First Impressions
Released in April 2017, the Storm Super Bite LE is an exclusive high-performance ball developed primarily for the international market. It marks the return of the legendary G2 core that already powered the famous Virtual Gravity and Sync series. This extremely strong asymmetric core delivers a very low RG of 2.47 at 15 pounds, a massive differential of 0.058 and an intermediate differential of 0.028. Physically, these numbers stand for the maximum possible flare potential and an extremely early revving up. What makes this Limited Edition special is the combination of this monster core with the NRG Pearl Reactive coverstock. Unlike classic pearl balls, which are usually polished, the Super Bite LE comes out of the box with a 2000 grit Abralon finish. This matte treatment of the nano pearl shell creates a unique texture designed to generate massive traction in oil despite the pearl additives.
Comparison
Compared directly to the Storm Sync, which paired the same G2 core with an NRG solid cover, the Super Bite LE gets slightly more length through the heads thanks to the pearl content in the shell, but reads the midlane almost as aggressively. The matte 2000 surface takes away the typical "skid-snap" character of a Storm Snap Lock (which is polished) and instead gives it a heavy-rolling, continuous motion that strongly resembles a solid, though it turns a bit harder at the pin deck. Bring the Storm Code Black into the comparison and the Super Bite LE behaves completely differently: where the Code Black skates over the oil and whips, the Super Bite LE digs deep into the pattern and smooths out the reaction. It is less "jumpy" than a Hy-Road Pearl, but many times more stable on heavy oil.
On the Lanes
The Storm Super Bite LE is an absolute heavy-oil monster. Thanks to the NRG technology (nano) combined with the 2000 grit finish, the ball bites through thick films of oil as if they weren't there. It works excellently as a first ball on fresh, long sport patterns, where control at the breakpoint is vital. The ball reliably avoids sliding through the end of the pattern ("blow-out"). If you throw the ball fast, it's a blessing, since the low RG gets the ball rotating early. As soon as the lane dries up, however, the ball's enormous willingness to create friction will make it burn up energy too early and arrive at the pins without power; at that point it's advisable to switch to a polished pearl ball such as the Snap Lock or Code Black.