Storm
Major 52

Bowler Ratings

PatternStTwCr
Oily:9.59.59.5
Medium:777
Dry:433
Sport:777

(1-10 in order of Stroker (ST), Tweener (TW), Cranker (CR))

General Ball Info

Coverstock Info
Name:
RDC Solid Hybrid Reactive
Type:
Reactive Hybrid
Box Finish:
1000 Abralon
Color:
Red / Blue
Core Info
Name:
NA
Type:Asymmetrical
RG:2.49
Total Diff:0.058
Int. Diff:0.019

The Major 52 is one of two new releases in the brand new Don Carter line of Storm products. This ball is a high performance release and uses a new core and coverstock different from previous Storm products. The Major 52 uses an asymmetrical core design with a new veneer that is a combination of two separate solid coverstocks. This core/cover combination creates a strong roll while saving enough energy for a good kick at the breakpoint. In speaking with the designers of the new Don Carter line, pin down layouts with the CG swung right were preferred for maximum performance. This is the type of layout we use on all our test balls.

This ball motion is ideal for long, heavy patterns, which is exactly what our oily test pattern is. On it, we were able to keep the ball in the oil without having to send it to the track to get it to make its move. With all the testers not forced to throw it into the friction, this ball held the reaction much longer than most on this pattern. Being able to play further left gave all the testers added hold on shots missed left and more recovery from the friction in the track.

When we moved to the medium test pattern, it was obvious right away that we had too much surface with the box finish. We raised each test ball to 4000 Abralon, giving us the necessary length. This added length allowed the Major 52 to store more energy. That resulted in a larger back end motion. The increased back end recovery allowed us to throw the Major 52 further away from the headpin than we did on the oily pattern.

On the dry pattern we shined each test ball with a good coat of Step Two Compound (used on Storm balls that come at a 1500 grit polish). Even with the shinier finish, the distance of this pattern was way short for a ball this strong.

Sport patterns that have large volumes of oil will offer a better look for this ball than medium or dry ones. The strong roll with back end motion will give bowlers of all styles more area on flatter patterns.

Performance Ratings

NameValueComments
Torque
(1-10)
7
This ball is fairly angular considering the box finish. Polishing it will make it flip much harder.
Length
(1-25)
11.5
The sanded cover gets this ball to grab the lane quickly. Bowlers who need more length can alter the surface.
Back End
(1-20)
16
Despite the 1000 grit Abralon surface, the Major 52 still has energy at the back end. All three testers were able to still see a significant move from the breakpoint through the pins.
Total Hook
(1-100)
54
This is the ball in the Don Carter line that will handle oil. Lower rev bowlers who need a little help on this type of condition will want to look into this ball.

Strengths: Those with slower ball speeds and higher rev rates will have the ability to tear up heavier oiled lanes. Hook this easy is always a benefit.

Weaknesses: The box finish will give most styles trouble on drier conditions. Polish will be needed if you wish to use this ball on those conditions.

Overall Summary: The Major 52 is the stronger of the two new balls released in the Don Carter line. Bowlers looking for traction with some back end pop will be interested in the Major 52.