USBC Hall of Famer Don Scudder wasn’t in it for Money or Fame
If you have been a competitive bowler over the years, you probably know the name Don Scudder. He is a USBC Hall of Famer from Cincinnati, Ohio, and is one of the most decorated amateur bowlers you will find. Don’s national championships span across several decades. In fact, Don Scudder has won the two oldest tourneys in the US having won the Petersen Classic in 2014 (at age 62) and the ABC Singles title in 1996.
Don’s ties to Storm and the brands of Storm are significant, too. He used the Pacific Storm while earning two eagles and shooting 823 at the ABC National Championships in Salt Lake City, Utah. And at the famed Petersen Classic outside of Chicago, Illinois, Don used the Roto Grip Uproar and Storm Mix while earning the coveted Petersen Classic title just seven years ago. Interesting to note, too, is that Don has shot 1600 four different times throughout his career there. And what’s even more impressive is that, for more than 40 years now, he has a lifetime average of 185, at what is known as one of the toughest and most demanding events in the country.
Did you ever turn pro? Or consider it, at least?
DS: Yes I did. I turned pro in 1985, because I wanted to bowl a few Regional tournaments. I had won a Pro Regional tournament in Taylor Michigan in 1982, as an amateur. Pro Tour rules stated that I was unable to bowl any more Pro tournaments until I joined and picked up a card.
At the time I was working full time for the State of Ohio. I was a weekend warrior. I did this for about 6 months, and dropped my card so I could bowl in the new Megabuck bowling tournaments that had just started in Las Vegas.
I had a chance of touring full time on the PBA in 1978. A restaurant owner across the street from Western Bowl wanted to back me for a year so I could give it a try.
Eddie Jackson, Team USA Captain and eventual ABC Hall of Famer, elected 1989, sat down with me in 1978, and filled me in on the pitfalls of touring. Eddie knew I worked for the state. Eddie explained the money bowling on the tour verses working for the state was not worth the risk. In the end it was his common sense thinking that stopped me from getting a card and I stayed amateur until 1985 . To this day I thank Eddie as I retired at age 55, from the state with pension and health insurance in hand.
In 1996, you won $100,000 in the Mini-Eliminator, defeating Purvis Granger in an exciting finish….throwing a strike to win. How nervous were you stepping up in the tenth there with that kind of money on the line?
DS: When it got to the 10th frame in the title match needing a strike to win $100,000, I’d be lying if I told you I wasn’t nervous.
However, going back to the start of the week I was hardly able to walk much less bowl. Everything hard to believe happened that week, from starting my 1st two eliminator matches standing at the foul line, no approach, throwing each 1st ball in the middle of the lane at turtle speed and making the cut in both matches with clean games. In fact, prior to the show, I had bowled 11 clean games in making the telecast. In the title match games in the second frames I had splits that I failed to convert leaving me with two open frames for the entire week. Still – unbelievable I had bowled and won this tournament with a bum knee that was caused by falling on ice in front of Western Bowl the Wednesday prior to the tournament beginning.
Back to the 10th frame the final game needing a strike, I remember telling myself this one is for the title. My mind did not think about the money. I wanted the title. In the 10th I did strike, along with a nine spare to finish the game. It was the happiest moment in my bowling life to win that title and that much money on TV with a bum knee.
On the show I remember striking in the 10th frame and yelling in celebration to my friends who were in the stands “Get me a Bud Light”. I wanted to start a party. Denny the show’s commentator had heard earlier I was on the ABC HOF Ballot for the past several years. After striking to win $100,000, Denny celebrating with me commented “HOF fame committee take notice”, and at the same time I yelled, “Get me a Bud Light”. It was very funny indeed. HOF must not have taken notice, as I did not get elected into the HOF until 1999.
Winning the Eliminator tournament, there was more. I also received a full expense paid entry fee with airplane fare and hotel to bowl in a tournament in the Netherlands to be held in March 1996. I bowled and finished 4th in the singles, and was second with Ron Pollard in the doubles.
It’s been 25 years now since you set the record Team All Events score in Salt Lake City in 1996…and won the singles there too…. What do you remember from that event and what did it mean to you to win two Eagles?
DS: Our team, Pollard’s Bowl, won the ABC Team All events on the 25th and 26th of April 1996; I don’t think I will ever forget. Our team event in Salt Lake City, Utah on the 25th, found us shooting 3222. I was low with 620.
Starting off in the doubles Ron and Rick Pollard bowled a pair of 290 games, totaling 580, a record. I believe it is still a record at USBC in the doubles. The Pollards finished 3rd, in the doubles that year.
My doubles partner, Bill Spigner bowled games of 244, 239, and 290, for a 775 total. I shot 654, only one open for a 1429 total.
I did not have a ball reaction like the rest of my team. Bill and I had started our doubles set on 7 and 8. The Pollard brothers, Paul Wolf and Jerry Kessler bowled doubles on 9 and 10. When the set ended, the Pollards moved to 11 and 12 to bowl their singles.
Out of all the equipment I had brought from home, I had one ball left that I had not tried to use until the 10th fill frame of our doubles set. It was a brand new out of the box Pacific Storm ball that had been mapped off by you, (Steve Kloempken). My 1st pitch was during the fill ball, last frame of the doubles and I left a 5-7, split. Bill, who was watching stated “I like that ball motion”. I laughed and said ok, what do I have to lose.
The rest is history. Moving to 5 and 6 to bowl singles, using a Pacific Storm I bowled 244, then 300, finishing with 279 for a winning 823 series, along with my personal best 2,097 All Events total. The Pollard’s five all shot above 2040, winning and setting the new Team All Events record of 10,422, which stands today 25 years later. This is a dream that I am still living and forever thankful for.
Final thoughts on the 1999 ABC Hall of Fame Induction and more
DS: I was rooming with Ron Pollard in Las Vegas. We were there to bowl the High Roller. Somehow Steve James from the ABC had learned where I was and called me that night to congratulate me on being inducted into the HOF. What a special memory that is to this day. I was inducted in March 1999, in Syracuse, New York.
My fondest memory was of the HOF dinner night, getting to talk with Joe Norris. We sat at the bar and had a beer. His mind was still sharp. What fun it was to reminisce with him talking about his travels and fun he had bowling on his beer teams at the Nationals. He had bowled ABC’s 70 years at that point. What a history lesson I so enjoyed.
It’s the history that makes the ABC, now USBC so great. Tournaments that lose their history go down hill fast. Long live the USBC.
In closing, my final thoughts about HOF. There are two bowlers who I believe that have been passed over for HOF induction. The first is Mike Neumann. What can you say about this guy? The question is, what didn’t he win? 3 to 4 USBC titles, 2 to 3 Megabuck tournaments. (I watched Mike win the Hoinke Super Classic in Cincinnati, my hometown. He started with front 8 in the title match. It was something to see). He also won an overseas tournament in the Netherlands in 1995, (same one I bowled in 1996) and was on at least 3 or 4 National Team bowling challenge wins. There has to be a lot more that I’m missing because he was just that good.
USBC HOF committee, please review the merits of putting this guy into the HOF based on his tournament performance during his short career. He was a special talent that when he was on the lanes there were always people who wanted to watch him bowl. If his name comes up on a ballot that I am able to vote on, he has my “yes” check mark.
The second bowler is Ted Hannahs, from Zanesville Ohio. He has won a USBC title, the Petersen Classic, 4 national tour stops, countless Regional Pro tournaments, was 2nd at the 1982 ABC Masters in Baltimore, multiple National Team Challenges wins, along with countless other tournament wins since the 1970’s. He is a special talent who needs to be recognized as one of the best I got to see in my generation.
Thank you very much, Steve for spending time with me reminiscing about my past history. It was fun to think back about where I’ve been in this game. I did not bowl for the Hall of Fames or the money. I have truly loved our game since I was a young man. It’s great to think about the fun I had traveling, seeing different cities, and meeting people along the way. What a ride it’s been.
Kyle Troup Wins His First PBA Major Title
“Trust in the process and keep working hard.”
Those were some of the thoughts Kyle Troup shared with our team after he qualified for the PBA Players Championship Finals and was preparing for the major event. He spent the weeks dedicated to the routine that he has developed in the off-season. Training off the lanes in the gym, staying committed to his mental work, and staying dedicated to his practice on the lanes.
Troup rolled a three-game series of 741 to earn the top seed in the seeding round which streamed live on FloBowling on Saturday.
“I tried to just stick to the process,” Troup said. “I felt really confident coming over for those 10 shots and this match.”
Troup came in for the championship match and admitted that it didn’t start the way he wanted but he stayed focused and dug deep.
“I just told myself to keep my mind forward and my eyes forward. Keep working, keep pushing, believe in yourself.”
In the end, Troup bowled a 257 game to win the PBA Players Championship for his first career major title and the $250,000 first prize, defeating Dick Allen. Kyle Troup used a Roto Grip IDOL Synergy to win the title. This was the same ball he used in the East Region Final.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling,” said Troup in the official PBA release here. “Hard work pays off. I felt very confident in my ball reaction and the angle I was playing. I didn’t really feel nervous at all. I stayed focused and the pressure and the nerves kind of went away.”
This title qualifies Troup for the PBA Super Slam which will feature all five 2021 major winners in a broadcast on FOX on April 18.
The PBA Tournament of Champions begins this week at Bowlero Jupiter and will be streamed live on FloBowling, February 23-26. The stepladder finals will air live Sunday, February 28 at 1 pm Eastern Time on FOX.
About Storm Products, Inc.
Storm Products Inc. continues to lead the bowling industry in innovation through our high-performance bowling equipment featuring the Storm, Roto Grip and Global 900 Brands. In addition to creating the highest quality of products that the top athletes choose for PBA and PWBA Tour competitions, Storm strives to continue to inspire existing bowlers, foster and develop new bowlers, and educate those in our industry to provide exemplary service to all bowlers. Visit stormbowling.com to learn more.
STORM PRODUCTS CONTINUES SPONSORSHIP WITH THE UNDERGROUND BOWLING ASSOCIATION
BRIGHAM CITY, Utah - Storm Products Inc. (SPI), is proud to announce that the brands of Storm and Roto Grip will continue their sponsorship agreement for the 2021 Season of the Underground Bowling Association (UBA).
“We like to have fun when we bowl,” Philip Chance, President and CEO of the UBA said. "Storm and the UBA have once again agreed to partner the Bowler's Company with the Culture of Bowling.”
The UBA was developed in 2009 and born out of the idea that bowling is not just a spectator’s sport. The organization is dedicated to encouraging, promoting, and creating more interest in competitive bowling. Through this vision, a new generation of bowlers with unorthodox, unique, and/or original styles of bowling have been encouraged to join the sport. The UBA encourages bowlers to create nicknames for their athletes and rivalries are formed between teams. The UBA focuses on, “Bowling Entertainment” and the situations or instances that create matches and encourage the spectators to join in and pick their favorites. Throughout a normal season, the UBA has 21 Tour Stops in a 10-month period.
“The energy that the UBA bowlers bring to their events is like no other event that we sponsor, and we are thrilled to extend our sponsorship for the 2021 season,” Leanne Hulsenberg, Tournament and Events Manager said.
Prior to the pandemic, the UBA hosted 252 events and serviced more than 9,000 bowlers in the United States. The UBA plans to host at least 144 events this year and is excited to introduce the Season Brawl Series. This allows UBA Franchises to have the opportunity to cross district lines and bowl against teams they’ve never faced before.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBK7K6VV22U
Throughout the season, Storm Products will provide resources to help the UBA with on-site activations and provide resources to the events throughout the season.
About Storm Products, Inc.
Storm Products Inc. continues to lead the bowling industry in innovation through our high-performance bowling equipment featuring the Storm, Roto Grip and Global 900 Brands. In addition to creating the highest quality of products that the top athletes choose for PBA and PWBA Tour competitions, Storm strives to continue to inspire existing bowlers, foster and develop new bowlers, and educate those in our industry to provide exemplary service to all bowlers. Visit stormbowling.com to learn more.
STORM PRODUCTS INC. ANNOUNCES SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT WITH NEBA
BRIGHAM CITY, Utah - Storm Products Inc. (SPI), is proud to announce that the brands of Storm, Roto Grip, and 900 Global will sponsor the 2021 Season of the New England Bowler’s Association (NEBA). The season will feature a safe environment for all competitors with COVID precautions, new formats, and enhanced prize funds in events throughout the season.
“Storm is known as The Bowler’s Company and our brands are dedicated to creating performance products that competitive athletes can depend on,” Leanne Hulsenberg, Tournament and Events Manager said. “In addition to our products, our team strives to create great experiences on the lanes, education about industry best-practices, and supporting professionally run events all around the world that allow bowlers to do what they love to do.”
NEBA is a tournament organization with great tradition and history. Prior to the pandemic, NEBA hosted at least one event per month since its inception in 1963, making it the longest running USBC sanctioned tournament organization in the world. NEBA just completed its 938th scratch event and will host 22 events in the 2021 season. In a normal season, each event brings 100-200 entries and more than 800 unique bowlers (per season) will compete in NEBA events throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont and New Hampshire.
"We are thrilled to expand NEBA's 900 Global sponsorship to include all SPI brands,” Christopher Viale, NEBA President said. “The industry-leading brands of Storm, Roto Grip, and 900 Global make a fantastic compliment to NEBA - the longest running tournament organization in the world featuring the best competition in New England."
Throughout the season, Storm Products will provide resources to help NEBA with on-site activations and provide resources to generate funds to support the tournament athletes and events. In addition, Storm will share news from the events on our social media channels to feature our champions & award winners.
“Connecting NEBA to the SPI brands is a great fit.” Hulsenberg said. “NEBA has always been run by and for its members and hosts proficiently run events featuring the best competition in New England. We’re excited to support their efforts as they give athletes a place to safely compete and earn recognition.”
About Storm Products, Inc.
Storm Products Inc. continues to lead the bowling industry in innovation through our high-performance bowling equipment featuring the Storm, Roto Grip and Global 900 Brands. In addition to creating the highest quality of products that the top athletes choose for PBA and PWBA Tour competitions, Storm strives to continue to inspire existing bowlers, foster and develop new bowlers, and educate those in our industry to provide exemplary service to all bowlers. Visit stormbowling.com to learn more.
About NEBA.
NEBA is America’s longest running USBC sanctioned monthly scratch tournament. NEBA was formed in 1963 and is celebrating its 58th anniversary in 2021. NEBA tournaments are professional managed and provide the best scratch competition in New England. More information can be found at http://www.bowlneba.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bowlneba, and on Twitter and Instagram @BowlNEBA.
ANN MCGEE WINS ABT SOUTH POINT WITH PARALLAX
Ann McGee, of Las Vegas, Nevada, won the Amateur Bowlers Tour (ABT)– Las Vegas South Point event held at the South Point Bowling Plaza on January 30, 2021. McGee recently returned to the lanes after taking some time off for health reasons. Since she has returned, she placed second at the ABT before winning the title today. This is her 4th ABT title and she was using her Storm Parallax.
“My goal is always to make the cut at the ABT,” McGee said. “I love having opportunities to bowl. It was great to be able to win.”
The ABT was founded in September 1977 and is the only tournament club that guarantee’s a minimum first place prize in the Classic Division as well as a minimum guaranteed prize fund in each and every Classic tournament.
“I’m glad that we have the ability to host an event at South Point! Very few places are able to host events so I’m truly thankful to South Point, Mike Monyak and their great staff.” Myron Mitchell, ABT National Director, said.
There are ABT branches throughout most regions of the United States but franchises are still available in major areas in the United States.
“I love the opportunity of rewarding people for having a great day on the lanes,” Mitchell said. “Everybody has the ability to have a good day on the lanes and I like being able to reward people for that good day. It’s great to be able to give a variety of people of all skill levels the ability to win and evenly distribute our prize fund amongst our membership. That’s something thing that the ABT is known for. Someone who averages 230 and someone who averages less than 170 has the opportunity to win!”
In just over twenty-three (23) years the ABT has paid out in excess of one hundred thirty-four million dollars ($134,000,000.00). More than any other club in the history of bowling.
The ABT is excited to host the 2021 Super Bowling Event, February 4-6 at Sunset Station with a top prize of $5,000 (with 250 entries). For more information about this event click here.
To learn about the ABT visit abtbowling.com.
Simonsen wins PBA Players Championship with Storm Trend
Anthony Simonsen earned the top seed in the West Region and successfully claimed his spot in the PBA Players Championship Finals and a chance at $250,000. Simonsen defeated Kris Koeltzow 279-205.
“That was by far my best TV performance in the last few attempts,” Simonsen said. “The Storm Trend was absolutely money on the show. Great game plan + Great ball motion = Success!”
Simonsen who has been working hard throughout the pandemic on his game and in his new position managing the lanes inside The Nerd Bar in Las Vegas truly showcased how hard he's been working. He chose to use the Storm Trend which was designed to give a quicker response and a more defined breakpoint that helped Simonsen tackle the lanes in the match.
“I’m happy to be back bowling, especially for a major, and I put a lot of practice in,” said Simonsen in the PBA release. “Something clicked a couple days before the qualifying rounds and I’ve been really comfortable since.”
The PBA Players Championship Finals will air live on FOX on Feb. 21.
About Storm Products, Inc.
Storm Products Inc. continues to lead the bowling industry in innovation through our high-performance bowling equipment featuring the Storm, Roto Grip and Global 900 Brands. In addition to creating the highest quality of products that the top athletes choose for PBA and PWBA Tour competitions, Storm strives to continue to inspire existing bowlers, foster and develop new bowlers, and educate those in our industry to provide exemplary service to all bowlers.
TEAM STORM | PBA Player's Championship
$250,000 is up for grabs in the finals of the PBA Players Championship? The road to get there has been anything but easy. After 28 games of qualifying in one weekend, our Team Storm players who qualified for the finals of the PBA Players Championship shared their thoughts leading into their region finals.
ANTHONY SIMONSEN
#1 QUALIFER in WEST REGION
“It was a long 28 games over 2 days but got through it. There were numerous balls in play for me throughout the weekend but there were none better than my trusty Alpha Crux.”
DARREN TANG
#4 QUALIFER in WEST REGION
“Perseverance was the key word for the weekend.”
“I knew if I stayed mentally strong, I would have a great chance at making the show. Always looking forward to opportunities on TV. Improvement throughout my career has been heavily based on learning from experiences. Hopefully I can apply what I've learned from past shows to win this one.”
FRANCOIS LAVOIE
#1 QUALIFIER in SOUTHWEST REGION
“My mindset is very present oriented. Step one is done. Now I'm moving on to step two. This is a new, unique format, so I'm making sure I only focus on the things that matter right now.”
AJ CHAPMAN
#5 QUALIFIER IN SOUTHWEST REGION
“It was an absolute mental and physical grind with 28 games in just 2 days. Being able to pick myself back up mentally after making mistakes was the key to getting to the show.”
RONNIE RUSSELL
#3 QUALIFIER in CENTRAL REGION
“Thank you hand for having some touch! Shot 300 with the Fast Pitch and Zen!! Looking forward to competing ”
WES MALOTT
#4 QUALIFIER in CENTRAL REGION
10-time winner Wes Malott recently moved to Indiana and has been working hard on and off the lanes. He’s looking forward to moving on to the next round and bowling some more matches!
KYLE TROUP
#1 QUALIFIER in EAST REGION
“I'm looking forward to the next step in the process. The goal was to get to Florida where I've had some past success and possible advantage with knowing the center. Trust in the process and keep working hard leading up to this weekend.”
BRANDON NOVAK
#2 QUALIFIER in EAST REGION
“Feels good to be back on tv. After a couple year hiatus, I was able to find my way back into the title picture. Can’t wait to get there and try to run down my first title. Bowled well all weekend, so happy to be back! Thanks to EVERYONE all around for the continued messages of support throughout the weekend.”
CHRIS VIA
#4 in EAST REGION
“Really happy with my mental and physical performance this week. 28 games in 2 days was a grind and it was a battle through the last game. Going to try to stick to the same process and same routine. Different pattern in a different so I have to be open minded as to what I'm seeing.”
JESPER SVENSSON
#1 QUALIFIER in SOUTH REGION
“TV TIME! Made it though he qualifying in the South Region! Super happy with my performance so far. Have to keep it up though, pretty tough people to beat for a spot in the big one.”
WHEN CAN YOU WATCH?
PBA PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP TELEVISION SCHEDULE
Sunday, Jan. 24 at 12 p.m. ET on FS1 – West Region Finals
Sunday, Jan. 31 at 2 p.m. ET on FS1 – Southwest Region Finals
Saturday, Feb. 6 at 4 p.m. ET on FS1 – Central Region Finals
Sunday, Feb. 7 at 2 p.m. ET on FS1 – East Region Finals
Sunday, Feb. 14 at 1 p.m. ET on FS1 – South Region Finals
Sunday, Feb. 21 at 12:30 p.m. ET on FOX – PBA Players Championship Finals
Proton PhysiX vs AstroPhysiX vs PhysiX
For this test, I drilled one of each of the balls in question and used the same 4.5 x 4.5 x 2 layout across the board. It’s logical to claim they’re going to roll different, but we want to find out just how different.
I tested these balls in three different oil pattern scenarios with the thought in mind that each one would play to a particular strength of each ball. For this test, I will find the optimal line to demonstrate where I would have to play with each ball on each pattern.
Storm is in an interesting position right now. It’s producing relevant and useful bowling balls that all serve a purpose. So how does the company continue to advance the frontier of bowling ball science? Easy: always be at the drawing board. If you’re not at the drawing board, you’re not in the game. You’re something else. By standing at the edge of what is known and unknown, you can create a tried and tested quiver of covers and cores at your disposal. One thing Storm has been particularly good at over the years is evoking memories of previous balls with new releases, which will tug on the heartstrings of bowlers as they fondly remember the gear that they have used over the years.
The Proton PhysiX isn’t only the third representation of the Atomic Core, it comes from a wholly different classification of coverstocks different from its predecessors: the PhysiX and AstroPhysiX. If there wasn’t enough contrast between R2S Pearl and NRG Hybrid on the PhysiX and AstroPhysiX respectfully, throw NeX Solid into the crucible and you pretty much have yourself a full 3-ball arsenal.
As many of you probably know all too well, R2S (particularly in its pearlized form) is the cleanest, most responsive (to friction) coverstock development of this century. NRG itself has been around for nearly ten years and still performs as admirably today as it did a decade ago. When we were first deliberating amongst ourselves which cover to put on the now iconic Atomic Core, the two most noteworthy formulas of our generation were the obvious choices. In typical Storm progression a pearl, solid, and hybrid version of most core types gets introduced worldwide. But rarely, if ever, do we see three balls as diverse as the Proton PhysiX, AstroPhysiX, and PhysiX in such a short timeframe all thanks to their own contrasting chemical elements.
BOWLER STATS:
Launch Speed: 17.5mph
RPM: 450
Tilt: 6°
Rotation: 45°
PAP: 5” straight over
Layout Used for Test: 4.5 x 4.5 x 2 (55° x 4.5 x 30°)
Surface Used: Proton PhysiX: 2000-grit, PhysiX: 3000-grit, AstroPhysiX: 1500-grit Polished
Oil Patterns: Broadway, 37’, 4.09:1, 23.25 mL; Carbon, 42', 10.36:1, 24.60 mL; Statue of Liberty, 47', 3.05:1, 24.73 mL.
Highlights from the test:
https://youtu.be/Z22yFF0DR_Q
THE RESULTS
On a condition I would typically use urethane, you can bet that anything will hook on this 37' 4.09:1 pattern. The trick is controlling the ball and the pocket, which is why urethane is a vital resource for anything shorter than 40', depending on lane surface and player style, of course. I did not alter any of the balls' surfaces so the Proton PhysiX stayed at 2000-grit, the PhysiX at 3000-grit, and the AstroPhysiX remained polished. Naturally, the AstroPhysiX played the furthest right with the most entry angle. The Proton naturally had the deepest laydown, but put me in a zone I'd prefer not to be in because it was simply too deep on this shorter pattern. In a perfect world, I would be using urethane on this pattern. But if all I had was reactive, I would drill a Proton PhysiX with a shorter pin, keep it dull, and stay right for as long as I could. The other two balls were just too quick when they encountered friction.
On a 42' 10.36:1 pattern, you can take your pick of what you want to roll. This type of pattern lends itself to many styles, balls, and angles of attack. With this much oil in the middle and friction to the outside, there's a clearly defined breakpoint here and it's going to be outside of 5. The Proton wasn't a bad look, but it started me too deep than I'd prefer. For my style on this pattern, smoother surfaces usually prevail. I appreciated the entry angle the AstroPhysiX was able to provide and I know that as the lanes transition I can stay in this ball the longest while still maintaining great finish down lane.
On the 47' 3.05:1 Statue of Liberty surface will be key. The two balls I would bring to tackle this pattern would surely be the PhysiX and Proton PhysiX. This type of condition is exactly what these balls were built for. As you can see from the graph above the AstroPhysiX struggled to go through the pins the proper way and probably wouldn't become an option for this pattern until very late in the day. I really had to focus on speed control just to be sure to hit the pocket with the AstroPhysiX. However, one of the niceties in the PhysiX lineup is that it's never been easier to adjust between balls. Stepping up to the PhysiX or Proton PhysiX was the obvious choice for this longer pattern.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
The most notable design feature of all three balls is their finish down lane en route back to the pocket. The Atomic Core left me in that confident state of mind where the ball is going to flare when and where I need it to. Because the PhysiX and AstroPhysiX have already been established, it’s important to note the Proton PhysiX has a specific target market of bowlers who are either beginners looking for extra help in hooking the ball, leaguers who need to blend out wet/dry, or high-level tournament players who need the teeth and flare to cut through the heavy conditions they regularly face. You can swing for the fences with this one - there’s no concern of it not making the turn back.
The colors provide instant feedback on just how quickly the Proton loses axis rotation, slows down, and gets rolling forward. This can come in especially handy because of just how strong the ball is and becomes a good indicator when it’s proper time to shell or even ball down. There’s always a bit of a trade-off with midlane read and entry angle when it comes to a ball like this, and you definitely don’t get the same sharp turn as you would on an AstroPhysiX. Understanding the design intent of each ball should make the adjustments between the two that much easier.
The Proton PhysiX was intended to make life easier for bowlers who need to dig in and create some significant motion front to back. The bottom line from this review – that is absolutely true. You can be confident that no matter which “PhysiX” you choose, it’ll have all of Storm’s best research and development technologies packed into it.
JASON BELMONTE WINS PBA POY TITLE; MILLER WINS SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
What a year! Though 2020 has proved to be challenging, we’re happy to end it with a celebration of two Team Storm Athletes.
The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) announced that Jason Belmonte was voted the 2020 Chris Schenkel PBA Player of the Year for his exceptional performance on the lanes, while Brad Miller was voted by his fellow PBA Tour competitors as the 2020 PBA Steve Nagy Sportsmanship Award winner in recognition of his sportsmanship on and off the lanes.
Jason Belmonte won three titles in 2020, including two major PBA titles and his 25th career title. This is the second consecutive and sixth career Player of the Year Award for Belmonte which ties Earl Anthony for second-most career POY awards.
“Being the Player of the Year is the highest honour a PBA player can have and I’m proud to own that title again,” said Belmonte in the PBA Press Release. “It’s the ultimate reward for a year of dedication and travel and leaving loved ones. To equal the great Earl Anthony with six is amazing and something special to me.”
Brad Miller, who shares a lot about his perspective bowling full-time on the PBA Tour with his YouTube followers on his Brad & Kyle YouTube Channel is always willing to help his fellow competitors and gives back through coaching at home. In addition, he volunteers his time as chairman of the PBA Players Committee. It’s not a surprise that he was voted by his fellow PBA Tour competitors as the 2020 PBA Steve Nagy Sportsmanship Award winner.
“It’s nice to be accepted within an organization I’m passionate about,” said Miller in the PBA Press Release. “The PBA is the coolest place in the world in my eyes. I’m just trying to do the best I can and play my part. I really love trying to promote everyone involved and I think people have realized that.”
Congratulations to these two Team Storm Athletes for their dedication to the sport of bowling! We’re excited to see them back on the lanes in 2021.
Japan's Mr. Subaru Nagano wins THREE Consecutive JPBA Events
Subaru currently works as a pro-shop staff, driller, pro staff and center operation staff for Sagamihara Park Lanes in Kanagawa prefecture.
He is in the top 10 in the JPBA point ranking last 5 years (2016/4th, 2017/9th, 2018/10th, 2019/3rd, 2020/1st) . He often appears in High Sports' ball review videos, providing the viewers with useful information about Storm & Roto Grip products with his immense knowledge.
2.5M Japanese Yen.... that's $24,000 Dollars in the United States... not a bad pay day!!!
He turned a professional at the age of 16. The youngest ever professional then attracted attention for its high-rev style. His first JPBA win finally came in the 39th Japan Open in 2016,15 years after his youngest debut.
Many amateur bowlers aspire the powerful ball reaction that 36-year old Subaru, who only weighs 63kg and stands 167cm tall, creates. With his win in three consecutive tournaments in 2020, he proved himself and the superior performance of Storm and Roto Grip products for us.
Thank you, Subaru and congratulations on the 3 consecutive wins. We look forward to your continued success.
High Sports Co., Ltd.