Storm IDENTITY: The Clean-Reading Asymmetric That Delivers Belmonte's Signature Length and Angle
You've got fresh oil, a 43-footer ahead of you, and you need a ball that won't overreact in the front but still gives you that aggressive backend motion when it counts. Most asymmetrics either push too far downlane or snap too hard off the break point. The Storm IDENTITY splits the difference—and does it with the confidence of someone who's been throwing Storm for over two decades.
Performance
The Storm IDENTITY combines a moderate asymmetric ID AI core (251 RG, 0.055 differential, 0.011 PSA) with a REX Pearl coverstock and Power Edge finish to deliver exceptional length through the front part of the lane paired with strong, controllable backend motion. Reviewers consistently praised its clean, angular reaction—it reads the lane later than many asymmetrics due to its higher RG, giving bowlers more control through the heads while still generating aggressive downlane hook without being snappy. Testers found it versatile across multiple oil patterns (43–46 feet), though there is real disagreement on intensity: some experienced it as a moderate, manageable piece suitable for league play across all three games, while others noted it can read the lane earlier and more aggressively than comparable balls like the Equinox, and one reviewer suggested speed-dominant players may want to knock the shine off the coverstock out of the box.
Pros
- Exceptional length through the frontend combined with strong, smooth backend motion—not snappy or erratic
- Clean, angular reaction that works across multiple lane conditions (43–46 feet tested) with minimal adjustment needed
- Moderate asymmetric design delivers better control for high-rotation bowlers than typical strong asymmetrics
- Distinctive cherry scent and bold teal/red/black colorway
- Strong pin action and carry; reviewers recorded 8 strikes in 10 frames on fresh house shot
Cons
- Limited production means finding one may be difficult once initial stock sells out
- REX Pearl coverstock is aggressive fresh out of the box; speed-dominant bowlers may need to surface it
- Higher RG and lower PSA can make it less effective in heavily tracked middle areas of the lane on very worn patterns
- Not the strongest asymmetric option for bowlers seeking maximum early read and aggressive motion
Who Should Buy This
- Bowlers with high or moderate rev rates who value clean front-end motion and want an asymmetric that doesn't overreact early
- League players looking for a versatile mid-range piece that works across both fresh and slightly carried-down lane conditions
- Anyone seeking the characteristic Belmonte shot shape—long through the middle with aggressive downlane angle and pin action
Who Should Skip This
- Speed-dominant bowlers who may find the REX Pearl coverstock too responsive out of the box without surface adjustment
- Players who need maximum asymmetrical read and earlier hook; this ball's higher RG means it stays longer through the fronts
- Budget-conscious bowlers; this is a limited-edition release with no restock planned once sold out
Buying Tips
If you can locate one, the Storm IDENTITY appears to be best drilled with moderate asymmetric layouts (reviewers used 5×5×5 and similar pin placements to emphasize its clean frontend). The Power Edge finish is strong out of the box; speed-dominant players should consider a light surface knockdown if the ball reads too early. One reviewer noted the only real downside is the strong cherry scent—a non-issue unless fragrance sensitivity is a concern.
Verdict
The Storm IDENTITY is a legitimate mid-range asymmetric that delivers on Belmonte's promise of combining Storm's signature length with modern angular motion. Its moderate asymmetric core and REX Pearl pairing make it unusually controllable for an asym while still generating the backend aggression many bowlers need. In a limited-release market and across multiple lane conditions, it works—especially for high-rotation bowlers who value balance over maximum edge.
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 does the IDENTITY compare to the Equinox on the same layout?
Direct testing showed the IDENTITY reads the lane earlier and comes off the breakpoint more aggressively than the Equinox (which was described as smoother and pushes further downlane). The IDENTITY's higher RG and REX Pearl coverstock contribute to that earlier, more angular motion.
Will this ball work on longer patterns like 46-footers?
Yes. Multiple reviewers tested it on both 43-foot and 46-foot patterns and reported it stayed long enough on the 46-footer to still hook at the end, though it required tightening up the angles. It's versatile across that range.
Is the IDENTITY suitable for throwing three games of league on a fresh shot?
Yes. Reviewers reported they could throw it throughout all three games of league starting on fresh oil—playing straighter up the boards early and then chasing the inside of the lane as conditions transitioned—while maintaining that smooth, controllable backend reaction.
What makes the low 0.011 PSA significant?
The PSA of 0.011 is unusually low for an asymmetric and is what prevents excessive forward motion through the frontend. Combined with the 251 RG and 0.055 differential, it creates that signature longer length Belmonte is known for rather than an early, snappy asymmetric read.
Should I knock the shine off the Power Edge finish?
Speed-dominant players may want to consider a light surface adjustment, as the REX Pearl coverstock with Power Edge finish comes out aggressively. High-rotation bowlers and those who prefer cleaner frontend motion can throw it as-is.