- Virtual Tour X

First Impressions
Released in July 2018, the Storm Virtual Tour X is a sought-after "International Release" (Asia/Europe) that revives the DNA of one of the most legendary ball lines in history: the Virtual Gravity. At the heart of the ball sits the iconic asymmetric Shape-Lock HD core. This core enjoys cult status, since its low 2.48 RG and high 0.052 differential (at 15 lbs) produce an extremely strong yet still controllable motion. Wrapped around this engine is the R3X Solid Reactive coverstock. The factory finish of 2000 grit Abralon gives the ball, in a dark color scheme (often black/blue/purple), a matte, "mean" look. The name "Tour" says it all here: it was developed to tame the brute force of the Shape-Lock core and translate it into a smoother, tournament-ready reaction.
Comparison
Compared directly to the original Storm Virtual Gravity (long considered a "benchmark" for heavy oil), the Virtual Tour X offers updated cover technology that reads a bit earlier and makes the transition into the roll phase smoother. It is less "jumpy" than the old pearl versions of the Virtual series. Bring the extremely popular Storm !Q Tour (solid) into the comparison and the Virtual Tour X comes across as its "big, mean brother." It offers a similarly round and dependable motion, but thanks to the asymmetric core and the stronger cover it covers noticeably more boards and handles a lot more oil. It's the answer when the !Q Tour no longer gets enough corners out (carry) but you don't want to lose control.
On the Lanes
The Storm Virtual Tour X is made for heavier oil patterns and demanding sport conditions. It's a fantastic ball to start on fresh oil, since the matte solid surface prevents squirt and the Shape-Lock core revs up reliably. Its greatest strength is breakpoint control: it doesn't flip unpredictably, but rolls heavy and continuously into the pocket. That makes it ideal for tournament players looking to take the edge off wet/dry or over/under problems. It offers the security of a benchmark ball, but with the carry of a high-end asymmetric.