Storm IDENTITY B/C/P: The Bridge Between Asymmetrical Power and Symmetrical Control
You've got your Equinox on the shelf and it's starting to hook too hard. You don't want to go all the way to a symmetrical. You need something that reads the lane late enough to stay in the oil but has enough backend bite to make the move when it matters—and you need it to do that consistently, game after game, without constant surface maintenance.
Performance
The IDENTITY B/C/P delivers smooth, aggressive backend motion that rewards clean shot execution and precise positioning. Out of the box with the Power Edge finish, the ball requires a few games to break in and benefits from oil on the cover to perform optimally; reviewers consistently saw scores in the 230s–240s once broken in. The REX Pearl coverstock reads the lane with a delayed, swooping shape rather than a sharp angular snap, making it versatile for house shots where bowlers of varying rev rates can find success. One point of disagreement: some reviewers found both the original Identity and this B/C/P color variant roll nearly identically despite Storm's marketing suggesting otherwise, though one reviewer noted the purple-colored B/C/P stores marginally more energy and goes slightly longer than the original teal. Surface maintenance matters—lane shine dulls the reaction, and bowlers who don't refresh the cover see a sharp drop-off in performance after 5–10 games.
Pros
- Smooth, delayed mid-lane reaction with responsive backend motion that doesn't feel overblown
- Fills a real performance gap between asymmetrical aggression and symmetrical predictability
- Forgiving on slightly missed shots while rewarding good technique with strong pin action
- REX Pearl coverstock offers good traction and can perform on both shinier Power Edge and dulled 2000-grit finishes
Cons
- Requires 2–3 games to break in and reach full performance; early performance can feel underwhelming
- Demands ongoing surface maintenance—lane shine causes dramatic performance drop-off
- Low differential (0.011) on an asymmetric core makes it less aggressive than some bowlers expect for an asymmetric piece
- Color variants (original teal vs. B/C/P purple) perform so similarly that marketing claims of different shapes don't hold up in practice
Who Should Buy This
- League bowlers on medium to dry house shots who want to step up from symmetrical without going full aggressive asymmetric
- Players with lower to moderate rev rates looking for a ball that gets length without requiring extreme rotation
- Anyone who loves the original Identity but can grab the B/C/P variant at a discount (several reviewers found it priced at $149 vs. the original's $200, or even cheaper)
Who Should Skip This
- Bowlers who bowl exclusively on fresh oil or heavily oiled patterns—this ball thrives on medium to drier lanes
- Players unwilling to monitor or refresh the coverstock surface, as lane shine noticeably kills the reaction
- Those seeking a true limited-edition collectible; these are still in stock months after release despite initial marketing
Buying Tips
Get it damp or use a shammy between games to keep oil on the cover during practice or league; without maintenance, performance falls off sharply. If you're drilling it, standard layouts (50×5×35 or 60×4×30) work well. A few reviewers found it available at significant discounts ($149 or below) months after launch, so don't rush unless you specifically want the limited-edition positioning.
Verdict
The IDENTITY B/C/P is a legitimate workhorse for medium-condition house bowling, especially if you're caught between wanting more shape than a symmetrical offers but don't need the angular punch of a high-diff asymmetric. It rewards consistency and clean release more than it punishes mistakes, making it a smart step-up ball. Just commit to basic surface maintenance, and you'll get reliable scoring.
Specs
| Weight | RG | Differential | Mass Bias |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 lb | 2.5 | 0.055 | -- |
| 15 lb | 2.51 | 0.055 | -- |
| 14 lb | 2.54 | 0.051 | -- |
| 13 lb | 2.56 | 0.034 | -- |
| 12 lb | 2.58 | 0.031 | -- |
FAQ
How different is the B/C/P purple version from the original teal Identity?
They feature the same REX Pearl coverstock and ID AI core. Reviews are mixed: some say they roll nearly identically despite Storm's marketing, while one reviewer noted the purple variant stores slightly more energy and goes a touch longer. Color pigmentation can affect motion, but the difference is subtle enough that most bowlers won't notice a material performance gap. Unless you're chasing sport shots or working elite-level adjustments, one Identity is probably enough.
When should I switch from my Equinox to the IDENTITY B/C/P?
Once your Equinox begins to hook too much and you don't want to go symmetrical. The IDENTITY is positioned as that mid-tier bridge—it has backbone and reads the lanes, but the low 0.011 differential keeps it from being overly aggressive. It works well for league bowling on medium to medium-dry house shots where you need shape without violence.
Does the Power Edge factory finish perform well, or should I sand it?
Power Edge (shinier) works out of the box but requires break-in. Some reviewers left it untouched and got good results once oil worked into the cover; others sanded to 1500 grit for more early-game traction. Either approach works—it depends on your lane conditions and whether you want more or less angular backend. Just be aware that shine is lost quickly to lane wear, so surface maintenance is key either way.
How many games will the IDENTITY stay sharp before I have to refresh the cover?
Reviewers reported strong performance for 5–10 games before lane shine noticeably dulls the reaction. After that, the ball goes straighter and loses backend pop. Using a shammy or keeping oil on the cover between sessions extends performance. It's not a high-maintenance ball overall, but it does demand basic attention.
What scores should I expect once the ball is broken in?
Reviewers consistently scored in the 230s–240s on house shots once the IDENTITY was properly broken in (typically by game 3–4). One reviewer saw a 237, 236, and 234 across three games. Results depend on your skill, lane conditions, and release consistency, but these are realistic expectations for league bowling on medium house shots.
Is this ball too weak for an asymmetric piece?
Not for its intended role. The IDENTITY is intentionally mild for an asymmetric (0.011 differential), making it smooth and continuous rather than sharply angular. One reviewer called it 'really versatile for an asymmetric piece' and praised its forgiving nature. If you want a sharper, more aggressive asymmetric, this isn't it—but if you want a bridge between symmetrical and high-diff asymmetric, that's exactly what this delivers.