Bowler Ratings

PatternStTwCr
Oily:X.XX.XX.X
Medium:X.XX.XX.X
Dry:X.XX.XX.X
Sport:X.XX.XX.X

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

Note: Ratings are only available to our premium members.

General Info

Brand:
Name:Virtual Energy Blackout
Reviewed:September 2023
Empty
Coverstock Specs
Name:ReX Pearl Reactive
Type:Reactive Pearl
Box Finish:Reacta Gloss
Color:Blackout
Empty
Core Specs
Name:Shape-Lock HD
Type:Asymmetrical
RG:2.48
Diff:0.052
Int. Diff:0.020

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

The Virtual Energy Blackout brings back Storm’s famed Shape-Lock HD core design for the first time since the Gravity Evolve. This ball uses the ReX Pearl coverstock that is finished with Reacta Gloss like the Fate. These elements allow the new Virtual Energy Blackout to be extremely angular at the breakpoint with a very strong back end motion. This ball fills the gap in the Premier Line for a more angular pearl ball after the Infinite PhysiX was discontinued. The Virtual Energy Blackout was fantastic in our testing, and it provided easy length without skipping past the breakpoint, allowing each of our bowlers to see a big downlane recovery with a predictable reaction.

Cranker really liked the motion of the Virtual Energy Blackout on our fresh medium oil pattern. This ball did everything he liked about the Dark Code and Infinite PhysiX, but it did it even better. The Virtual Energy Blackout seemed to dig into the midlane better than the Dark Code, while also being more angular for him than the Dark Code, Absolute, and Infinite PhysiX. It was very easy for him to move his laydown point farther left as the pattern broke down without ever seeing the ball want to quit downlane. The box finish was excellent for him, and he didn’t make any surface changes the entire time he was bowling on this condition. Cranker had the best reaction out of the three bowlers on the heavy oil pattern. He could either tighten his angles through the front using his normal speed, or

Storm Virtual Energy Blackout Comparisons

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

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

Additional Storm Virtual Energy Blackout Resources

Click here to visit Storm's website to read the manufacturer-supplied information on this ball. Also, see below for the manufacturer-produced promotional video for this ball.

Please remember that our reviews are solely based on our own testing and that you may sometimes find differences between our comments and ratings and the manufacturer's claims. Links to these manufacturer resources are provided here strictly for convenience purposes.

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.