Storm Match Bowling Ball

The Match solid is the latest ball released in the Hot line of bowling balls from Storm, the Bowler's Company. Match solid uses the new Stinger core that has an Rg of 2.55 and a differential of 0.030 in 15 lb balls. The cover is the Reactor, which is cleaner through the front of the lane than all of the other current covers in Storm’s line up. The Match solid comes factory sanded at 2000 grit Abralon. The Match solid has a unique color combination of red/grey. I drilled a Match solid 4 x 4.75 x 3.25. I used this layout on a Haywire that I like very much, and as such drilled the Match solid to compliment said Haywire. I really like this ball! Match solid doesn’t read the front of the lane as strong as the Haywire, but still has continuation through the lane that most solid cover bowling balls don’t have. The Match solid isn’t flashy, and may not have the shelf appeal that the pearl Match has, but the ball just rolls great. Match solid has controlled hook on medium oil lane conditions with fresher backends. The Match solid will work for a variety of bowlers, when used in the proper environment. High rev bowlers will like the Match solid on medium heavy conditions with a surprising amount of hook. Lower rev rate bowlers will have use for the Match solid on medium conditions when going straighter and wanting to control the pocket. The new Match solid will give bowlers a fair amount of hook at a bargain price. The Match solid also offers a more controlled ball reaction than Match pearl. Pin up layouts will help the Match solid have a more pronounced change of direction. If you find that some of the current stronger cover bowling balls hook a little too soon, then maybe it’s time to try a Match solid! Thank you for taking the time to read my review of the new Match solid. As always, remember to bowl up a Storm!

The new Storm Match and Match Pearl are the latest additions to the Hot Line in Storm’s lineup. These two pieces provide bowlers with a couple less aggressive options to add to their bag. For this review, we will talk about the Match. When I worked in the Pro Shop business, the less aggressive options were extremely popular because of a couple reasons: bang for the buck, price point, but also balls that work well with lower ball speeds. The Match is a perfect option for many styles of players. Because the RG is relatively high and the differential is relatively low, the Match will get down the lane extremely easy with a smoother response time because of the solid cover. I’ve seen the Match used by the following styles: high rev guys when lanes get drier, lower rev rate players to stay farther right and more direct, and older players who want something above a plastic ball, but with some performance. I’ve drilled one Match so far and it’s mapped out as: 3 ½ x 3 ½ with a hole on my axis. Because the RG and Diff are so high, I always drill those types of balls stronger to make sure they flare enough. I’ve been able to use the Match on shorter and flatter patterns with surface because the response time is still on the slower side, while creating a cleaner motion. If you are looking for a ball for drier lanes, you want to stay farther right with a cleaner piece, or are older and don’t have an extremely high rev rate, the Match is a perfect fit. #StormNation

The Match was a great ball for when lanes broke for me. The pattern was a typical house pattern 42 feet in length. After the first game my No Rules was hooking to much. I switched to the Match and played up the gutter and the ball had great back end reaction and great carry. I was surprised by the back end movement. By the 3rd game I had moved inside and began playing the 3rd and 4th arrow and the Match was even better for me inside. Great back end and excellent carry. This is a great ball when the lanes are playing tough or dried out. This is a must have.

The Match solid is the new release in the Storm Hot Line. The match uses the new Stinger Core (0.030 Diff) and wrapped with the Reactor solid coverstock. The Match is a replacement for the Tropical Heats. I drilled mine 4.75x4.75x2.25 pin up. I see a smooth but versatile arcing motion from the Match. It has very good ball motion on the medium to light oil pattern. Ideal ball for most standard house shots. The match is decent step up from the Storm Rides in overall strength. But still under the IQ series. Another great addition to the Hot Line. Brian Watson PAP - 3 up 1 1/2 Speed - 16-17 Tilt - 17 Rev Rate - 400

I drilled up the Match and it's counter part the Match Pearl because I have always liked the Storm entry level releases for shorter and medium volume patterns. Most of the time these releases have weaker covers/core combos. That is not the case with either of these. The numbers may show Med/High RG with Med/Low diff but the reaction is more like their mid-line products. I drilled both balls at 60 x 5 x 35. This is a favorite drilling of mine for lower powered gear as it gets the block slightly more at an angle to wobble early then can be tweaked with a weight hole or surface. The Match solid was keeping up motion wise with my Fight. The Alpha was too much compared to it, and also going from high end to the Match required a big alignment change back to the right. I see this as a definite gap filler when you need a little more punch on higher volume-shorter length patterns. The surface could be tweaked to smooth out the down lane reaction if needed as Reactor is one of Storm's original versatile surfaces.

The Match Solid is one of the more versatile balls currently on the market. Out of the box, it's strong enough to use on medium-heavy conditions, but with a little polish, it can also be used on lighter conditions. Despite the number differences and the slight difference in shape, I feel that the Match Solid has a bit of IQ Tour Solid in it with the way it moves on the backend and the shape it has through the pins. It is longer through the fronts and sharper on the backend, but it has a very good blend of strength and control. Out of the box it's very much at home on medium length, medium volume sport patterns, and with a bit more surface, it will play on heavier volume, medium length patterns. With a bit of polish, it will be ideal for the vast majority of house shots, and between it and the Match Pearl, you have a 2 ball arsenal that will cover all but extreme wet or dry.

Bowler: Keven Williams Hand: Left Handed Rev Rate: 450rpm Speed: 18mph Pattern: Typical House Shot The Storm Match Solid is one of the most versatile bowling balls on the market today! The Match hooks in oil and tames down any friction on the lanes. The Match is very clean through the front part of the lane with a smooth, strong, and continuous roll down lane. The new Stinger Core with the Reactor Solid Reactive coverstock reminds me a lot of the Tropical Heats but on steroids and more up to date to the game today! This piece by Storm is a homerun for a “Lower End” bowling ball! It really is a Match for any condition!

The Match Solid has a smooth ball reaction that is controllable and great for medium oil conditions. The predictability of the Match lends itself to be a good choice for over/under lane conditions, as well. It consistently reads the midlane aggressively, and continues through the pins. The Match is strong enough to handle some heavier oil patterns, but reads the lane too quickly to be used on light oil conditions. The Match is all arc – if you are looking for a flippier ball reaction, look at the Match Pearl instead. When being compared to a Pitch Blue, the Match Solid is approximately 5 boards stronger in overall hook. I like the comparison between these two bowling balls, because both have a smooth arcing motion, with the major difference being the reactive cover of the Match versus the urethane cover of the Pitch Blue. In comparison to it's brother ball,the Match pearl, the Match Solid has approximately the same amount of overall hook, but reads the lane 3-4 feet earlier and is much smoother. Mike LeViner BowlersMart

This ball is a great addition to the Hot Line. It's a step up from the Ride. Very clean in the front part of the lane. This ball is very similar to the Tropical Heat. If you're looking for a ball for dryer lanes that still has pop in the back, this is a great choice to add to your bag. I drilled my Storm Match pin down 4x3 off my PAP. My first set out of the box was 813 on a medium house pattern. It gave me the control most other balls don't down lane.

Orientation: Right Handed Rev Rate: 375 RPM Speed: 16-17 MPH PAP: 4 5/8 straight across Location: Enterprise Park Lanes, Springfield MO Pattern: High Volume THS Layout: 60, 5 7/16, 35 I’ve been waiting for a replacement for the Tropical Heats for a long time and thanks to the Match that wait is over. I’ve always been a fan of the Reactor Solid cover and the new Stinger core produces a surprisingly strong roll, combined with a TON of continuation. The Match is a big step up in reaction from the Ride, while still being plenty clean through the front. If you’re looking for a step down in ball reaction from the Master or Thunder line, then the Match is perfect for you.

Storm Match Layout : 40 x 4 ½ x 50 Coverstock: 2000ab Lane conditions: 42 ft. house pattern with 2015 Flex with Fire and Ice conditioner on older HPL installed in early 2000’s. Test results: For a lower mid-entry ball, it really packs a very strong hook overall, even being dull, it started a little later then a Shout sanded from the past Roto Grip line and still had plenty of hitting power. The ball reacted very similar to my HyRoad solid I had in the past, which really surprised me. Playing the gutter isn’t a problem with this ball, nor getting into 4th and 5th arrow. Even with the mid lane and back end recover is awesome. Having the reactor coverstock on the stinger core is a “match” made in heaven. I think the cover is more suited for this core, then over Cruiser core. The Ride and Joy Ride were a little too weak for my liking, so I am a happy camper with the Match and Match Pearl.