Storm
Tropical Heat Black/Purple

Bowler Ratings

PatternStTwCr
Oily:778
Medium:9.59.59.5
Dry:654
Sport:777

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

General Ball Info

Coverstock Info
Name:
Reactor
Type:
Reactive Hybrid
Box Finish:
4000 Abralon
Color:
Black Pearl / Purple Solid
Core Info
Name:
NA
Type:Symmetrical
RG:2.55
Total Diff:0.038
Int. Diff:NA

The Tropical Heat Hybrid Black Purple offers plenty of traction in the oil and is a hook monster that will work on medium conditions as well.

We had our best reaction on our medium test pattern. The ability of this new hybrid Heat to handle decent volumes of oil is just one part of its overall reaction. This core and cover have been used together in the form of the Tropical Heat Hybrid Black Silver. The difference is that this version is the sanded box finish. This is the first Heat that did not come at a 1500 grit polish. The 4000 Abralon increases the overall motion without slowing the ball down much at the breakpoint and in the back end.

Because of the surface change, this ball has the ability to handle the heavier stuff like our oily test pattern. This is one of the few entry level balls to date that can hold its own at the box finish on this pattern.

The Heat Black Purple continued to impress on the sport pattern. The box finish is rough enough to get back to the pocket with the right amount of energy to carry the corner. The added benefit of having the rougher box finish on this pattern is being able to use that to create a bigger hook spot in the pattern, allowing all three testers to move left with their feet and have a larger area of friction down lane.

The only pattern where we felt we needed to adjust the surface of this newest Heat was on our short, dry test pattern. For this pattern, we applied a generous amount of Storm’s Reacta Shine to each of the test balls. With the polish added, we got the length we needed to keep the Tropical Heat Black Purple off the nose.

Performance Ratings

NameValueComments
Torque
(1-10)
6.5
This Heat is the first one to use a different box finish than the usual 1500 grit polish than all the previous Heats have used. The 4000 Abralon finish smoothes out the transition from the midlane to the back end.
Length
(1-25)
12
Because of the sanded coverstock, the Tropical Heat Black Purple creates traction quicker than the previous Heats. This equates to less length.
Back End
(1-20)
16
For us, all the Heats have had a strong back end movement. This new Black Purple version is no different. Even with the sanded cover, users can still see a big move from the breakpoint to the pins.
Total Hook
(1-100)
50
The overall motion is stronger than any of the previous Heats. This ball keeps going and gives an unbelievable amount of traction for a ball at this price point.

Strengths: The amount of traction created is the biggest strength of the Heat Black Purple. At the box finish, it can cover as many boards as a lot of balls on the market in the mid range performance category.

Weaknesses: Dry up front will cause a hook/stop reaction from the Tropical Heat Black Purple. Too much dry will also make it hard for users to keep the ball right of the headpin.

Overall Summary: This is the strongest of the Heats to date. Bowlers looking for a lot of motion on a budget will take a heavy interest in this ball.