- Torrent

First Impressions
Released in February 2017, the Storm Torrent was designed as a "benchmark ball" par excellence. Inside works the newly developed symmetrical Booster HV (High Volume) core. At 15 pounds, this core delivers a very low RG of 2.48 and a solid 0.044 differential. Those numbers favor an early revving and a very even weight distribution through rotation. The core is wrapped in the legendary R2S Solid reactive coverstock – the same chemistry that already made the IQ Tour a worldwide success. Out of the box the Torrent comes with a 2000 grit Abralon finish, which gives it a matte look in navy, orange and purple. The ball gives off the pleasant scent of "Mulberry" and immediately signals reliability and down-to-earth performance.
Comparison The unavoidable comparison for the Torrent is to the Storm IQ Tour Edition. While the IQ Tour is known for its almost surgical precision and control, the Torrent offers a bit more "muscle" thanks to the Booster HV core. It has a higher differential than the IQ Tour (0.044 vs. 0.029), which leads to more flare and an overall stronger hooking motion, without losing the controlled character of the R2S Solid cover. Compared to the Storm Phaze II, the Torrent is a clear step down: the Phaze II uses the more aggressive TX-16 cover and creates considerably more friction. The Torrent, on the other hand, glides a little more easily through the heads and offers a rounder, less violent motion than the Phaze II. It fills the gap between the high-performance monsters and the weaker balls for dry lanes perfectly.
On the Lanes The Storm Torrent is the ideal choice for medium oil conditions. Its greatest strength is its predictability: it doesn't react allergically to dry spots and doesn't slide helplessly over oily areas ("blending the lane"). It's a classic ball for starting a tournament or reading the oil pattern, since it gives you honest feedback about what the lane is doing. If you throw the ball fast, you'll love the low RG, because it helps the ball get into the roll phase in time. If you're rev-dominant, you'll appreciate the controlled backend reaction that prevents the dreaded "jumping" at the breakpoint. The Torrent is a workhorse that works on almost any house shot, but it reaches its limits on extremely heavy oil – there you should reach for the Sure Lock or the Phaze II.