Storm Virtual Energy Blackout Bowling Ball

The Virtual Energy Blackout (VEBO) is the newest asymmetric pearl in SPI's lineup. I drilled my VEBO 5x4x3.5 to keep the ball clean through the heads and mid part of the lane and create a strong but rounded shape off the back. When Storm paired the proven Shapelock HD Core with the REX Pearl coverstock, they managed to bring back that incredibly strong ball motion that we saw out of some of the equipment in the late 2000s and early 2010s. The VEBO is the ball you are looking for if you need a long and strong shape in your bag! YouTube: https://youtu.be/aYkuSKhr67s

My initial impression of the virtual energy blackout is that this ball is so much fun to throw! I drilled mine 70 x 5 1/4 x 35. Fresh off the press I took it out on a 41 foot 28 mL house shot. With my iPhone video recording I threw it for 258. The video can be found here… https://youtu.be/FxJ6MnNAEu8?feature=shared. Go see it yourself. A solid black cover says it all. Everyone knows solid black balls typically step up to the plate performance wise and this one is no exception. Performance wise, it glided easily down the lane, and when it made its move, it was a strong continuous arc through the pin deck. All I can say is, if you don’t have this ball in your bag, you are truly missing out on something special.

I drilled up my VIRTUAL ENERGY BLACKOUT with a 4 x 2 x 3.5 layout. This put the pin in my ring finger. This is a layout I prefer when I need to blend patterns that have became wet/dry and my bigger balls are standing up too soon and shiny options are too long off the pattern. In essence, this is my version of a pin under layout with a weight hole down. I slightly have glazed the cover with a 3000 CTD pad which is almost like 2000 SiaAir pads. I have put this up against my EXOTIC GEM, CLONE, & ZEN GOLD LABEL which are a couple of my shinier choices for most medium/slightly wetter conditions. The BLACKOUT did exactly what I needed in that it can hug the oil line much easier than the EXOTIC GEM and CLONE. My GOLD LABEL was the same length thru the fronts but a slower move in the back compared to the VE BLACKOUT and was weaker hitting. It could also blow thru the backend and miss the headpin right completely. On slightly slicker patterns, the CLONE and EXOTIC GEM were slightly better looks. I did get the impression that I could hit the VIRTUAL ENERGY BLACKOUT with a 1000 pad and get a much earlier read to put it on par with those quicker reading shiny balls. One thing with this layout was I had to keep my speed up or the ball would get forward too quickly and stop. Drill this one up if you want something to have when you encounter your first transition from slightly slicker to more medium slick. Also don't be afraid to hit it with surface to get it to read quicker if you are leaving flat corner pins.

The Blackout has a low RG value of 2.48 a medium differential of 0.052 and a high intermediate differential of 0.020. Storm combined the ever so popular Shape Lock HD Core with the Reactor Extreme (REX) Coverstock. The REX coverstock is the combination of the NEX coverstock that we have seen in a numerous amount of releases such as the Storm Super Nova and Proton Phyisics and the R2S coverstock that we have seen on the Astro Physics and Hyroad Pearl. As per the Shape Lock HD core, this core we have seen in the Virtual Gravity line which creates a fast revving reaction that helps bowlers of all types looking for a stronger change of direction on the backend. The high density core lowers the RG and raises the differential which creates more flare potential. I did a ball comparison to the Storm Dark Code and the 900 Global Zen Gold Label at 42 ft house shot, 25 ml of oil. The layout chosen 55 x 5 x 35. 3000 Grit used for review. In comparison to the Storm Dark Code, the Dark Code starts up a tad quicker because its pin down but the Blackout is sharper on the backend due to having a stronger weight block and being pin up. In addition, the Dark Code has a RG of 2.50 with a differential of 0.058 verses the Blackout having a RG of 2.48 and differential of 0.052 which in theory is not much of a disparity per the RG’s but the differential which is your backend motion is a decent amount. In comparison to the 900 Global Zen Gold Label, The Blackout goes longer and is pinch sharper due the core being asymmetric, but the ZGL starts up quicker and has better traction in the oil. These two balls can be a one two punch in the bag on the transition/burn on a sport pattern or for game 2 and 3 of league. As per the surface adjustments, the Blackout’s box surface is Reacta Gloss which is 500>2,000>4000, reacta gloss which will go really long but will be great on the medium to dry conditions. For me, I put on a 3000 over the reacta Gloss to give the ball a matte finish which rounds off the ball on the backend so its not as sharp off the spot and blends out the pattern. In the bag, will be the Eternity Pi, Eternity, Xponent, Zen Gold Label and Storm Virtual Gravity Blackout Please pick up a Storm Virtual Energy Blackout at a Striking Results Proshop near you and please like and subscribe to my page Beyond the Arrows Ball reviews. Use my coupon code Patrick300 on your first purchase of a Bowlifi jersey and get $5.00 off or $5.00 off a $50.00 or more purchase.

The Virtual Energy Blackout brings back the proven Shape-Lock HD Core with a new sharp, elegant, glossy look! I was able to move left as the lanes broke down and the Blackout had no trouble making the corner. After the big solid asymmetric balls start to burn up, the Blackout will be an excellent step down without sacrificing down lane strength. Get yours at your local pro shop today.

About Me 900 Global Staff Left Handed: High Rev High Speed Player Pap: - 47/8 +1 Rev Rate: +-500 Speed 17-18mph Layout: 4 ½ X 4 ½ X 2 Ball Video: https://youtu.be/ALE_1nqX45A The Storm Virtual Energy Blackout is long and strong. Even though this is long and has a strong backend the Blackout is very predictable and controllable. The backend is not a check mark but more rounded of the spot and then turns into a strong rollie finish. This is something I haven't had, and it seems to help throw the pins around quite a bit. I believe that the Blackout is a ball that you can get to the outside with to start the night with and migrate to the middle or jump into the middle without sacrificing ball motion or carry. I also think with dryer patterns this may be a little too much and will lose its predictability and control. This Virtual Energy Blackout is something different and should be in most people’s bags if not everyone's. Go talk to your local pro shop for more details. Joel Donner 900 Global Staff Member Cedar Rapids, IA #StormNation #StrikingWorldwide #RGSquad #Iambowling #teamiambowling #bowlingisfun

I was so excited when Storm announced this ball. I never got the chance to throw a Virtual Energy but I did really like the Dark Code which has the same ReX Coverstock. I decided to drill this ball 4x3.5x1 since I throw 14lbs and balls tend to get down lane easier than the 15lb counterparts for me. I wasn't disappointed at all. With the ReX Coverstock the Virtual Energy Blackout really gives me a sharp backend angle once the lanes open up to help carry the corners out. On a typical league night I start with a Storm Summit and once the front of the lane fries out, I switch to the Blackout. I would not recommend this ball for heavy long oil patterns until the heads burn out or if you are bowling on a high friction surface. My normal house shot is 44ft on a brand new synthetic surface. This is another homerun from Storm Bowling.

Recently threw the vebo in league and let me say VEBO IS HIM! I changed the surface using creating the difference product using a 2000 pad and hand applied polish plus and vebo just chugged right on through the oil and smashed those pins like a Mack truck! If you’re looking for a ball to get left with and still continue through the pocket then look no further than the VEBO!

Storm Virtual Energy Blackout Cover: ReX™ Pearl Reacta Gloss Reactive Weight Block: Shape-Lock™ HD Core (Asymmetrical) Color: Blackout Review: If you are a fan of the Dark Code and the Virtual series look no further than Virtual Energy Blackout which combines the best of both worlds. The shape-lock core wrapped with the ReX Pearl cover stock is something that will create a new reaction that people are looking for. This ball is clean through the fronts before it makes a backend motion like no other. The clean black color of this ball gives you an old school feel with new school technology. This ball really is great for when the lanes begin to change and that strong asymmetric solid has become just to much for the lanes. The Virtual Energy Blackout continues to add to the very well respected line that is the Virtual Line. Will Tefft Storm Staff Member will@parklanes.net www.strombowling.com #Stromnation

The Virtual Energy Blackout builds on an already concrete foundation created by the Shape-Lock HD Core. But now, and sleeker than ever, the Blackout has taken the reigns with a tour-inspired 1-tone design. The shape you didn’t know you needed until it was gone is back! Per SPI MY SPECS: PAP: 4 7/8 R 7/8 UP REV: 350 MPH: 15 @PINS LAYOUT: 4 5/8 X 3 5/8 X 1 1/2 VLS Test Pattern: 42' THS The Storm Virtual Energy Blackout bowling ball exudes an elegant aura that's impossible to ignore. With its sharp design and glossy finish, it's a true masterpiece in the world of bowling. This ball not only looks stunning but also performs with precision and finesse. Its elegant appearance is matched by its equally impressive on-lane performance, offering bowlers a blend of control and power that's truly remarkable. The sharp, cutting-edge technology packed into this ball ensures that it reacts precisely to your every move, allowing for pinpoint accuracy on the lane. When it comes to style and substance, the Storm Virtual Energy Blackout is the epitome of excellence, making it a must-have for discerning bowlers seeking both beauty and performance in their game. A blast from the past! Step forward Marty McFly. The popular Virtual Energy returns with modern cover like a 70's muscle car with bigger wheels. THE VIRTUAL ENERGY BLACKOUT. Excited about the new cover/core combo, as I have had success with the Dark Code and Infinite Physix. Same layout used but the VE BO is smoother and sharper in OOB surface.. I changed mine to 4000 Abralon to smooth out and control the sharpness. On the THS, playable in the track is very predictable and not speed sensitive. When I opened my angles in the fronts, I did not see or lose carry. As always, hand position changes presented a slightly different shape down lane for me. I recommend this ball for the league bowlers who like the glossy look and sharp reaction. Visit a local SPI VIP Proshop today. #Stormnation