Storm Next Factor Bowling Ball

I love the way the ball hits.. Best ball ever

Storm Next Factor Coverstock: R3S Pearl Reactive Finish: Power Edge Core: RAD-TQ core RG: 2.56, Diff: 0.051, PSA: 0.017 (15 lbs) VLS Layout: 4 1/2 x 4 x 2 1/4 Dual Angle Layout: 45 x 4 1/ x 35 PAP: 5 3/16” right x 5/8” up Rev rate: 400 rpm Average speed: 16.5 mph Location: Prairie Lanes, Sun Prairie WI Pattern: Medium volume THS The new Storm Next Factor is inspired by the legendary X-Factor from the early 2000s. The Next Factor utilized an updated version of the core from the X-Factor called RAD-TQ, and it’s wrapped in the R3S cover. This core/cover combo creates a super clean reaction through the front part of the lane with a quick response to friction; it’s a modern twist on the classic skip-flip motion from Storm. Knowing that this ball was designed to ignore the front part of the lane, I went with a slightly stronger drilling to help get the ball into a roll a pinch sooner. Also, on shiny balls I typically touch the cover with a 3000 Abralon pad, but here I left the cover at box finish. After my first couple of times throwing this ball there’s one word that describes it – CLEAN. This ball has no problem getting downlane and it has a sharp, but still fairly controlled, backend finish. It immediately reminds me of a Code Black or a slightly less-responsive Virtual Energy Blackout. If you’re in need of a clean ball with an asymmetric core that will allow you to open up your angles late in league or later stages of a tournament, look no further than Next Factor. It’s best suited for medium to lighter oil conditions or older lane beds where you need a ball to clear the fronts and have a defined backend motion. The Next Factor will be one of the first balls I go to after the transition occurs, and I can see myself staying with it for a long time. For those league bowlers with slower ball speed or a high rev rate, you’ll will definitely want to consider adding this one to the bag. Chris Pollentier Storm Products Pro Shop Staff #StormNation

This ball has more backend motion then any other ball out today. Weak 10 pins are not your problem with this one. You will leave more 9 pins then anything. But a couple 9 pins and all the rest strikes. I can definitely deal with that. I would definitely recommend this ball. If you want shape this ball is for you!!!

Premier Series Coverstock - R3S Pearl Reactive Finish - Power Edge Core - RAD-TQ Asymmetrical Core RG - 2. 56 Differential - . 051 The Next Factor is extremely clean through the front part of the lane and very angular on the backend. On a typical house shot, for me it is a little too clean for game 1, but it really works for the transition and games 2/3. Very good ball for a late in a block tournament when you need to move in and open your angles. The Next Factor is also very versatile when it comes to surface changes. I put on a light 1000 pad, which seemed to help it pick up a little more in the oil, and smooth the backend out a tad. With the surface on the ball, I was able to start with it game 1 and continue to move in and throw it for games 2 and 3 without sacrificing carry. I think I am going to order another one and keep one with surface and one shiny.

I drilled the New Storm Next Factor with a 4.5 inch pin. This puts the pin right above my ring finger, and a bit taller than normal. This ball is built to battle dry conditions and be a ball that allows you to open up your angles. Thats exactly what it does! Im able to throw it on the semi-fresh and keep throwing it till the lanes break down. I see this ball fitting in the ball 3-4 area in a 6 ball arsenal. I definitely recommend picking one of these up!

Next Factor by Storm. The latest in the long line of balls with that "Storm" back end motion. With the R3S pearl cover, the ball clears the front of the lane and mid lane similar to the old school covers they produced. Drilled mine 5x4x2 so the ball gets pretty sideways down lane which makes it great in higher friction bowling centers. I have noticed if I wanted it to handle more oil I had to take the surface down to 1000 grit. If your looking for a ball to handle heavy oil, I would suggest an Ion Max, but if your looking for a ball for high friction surfaces or when the lanes fry out, this ball does just that. I bowl on new synthetic lanes that are only a couple years old and have been able to use this ball on my 5 man league starting game 3.

The Storm Next Factor delivers a strong midlane read with a powerful, continuous backend that excels on medium to heavy oil conditions. With the 4 × 3.5 × 2 layout, the ball revs up quickly and provides a smooth yet decisive motion through the pins. It’s a reliable choice for bowlers looking for predictability, control, and impressive hitting power.

The Next Factor is a new spin on a classic motion from Storm Bowling. The high RG provides a shape that is uniquely easy to get through the front part of the lane. While still relatively strong downlane, the Next Factor isn't too sharp or uncontrollable. This ball has come in handy for me on fresh conditions with a lot of friction, or late in the day when I need dependable length and recovery. This ball is the first Factor ball I've thrown, but it provides such a unique shape in our line! If you like that classic long-and-strong hook shape, this ball is a fresh take on EXACLTY that reaction!

Storm Next Factor - RS3 pearl coverstock with the RAD-TQ weight block with Power Edge factory finish. Layout is 4.5 x 4 x 3.5. My Specs: Rev rate 420’s, ball speed 15.3 to 15.8 mph off the hand, axis tilt of 16 degrees and axis rotation of 70 degrees, PAP is 3 15/16th up 3/16th. Tested on Pro-lane surface on a 43ft medium volume house pattern and HPL with a 44ft house pattern. SPI notes: The Next Factor brings one of Storm’s most iconic ball lines into the modern era. First introduced in 2002, the X-Factor quickly became synonymous with explosive backend motion and the unmistakable skid-flip reaction that defined an entire generation of Storm performance. Now, more than twenty years later, our Innovation Team—led by CTO Hank Boomershine—has reimagined that legacy for today’s game. This new iteration blends Storm’s high-tech heritage with the advancements bowlers expect from our strongest modern releases. Clean through the front, dynamic at the breakpoint, and relentless through the pins, the Next Factor is built for when you’re ready to open up your angles and let your ball do the talking. It’s a revival with purpose—honoring the past while pushing performance into the future. My notes: First off, the Dark Berry scent is AMAZING! Now, I drilled this stronger pin to pap then I normally would drill a pearl asymmetrical pearl ball because of my rev dominant style of bowling. The Next Factor is not the first ball out of my bag unless I am on a sport pattern. I mainly have been using it after my Roto Grip Rockstar is not quite getting a good reaction through the back ends or losing too much energy, I would be switching to the Roto Grip Rockstar AMPED or Global Viking. The Next Factor is truly the next ball up for me currently after my Rockstar. I decided to bowl a sport pattern tournament on Badger a few weeks ago and I managed to get the win by using the Next Factor in the 3 three games of the finals and 2 games during qualifying. Where all the other tournament bowlers were mainly using solids or hybrids with sanded surfaces, I was able to play straighter and cleaner outside lines to the pocket with the Next Factor, The Rockstar and Equinox Solid were burning up in the front part of the pattern and the Hyperdrive RST Pear and Viking did not slow down enough to gain any traction and just skidded too far, the Next Factor was perfect for the pattern and lane play. If you are looking for that “second” piece out of the bag after your benchmark is not quite cutting it, the Next Factor is the BEST choice for your arsenal. Make sure you visit your local pro shop or come out to a STORM MATCHMAKER LIVE event in your area. Remember to bowl up a STORM! Rip the Racks with Roto Grip!

TESTING ENVIRONMENT: Length:45 Volume: High Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc):THS COMMENTS Core: RAD-TQ Cover: R3S Pearl Finish: Power Edge RG: 2.56 (15) Diff:0.051 (15) PSA : 0.017 (15) 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 Over Ring 4 7/8 X 3 1/2 X 2 VLS Storm has been a factor in bowling from the beginning and this new release shows why. The NeXt Factor features a modern revival of the RAD 4 core that made the X Factor the best ball of its day. They teamed up this new RAD TQ weight block with the R3S cover to amplify the strengths of the core. R3S Pearl sits between R2S and TX-16. I think the result gives you what R2S did, but on the higher volumes you see now. I tested the NeXt factor on a fresh lane. Our lane machine has been overly kind to us lately in my home center and the lanes have been tight recently. This turned out to be great news as the NeXt factor looked amazing. I felt like I could do what I wanted. I could trap the ball a bit and keep the breakpoint in, playing the 45 foot length of the pattern. The Next Factor had no issues creating the necessary angle in the shorter window. I could also play the shape of our 12 to 1 pattern and throw it right and have it wheel back. This ball really gives me Code Black vibes. That was probably my most trusted ball for covering boards as it didn't stand up and lock up, but it still made a fairly angular move when it saw friction. The continuation of this ball was a carbon copy for me of what my Code Black did and it's something I've been wanting replaced in my bag. The NeXt factor is certainly strong enough for anyone, I feel like people who are a little lower on ball speed like me will really love this one. It stays in play for a long time. See my full video review at: https://youtu.be/yC0zjfbWnUc?si=0cKumpKfOu99veL1 Lonnie Pemberton Storm Pro Shop Staff Vise Pro Shop Staff Revolutions Pro Shop Youtube Channel: https://youtube.com/@Revstormaz

The Storm Next Factor has been a surprise for me. This ball is much cleaner than I anticipated. It also wasn’t as angular as I expected. All of this is a good thing as it allows me to play closer to the friction during league play. I drilled it with the PSA kicked out , which smooths out the down lane reaction. I was able to throw a 300 game the second set I bowled with this ball. This is a must for league and would be good in later blocks of tournaments when they get burned up.

The Storm NEXT Factor with a 4-4-2 VLS layout is a strong, predictable bowling ball that stores a lot of energy and then makes a smooth, continuous move to the pocket without flipping out sideways. With this layout it stays clean and easy through the heads, reads the midlane with authority, and then gives you a dependable, strong backend that isn’t jumpy or overly aggressive. It’s best on medium-heavy to heavy oil when you need something that will read early but still finish hard, and it’s a great choice if you want a ball that shapes the same shot over and over without surprises.

Storm Next Factor – Ball Review The Storm Next Factor is one of the most impressive down-lane motion pieces I’ve thrown in a long time. This ball features a high-RG asymmetric weight block paired with Storm’s R3S Pearl Reactive coverstock, and the result is exactly what you’d expect—exceptional length with a fast, defined move off the spot. What really stands out is how clean this ball is through the front part of the lane. It clears the heads with ease and pushes farther down the lane than just about anything else I’ve seen recently. Despite that length, the asymmetric core still provides surprising midlane control, giving you confidence that the ball won’t over-skid or miss the breakpoint entirely—it just happens later than most. In terms of ball motion and lane window, the Next Factor fits right alongside pieces like the Gremlin or RST Hyperdrive Pearl. It’s a true angular option that excels when you need recovery and shape without sacrificing predictability. For me, it also complements the Ion Pro Solid extremely well, offering a clear step down in the bag when fronts start to go and you need more pop down lane. The overall shape reminds me of a Hy-Road with a weight hole (for those who remember that era)—clean, quick, and responsive, but with a modern asymmetric twist that gives it more continuation and hit. This is a ball I’m especially excited to throw on shorter patterns later in tournament blocks, particularly after urethane has started to push oil down lane. When the fronts are beat up but you still need angle and entry, the Next Factor looks like it’s going to shine. Layout used: 5 × 3.5 × 4.5 ? Video of my ball and reaction: https://www.facebook.com/reel/3867203426906186

Next Factor • Storm• Premier Series Coverstock • R3S Pearl Reactive Finish • Power Edge Core • RAD-TQ Asymmetrical Core Weight • 15 lb. RG • 2.56 Differential • .051 PSA •.017 Layout • 4 3/8 x 4 1/8 x 1 7/8 Tester PAP • 5” R, 5/8” D Tester Axis Tilt • 11° Tester Rev Rate • 300 Test Pattern • 42' THS (Typical House Shot) • Modified, Kegel Stone Street Storm reignites one of its iconic ball lines with the release of the Next Factor. Built on the success of the explosive backend motion of the X-Factor, the new-generation Next Factor is a clean, strong, asymmetrical powerhouse! I was excited from my first roll with the Next Factor, and the more I rolled it, the more I found the hidden power Next Factor brought to my game. So, let's take a closer look at what is behind the superb performance of the Next Factor. The RAD-TQ weight block in the Next Factor certainly adds strength and power to any straighter player's game. But one of the best features I found with the RAD-TQ weight block is its ability to roll and keep rolling! As a straighter player, I love when I have a ball like the Next Factor that doesn't quit on me or roll out because of my lower rev rate. Furthermore, when you have a core like the RAD-TQ rolling that hard, you can count on the ball to not only be explosive through the pins but also provide the decimating continuation you depend on as a straighter player, and the RAD-TQ inside the Next Factor certainly delivered those results for me, shot after shot. The R3S Pearl Reactive Coverstock was designed to bring out the motion of the RAD-TQ Core, and as a straighter player, it was clearly evident to me that the R3S Pearl did precisely that. The R3S was clean through the mid-lane, and I also liked how the R3S gave the Next Factor a very controlled motion as it made its way down the lane. For a pearl, the R3S provided a good balance between the traction I need and the crisp turn I count on when the Next Factor comes off the pattern. As a straighter player, the factory Power-Edge finish on the Next Factor performed excellently in later-night conditions, as that is where the Next Factor was designed for. Furthermore, because I loved how well the Next Factor rolls and has relentless continuation, I decided not to alter the surface of my Next Factor under fresh THS conditions; instead, I moved a bit more right and let the dynamics of the R3S Pearl do its magic, and the results of my Next Factor were excellent. In closing, Storm has done a great job in designing the Next Factor. The Next Factor is the next generation of Storm's cutting-edge technology; built on the dependability you have come to know and trust from the Bowlers Company! The combination of RAD-TQ Core and R3S Pearl Coverstock delivers an excellent ball to fit any straighter player's arsenal. Furthermore, as a straighter player, I would find the Next Factor a great go-to when the Equinox Solid starts working too hard, and you need to start kicking out corner pins. So, stop into your local Storm VIP Pro Shop today and see where the Next Factor fits into your arsenal. You will be glad you did! Rick Klimowicz Storm Products Pro Shop Staff Roll the Ball Pro Shop Penndel, PA

Storm Next Factor Coverstock: R3S Pearl Finish: Power Edge Core: RAD-TQ (14 pd) RG: 2.59 Differential: 0.050 Int Diff: 0.014 Layout: 4 1/4 x 5 x 3/4 x 3 1/4 - 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 Next Factor features a refined RAD-TQ core technology. This core as you would anticipate will help the Next Factor provide a predictable and strong shape closer to the end of the pattern. For my review I compared the Next Factor to the Revenant (although a sym). For me, the Next Factor cover/core combination is much better than the Revenant. Although the Revenant worked well at times, the R3S on the Revenant went a touch long and could misshape at times. The Next Factor using R3S pearl and an asym as well is a nice offering for bowlers needing help in getting through the front part of the lane. Building the Next Factor off of the X-Factor (circa 2002) makes this ball an intriguing piece in the arsenal. The Next Factor during its initial testing is a world of difference in terms of great balance in length and continuation compared to the Revenant. For bowlers with slower ball speeds and want more shape the Next Factor is a ball to consider. I am pleasantly surprised how the OOB finish looks on the Next Factor and will test even further before changing the surface. The Next Factor will fit well for your medium type older lane bed THS patterns. I recommend if you have/had an X-Factor or a Revenant you'll be fine refreshing your arsenal with a Next Factor. SPI has really upgraded the middle to lower end of the arsenal with the Next Factor. 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. Grab your Next Factor today! Michael Slatky 900 Global Staff Member York, PA

**Storm Next Factor Review** **Specs:** 340 RPM • 16.5 MPH • 14 lb The Storm Next Factor has been a very strong and reliable piece in my bag. With my 340 RPM and 16.5 mph ball speed, this ball gives me a great balance of mid-lane read and strong continuation through the pins. What stands out the most is how easily the Next Factor picks up in the mid-lane without feeling lazy or over-reading early. It clears the front of the lane well, then makes a smooth but powerful move off the breakpoint. The reaction is strong and predictable, which gives me confidence when the lanes have more oil or when I need something that won’t miss the spot. The carry has been excellent for me. Light hits mix well, and flush shots drive hard through the pins without deflecting. Compared to weaker symmetrical balls, the Next Factor gives me more overall hook and better control when the pattern is tighter or longer. Overall, the Storm Next Factor is a great option for medium-heavy to heavy oil conditions. It’s especially good for bowlers with similar speed and rev rates who want a controllable yet strong benchmark-plus ball. This ball has definitely earned a permanent spot in my arsenal.

I’m a right-handed, “experienced” bowler (the kind with more joint tape than wrist snap), medium revs, medium speed, rolling on a 42' medium-light oil pattern at a high-friction house. In other words, if the lanes hook when you look at them funny, that’s where I bowl. The Storm Next Factor has been a pleasant surprise. On this pattern, it clears the heads cleanly without that “oh no, it’s checking at the arrows” feeling. Even on our high-friction surface, it doesn’t jump sideways—just a smooth, readable motion that lets me stay out of trouble. The ball picks up in the midlane nicely and makes a controlled, confident move downlane rather than an overcaffeinated one. What I really appreciate is the predictability. As an older bowler, I don’t need fireworks; I need something that listens. The Next Factor gives me a smooth arc instead of a snap, which helps keep the pocket in play when my timing is a little… vintage. Miss a touch right? It recovers. Tug it in? It doesn’t punish me like I stole its lunch money. Carry has been solid, especially when I keep my speed matched to my rev rate. Light mixers stay low and kick out corners, and I’m seeing fewer of those “great shot, wrong decade” flat tens. Bottom line: On a 42' medium-light pattern in a high-friction house, the Storm Next Factor is a dependable, smooth-rolling option for medium-rev, medium-speed bowlers who prefer control over chaos. It’s strong enough to score, calm enough to trust, and forgiving enough to make me feel younger—at least until I bend down to pick it up. ?

Ball Specs: Storm Next Factor Coverstock: R3S™ Power Edge Pearl Reactive Core: RAD-TQ™ (Asymmetrical) Color: Midnight Review: To be honest, we were a little skeptical for this bowling ball release. Bringing back old roots and mixing with new technology sometimes doesn’t knock it out of the park like you think it will. This bowling ball however brings a new shape to the SPI lineup that has been missing. Not to mention, darker colored bowling balls do seem to have that smoother, more versatile appeal in our opinion which is why you see them so much if you watch a lot of professional bowling on BowlTV. We drilled this ball with our normal layout: tweener, 350-375 revs, 16.5mph, layout of choice is 4x4x2 (pin is above bridge). Comparing this bowling ball to another new pearl bowling ball in the SPI lineup, the Phaze II pearl, you can see many differences. First, the Next Factor is night and day cleaner through the fronts and mids. The Phaze II Pearl picks up considerably sooner and has less shape at the end of the lane. To be honest, the next factor isn’t something we would open with. It just doesn’t blend the fresh well. This ball really shines in the later games, once the fronts start to go and you need something to clear that front, beat up part of the lane. This is a great ball after something like an Equinox solid where you can still transition to opening up your angles and get it to that hook spot, and yes, this ball will come back. If you want something clean, angular, and that hits like a truck. This is your ball. Kyle, Joel, & Dean Johnson SPI Pro Shop Staff Members kyle@parklanes.net joel@parklanes.net dean@parklanes.net www.stormbowling.com #StormNation #GoGlobal #SquadRG

The Next Factor is Storm’s latest ball release that continues its legacy of innovation by perfecting a shape that’s built for the challenges of today’s bowling. As a fan favorite of throwing a few of the legendary X-Factor series back in the early 2000s (X-Factor, Deuce, Triple XXX, Triple Xtreme, and the Ace), I was very looking forward to this release. The Next Factor features the new and upgraded RAD-TQ weight block found in the original X Factor, blended with the R3S Pearl Reactive cover stock. This new asymmetrical piece rolls unlike any other ball found in the Storm, Roto Grip, and 900 Global Line. Very clean through the fronts, creating a backend angular shape one would desire for striking results. Ball layout: 70 x 5 3/8 x 40. Testing it at my home center of Hudson Lanes and Games league pattern (42ft), the Next Factor was quite unique with its ball motion whether I started throwing it on the fresh or working the transition later in the game. To start, I tested the straighter lines up 10 and saw a lot more length and little recovery in the back part of the lane. The Next Factor blends so well on the fresh but can be over/under at times depending on how much oil is laid down for you. Once the transition started to open up, this is where the ball is considered to be favored. Moving right with my feet, I was able to get more length and control and didn’t see no overreaction as the Next Factor blended so well into the friction. When it comes to throwing a higher RG ball on dry lane conditions, the Next Factor would fit perfectly into that category. Overall, I am pleased with the ball motion the Next Factor can create and would make a great transitional ball for those dry/medium lane conditions. Be sure to drill one up at your local Storm VIP Pro Shop today! Thomas Coco (Storm Staffer) #stormnation

Storm Next Factor Bowling Ball Right-handed 300 RPM 15.5 mph ball speed**: SPI discription: The Storm Next Factor revives one of Storm’s most iconic reaction shapes from the classic X-Factor line, but updated with modern materials and design intentions. It features a **RAD-TQ asymmetrical core** meant to store energy and unleash a strong backend, paired with a **R3S pearl reactive coverstock** that sits between the familiar R2S and TX-16 in terms of traction and response. Here is what I see so far after 8 games: 1. Clean through fronts — great for my speed so the ball doesn’t over-read early friction. 2. Strong, angular backend — helps create good corner pin hits and carry. 3. Excellent transitional ball — shines when other balls start hooking too early. 4. Opens angles nicely — lets me move inside without losing reactions. Too clean on heavy/medium oil for me, especially on very fresh THS. I did not start hooking early enough. * **Needs some friction** If the lanes are *very* dry, you may need a surface tweak (e.g., light sand or slower finish) to help it read earlier. Not a “plug-and-play” every-condition ball, it's more specialized for higher friction conditions or broken down league and longer tournament formats that require optimum continuation than early read. **In my hands, the Storm Next Factor is a reliable transition ball bettween my Ember and IQ Tour Ruby. Clean through the fronts, smooth midlane read, and angular backend finish like a updated UC2 motion, especially if you’re looking for dependable motion and carry late in blocks. Hurry and visit your Local VIP Proshop today #Stormnation

The Next Factor features numbers that do not exist in any ball on the market today which in and of itself makes it intriguing. Then, I think back to 2002 when the original X Factor came out and how it was the leading edge of technology and down lane motion and I could not wait to drill the Next Factor. It has the asymmetrical RAD-TQ core, an upgraded version of the Radial Accelerating Disk core. The RG is very high (2.56 in the 15#) and the dif is high as well (0.051 in 15#). The PSA is 0.017 in the 15#. The RAD-TQ core in the Next Factor is wrapped in the R3S pearl which is a pearl reactive cover that fits between the weaker R2S (on Summit Ascent and IQ balls) and the stronger TX-16 (on Phaze 2 and Ion Pro Solid). What this means is the ball clears the front easily because of the pearl and the high RG. But because of the asymmetry and strength of the core, it won’t miss the midlane. Then, the dif kicks in down lane creating a controlled, angular motion into the pocket. I’ve heard the Next Factor described as an asym HyRoad. I amazingly never threw a HyRoad, but the cover on the Next Factor is stronger than the HyRoad and HyRoad 40 covers and Next Factor is asym, so I would think it’s noticeably stronger. I’ve also heard the Next Factor compared to a Virtual Energy Black Out (VEBO) which I have thrown and is one of my favorite balls. I would say that is a closer comparison, but the Next Factor goes longer because of the higher RG and also has a stronger back end motion. I drilled my Next Factor 4.75 x 4 x 2. As I stated at the start of this review, there really is no comparison for the Next Factor. It is truly 1 of 1. If you are looking for something different in your lower to middle bags, you should consider getting the Next Factor.

Our team in Utah decided to give us a throwback with one of the newest additions to the Premier Line.. the Next Factor. If you remember watching PBA shows or if you drilled Storm balls in the early 2000’s, you might remember the X-Factor. That ball was known for it’s extremely clean cover with a ‘flip’ motion down-lane. The Next Factor has been designed to replicate that motion, and after drilling one, it feels like the wizards in Utah nailed it. I drilled it a little stronger with the pin above my ring finger and the mass bias next to my thumb. This equates to 4.5 x 4 x 2. I lightly scratched the surface with a 3000 pad and this ball rolls awesome. Also, I’ve always been a fan of the darker-colored bowling balls due to their smoother and more predictable motion. The Next Factor is dark blue and has excellent shelf appeal. I can see players with lower rev rates who like to keep their angles tighter love the Next Factor because of how clean it is. On the flip side, the guys with higher rev rates will love it because they can shape the lane so well and have a ball to go to once their Phaze II Pearl and Equinox Solid have done their jobs. If you need a cleaner, asymmetric ball in your bag that flies through the front and has an extremely quick response time, the Next Factor should be the ‘next’ ball you drill! #StormNation

Layout: 2 3/4 x 6 x 2 Surface: Power Edge Rev Rate: 470 Tilt: 17* The brand-new Next Factor brings back some nostalgia as basically a remake of the original X-Factor bowling ball. The new RAD-TQ core was used here which is an upgraded version of the original RAD Core from the X-Factor. This brings a slightly lower RG and differential value in 15lbs than the X-Factor. The core is combined with the R3S pearl coverstock that has a medium strength that sits between the R2S and TX-16 pearl coverstocks. I went with a stronger drilling on this ball because I generally don't get along with high RG bowling balls as they tend to go way too long for me because of my style. The 2 3/4" pin to pap will strengthen the differential which will help the ball slow down faster for me. I was able to try this ball on my typical 44ft house shot. What I saw was on the Next Factor was that I was able to play up the lane on the fresh due to the cleaner core and cover combination. I saw a lot of length and pretty good angular continuation for what the ball is. The reaction wasn't too angular so I was able to play well on the fresh. I was able to play around 12 to 7 on the fresh condition. The ball mostly blended the dry pretty well and the strength of the core allowed it to read the oil well if I missed in. I firmly believe that my typical 4 1/2 x 4 x 2 drilling would not be great on the fresh. As the lanes started to break down in the front and I had to move left, I saw some additional length which was trouble for the corner pins from time to time. If I got the ball to the friction faster, I saw the backend I had on the fresh. The Next Factor did do a really good job of blending the lanes out overall. It is definitely a unique reaction in the SPI Lineup that can be very useful. As lane surfaces get worse and lane oil dries up faster, it is imperative to use a higher rg bowling ball. This Next Factor will fill this gap. I recommend this ball for bowlers who may have slower ball speeds and need help getting the ball down the lane on lower oil volumes and higher friction lane surfaces, bowlers who want an asymmetrical version of the Hyroad Pearl and bowlers who tend to use higher rg bowling balls in general who are looking for something similar that is stronger. Designed for a transition ball, it can be used, however, on the fresh if the layout is strong enough to get the ball to slow down.

The Storm Next Factor features the RAD-TQ weight block, wrapped in R3S Pearl Reactive coverstock finished with Power Edge. At 15 pounds the RG is a high 2.56 with a differential of .051 and an intermediate differential of .017. This ball is unlike anything in the current Storm, Roto Grip, or 900 Global line. The combination of cover and core pushes this ball far down the lane before it even starts to try and pick up and then unleashes the trademark skid/flip backend reaction that Storm bowling balls are known for. The Next Factor will probably not be the first ball out of the bag, but it has a place in the bag. It is a niche ball, but it fills a need that no other ball can. I can play straight on medium patterns with this ball, and it provides a great backend motion from the track area and outside. This ball also comes in handy when I need something to clear the fronts with larger launch angles and still has plenty of backend motion to cover a lot of boards.

The Storm Next Factor features the R3S Pearl coverstock paired with the RAD-TQ core, creating a ball that is extremely clean through the front part of the lane and very angular on the backend. With my 4 × 4 × 2 layout, this ball clears the heads with ease and saves a lot of energy for a sharp, strong move downlane. This ball really shines when lane volume is lower and the lanes begin to transition. As the oil breaks down, the Next Factor provides excellent length and a quick response to friction, making it a great option when stronger balls start to hook too early. It also works very well as a burn ball, allowing you to stay aggressive without losing control. Overall, the Storm Next Factor is a great choice for bowlers looking for a super clean, super angular reaction when the lanes dry out. It fits perfectly in the bag for late-league games or tournament transition.