Storm Lightning Blackout Bowling Ball

Introducing The Lightning Blackout! Featuring a unique low differential A.I. Core and the proven REX Pearl cover, this ball provides a smooth, continuous motion complimentary to that of the IQ Ruby, but with a stronger cover formula that can handle more oil. If you like the IQ Ruby but need a shell up from that piece, or if you found that the Ruby was too clean or too over/under for your house condition, Lightning Blackout will fill that spot in the bag with a unique a new take on an old favorite! -Chase Valenzuela

Storm Lightning Blackout Coverstock: ReX Pearl Reactive Finish: Reacta Gloss Core: Warp A.I. (14 pd) RG: 2.55 Differential: 0.029 Layout: 5 x 4 x 3 1/2 - 2LS Layout Extras: 2 1/8 Finger Depth, "X" - 4 1/2 D and 1 Inch Left Tester: PAP 6 1/2 R, 1 1/4 D Review: The Lightning Blackout (LBO) features the newer Amplfied Inertia (A.I.) core technology. This core as you would expect will help the Lightning Blackout in providing a predictable shape at the end of the pattern. As A.I. core technology has been previously tested that means a few extra percentage points of carry can be anticipated. For my review I compared the LBO to the the Hy-Road Max. I must note here that these categories of bowling balls allow you to keep in your spot on the lane longer and help avoid steeper angles that can get a lot of players in trouble on many conditions. The Hy-Road Max in concept was a great idea on paper, but did not quite have what I was looking for as the lanes transition. The LBO coverstock combination is much more suited for today's environment. Both of these balls try to fill in the players arsenal where straighter is greater but as the front part of the lane starts to go. These balls will shine when getting steeper is tricky. The LBO coverstock at box finish is a tad clean for me so I recommend a 2K to 3K finish on this ball. This recommended surface adjustment should allow you to feel the ball is not getting away from you down the lane. If more angle is your flavor I'd say The Road is a better option for you over the LBO. Do not sleep on these type of bowling balls where you want to play up the boards for better scoring. The A.I. part of the equation will kick in as well where close hits will have a better tendency to carry. I recommend the the Storm Lightning Blackout for the player seeking straighter angles longer as lanes transition. I'm definitely excited about this ball from Storm. Please be sure to visit your favorite pro shop today or https://youtube.com/channel/UC1VA-MgFBo9mIZde-G3T11A for my occasional ball videos. Be sure to grab you Storm Lightning Blackout today! Michael Slatky 900 Global Staff Member York, PA

Storm has done it again. They’ve taken a favorite from the good old days and brought it up to date. The Lightning Black Out features the REX Pearl Coverstock which is also on Virtual Energy Black Out, NightRoad and Dark Code. That REX Pearl cover is easy through the front part of the lane, so it’s especially good when there is friction. The symmetrical Warp A.I. Core creates a medium-low differential so it’s controllable in the mid lane, but still has good continuation down lane. I’d say think of the ball motion you used to get from the !Q Tour back in the day- this is a pearl version of that motion, but on today’s patterns. Pin up, 4 ½ from my PAP.

TESTING ENVIRONMENT Length:43 Volume:Med-High Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS 12:1 Ratio BALL: Coverstock: : ReX™ Pearl Reactive Core: : Warp™ A.I. Core Finish: Reacta Gloss RG: 2.53 (15lb) Differential: .029 (15 lb) ME: Right-Handed Tweener Speed: 12-13 mph Rev Rate: 315 Axis Tilt: 14° Axis Rotation: 74° PAP: 5 1/8 R 7/8 Up Ball Layout: Pin Up 4 1/2 X 4 3/8 X 2 3/8 VLS Storm has added a new ball to the signature line called the Lightning Blackout. This modernized version of the classic storm ball features the ReX Pearl cover that has been so successful of releases like Dark Code and Virtual Energy Blackout. To drive the reaction the new Warp Core with A.I. Technology puts a lower flaring core with the powerful cover to make a unique shape in the line, in the vein of balls like the Zero Gravity. I tested the Lightning Blackout for the first time in league. Our house pattern is long and heavy, but the front panels have a lot of built in friction and they transition a ton over the course of 3 games. My idea was for the lightning blackout to be my game 3 ball when the fronts really go. I noticed right away that the cover, despite its polished finish just saw too much of the front of the lane. Even when I got way left the ball just wanted to tip a little too early. This isn't unique to this ball, game 3 has been the toughest for me as I'm always looking for a ball that will clear the fronts in this house. I next took the Lightning Blackout with me for our annual State tournament. Most years the lanes tend to hook a alot so I thought a lower flaring option could be helpful. I was surprised to find a good amount of oil on the lanes to start our doubles and singles sets, unfortunately the players I crossed with didn't break them down well so when i had to move inside of the track, I really lost my reaction. I tried to move just left and my ball wanted to over-read. I tried to ball down and move left and when the ball cleared the front it didn't want to save enough energy to get back and go through the pins. After fighting the lanes a few games without figuring much out I started paying attention to the other players on the pair and realized they were now right of me, but able to play closer to the track because they had more ball speed. I decided to go back to the lightning blackout that I had put away after trying to play left of everyone with it, and just throw it as hard as I could up the friction. Immediately I had a look. This is far from my A game but the Lightning Blackout responded beautifully and I managed to put together a 240 game to close out the day. I have since experimented with the lightning blackout in varying states of transition and have found it to be constant that it is the best ball I have thrown when I need to stay on the same line after my other equipment will not let me play there. I've also observed players with more ball speed and the ball seems to be much more versatile for them as the strength of the cover is a little more easily negated with their ball speed. I would recommend this ball for speed dominant players and matched players who have more speed and revs especially. It work pretty well as a niche ball for players like myself when they want to stay closer to the friction and can add a little to their normal ball speed. Check out my full ball reaction video on Youtube: https://youtu.be/lqUlkevcgKk?si=irmPCaH66BkNnioI Lonnie Pemberton Storm Pro Shop Staff Vise Pro Shop Staff Revolutions Pro Shop Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/@k1ngsizepapa

The Lightning Blackout is Storms newest signature line ball. The Lightning Blackout (LB) features the low differential, mid RG Warp AI core wrapped in REX pearl. This produces a stable, low flaring control option for lighter volume conditions. I see myself using the LB on lighter volume house shots or later in tournament blocks. The LB fits right on between an IQ Tour Ruby and Xponent Pearl. Review Video: https://youtu.be/m8kwJp5QHzIsi=A96eiZNmzPZPD5-I

Storm Lighting Blackout: REX coverstock and finished at 2000ab with reacta shine. The flare potential of the Warp A.I. Core falls under the same rating as the immortal !Q™ Tour. Medium-low differential cores don’t migrate as fast which produces more forgiveness and longer transition zones between skid, hook, and roll. A.I. Core technology is now offered across all weights so the benefit of “Amplified Inertia” can be experienced no matter what weight you use. Layout: 5 x 4 x 4 My updated specs: Ball speed: average 15.5 mph. - Rev Rate: 425 – Axle tilt: 16 degrees – Axis rotation 70 degrees The new Storm Lighting Blackout, known now to me as LBO, the second release in the Blackout series that started with the very popular and versatile Virtual Energy Blackout, aka VEBO, the LBO is a next generation of Storm ball released with the A.I outer core. The first thing I noticed right after drilling the ball, it was not very kind to me on fresh, and after several days of practicing and using it, I came to the realization that this ball is not the “first out of the bag” type of ball. After talking with other staffers, I started to pay even closer attention to the reaction of the ball after games 3-6 during practice along with my current fresh lane balls the Roto Grip X-Ray and The Road, which is the ball I used in my YouTube video as a comparison ball to the LBO. As I used the X-Ray or The Road for games 1 and 2, especially with the X-Ray which I feel is my best house pattern ball in a very, very long, as soon as I see the carry going away or see the X-Ray slow down in response in the backend, I jump immediately to the LBO and I pick up where I left off when it comes to carry and scoring pace. Very sleek looking and very snappy in the backend and can stay with the LBO through the first and second transitions on the lanes. I just simply LOVE this ball and I have a TON of confidence in the ball once the X-Ray slows down and my carry is reduced. Don’t hesitate to try an LBO out when the Storm Matchmaker events come to a bowling center near you. My link to my YouTube video is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5epjpUL7luQ

Hey, and welcome back as we have a great one for you from Storm Bowling Products the Lightning Blackout! If you're a fan of these reviews, first and foremost, I want to thank you for hopefully enjoying these reviews and videos and hope it gives you some information to take back when looking to get your next bowling ball. From the previous reviews and videos of the Hustles, I've mentioned being more speed dominant than rev dominant, the weaker equipment tends to give me a really bad over-under reaction but with this ball, I did not really see it unless it was human error. The Lightning Blackout video starts off with the ball hitting very heavy so I moved 2-1 and the ball looked really good from that area. Once again, balls lower than the mid-performance balls usually don't fare too well for someone like me who is more up the back of the ball as the ball is forward most of the way down the lane. As you can see this ball was something that moved left which again is something I don't tend to do a lot as I usually focus staying within bigger balls. This ball has changed my mind a little bit and really can't wait to work over the summer dialing in those Hustles, The Road, and the Lightning Blackout. I am definitely going to keep at its box finish and manipulate a few balls around this one and really define the bag and I definitely see this ball being a staple in the bag for some time to come. If you like this or any of the jerseys in our videos, please head over to www.iambowling.com and use coupon code Hirsch for a 20% discount at checkout. Info From #Stormnation Feeling nostalgic? We’re bringing back a favorite and giving it a major upgrade! The Lightning Blackout throws it back to classic style and performance that long-time fans of Storm can appreciate. Just as the original did, this modernized Lightning carries on the same reputation across length, power, and control. Utilizing a pearl version of the ReX coverstock in black obsidian pearl, along with the performance proven A.I. Core Technology, this bowling ball is designed to stand out on the lanes. Release Date: May 17th, 2024 Fragrance: Pineapple Cherry Delight BOWLER STYLE: RH - Power Stroker Rev Rate: 320 Ball Speed: 15-16 PAP: 4 7/8 right 5/8 up. #Storm #VISE #BowlersChoiceProShop #BabesAndBallsBowling #IAmBowling (coupon code HIRSCH 20% off at checkout)

The Lightning Blackout I was able to try by surprise at the MatchMaker I hosted. This ball is by far one of the strongest symmetrical pearls I have ever thrown and this is a perfect ball after my summit peak which has quickly become the most reliable ball in my bag no matter where I am. The ball allows me to move out of my normal comfort zone and play a little deeper on the lane then I normally can with the Summit Peak.

Storm Lightning Blackout Review Layout VLS 4.75x4x1.5 Dual Angle 48x4.75x23 Storm Lightning Blackout uses a brand new core called Warp with AI technology wrapped with REX pearl coverstock. The Lightning Blackout is very clean through the fronts with a power and control.The lightning blackout will offer a later transistion ball motion so it will be great when length is needed but still continue on the backend. I was very surprised on how strong the backend motion it has but thats why the core and coverstock combination is very important. The Lightning Blackout is going to be a great compliment to The Road and IQ tour so when i feel those 2 balls aren't strong enough on the backend the Lightning is going to be perfect. I can also see it complimenting the Virtual Energy Blackout when its too strong so the lightning will be a great stepdown. I can also see adding surface to the Lightning and it will be a stronger IQ tour solid.

The Lightning Blackout will instantly become a fan favorite for most bowlers arsenals. The perfect transition ball for a multitude of situations from step down off the super strong and medium strength balls; the Blackout will easily clear the fronts and give plenty of continuation down lane. I see the Blackout as a weaker version of the UC2 and with the Hy-Road pearl discontinued this ball will perfectly fit that slot for clean and angular when the heads hook early. Also, for those who fear it may be too weak I saw plenty of grab when I did miss in and the Blackout still read the lane properly and hooked where I needed it to. I did not see over sensitivity to either friction or oil which blended out the lane real nicely for me.

Cover: ReX Pearl Reactive Core: Warp A.I. Core RG: 2.53 RG. Diff.: 0.029 Finish: Reacta Gloss Fragrance: Pineapple Cherry Delight Storm’s new Lightning Blackout is a Pearl Symmetric Piece. This piece is good for Medium-Light Volume Patterns. PAP is 5 5/16 R 1 3/16 Up. Rev Rate: 400. Speed: 16.5. Drilled this piece with the Pin Up between the Fingers and the CG kicked out 1” from the palm. Burned up 43’ house pattern, Out of Box ball motion was clean through the fronts with a sharp backend reaction. I compared this piece to the The Road (2-2 Left). This piece fits between the The Road and the Original Hy-Road. This is a Versatile piece that fits all styles of bowlers. Check out the Ball motion Video on my YouTube Page: https://youtu.be/fVnG3uYYE_Y

Layout: 4 1/2 x 3 x 2 1/2 Surface: Reacta Gloss The brand new Lightning Blackout gives us a new ball reaction in the Storm Signature Line. This ball gives a clean, medium strength and angular ball motion designed for the lane pattern burn that we haven't seen in a long time in the Storm Lineup. The Lightning Blackout uses the Warp AI core which brings the same low differential found in the !Q series (.029) with a higher RG value of 2.53. What this produces is a clean ball motion that you can keep on line much longer than typical balls in the lineup. The REX Pearl coverstock found on this ball allows it to handle more oil overall than the !Q Ruby and will read the midlane stronger overall due to the coverstock being much stronger. On the typical house shot, with my higher rev rate (470 rpm), I was actually able to play much straighter on the fresh on a higher friction pattern than I would normally be able to. The weaker core allowed the ball to get through the front and the midlane much cleaner while keeping the ball more on line. The REX Pearl cover read the midlane still strong enough when missing left in the oil and gave me plenty of down lane motion when missing right into more friction. The best part of this ball is that the use of this ball is primarily for the pattern burn. Since this is the case, I was able to still move left with my feet and see enough angular backend motion to continue striking as the pattern broke down. I was still able to clear the front easily while still seeing enough continuation down lane to strike. Where this ball could find issue, is getting too far to the inside with your feet. The lower differential causes trouble for the ball to hook enough down lane if the lanes are not burned enough to the outside part of the lane. Compared to the Journey, I found the Lightning Blackout to be about 3 feet cleaner and be overall more angular in the back part of the lane. The Lightning can be potentially used on fresh conditions if the lanes have a lot of friction or can be used as a burn ball with higher volume patterns or lower friction lane surfaces. For me, it will be used as a ball down from the Journey primarily where I need to create more length and a stronger backend. Adam Chase Storm Staff

Dual Angle Layout: 55 x 4 1/2 x 25 Storm Vector Layout: 4 ½ x 4 ½ x 1 5/8 This ball is GOOD!!! Based on the numbers I was expecting something similar to the IQ Ruby, but the REX cover is much stronger. The ball gives me good length, solid midland reaction, and a strong backend. The REX cover is quickly becoming my favorite cover stock from Storm. The Lightning Blackout seems to be a bit earlier and stronger than The Road, so it gives me a great 1-2 punch on house shots.

Check out my ball video at https://youtu.be/d4C8zMqK6cE Short summary - benchmark shiny ball, similar to a snappier iQ Tour. To me, that translates into house shot killer, but versatile enough to use on sport and challenge patterns. 2.53 RG. .029 differential, REX pearl reactive coverstock. All that means its relatively quick off the spot, and it smells great. Pineapple cherry delight, sounds like a good pie. Think of this ball as an iQ tour , but more responsive and more overall motion. Final thoughts - ball is good, you probably need one. Be sure to watch the video!

Storm Lightning Blackout Layout: 4.0 x 4.5 x 2 Storm Pin Buffer Layout Rev Rate: 325 rpm, 7 degree of axis tilt, 40 degree of axis rotation Testing information: 41 foot THS (medium to light volume) Bowling Center: Fulton Bowling Center Kegel Machine – Brunswick Anvilane Storm’s Lightning Blackout utilizes the REX Pearl coverstock and the Warp AI core. We add some surface to the Lightning Blackout – 3000 Abralon. The test pattern was a 3-day old league pattern with some open play on it as well. The pattern actually held up well as the testing went surprisingly well. We tested the Lightning Blackout up against the Storm The Road. Both balls use the REX cover. The Road is a hybrid and the Lightning Blackout is a pearl. It was clear during our test session that the Lightning Blackout was stronger and handled the oil better, especially on the misses left into the oil. This could have been the surface helping, but I still think the Lightning blackout was the better option on this test pattern. Visit your local Storm VIP Pro Shop! #Stormnation #SquadRG

Lighting Blackout - Ball Specs Cover Stock: REX Pearl Reactive Finish: Reacta Gloss Core: Warp AI Core Layout: 65 x 5 x 35 RG: 2.53 Differential: 0.029 Review Storm’s new Lighting Blackout has the awesome REX pearl cover wrapped around the Warp AI Core, which makes the ball clean through the fronts with a strong backend motion. The Warp AI Core falls under the same rating as the iconic IQ tour. As a mid to low rev player the Lighting Blackout allows me to move right on the fresh and left on the burn. This ball will be in my bag for league and tournaments. This is a great ball for all levels of bowlers. Order one from your local pro shop today! My ball review videos are posted on YouTube channel Stanley Waite. Stanley Waite 900 Global Staff Member Dover, DE

Storms Lightning BlackOut is a pleasant surprise in the bowling bag. The Wrap AI Core features a RG of 2.53 and Diff of 0.0029 and is wrapped around the REX Pearl cover. The differential is the same as an iQ Tour but the RG is a lot higher but I believe they will work hand in hand with one another. I drilled mine 5.5 x 5 x 3 and when I first started to throw this ball it reminded me a lot of a iQ Tour Nano Pearl but it got through the front part of the lane easier. It almost appeared to me as the ball looking sluggish for the first 45 feet down the lane but it never missed the spot. It allows me to stay on top of it when I’m using urethane but it has enough versatility that I can open my angles up with it and hook it. I feel like this will be a great addition to the fans of the iQ Tour series who just want the ball to shape a little more down lane.