The Legendary X-Factor, Reimagined
About the Next Factor
The Storm Next Factor brings one of Storm’s most iconic ball lines into the modern era. First introduced in 2002, the X-Factor became synonymous with explosive backend motion and the unmistakable skid-flip reaction that defined a generation of Storm performance. More than twenty years later, Storm’s Innovation Team reimagined that legacy for today’s game.
The Next Factor pairs the asymmetric RAD-TQ Core with the R3S Pearl Reactive coverstock at a Power Edge polish. The high-flaring asymmetric core stores enormous energy through the front of the lane, while the pearl cover clears the heads cleanly and unleashes a sharp, explosive move at the breakpoint, the modern evolution of the classic X-Factor skid-flip.
Understanding the Storm RAD-TQ Core and Storm R3S Pearl Reactive
Storm built the Next Factor for explosive, angular backend motion. Specifically, the asymmetric RAD-TQ Core has a strong differential and exceptional flare potential, so it stores and releases enormous energy down-lane, while the R3S Pearl cover at a Power Edge polish conserves energy through the fronts for a sharp move at the breakpoint. As a result, it produces the explosive skid-flip the X-Factor line is famous for, reimagined for modern lane conditions. The full per-weight specifications are listed below.
A High-Flaring Asymmetric Core Built for Explosive Backend
At the heart of the Next Factor is the asymmetric RAD-TQ Core. At 15 lb it measures RG 2.56, a strong .051 differential, and a .017 intermediate differential (mass bias), numbers that produce exceptional flare and a strong, angular motion. The high flare potential is what stores the energy for the explosive backend that made the X-Factor legendary.
That energy storage is the whole point of the Next Factor. The asymmetric core revs through the fronts and saves its biggest move for the breakpoint, creating a sharp, hard-driving skid-flip. Because it is asymmetric, layout has a strong influence on the reaction, so your pro shop can tune the pin and mass bias to lean the motion earlier or even more angular.
A Polished Pearl for Clean Length and an Explosive Finish
The Next Factor wraps that core in Storm’s R3S Pearl Reactive coverstock at a Power Edge polish. The pearl additive and polished surface conserve energy through the front of the lane, so the ball pushes cleanly through the heads, then makes a sharp, explosive move when it reaches the friction, the signature X-Factor skid-flip.
That clean-then-explosive shape is what makes the Next Factor so exciting to throw. It gets down the lane and stores its energy, then the high-flaring RAD-TQ core unleashes a hard, angular backend. Leave it polished for the most length and the sharpest angle, or take the surface down at your pro shop for an earlier, smoother read when the oil increases.
Next Factor Specs
RG and differential vary by weight. Specifications provided by the manufacturer.
Who This Ball Is Right For
Good to Know Before You Buy
BowlersMart Tips: Where the Next Factor Fits in Your Storm Arsenal
Where It Fits in Your Arsenal
In the Storm lineup, the Next Factor is the explosive, angular pearl for medium oil, a modern take on the legendary X-Factor skid-flip. It clears the fronts cleanly and stores big energy for a sharp backend, so it shines when you want length and a strong recovery. It pairs naturally below your solid traction pieces and above your weaker, smoother pearls.
Surface Adjustments
The Power Edge polish is a length-and-angle setup out of the box. Take the surface down with a lower-grit pad for an earlier, smoother read on more oil, or re-polish to restore the explosive length. Have surface changes done at your pro shop for an even, consistent finish.
Coverstock Care
Wipe the R3S Pearl cover with an approved reactive ball cleaner after every session, and deep clean it periodically. Keeping a polished pearl clean preserves the clean length and explosive backend that define the Next Factor.
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Shop With Confidence at BowlersMart
The Storm Next Factor Bowling Ball ships free with no minimum purchase and is backed by our 60-day return policy. As an authorized Storm dealer, every ball is genuine and covered by the full one-year Storm warranty. Place your order before 2 PM EST and it ships the same day.


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