Storm IQ Tour Fusion by Matt Murtishaw
Versatility Score - 9
Usually I recommend high differential cores for speed dominant players looking for the most hook, so the IQ Tours don't really fit that criteria. But with this ball, I would feel confident recommending it to speed dominant players. I actually think this ball reads the mids better than the first two. Since there are more speed dominant bowlers out there, a ball with a strong mid-lane roll is a must if I'm going to give this ball a high versatility score.
Performance Score - 5.2
I honestly couldn't find a good reaction with this ball. It wasn't because of the layout or surface, but probably because the lanes became very wet/dry. Standing where I was, I felt like the ball was over reading the mids. I couldn't miss right or the ball would just lose energy. I couldn't miss left or the ball would skid. If I projected it to the perfect spot, the ball would roll well through the pins. If I deliberately threw it to that spot, it would hook early and through the face. With the volume of oil on the lanes, nothing but the super early HP balls roll well. Reviewing balls on this pattern is starting to become problematic.
Aesthetics Score - 9
I like everything about this ball's color. I would normally give it a lower score for not introducing a new color, but I like what Storm did from a marketing standpoint. It gives bowlers a clear picture of what this ball is. It demonstrates what a true hybrid should be. I don't necessarily like it when a manufacturer makes their hybrid a completely different color. I like the smell of this ball too. But I hear a lot people talking about how much they hate the smell. Smells good to me!
Overall Score - 7.7
This ball scored the highest out of any ball I've reviewed so far. And I think it accurately depicts my opinion of this ball. The other IQTFs that I've drilled for customers so far all roll great. Every single one of them has came back to me with the same synopsis: THIS BALL HOOKS! I predict the sales are going to be through the roof. With all the anticipation, and good reviews, there is no way this ball ISN'T going to sell.
Thanks for listening,
Matt Murtishaw
