Virtual Energy Blackout vs Dark Code vs Infinite PhysiX

[@josephelden4573]

Excellent video. On the recommendation of a PBA pro I bought and IP and never looked back. It was called "more angular" and throwing it made me understand what that meant. I now have one in waiting and it's a staple in my arsenal just below a Reality.

[@LukeRosdahl]

Thanks for the tip!! Yeah it was definitely a good one, not sure why they decided to get rid of it so fast.

[@skunkape8326]

Awesomeness! I love both the dark code and the infinite. The infinite is probably my heaviest use ball overall.

[@aaronspringborn34]

Also sidenote. I saw it on TV a few times it looked great and I think it’s underrated.

[@LukeRosdahl]

I don't really think it's underrated, it's been really popular and people consider it one of the best balls Storm is making right now. It's just been out for almost a year at this point.

[@jmjamphoto7283]

Great informative video as always, not really interested in these but seeing how different balls compare is always fun to see.

[@jameslong9564]

Picked up the Blackout over the release weekend. Love my Dark Code so much I have an undrilled 2:11 reserve in the basement (ok there’s 12 balls [11 SPI] in the basement undrilled). I have an Infinite, but I’ve never been able to find a good place for it in the league bag. Sometimes it looks really good and sometimes it’s too forward and pukey. I still have it, but thinking of selling it.

[@shaunmcisaac782]

NEX Pearl was also featured on the Master Code. I snagged one back in the spring. 1st game off the drill press was an immediate 300. A good start but of course that means it's all downhill from there :)

[@LukeRosdahl]

Yeah I just meant we only saw it once stateside, and haha yeah I've had that happen before. I had a Taboo Deep Purple, first game was 300 and then it just sucked after that!

[@aaronspringborn34]

Hi Luke, how are you? This is my very first time watching this particular video I can say that’s for sure. All three balls were that close and similar that I could not even tell the difference between the reactions. Also, one thing I’ve been taking especially specifically with asymmetrical, pearl bowling balls are that when they go down the lane they look like they are symmetrical bowling balls because they look that clean. I would really love to have the infinite physix. The sad thing is it is discontinued. Having said that I would maybe consider getting a virtual energy blackout as a good substitution one day when I do get an asymmetrical pearl bowling ball to my arsenal.

[@LukeRosdahl]

Eh, you might look at some other stuff before you make that assumption. The Exotic Gem is also an asymmetric pearl and it is a chugboat. Radical's Outer Limits Pearl is also quite early and chuggy for being a "pearl" ball.

[@CliftonDon74]

Another great informative video Luke. Have you and Angel considered taking up Packy's 50 strike challenge? It should make for great content.

[@LukeRosdahl]

I haven't even gotten around to seeing the video yet, we had a super long weekend with a lot of people in town for a tournament. Maybe!!

[@TacticlTwinkie]

With the Infinte axed so quickly, I’m keeping my eye out for its eventual replacement. Just the sort of info I’m looking for.

[@LukeRosdahl]

This is going to be the closest thing by a long shot, even if it's not exact.

[@fcajulis]

Great video. I loved and continue to love my Infinite Physix. Looking forward to getting the VE Blackout :)

[@Tenpins300_Bowling]

I tried to like the Dark Code but could never match up with even with multiple cover changes. I left on the rack after a PBA50 and was happy I did. The Infinite Physix was very versatile for me and always gave me a predictable look on multiple patterns. I’m so looking forward to the VE Blackout.

[@GlennShaver1402]

Next hybrid was on ptlp physics and some overseas I have fire physics and it's amazing.

[@Matt_Holcomb]

When I first got my Dark I hated it. It didn't move like I wanted very over under. I tried 4k fast 1000 2000 just couldn't get it to do what I wanted. Put it away. Then I recently took it to Reno back to box, and it was too much for that shot. Came back home. I tried it in league again, and it's now my go-to shot 300 last week and 290 this week.

[@topthrilldragster20]

I loved my dark code. Shot my 4th Lifetime 300 with it. I think the blackout is my next ball.

[@browntrousersmoment]

Lukeski, I have the Infinite-I have had many good games with it when it works, but mostly it's just to strong for me and the house I mostly bowl at. I think I will get another IQ (which works in all conditions for me) but this one will be with ring finger through the pin with 1k and light polish compound. Thank you for great review!

[@bagger3002]

I didn't have a Dark Code and I'm about to drill an Infinite that I've had stashed. This Blackout has me very interested though.

[@bennyglaze-u3k]

Great information as always Luke Thank You

[@AyoMrB]

Thanks again for the awesome videos Luke! Do you know if Storm ever made a core shape similar to the RAD3 core? It was the core in the X Factor ball that came out roughly 20 years ago or so. I was always envious of my teammates XXX Factor and the scent.

[@AyoMrB]

I guess I feel a little silly seeing that the Dark Code is the RAD4 core.... maybe I know what ball I've been missing all along.

[@tylerhernandez5207]

I like my Infinite, but struggle to find a surface to fit, no matter the shine or dullness. I couldn't get a feel for the Dark tho, and i don't think I'll grab a Virtual, but might ig i can find a cheap one

[@fcajulis]

I really like mine at 500 followed by step 2 compound

[@addictedTobowling]

Great video. Is the blackout a compliment or same spot in the bag as an Exotic Gem? Thanks

[@LukeRosdahl]

Definitely a complement/half ball down. The Exotic is much earlier and chuggier, this might even feel like a full ball down from it, it does for me.

[@ultratacoRX7]

I really like the motion of my infinite and it looks great at a couple centers but my league switched houses this year and now I can't figure out how to make it strike. Forward roll out light hits, jump through the nose or solid pocket 7 pins (and I'm right handed). ☹️

[@LukeRosdahl]

Yeah that's the weird ball reaction I was talking about. It did that to me a couple times even in the same center on the same condition I bowl on and I never could figure out why it looked like this sometimes and other times it'd go 60 feet and wiggle.

[@serialk.2144]

NEX Hybrid was on the overseas Fire Physix

[@LukeRosdahl]

Yep, I just meant we hadn't seen it stateside at least. I really wanted one of those!!

[@primaljackal]

3:37 that trick only works for Riley Potter

[@dennisbeck2521]

I recall in a previous review that you mentioned that Storm may have altered the ratio of R2S and NEX in the REX coverstock by possible using a larger ratio of R2S vs NEX (or at least the ball reacted that way). That would definitely explain why the VEB is longer/cleaner/sharper compared to the DC and IP. Now I'm wondering if the Fate ball being poured now are going to react differently than early Fate balls. I have an IP and while it has been generally a good ball that has seen much use and is typically never a bad choice, I do find it a bit too forward. The VEB looks like it would provide the exact difference that I'm looking for. Thanks for the vids! Always great info.

[@LukeRosdahl]

Well I mentioned it as a possibility, then later concluded that the surface alteration was just making another ball look stronger than it actually was, and even if they did change the ratio, I was only suggesting they did it for this particular ball, not in general for all the ReX balls. The Shape Lock HD core has also always been surprisingly long and sharp for how strong the numbers are on paper.

[@TrackerbassSS]

I would love for you to do a video on your release

[@LukeRosdahl]

Eh, it's nothing special and it looks worse and worse the more you slow it down and analyze it lol. There are plenty of slo mo videos of the pros with super nice releases out there that should help out more than mine!

[@bobgomavitz1330]

Saw you throw what you felt was a bad shot half way down the lane with the Dark Code and it flushed. Walked away shaking your head. I do the same. Knowing You missed it and it struck and you feel lucky. I have to ask….how bad was it that it struck? As competitors, why don’t we think the other way. What was “right” in that miss and learn from it instead of a walk away head shake…me included!

[@CliftonDon74]

I think that when a ball is thrown and it doesn't behave the way that is expected, there is a certain level of disappointment. Yes, it struck, but not in the way that was expected. I am not that critical of myself. I would be happy with a good carry, but those with 227+ averages expect more from themselves.

[@LukeRosdahl]

It was one of those two wrongs don't make a right but 3 do. Got it wide, threw it too slow, caught it too much, so it all canceled out and worked somehow.

[@bobgomavitz1330]

@@LukeRosdahl in golf we say, your only as good as your misses! Applies to bowling to I see

[@justdatdude103]

Any recommendations for a replacement for the infinite physix? I have one at 14lb looking to replace it. The blackout doesnt fit the same needs. Willing to try other brands also

[@LukeRosdahl]

The Hammer Effect I think is the closest thing on overall strength and reaction shape. I agree that the Blackout isn't there, the Infinite was stronger, definitely earlier, and a little different shape.

[@SgtPhroste]

So that's why they discontinued the Infinite...one of the best all around balls I've ever owned

[@its_Kris]

I couldn’t believe it. The Infinite is a GOAT for me

[@glenkamida71]

Thank you, Luke! I will ordering Virtual Energy off your link soon! On a similar topic, how about Reality, Virtual, Phaze Ii, Exponent, Gold Label and Ruby for a six-ball, league arsenal?

[@LukeRosdahl]

I like it!

[@glenkamida71]

@LukeRosdahl do you like Reality better than Exotic as number one ball on house?

[@LukeRosdahl]

@@glenkamida71 I'd go with the Exotic, I think it's more controllable/versatile than the Reality

[@thomasworrilow4228]

So replacing dark code with the blackout. I'm seeing the same thing you are. All my asymmetric stuff is 5 1/2 P2P, do you think if I shorten that to 5-5 1/4 P2P it would make them closer?

[@LukeRosdahl]

Yeah I'd probably go down to 5 to make them closer, it's hard to feel/see a 1/4 difference.

[@theswaveegod]

Quick question Luke, could the IQ Ruby and Gold Label fit a bag together or do they overlap? If they would fit together, what’s the key differences?

[@LukeRosdahl]

Yeah they can fit together, the Gold Label's differential is a lot higher so it flares more, plus the cover is quite a bit stronger. They roll in about the same place, but the Gold Label hooks a few boards more, can move MUCH deeper than the Ruby, and it's sharper on the backend as well.

[@JayMarshall-z2s]

Not sure if this VEB is going to be an overlap or a compliment to my infinite. Your thoughts? I loved my infinite for like a season and then it has just been dead in the water and not giving me any type of motion after several surface changes and detox's.

[@LukeRosdahl]

Well if your Infinite is dead, I'd say this will be a different story.

[@user-eu6so7qe2w]

How would you compare the Blackout to the Fate?

[@LukeRosdahl]

Blackout is a fair amount stronger and quite a bit more dynamic. It's a nice illustration of the difference a core makes, but the Blackout likes deeper angles, while the Fate likes straighter ones, just the torque the asymmetry creates makes a big difference.

[@naughtycorndog7372]

Unfortunately my dark code has died. It has no hook in it anymore and not sure what to do with it. :(

[@LukeRosdahl]

Find a pro shop with a Detox and have an oil extraction and resurface done on it, should bring it back to life

[@skfboiler]

I have the Absolute. Is there any overlap with the VE Blackout?

[@LukeRosdahl]

Depends on the surface, if you watch my review, we compare the Blackout and Absolute at a couple different surfaces. If they're both sanded, they seem to be on top of each other, but if they're both shiny, the Blackout is significantly stronger.

[@Sft2000]

Am I right in thinking the VE could be a suitable replacement for an astrophysix that can often be lazy/60ft ish for me?

[@dantedimicco2101]

I bought a VEB on Friday to replace my astrophysix. Best purchase ive ever made. Shot my new high series the day I bought it and ive been averageing ten pins higher then I did with my astrophysix

[@LukeRosdahl]

Yes, especially in that situation. If you want an Astro type motion that's stronger, this is absolutely it.

[@SirJoczilla]

How does the Night Road compare to the Blackout?

[@LukeRosdahl]

Not very close, the cores are completely different. The overall hard round arc shape is similar, but the Blackout is an easy arrow stronger, if not more.

[@iamasooner86]

Not really related to the video but a general wondering per se of when and if you all will be at GTO? I’ll be there the weekend of 14-15 and would love to meet everyone!

[@LukeRosdahl]

We're going to be there the weekend after that, so we'll just miss you! Where are you traveling from?

[@iamasooner86]

@@LukeRosdahl Dang! I missed you last year by being there the weekend after you all were there. I’m just traveling from up the road from OKC. We would have been there the same weekend but I’m bowling in the Oklahoma Queens on the 21st.

[@LukeRosdahl]

Ah ok, that's too bad. Maybe one of these years!!

[@iamasooner86]

@@LukeRosdahl I’m looking forward to it! I’ll be back up there two other weekends in November as well. I did terrible last year but it was my first year bowling in it and had such a difficult time with my timing because I had the wrong sole and heel, lesson learned.

[@waynedeason1356]

Would the Virtual be a good ball for medium to dry lanes when they break down to stand way left and hook the whole lane with? Looking for something clean but with a lot of pop on the backend to be able to play the whole lane.

[@LukeRosdahl]

Not really, it's much too strong of a ball for that, you'd want to go with an Absolute in that situation.

[@waynedeason213]

​@@LukeRosdahlThanks!

[@chrisrush689]

What ball did you say had a higher differential than the dark code?

[@LukeRosdahl]

There isn't one, .058 is the highest you'll see a ball get any more. Motiv's Jackals used to have a .060 until they got banned, and it's not worth trying to get any closer than that for anyone.

[@chrisrush689]

@@LukeRosdahl Why will they not go higher?

[@LukeRosdahl]

Because .060 is the maximum allowable differential according to USBC's specs, and when they banned the Jackals, it almost bankrupt Motiv because when a ball is banned, they have to replace the ball for everyone who had bought one.

[@specialagent14]

I’ve been trying to get Step 2 can’t find it anywhere! Any suggestions?

[@drakedbz]

I believe it was discontinued. I don't remember what replaces it

[@fcajulis]

Storm has new compounds now

[@LukeRosdahl]

Yeah it's been discontinued and we now have rough edge and smooth edge compounds. Another good replacement would be Brunswick's Crown Compound. As soon as the new Storm compounds are available to the staffers I'll give them a shot and see what's up.

[@sword900]

Does anybody not like or like the reacts polish? It seems to make the balls way to clean.

[@LukeRosdahl]

Yeah it just sucks. It's a car/boat polish that's hydrophobic, so why they would put something designed to repel oil on something designed to absorb it just makes no sense.

[@sword900]

@LukeRosdahl agreed. Hopefully they're working on something new

[@LukeRosdahl]

@@sword900 They have a couple new compounds but they're still using the gloss as the shiny factory finish.

[@tylerneal5390]

i wish i had the Infinite

[@timmcintyre5226]

Still available on Amazon for 185. I picked one up and love it.

[@CaseyMattingly300]

That Casey Mattingly is a Scrub!

[@TrendSettaRico]

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