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Storm Phaze AI Bowling Ball Review: A Clean, Sharp Performer
The Phaze AI uses the pearl version of the Phaze 2, adds the AI outer core, and uses a new surface finish called Power Edge!
The new Storm Phaze AI Bowling Ball is set to drop on October 18th, and it’s already sparking buzz in the bowling community. Whether you’re a fan of bowling tech like AI or think it’s just marketing hype, here’s the bottom line—this release brings a welcomed addition to the already iconic Phaze series. Here’s what you need to know before this ball rolls into your local lanes.
Key Specs and Setup
Let’s knock out the essentials first. The Storm Phaze AI pairs the well-known TX-16 Pearl coverstock with the strong, symmetrical Velocity Core. In this version, you’ll notice a Power Edge finish, giving it a polished surface reminiscent of the tried-and-true 1500 grit polish of years past.
The testing site is Lawrence, Kansas’s Royal Crest Lanes, with the CLE Chromium Challenge pattern at 42 feet. This mid-length oil pattern is excellent for teasing out the subtle differences between balls. It’s designed to mimic the types of conditions you’ll likely encounter in league play.
For anyone wanting more in-depth stat breakdowns, all detailed oil pattern graphs and ball specs are available on the Storm website—links to those resources are included below. But if you’re familiar with Storm’s Phaze line, you know what you’re in for. However, the AI element offers something new.
How Does the Phaze AI Roll?
Let’s talk ball reaction, which is the part everyone cares about most! The Phaze AI delivers a shape somewhere between the Phaze 4 and the Exponent Pearl. The AI feels cleaner through the heads and sharper on the backend, despite having a slightly stronger cover than its predecessor, the Phaze 4. Picture a smooth arc that’s not too aggressive but gets the job done with efficiency, especially as you make your transitions.
You can also see shades of the Duo in it, making it a well-rounded ball that handles transitions with ease. On fresh oil, though, you might find it to be a bit too clean. It tends to glide through the pattern more than grip through it.
In short—this ball is great on a typical house shot.
Performance in Different Conditions
Fresh oil? Not its strong suit. Despite the shiny surface, the Phaze AI doesn’t immediately dig in on high-volume, fresh oil patterns. It’s surprisingly tame, even though it comes with a strong symmetrical core. If you’re bowling conditions that involve a higher volume oil pattern unchecked by some wear and tear (aka transition), you might find the ball a touch inconsistent. It could feel a bit wiggly or unstable when you’re first starting your session.
However, add some games or some lane transition, and this thing wakes up, especially in lighter or medium-oil conditions. One of the test bowlers, Tobias, found himself cruising through a tough league night and nearly firing off a front-nine.
Where Does It Fit in the Arsenal?
Every bowler wants to know: Where does it fit in my lineup?
If you’re already a fan of the Phase series, the Phaze AI fits right in. Think of it as a dependable Step Down from more aggressive balls like the Phaze 2 or even heavier hitters like the Optimum Idle. However, it’s still strong enough that you’ll get excellent mid-lane read without sacrificing backend movement. If you’re planning for longer formats or tournaments where fresh oil is frequent, knocking the shine off with some surface adjustments will make it more versatile. It could easily be your go-to after the initial breaking down of the pattern.
But don’t get ahead of yourself—it doesn’t match up with the Summit Peak or other big-core, big-cover balls. Comparatively, the transition from the Phaze AI to the Summit Peak shows the Summit’s stronger core, as the latter picks up earlier and tumbles forward sooner than the AI.
If you primarily bowl on house shots, the Phaze AI will likely become your new best friend. If you’re dealing with higher oil volumes regularly, you might want to consider pairing this up with something a bit more robust like a Stealth or GB4 Hybrid until the lanes transition.
BowlersMart Ball Motion Video
Conclusion
In summary, the Storm Phaze AI Bowling Ball is set to roll into your local pro shops on October 18th, and for fans of the Phaze series or bowlers who want a sharp, clean backend reaction, this is a must-try.
It might not crush the fresh oil patterns right out of the box, but where this ball excels is during lane transitions and mid-lane control. Its clean motion through the fronts and sharper, continuous finish make it perfect for standard league shots or medium oil conditions. If the Phaze 2 is a bit much for your conditions but you still love strong symmetricals, the Phaze AI might just be your sweet spot.
Stay tuned for more on the Phaze AI, and don’t forget to check out the links below to grab your shiny new toy and any extras you might want!
