The Storm Virtual Gravity Nano Pearl features the same core/cover combination as the solid. With this release, Storm went with a pearl version of their breakthrough NRG Nano coverstock. In addition to pearlizing the Nano coverstock, they also added Mica into the mix, creating even more traction in the oil.

The excellent length and phenomenal move downlane matched up best with our medium test pattern for all three testers. Both Tweener and Cranker were covering more area than Stroker, as usual. Stroker’s low rev rate allowed him to play outside the first arrow with a nice move to the pocket at the back end. Tweener and Cranker were required to start this one much deeper in the oil pattern because of the big move at the back of the lane. The recovery downlane was huge, as Cranker was able to start as deep as he has with any ball on this pattern. He was able to cross the arrows left of the twenty board and still get back to the pocket shot after shot.

This one needed just a little help on the heavy test pattern. The volume and length of oil of this pattern made for a somewhat inconsistent breakpoint for all three testers. This was easily solved by removing the polish on all three balls with a 4000 Abralon pad.

On our dry test pattern, Stroker had the best overall reaction. His lower rev rate is a must for successfully attacking this short pattern with a ball that creates so much movement downlane. Finding the pocket consistently wasn’t a problem for him. Tweener and Cranker, on the other hand, found the massive change of direction downlane a little more difficult to control. Layouts that provide more roll than skid/snap will be what higher rev rate players will need if they are trying to use this ball on drier conditions.

The Nano Pearl’s ability to recover downlane gave us more miss room on our sport pattern. The shiny coverstock stored energy and easily pushed through the front of the lane. We didn’t need to adjust the cover, but if the Virtual Gravity Nano Pearl is too angular on flatter patterns, do not hesitate to remove the polish to smooth out the reaction.

Strengths: The ability to get the Virtual Gravity Nano Pearl to recover from nearly anywhere on our medium test pattern is its greatest asset. Bowlers on any type of medium condition will see more recovery than they’re used to with the Nano Pearl.

Weaknesses: Extreme ends of the oil spectrum will put the Nano Pearl in the bag. Surface adjustments can be made to make it handle heavier volumes, but too many dry boards will cause this ball to struggle to stay right of the headpin.

Overall Summary: The Virtual Gravity Nano Pearl is the latest addition to Storm’s Premier line of bowling balls. The Pearl is the perfect complement to the original Nano. The Nano Pearl is longer and more angular than its solid predecessor.