Ball Review: Axiom

Data Table

All data is quoted from Storm Axiom Tech Sheet

Overview

The Axiom introduces the brand new NeX Solid Reactive coverstock, which has since been used for other successful releases such as the Proton PhysiX and Super Nova. It is an upgrade on the NRG Solid Reactive coverstock, first seen on the Virtual Gravity Nano almost a decade prior. Lab tests have shown that it offers greater hook potential and entry angle than its predecessor, which is a lot! It also introduces the Orbital Core, which is symmetrical with a low RG. When you put these together, you get a ball that starts reading the lane early, without sacrificing carry or power at the backend. The ball motion is a smooth arc, and is made for medium to heavy volume conditions.
It has seen quite some use among the pros, such as Francois Lavoie and Kyle Troup, but has unfortunately gone under the radar for two reasons. Firstly, its release date coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, and secondly, it was overshadowed by the massively successful Phaze II, another solid symmetrical ball released before the Axiom in Storm’s Master line.

How does it perform?

Speed-Dominant Bowlers

For speed-dominant bowlers who usually have problems with the ball reading the lanes too late resulting in weak pin action, the Axiom works like a dream. It reads the lane early, even on higher volumes, and has good carry without having too sharp an entry angleentry angleThe angle from a line parallel to the boards at which the ball makes contact with the head pin in the pocket at the backend. The Axiom can function as a benchmark ball, especially on fresh patterns when volume is high but the backend can be too clean. In fact, speed-dominant bowlers can even get away with using it on medium patterns, given its smooth controllable arc! However, on lower volume patterns, or on lanes with higher friction, the Axiom tends to roll outroll outPhenomenon when a ball completes its acceleration and reaches a stable roll, but has not hit the pins yet, most often resulting in a weak shot or lose energy quickly and leave corner pins, even if you are able to get into the pocket easily. On house shots, you would be able to play a variety of angles as we would expect, although the Axiom might not be the best choice here as we would rather use a ball with a stronger backend for better carry rather than keep a smooth, controllable curve on forgiving patterns.

Rev-Dominant Bowlers

For rev-dominant bowlers, the Axiom may work well as a benchmark ball on high volume patterns. It has a strong mid-lane reaction, allowing it to read the lane early while retaining energy to drive through the pocket due to its strong coverstock. The Axiom also allows rev-dominant bowlers to open up the lane and bowl bigger angles on high volume patterns without losing carry, thus enabling them to keep ahead of the rest of the field. In addition, the Axiom’s smooth curve and strong mid-lane reaction allows bowlers to overcome carry-downcarry-downPhenomenon during lane transition where the ball tends to skid more. This happens because balls pick up oil from the oilier, front part of the lane, and leave them on the drier, back part of the lane during lane transition especially from urethane balls.  Similar to speed-dominant bowlers, the Axiom is probably not the most suitable choice for low to medium volume patterns, as well as for house shots.