A light Breeze comes this way…
Remember that coverstock accounts for 70% of ball reaction, but the core will create the dynamic shape. Your drilling will alter the shape to suit your game and conditions you bowl on. Kyle Hartzell of BowlerX is our tester. Let me briefly describe the layout and what it’s intention is. Kyle’s layout is 30 x 4 x 40. This ball is drilled to get into an earlier roll and transition a little quicker at the breakpoint.
Please work with your local pro shop operator to find what best works for you.
First Impressions
As it is intended, this ball is indeed the weakest ball Storm makes. In fact, Kyle’s first remarks were to the effect that this is one of the weakest balls he’s ever thrown. It’s not a bad ball reaction, just watch the video to see that! On the contrary, it is very controllable. The point is that it clearly distinguishes itself as a step down from the Tropical Heat line. It really looks to have a good ball reaction for those lighter conditions.
Value 9/10
For some, this will be their entry into reactive equipment. For more experienced bowlers, this will be a good pick for light conditions. It offers legit value.
Core
The Tropical Breeze uses what Storm calls the Camber core. It looks like a traditional light bulb core, with an RG of 2.57 and very small differential of .009 for a 15 pound ball. It’s a symmetrical core and based on the shape, you would expect a smooth transition.
Cover 9/10
The Tropical Breeze Kona Blue/Silver uses the ubiquitous Reactor Pearl coverstock, finished at 1500-grit polished. History has shown that this is a very versatile cover and a long-lasting one as well.
Reaction 8.5/10
Honestly, I’m pleasantly surprised to see the ball reaction from the Tropical Breeze. Somehow, I envisioned a much weaker reaction and even though it is relatively weak, it’s still got some oomph. It is actually a very smooth ball reaction and goes as expected when you look at the shape of the core. It’s overall ball reaction is very different from the Tropical Storms it replaced. Those balls tended to have a stronger skid/flip reaction at the end of the pattern. The Breeze actually smooths out the reaction. It starts to make it’s move a little earlier and continues to drive as it hits the dry boards. It’s much more conducive to the type of ball reaction you would want to see if everything else you have is too strong and you need to ball down on lighter conditions. Truthfully, if you have moderate hand like our tester Kyle, you can use it on medium conditions as well. You will just have to be prepared to play a little more direct and have light hits occasionally.
Overall 8.5/10
Storm hit its intended mark with the Tropical Breeze. They created some separation in the Tropical line. In doing so, they also created a much smoother ball reaction rather than the previous skid/flip reaction from the Tropical Storms. It will be a good ball to have when you need a medium-light to light oil ball. It creates a nice consistent ball reaction that is very controllable.