monster for the heaviest oil.