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.
| Color | Midnight |
|---|---|
| Coverstock | R3S Reactive Pearl |
| Core | RAD - TQ |
| RG | 2.56 |
| Differential | 0.051 |
| Intermediate Diff | 0.017 |
| Factory finish | Power Edge |
| Weights | 12 thru 16lbs |
| Fragrance | Dark Berry |
39 Reviews
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Storm Next Factor
Storm Next Factor Ball Review Storm Next Factor is inspired by one of storm’s most iconic balls in their modern history the X-factor. The orginal X factor was asymmetrical pearl with the Rad Tecnology core design in 2002 it was very clean with explosive backend. Storm has re engineered the orginal X factor core in the new next factor with Rad-TQ. The Next Factor is a asymmetrical core with a RG of 2.56 and differential.051 and intermediate differential of .017 It’s finished with power edge The coverstock is r3s I drilled mine 4.75x4.25x2.25 using the VLS layout system. The Next Factor is very unique with it’s high RG and high differential asymmetrical core so it’s going very clean through the fronts and create a very strong motion on the backend so it’s angular with control. Another highlight of the next factor is a weight black and shell design without an inner core so it creates a devastating punch going through the pins and will hear the difference when it hits the pins. I compared the next factor to the phaze 2 Pearl and the orginal Hyroad The Phaze 2 Pearl was earlier and stronger while next factor was cleaner and more backend. Compared to the Hyroad it was similar in length but was more angular on the backend. The next factor will be a great option when you need help getting your ball through the fronts but still want that angular controlled motion that’s doesn’t not transition to quick. Great option when the lane is going transition Next factor is available December 19th
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Storm NEXT Factor – WWRD 12/19/2025
Cover: R3S Pearl Reactive Core: RAD-TQ RG: 2.56 RG. Diff.: 0.051 Finish: Power Edge Fragrance: Dark Berry Storm’s new NEXT Factor is a Pearl Asymmetrical piece that is good for Medium Volume patterns. PAP is 5 5/16 R 1 3/16 Up. Rev Rate: 400. Speed: 16.5. I drilled this piece with the Pin up between the fingers, CG kicked out 1/2” from the palm, and 1” Left of the Mass Bias. 5 x 4 x 2 ½. I threw this piece on a Fresh house pattern. Out of Box ball motion clean through the fronts with a sharp backend reaction through the pins. I compared this to the Phaze II Pearl. Phaze II Pearl was earlier in the mids and not as sharp on the backend as the NEXT Factor. This piece will be good when transition starts to take place. This is the piece to go to when you need something clean to get through the fronts and still creates the shape on the backend to carry the corners. Check Out the Ball motion Video on my Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DdH38RL3q/
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Truly The Next Factor
I was able to try The Next Factor out while I was subbing on a Monday night. Now to my surprise I was able to use it game 1 and yielded some pretty good results. The real test was how much miss room did I have and would the ball recover. This question was answered at a tournament where I had about a 3 board area to hit all day until I pulled this ball out. It actually gave me another 3 boards of area to play, I was able to still play a tight line but it also allowed me to leak it to the right a bit with no issues of recovery.
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Next Factor
Storm Next Factor - Premier Line Coverstock: R3S Pearl - Power Edge Core: RAD-TQ RG: 2.56 Differential: .051 PSA: .017 (15 lbs) Fragrance: Dark Berry Layout: 4.75 x 4.5 x 2.75 PAP: 6" Right, 1 3/8" Up Axis Tilt: 16° Rotation: 51° Rev Rate: 450-500 Speed: 17-18 mph Location: Vista Lanes - Yorkville, NY Pattern: Kegel Carbon (Terrain Conditioner) Lane Surface: Anvilane The Next Factor has arrived and brings the well known X-Factor line into the modern era. The Next Factor has been specifically designed to allow bowlers to open up their angles and watch it skip/flip to the pocket. It features the R3S pearl cover with a Power Edge finish and the RAD-TQ core that was derived from the original RAD core featured in the X-Factor. The R3S cover fits between R2S and TX-16 and was chosen to create a clean midlane reaction with a strong, but controllable backend motion. Most of the centers that I bowl in have older surfaces with increased friction in the heads, so the Next Factor has me excited. The Next Factor gave me a great look sliding on 28, looking 16 at the arrows with my breakpoint around 6-7. I was also able to move further left and the Next Factor had no problem making it back to the pocket with steeper angles. When compared to the Phaze II Pearl, the Next Factor was cleaner and made a stronger change in direction off the end of the pattern. I can see the Next Factor being a great ball in league for bowlers who struggle with early hook and in tournament play for me later in the block. Stop by your local Storm VIP pro shop to check it out! Dave Jecko Storm Amateur Staff Member YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@maximumpotentialbowlerssho7625
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Awesome medium oil ball
Storm's new Next Factor, This ball is amazing! I can actually play straighter up the lanes and this ball has the back end and carry to play both wood lanes and synthetic. I kept it box surface and it rolls very well. Storms new legacy of innovation, they are making things better all around. When the lanes change, or the conditions are right, this is a go to ball for sure. Te Dark Berry smells amazing, the Midnight color is outstanding! I'm like a Tweener and on medium oil conditions this ball will be in my bag for sure!
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Next Factor
Dual Angle: 65 x 5 x 25 Storm Vector: 5 x 5 x 1 3/4 The Storm Next Factor features the R3S Pearl Reactive cover stock wrapped around the Rad-TQ weight block. This combination gives you a clean skid through the front of the lane with a strong backend reaction. For me the Next Factor is strong on the backend but not as snappy as I thought it would be. For a pearl I get an even and continuous backend reaction which pairs up perfectly on a typical house shot. This ball slots perfectly between the Viking and Phaze II Pearl. https://youtu.be/LA1Z9f818wY
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What's NEXT with the Next Factor?
The layout is 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 1 5/8 (or 55 x 4 1/2 x 25 using the dual angle layout system). I was definitely a fan of the X-Factor series back in the day. My very first Storm ball was the XXX-Factor back in 2003, and did not disappoint with its very responsive backend and skid flip reaction, and With the new upgrade, using the RAD-TQ core and the R3S pearl coverstock, the Next Factor is definitely the ball that will be great for the transition. It provides a balance of traction and flip, giving players a predictable read early and a powerful continuation through the pins. This ball will be great for me, especially if I need to get left, and I can trust the Next Factor to come back and do what it’s design to do; skid, hook, and flip! And on top of that, this ball can definitely send pins flying across the deck! Make sure you grab you one… or two!
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Next Factor
The Storm Next Factor feels like a true revival of one of the classic Storm shapes — it takes everything about the original X-Factor’s skid-flip motion and brings it into the modern game with updated tech and materials that actually make it more usable on today’s lane conditions. The RAD-TQ asymmetric core stores a ton of energy and lets the ball clear the fronts cleanly before snapping off the spot with a powerful, angular backend that gets your angles opened up when you need it most. The R3S Pearl coverstock sits perfectly between familiar Storm covers like R2S and TX-16, giving it a smooth roll through the heads and a balanced midlane read that prevents it from digging too early, which makes the motion feel modern and predictable instead of retro-only. With that Power Edge polish and the high flare potential, this ball is a great option for medium conditions when I want serious continuation without sacrificing read off the spot. Go out and get yours today!
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Next Factor!
The Next Factor is Storms newest Premier line release. The Next Factor features the RAD-TQ weight block wrapped in R3S pearl and finished with Power Edge. The Next Factor is a very unique piece in that we have nothing in the current line with asymmetry and this high RG. The Next Factor is going to be a great addition to the bottom of the bag when you need something very clean but could still benefit from the increase in torque offered by an asymmetric ball. The Next Factor will be available from any Storm VIP Pro Shop soon! Review Video: https://youtu.be/vp-uWib0pYE?si=fgTdzNuX5jExQXTC
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Storm Next Factor
Specs: • Coverstock: R2S Solid Reactive • Core: RAD-TQ • Finish: Power Edge Factor Finish • Layout: 5×5×2 I’ve been throwing the Next Factor on a medium-oil house shot, and it’s quickly become a ball I can rely on. It gets through the front part of the lane really clean without feeling like it wants to read too early. In the midlane, it starts to pick up in a smooth, controlled way and gives me a strong move downlane that’s easy to read and trust. What I like most is how it blends out the wet/dry. It doesn’t jump when it hits friction, but it still has plenty of continuation through the pins. Even on misses, the reaction stays predictable, which helps me stay confident and make small adjustments instead of big moves. As the lanes start to break down, I can move left and keep the same ball reaction without feeling like I have to force it. The carry has been very consistent, and it drives through the pins well. Overall, it’s just an easy, dependable ball to throw, and one I’m comfortable starting with and staying with throughout the night.
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Storm Next Factor Review
The Storm Next Factor pairs the R3S Pearl reactive coverstock with the RAD-TQ asymmetric core, finished with Storm’s Power Edge factory surface, creating a ball that gets down the lane easily and unleashes a sharp, defined backend. Compared to the Storm Typhoon, the Next Factor is noticeably stronger overall, with more midlane presence and a faster, more angular response to friction thanks to its asymmetric core and higher-performance cover. The Typhoon, by contrast, is cleaner and smoother front to back, offering a more controlled and forgiving motion best suited for lighter oil or higher-friction environments. In terms of shape, the Next Factor allows you to open up the lane and create steeper angles, while the Typhoon excels when you need predictability and control with less total hook. Tobias Myers #Stormnation
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Next Factor
Ball Specs: Storm Next Factor R3S Pearl Reactive RAD-TQ Core (Asymmetrical) Finish Power Edge Layout 3-1/2 x 4 x 2 Pin Buffer Bowler Specs: Right Hand. PAP 5” Over 1/2 up Rev Rate 300. Tilt 20. Rotation 50. Speed at release 17 Review: The Storm Next Factor has a very clean cover put over a relatively strong weight block. I have a lower rev rate and drilled this ball strong so it would not go too long for my game. I first tried this ball on some burnt up Sunday afternoon conditions and the ball got down the lane pretty good and had a strong angular move. I was able to be aggressive, and the ball did not read early. On our fresh house shot the Next Factor went a bit too long for me so this will be a ball I could use when I need to stop a ball from reading too early. A surface change will help the ball pick up earlier if it goes too long. The Next Factor hits very good. As far as reaction is concerned, the amount of hook varies greatly depending on the lane conditions. On fresh it seems to have a low hook potential but on the dry it will hook more than a ball that can outperform it in oil. We had a Storm Match Maker Ball Demo recently and the reactions of this ball were good for most players. I will need to roll the Next Factor more to see where my best use for it lies. Summary: The Next Factor allows you to aggressive on dry lanes. This ball moves well when friction is encountered. The Next Factor is a very unique piece from Storm. Glenn Wendel Sidewinders Pro Shop Storm Pro Shop Staff gwendel@comcast.net www.stormbowling.com
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Storm Next Factor
TESTING ENVIRONMENT Type: Lakes Bowl House Shot (After League) BALL: Storm Next Factor Coverstock: R3S Pearl Core: : RAD-TQ Core Finish: Power Edge RG: 2.59 (14 Pounds) Differential: 0.050 (14 Pounds) MB/PSA: 0.019 (14 Pounds) ME: Right-Handed Tweener Speed: 14-15 mph Rev Rate: 220 PAP: 5 7/16 Right 1/8 Down Ball Layout: 50x33/4x30 “Reimagined for what’s next. 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.” Storm Next Factor had me thinking/feeling one way before throwing the ball, but after throwing it I was convinced this will be a ball that will be in the bag for some time to come. Leading up and watching other staff reviews. I was a little nervous that I would not be able to make this ball look very good. To my surprise, this ball as advertised is clean but definitely has a great reaction off the spot without it being too aggressive. One of the words used was forgiven to describe this ball because if you got it right too quickly it didn't over bounce and if you got it left it kind of just sat there and held. I was fortunate to use this ball tonight at a center that I have been struggling to find the right combination of ball or balls to use, but tonight I was able to use the next factor all three games and even though the series wasn't honor score worthy, I shot 640 and was tied for high on the pair. Thanks for reading, watching, and if you like this or any of the jerseys in my videos just head over to www.IAmBowling.com and use HIRSCH at checkout for 20% off your order. This ball is available on 12/19/25 at Pin Point Pro Shop inside Lakes Bowl in Round Lake, IL or your local STORM VIP Pro Shop! #Storm #SquadRG #GoGlobal #Turbo #DrivenToBowl #PinPointProShop #3GShoes #stormbowling #iambowling #sheridanlanes #Castlelanes #LakesBowl #900global #MasenHirschBowling #teamshimmy #USBC #KenoshaYouthBowling #MatchMakerLive Check out my full ball reaction video on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onefrombills/reel/DSMbYZnDZNR
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Storm Next Factor Review by Casey Murphy
Orientation: Right Handed Rev Rate: 400 RPM Speed: 16-17 MPH PAP: 4 1/8 over and 1 up Location: Enterprise Park Lanes, Springfield MO Pattern: High Volume THS VLS Layout: Layout 1: 4 3/8 x 4 x 2 ½ (Pin above bridge) Layout 2: 4 x 4 x 3 7/8 (pin below bridge) Strength Rating (out of 10) : 5.5 Shape: Skid Snap Best Use: Medium/Light Transition The Next Factor is basically a HyRoad with a weight hole. But better really. This is a ball for lots of Friction, or to get an arrow or 2 back right with. It’s a FANTASTIC ball for almost everyone. HyRoads and a lot of other weak balls aren’t that good anymore because you can’t get them to flare enough to carry when they hit the pocket. The Next Factor is different because of the asym part of the core. It acts like a weight hole and lets the ball flare enough to go through the pins! There is nothing like this ball on the market!