Bowler Ratings

PatternStTwCr
Oily:567
Medium:9.59.59.5
Dry:654
Sport:6.577

Bowler ratings are from 1 to 10 in order of Stroker (ST), Tweener (TW), Cranker (CR)

General Info

Brand:
Name:Marvel Pearl
Reviewed:August 2011
Empty
Coverstock Specs
Name:R2X Pearl Reactive
Type:Reactive Pearl
Box Finish:1500 Grit Polished
Color:Silver / Deep Purple / Maroon
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Core Specs
Name:NA
Type:Symmetrical
RG:2.48
Diff:0.050
Int. Diff:0.000

For details on our standard test layouts, please click here.

The Storm Marvel Pearl uses the same core found in both the solid Marvel and the Prodigy. This lower RG core combined with a pearlized coverstock give the Marvel Pearl more punch at the back end. The cover is the same pearlized formulation found on the Prodigy, but the Enhanced Traction Mica has been removed. This cover creates a strong change of direction when the ball encounters friction.

The overall ball motion the Marvel Pearl creates worked best on our medium pattern. What raised our eyebrows about the Marvel Pearl was the distinct motion it offered downlane. While the back end was more than other balls in the Master line, it was far from being a skid/flip. The motion reminded us of the Agent from years past. The Marvel Pearl has a large hook potential for a shiny pearlized ball.

Our heavy pattern had just a tad too much oil for the Marvel Pearl to create the traction needed to make it back to the pocket. We hit all three testers’ Marvel Pearls with a 2000 Abralon pad. Roughing the coverstock both gave us the additional friction needed as well as dug a hole into the pattern. We were able to bounce the Marvel Pearl off that hole after we returned them to the box finish.

Drier conditions will require a good coat of polish and possibly a weak layout. The box finish was simply too much for our testers on this condition. Higher ball speed increases the chance for success on this pattern.

The Marvel Pearl worked surprisingly well on our sport pattern. We thought that the breakpoint would cause some problems on this pattern, but instead it gave us the ability to open this pattern up some. With a more control-type layout, the Marvel Pearl could excel on these types of patterns.

Performance Ratings

NameValueComments
Torque7
The midlane read is not as strong as the previous balls that use this core. The pure pearlized coverstock makes the breakpoint easily stronger than the Marvel and Prodigy.
Length14.5
The 1500-grit polished finish gives the Marvel Pearl more length than the previous two Master line sanded finish releases. Removal of the ETM (Enhanced Traction Mica) makes this pearl cleaner than the R2X version used on the Prodigy.
Back End16.5
The energy stored by polishing the pearlized cover equates to a bigger back end motion. This process eliminates the hook/stop reaction that can happen with coverstocks that use their energy earlier on the lane.
Total Hook50
The total hook of the Marvel Pearl takes place farther down the lane and is one of the highest from a straight pearl Storm release.

Strengths

The combination of strong overall motion and big backend hook are the greatest attributes of the Marvel Pearl. There are few pearls that offer the amount of total hook that the Marvel Pearl does.

Weaknesses

Extreme wet or extreme dry will cause problems for the Marvel Pearl. Surface adjustments and layouts are going to be important factors in pin pointing reaction.

Overall Summary

The Marvel Pearl is the first purely pearlized cover in Storm’s Master line since the original Agent. The long and strong reaction has become the reaction Storm fans have come to know and love.

Storm Marvel Pearl Comparisons

Click below to see a comparison table of each pair of bowling balls shown:

To compare the Storm Marvel Pearl to any other bowling ball(s), please use our Bowling Ball Comparison tool.

The BTM Ball Testing Team

About The BTM Ball Testing Team

The BTM Ball Testing Team is led by Eric Martinez. Our team of three testers has thrown and reviewed hundreds of bowling balls for Bowling This Month. When not testing balls for BTM, Eric owns and operates University Pro Shop in San Antonio, TX and he is an avid competitive bowler. Click here to learn more about how we test and review bowling balls.