The Dark Code is the newest Storm bowling ball to use the asymmetrical RAD4 core shape that was used in previous balls such as the Code Red and Code Black. However, it is the new coverstock that is the star of the show on this release. The Dark Code’s ReX formulation is a pearlized combination of two proven covers: R2S and NeX. We don’t need to run down all of the terrific bowling balls that R2S has been used on, and NeX seems to be a coverstock that Storm is very excited about, using it on newer releases like the Axiom, Proton PhysiX, and Hy-Road Max. This new veneer is finished at a 1500 grit polished surface, helping the Dark Code to provide plenty of length on our fresh test patterns.

Cranker had the best reaction of the three testers on the fresh medium oil pattern. The length from the polished pearl cover easily got his Dark Code to the breakpoint, and it would sometimes even go too far before hooking when he missed left into the slicker part of the pattern. On the fresh, the ball was extremely angular off the dry. Cranker lightly sanded his Dark Code with a 3000 grit pad by hand to get it to pick up a little bit earlier. This surface adjustment really opened up the lane for him, providing more area and better carry on the fresh. Once the pattern transitioned after throwing some sanded bowling balls down the lane, the polished box finish of the Dark Code was much better. On the dry test pattern, the Dark Code provided enough length for Cranker to get some use out of it, while its stronger coverstock bled some energy early thanks to the shorter pattern length. The ball went a little more forward at the back end, but it was still harder to control on the fresh than in transition. Once the oil was pushed downlane, Cranker had more hold and a smoother...

To read the full review, please visit:
https://www.bowlingthismonth.com/bowling-ball-review/storm-dark-code/

Strengths:

Weaknesses:

Overall Summary: