by: Blair BlumenscheidPosted on:

Update on the Storm Spectre

UPDATE: 03.21.22

We would like to thank you for your patience as we continue to work through the situation regarding the Spectre and USBC’s decision to revoke the approval of this bowling ball.

Below you will find the exchange process and link to properly exchange your Spectre for a product that you can use in USBC Certified Competition. Please note this website is for customers who purchased the Spectre in the US only. If you are a bowler outside of the US, please contact your place of purchase to process an exchange ball.

When accessing the website, please have the following items.

  • Contact Information & Shipping Address For Bowling Ball (if shipping address is the same, you’ll be able to select same as customer address)
  • Purchase Location
  • Approx. Date Purchased
  • Pro Shop Name
  • Weight
  • Serial Number of the drilled Spectre
  • A picture of the serial number to be uploaded (this can uploaded straight from a mobile device’s photo gallery or a photo can be taken and uploaded straight to the portal)
  • A picture of the drilled ball – grip center showing fingers and thumb (if applicable)

Please note all fields must be completed in order to process the exchange. We will be exchanging balls as quickly as possible. This process may take 3-5 weeks to complete.

Included with your exchange ball will be the $50 drilling certificate to help cover the cost of drilling. This should be treated like cash and needs to be given to your pro shop operator at the time of drilling.

If you have an undrilled Spectre, please email tech@stormbowling.com with your 

  • Name
  • Shipping Address
  • Picture of the serial number
  • Choice of the 7 Balls (Storm Hy-Road, Storm Hy-Road Pearl, Storm Pitch Black, 900 Global Wolverine, Roto Grip Rubicon UC2, Roto Grip Rubicon UC3, Roto Grip IDOL Helios)
  • Replacement Weight

If you run into any issues with the website, please contact 800-369-4402.

UPDATE: 03.18.22

With the USBC’s decision to revoke the prior approval of the Spectre bowling ball we are continuing to explore our options with their findings but understand that taking care of our customers is of the upmost importance.
We will be opening an exchange portal on Monday, March 21, 2022. This portal will allow you to exchange their Spectre bowling ball for another bowling ball from a drop-down list of seven different balls. You will be able to upload a picture of the serial number of your ball and a picture of the drilled holes in the ball.
We will ship the exchange ball directly from Storm HQ to the address of your choice within the US. This process will take 3-5 weeks. Along with the exchange ball, you will receive a drilling certificate in the box.
More information will be available to all of our customers on Monday. Thank you for your patience throughout this unprecedented situation.

UPDATE: 03.16.22

We are disappointed in USBC’s decision on Monday revoking its prior approval of the Storm Spectre bowling ball. Our tests show and confirm that the Spectre ball meets all USBC requirements. Therefore, we disagree with this recent ruling. We pride ourselves in manufacturing the finest high-end balls which are shipped worldwide. When we create a new product, we do extensive testing prior to sending it to the USBC for approval. The USBC then conducts their own studies to determine if the ball is certified for USBC competition. We then get an approval notification and proceed with the manufacturing process.  All that occurred with the Spectre.

Our customers are our priority and deserve the utmost service and respect. While we continue to work through this ongoing situation with USBC, we want to do all we can to take care of our customers. We are currently working on a resolution and process to ensure that if you purchased a Spectre, you will have a product that you can use in a USBC Certified competition.

We will have more information for our customers shortly.

UPDATE: 03.14.22

We were notified this morning that the USBC has revoked approval of the Storm Spectre bowling ball and removed it from the list of balls approved for USBC competition effective March 14, 2022.

Rest assured that we will stand behind our products and will take care of our customers as we have done in our more than 30 years of business. We are working through the situation and will share the process for those who have purchased a Spectre soon.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause our loyal Storm enthusiasts.

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91 thoughts on “Update on the Storm Spectre”

  1. So what do we do with the Storm Spectre Bowling ball if we have purchased one, will we get a refund or a new ball? Ive had my ball for almost a month now.

      1. I am highly upset with USBC for the banding of all these bowling balls, I have a Phaze4 which I love that ball I don’t think it’s right for us to have to pay for shipping of our bowling balls, I think USBC Chad Mitchell should have to pay for all these since it’s his fault for banding these, and everyone knows that there’s no way that all these balls are defective, I don’t think any of them are defective at all!!!

    2. Hi Ben! We would like to thank you for your patience as we continue to work through the situation regarding the Spectre and USBC’s decision to revoke the approval of this bowling ball.

      Below you will find the exchange process and link to properly exchange your Spectre for a product that you can use in USBC Certified Competition. .
      https://spectreexchange.stormbowling.com/

      If you run into any issues with the website, please contact 800-369-4402.

      1. I purchased the UFO alert about a week ago.I understand they’re also making the UFO alert illegal to usein tournaments. WHAT my next step?

    1. Ugh! Mine is only a week and a half old. I love that ball. If Storm honors a replacement, which I think they will, I’m still out the drilling cost and the cost of the thumb insert.

      1. How about overseas customers with non-US address? I need to pay for the shipping myself for this episode?

        1. Hi Jansen! You will contact your place of purchase to exchange your bowling ball.

      2. Hi Ken! We would like to thank you for your patience as we continue to work through the situation regarding the Spectre and USBC’s decision to revoke the approval of this bowling ball.

        Below you will find the exchange process and link to properly exchange your Spectre for a product that you can use in USBC Certified Competition. .
        https://spectreexchange.stormbowling.com/

        Included with your exchange ball will be the $50 drilling certificate to help cover the cost of drilling. This should be treated like cash and needs to be given to your pro shop operator at the time of drilling.

        If you run into any issues with the website, please contact 800-369-4402.

    2. Hi Dennis! We would like to thank you for your patience as we continue to work through the situation regarding the Spectre and USBC’s decision to revoke the approval of this bowling ball.

      Below you will find the exchange process and link to properly exchange your Spectre for a product that you can use in USBC Certified Competition. .
      https://spectreexchange.stormbowling.com/

      If you run into any issues with the website, please contact 800-369-4402.

      1. The exchange web site is telling me I have an incorrect serial number. I called the 800# and was told they are updating their systems. I gave them my serial number and she said it was valid. They said I should check back later in the day but I get the same message. What can I do now?

      2. I have a problem I don’t know where to go to return my ball or anything. Please help me

  3. In shock!
    Perfect name, color combo, scent, specs and ball reaction. I guess it was all too good to be true? Very sad. I am glad I didn’t buy my 2nd one to put on the shelf yet… No I don’t want a Wolverine.

    2. So what will happen if you haven’t drilled the ball yet? Will an exchange still be available?

      1. Hi Eric!
        If you have an undrilled Spectre, please email tech@stormbowling.com with your
        Name
        Shipping Address
        Picture of the serial number
        Choice of the 7 Balls (Storm Hy-Road, Storm Hy-Road Pearl, Storm Pitch Black, 900 Global Wolverine, Roto Grip Rubicon UC2, Roto Grip Rubicon UC3, Roto Grip IDOL Helios)
        Replacement Weight

        If you run into any issues with the website, please contact 800-369-4402.

    3. I am not a Pro Bowler I’m a Beginner. I do Good on my Storm Black Cherry Tropical Storm Ball 10 lbs.and my Magnum ball 8.5 lbs. I feel so bad for you guys! Can I out of Protest buy a Spectre Ball? Who cares what the silly Regulation Folks say. I think it’s unfair what they did to your Spectre Ball. I’ll adopt one just to play with. It may not be good enough for them but it might be perfect for me! Can I haz one? And I like the scented balls. Thing is everyone on my League all have the Black Cherry ball. If I’d known that I woulda done the Blue one!

    4. Hi David! We understand your disappointment regarding the Spectre. We would like to thank you for your patience as we continue to work through the situation regarding the Spectre and USBC’s decision to revoke the approval of this bowling ball.

      Below you will find the exchange process and link to properly exchange your Spectre for a product that you can use in USBC Certified Competition:
      https://spectreexchange.stormbowling.com/

      There are 7 options. If you need any help or advice, you can email our Tech Team at tech@stormbowling.com or call 800-369-4402.

  4. What was the reason for USBC to revoke its approval for the Storm Spectre and is there an appeal process for Storm to get the ball reinstated back for USBC re-approval??

    1. More than 5% of them were found that they didn’t meet the necessary requirements for hardness.

  5. Just recently purchased this ball. I have not had it drilled yet. When will we know what can be done, I bought this ball for nationals and will be out there the 1st week of may

    1. Hi Gary! If you have an undrilled Spectre, please email tech@stormbowling.com with your
      Name
      Shipping Address
      Picture of the serial number
      Choice of the 7 Balls (Storm Hy-Road, Storm Hy-Road Pearl, Storm Pitch Black, 900 Global Wolverine, Roto Grip Rubicon UC2, Roto Grip Rubicon UC3, Roto Grip IDOL Helios)
      Replacement Weight

      If you run into any issues with the website, please contact 800-369-4402.

  6. What happened? Got this ball drilled shortly after Valentine’s day as a gift and have only bowled 5 games with it and it seems like any other pearl ball I’ve had from Storm. Was still figuring some features of it and was going to start with it in first game this week. I’ve used it mainly in 2nd and 3rd games thus far. I can provide serial # and the original box Iit came in from Buddies Pro Shop if need be. Please keep me advised.

    1. Hi Michael! We would like to thank you for your patience as we continue to work through the situation regarding the Spectre and USBC’s decision to revoke the approval of this bowling ball.

      Below you will find the exchange process and link to properly exchange your Spectre for a product that you can use in USBC Certified Competition. .
      https://spectreexchange.stormbowling.com/

      If you run into any issues with the website, please contact 800-369-4402.

  7. Thank you for the update. We are loyal Storm customers and will continue to support you all. Mistakes happen and this is a great growing opportunity for an already amazing company. Thank you again for the update and we look forward to future updates.

    1. This is crazy. Purchased on 25 Feb, and only used it like 4 times. Really really like the ball.

    1. Hi Steven! We pride ourselves in manufacturing the finest high-end balls which are shipped worldwide. For over 30+ years, customer satisfaction has been our top priority. To help get you back into sanctioned competition we are offering an exchange ball to anyone with a drilled Spectre. Below you’ll find all the information we need to help facilitate this exchange. If you’re not sure which one to choose, ask your Pro Shop Professional for guidance.

      Here’s the link: https://spectreexchange.stormbowling.com/

  9. I have not purchased any new ball except Storm now for years and have Timeless, Incite, Optimus, Hyroad Green. Intense, just as the balls I have been utilizing before I purchased the Spectre in February, oh and the Phase III which I gave away.

    1. Hi John! We would like to thank you for your patience as we continue to work through the situation regarding the Spectre and USBC’s decision to revoke the approval of this bowling ball.
      Below you will find the exchange process and link to properly exchange your Spectre for a product that you can use in USBC Certified Competition. Please note this website is for customers who purchased the Spectre in the US only. If you are a bowler outside of the US, please contact your place of purchase to process an exchange ball.
      https://spectreexchange.stormbowling.com/

    1. Hi David! We would like to thank you for your patience as we continue to work through the situation regarding the Spectre and USBC’s decision to revoke the approval of this bowling ball.

      Below you will find the exchange process and link to properly exchange your Spectre for a product that you can use in USBC Certified Competition. .
      https://spectreexchange.stormbowling.com/

      If you run into any issues with the website, please contact 800-369-4402.

    1. Hi Allen! We would like to thank you for your patience as we continue to work through the situation regarding the Spectre and USBC’s decision to revoke the approval of this bowling ball.

      Below you will find the exchange process and link to properly exchange your Spectre for a product that you can use in USBC Certified Competition. .
      https://spectreexchange.stormbowling.com/

      You will need to complete the process for each bowling ball.

      If you run into any issues with the website, please contact 800-369-4402.

  12. I have a Spectra that I don’t even have 10 games on it. I got it for the run for the end of the end of season in a few weeks. Now have none thing to use for the league playoff. Please get this solved quickly so I will have a replacement before the end of the season. How do you send out balls that are not legal? How can we trust you? Don’t you have a Quality control department? What happen? I’ll will be going thru my pro shop to get this resolved. New ball and a compete refund with cost of drilling should be given ASAP. A very disappointed customer

    1. Hi Lawrence! We are disappointed in USBC’s decision revoking its prior approval of the Storm Spectre bowling ball. Our tests show and confirm that the Spectre ball meets all USBC requirements. Therefore, we disagree with this recent ruling. We pride ourselves in manufacturing the finest high-end balls which are shipped worldwide. When we create a new product, we do extensive testing prior to sending it to the USBC for approval. The USBC then conducts their own studies to determine if the ball is certified for USBC competition. We then get an approval notification and proceed with the manufacturing process. All that occurred with the Spectre.
      Our customers are our priority and deserve the utmost service and respect. While we continue to work through this ongoing situation with USBC, we want to do all we can to take care of our customers.

      Below you will find the exchange process and link to properly exchange your Spectre for a product that you can use in USBC Certified Competition.
      https://spectreexchange.stormbowling.com/

  13. Thank you for letting us know. I truly liked this ball. Not sure why the USBC went after the Spectre. I wish Storm could fix the problem, bring back the same color and call it the Ukrainian.

  14. I have the spectra bowling ball from storm what’s our next step since this ball is re moved on the approved balls list from USBC.
    Thanks, with kind regards,
    Dean.
    Cell (516) 459-6974

  16. This is very disappointing that I have to wait to see what is going to be done about a ball that I purchased for my tournament coming up on March 26th and 27th that I cannot use. So now I am left with only one ball to use for 9 games. I always buy Storm so really not happy

    1. Hi Mary! We are disappointed in USBC’s decision revoking its prior approval of the Storm Spectre bowling ball. Our tests show and confirm that the Spectre ball meets all USBC requirements. Therefore, we disagree with this recent ruling. We pride ourselves in manufacturing the finest high-end balls which are shipped worldwide. When we create a new product, we do extensive testing prior to sending it to the USBC for approval. The USBC then conducts their own studies to determine if the ball is certified for USBC competition. We then get an approval notification and proceed with the manufacturing process. All that occurred with the Spectre.

      Our customers are our priority and deserve the utmost service and respect. While we continue to work through this ongoing situation with USBC, we want to do all we can to take care of our customers.

      Below you will find the exchange process and link to properly exchange your Spectre for a product that you can use in USBC Certified Competition.
      https://spectreexchange.stormbowling.com/

      We understand the timing of this may not be satisfactory for your upcoming event. We hope that you can work with your pro shop operator to find a solution to this unprecedented situation.

      1. How do you explain giving an exchange ball made in 2008, 2013; 2014 fair: The ball I purchase was released in 2022 I expect a ball replacement of a ball released in 2022 so I am not losing money this is really not acceptable. I have been buying Storm bowling balls for at least 15 yrs so very disappointed in the selection of bowling balls being given as a exchange. I purchased the Spectre for a women’s city tournament on 3/26 and used it for 2 full games to practice and now it is banned and I now have to wait for a new ball that I do not even want or think it would be a fair exchange.

  17. Do keep me updated please. The spectre has become one of my favorites and I’d hate to see it go. Whatever plan you guys decide to roll out I will be very interested and excited to see.

  18. Sucked to show up to league today and have to use a friends ball because my new bowlingball could no longer be used. Luckily I have a hyroad to bring next week. Wish I could afford the Nova. Chose the wrong ball

    1. Hi Tim! We pride ourselves in manufacturing the finest high-end balls which are shipped worldwide. For over 30+ years, customer satisfaction has been our top priority. To help get you back into sanctioned competition we are offering an exchange ball to anyone with a drilled Spectre. Below you’ll find all the information we need to help facilitate this exchange.

      Here’s the link: https://spectreexchange.stormbowling.com/

  19. When we know the outcome of what will be done. Tournaments are coming up and I can use another ball. That’s why I purchased the ball. Thanks

  20. Unfortunately this was my daughter’s favorite ball, hopefully you can come out with a direct replacement ball.

  22. Buen dia!, es una muy mala noticia, ya que desde mi punto de vista, es una muy buena bola, en lo personal, yo adquiri dos piezas y estoy preocupado de no poderlas utilizar en los torneos donde participo, me podrian dar informacion de cual es el procedimiento para solucionar este inconveniente, por favor, mil gracias!.

    1. We pride ourselves in manufacturing the finest high-end balls which are shipped worldwide. For over 30+ years, customer satisfaction has been our top priority. Thanks for your patience and support during this time!

  24. Ugh! Mine is only a week and a half old. I love that ball. If Storm honors a replacement, which I think they will, I’m still out the drilling cost and the cost of the thumb insert.

  25. Are you kidding.. this ball is literally one day outside of it’s return policy. Now it’s a lawn ornament.

    Storm better make this right.

    1. Hi Sean! We would like to thank you for your patience as we continue to work through the situation regarding the Spectre and USBC’s decision to revoke the approval of this bowling ball.
      Below you will find the exchange process and link to properly exchange your Spectre for a product that you can use in USBC Certified Competition. Please note this website is for customers who purchased the Spectre in the US only. If you are a bowler outside of the US, please contact your place of purchase to process an exchange ball.
      https://spectreexchange.stormbowling.com/

  26. In shock.!!! Been out of the game for 10+ years chasing baseball kid. In a league now with my new spectre for the last couple months and have bowled 222 and 255. It has been an awesome ball. A little better than my 2006 Storm Jolt…lol BUT WHAT DO WE DO NOW?

    1. Hi Justin! We would like to thank you for your patience as we continue to work through the situation regarding the Spectre and USBC’s decision to revoke the approval of this bowling ball.
      Below you will find the exchange process and link to properly exchange your Spectre for a product that you can use in USBC Certified Competition. Please note this website is for customers who purchased the Spectre in the US only. If you are a bowler outside of the US, please contact your place of purchase to process an exchange ball.
      https://spectreexchange.stormbowling.com/

  27. If the Spectre is not allowed anymore. What is the fix? Getting a Phase 4 in return?
    Will I be mailing the ball directly back to Storm or going through my pro shop?

    1. Hi Richard! We would like to thank you for your patience as we continue to work through the situation regarding the Spectre and USBC’s decision to revoke the approval of this bowling ball.
      Below you will find the exchange process and link to properly exchange your Spectre for a product that you can use in USBC Certified Competition.
      https://spectreexchange.stormbowling.com/

  28. I bought this ball for my birthday 2-17. This is the first ball I have bought were a PSO watched me and set it up for me. I was averaging 30 pins over my handicap. This is ridiculous.

  30. What is with all other markets except US (Europe, Japan) We are not able to use this ball in official tournaments anymore.

    1. Hi Robin! You will need to check with your local associations. Customers outside the United States need to visit their place of purchase to process their exchange.

    1. Hi Michael! Below you will find the exchange process and link to properly exchange your Spectre for a product that you can use in USBC Certified Competition. Please note this website is for customers who purchased the Spectre in the US only. If you are a bowler outside of the US, please contact your place of purchase to process an exchange ball.
      https://spectreexchange.stormbowling.com/

      If you run into any issues with the website, please contact 800-369-4402.

  32. So where will i be able to access said portal? Then what do we do with it – send it back to storm? At least we are not out the cost of drilling…

    1. Hi Tony! We would like to thank you for your patience as we continue to work through the situation regarding the Spectre and USBC’s decision to revoke the approval of this bowling ball.

      Below you will find the exchange process and link to properly exchange your Spectre for a product that you can use in USBC Certified Competition. .
      https://spectreexchange.stormbowling.com/

      You won’t have to send the ball back to us.

      If you run into any issues with the website, please contact 800-369-4402.

    1. Hi Robin! Thanks for your patience!

      Below you will find the exchange process and link to properly exchange your Spectre for a product that you can use in USBC Certified Competition. Please note this website is for customers who purchased the Spectre in the US only. If you are a bowler outside of the US, please contact your place of purchase to process an exchange ball.
      https://spectreexchange.stormbowling.com/

      If you run into any issues with the website, please contact 800-369-4402.

    1. Hello Craig! We would like to thank you for your patience as we continue to work through the situation regarding the Spectre and USBC’s decision to revoke the approval of this bowling ball.

      Below you will find the exchange process and link to properly exchange your Spectre for a product that you can use in USBC Certified Competition. Please note this website is for customers who purchased the Spectre in the US only. If you are a bowler outside of the US, please contact your place of purchase to process an exchange ball.
      https://spectreexchange.stormbowling.com/

      If you run into any issues with the website, please contact 800-369-4402.

    1. Hello! We would like to thank you for your patience as we continue to work through the situation regarding the Spectre and USBC’s decision to revoke the approval of this bowling ball.
      Below you will find the exchange process and link to properly exchange your Spectre for a product that you can use in USBC Certified Competition. Please note this website is for customers who purchased the Spectre in the US only. If you are a bowler outside of the US, please contact your place of purchase to process an exchange ball.
      https://spectreexchange.stormbowling.com/

      If you run into any issues with the website, please contact 800-369-4402.

  36. I purchased the Spectre ball for the pearl cover stock and did not expect only 2 pearls to choose from for replacements with one of them choices being 9 years old. I am very disappointed with this decision by Storm and feel I should have the choice of other pearl balls. This is a good way to lose business.

  38. Is there a tracking number or method for tracking the shipment of the replacement bowling ball?

  39. I stopped bowling a long time ago primarily because I didn’t like where the USBC was going and how power hungry they seemed at the time. Can I still purchase a Specter to open bowl with?

  40. When are we going to here what we have to do to choose a new ball since Storm stopped all shipments to people who chose the Wolverine as their replacement for the Spectre?

  41. I think I filled out all the info within the portal properly on the evening of 3/21 but did not receive any kind of email confirmation. Is there a way to verify that Storm actually received my information & that the process is moving along for receiving the replacement ball?

  42. I got mine as a late birthday present, and have not had it drilled it yet. However, I can not return it to the shop because it has been sitting in a closet waiting since January. Is the ban under appeal? How long will the exchange program be available? I’d prefer to wait until everything is settled if the decision was appealed.

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