- Sure Lock

First Impressions
Released in March 2017, the Storm Sure Lock was developed with one clear goal: traction at any cost. It sat at the very top of the "Premier Line." At its heart is the proven asymmetric RAD-X core, which had already caused a stir in the original Lock and the Snap Lock. At 15 pounds this core delivers extremely aggressive numbers: a low 2.48 RG, a high 0.054 differential and a strong 0.018 intermediate differential. The real innovation, however, was the shell: the GI-17 solid reactive coverstock (Game Improvement 2017). This chemical formula was designed specifically to dig into the oil. Out of the box the ball comes with a rough 2000 grit Abralon finish. The look in Navy, Electric and Orange Solid, paired with the "Tart Orange" scent, signals immediately that this ball doesn't want to skid — it wants to work.
Comparison Compared directly to the original Storm Lock (which technically had a GI-15 hybrid shell but behaved like a solid), the Sure Lock is noticeably earlier and stronger in overall hook on extreme oil. Where the Lock still had a certain kick at the breakpoint, the Sure Lock plows right through that spot and offers a more arcing but more massive motion. Bring in the Storm Phaze II (the king of symmetric solids) and the Sure Lock is the big, bad brother: it uses the asymmetry of the RAD-X core to generate the necessary turn even from deep angles and steep lines, where a symmetric ball might flatten out. Compared to the Roto Grip No Rules (another heavy-oil ball of that era), the Sure Lock often offered a bit more backend motion, since the RAD-X core tends to tip over faster than the extremely stable Chaotic core of the No Rules.
On the Lanes The Storm Sure Lock is a specialty tool for heavy to very heavy oil conditions. Its name says it all: it's meant to give you the certainty ("Sure") that the ball will hook ("Lock"). It's the perfect choice as a first ball on fresh, long sport patterns or on house shots that are absolutely swimming in oil. The rough surface and strong core keep the ball from sliding past the breakpoint ("blow-out"). It works excellently if you throw the ball fast (speed-dominant), because the early traction helps slow the ball down in time. If you have low ball speed, or on drier lanes, this ball is often counterproductive, since it creates so much friction that it uses up its energy in the first few feet ("burn up") and arrives at the pins with no power left. It's the snowplow in the arsenal.