The New IDentity B/C/P is available today. Pick yours up from your local VIP Pro Shop this week before it sells out ⚡️

Jason Belmonte’s Hands-On Review: Storm IDentity B/C/P (Midnight Cherry) Bowling Ball

Excitement was in the air at Bowl Expo 2025 in Washington DC, and for good reason. Storm Bowling chose this electric event to announce a stunner: the new Storm IDentity B/C/P Bowling Ball, also affectionately called “Midnight Cherry.” Following on the heels of the wildly successful Identity launch from April, the Midnight Cherry brings its own style and subtle performance edge to lanes all over the world.

The original Identity was a huge hit. I saw honor scores, ran out of inbox space, and watched bowlers tag me nonstop on social media, eager to share their best games. This time, Storm has taken the Identity core everyone loves and wrapped it in a new limited edition package, blending bowling’s rich history with sneaker culture’s hunger for fresh colorways. If you’re after that perfect blend of proven power and something just a little different, keep reading.

Find the official Identity B/C/P (Midnight Cherry) product details at Storm Bowling.

Design & Visual Differences: Midnight Cherry vs. OG Identity

The switch from the original Identity’s iconic Storm teal to a deep, rich purple turns heads from the first look. I have to admit, as a longtime sneaker enthusiast, this move from Storm really hits home for me. It’s not just a new ball—it’s a statement, much like the limited-edition color drops that keep sneaker fans lining up around the block.

When you see the Midnight Cherry colorway for the first time, the difference is unmistakable:

• Original Identity: Classic Storm teal
• Identity B/C/P (Midnight Cherry): Deep Purple (with Cherry and Black highlights)

It’s not all about looks, though. The color comes with a subtle but noticeable effect on lane performance, which I’ll talk about below. Plus, the cherry fragrance lives up to its name, filling up the pro shop with a bold, sweet note.

Sneaker Culture Meets Bowling

Storm’s limited edition release gives off those sneaker drop vibes you see in the world of kicks—scarce runs, bold colors, and a rush to grab one before they’re gone. This approach brings fresh excitement for bowlers who want both performance and personality in their bags.

If you’re a collector or a diehard Storm fan, or someone who appreciates the thrill of exclusive gear, this new Identity has your name all over it.

Performance: Original Identity vs. Midnight Cherry

Under the surface, the Storm IDentity B/C/P Bowling Ball shares what made the OG Identity such a success, but with some subtle performance tweaks thanks to the color change and finish.

Core and Coverstock

• Core: ID™ A.I. Core (unchanged from original)
• Coverstock: ReX™ Pearl Reactive
• Finish: Power Edge™ polish

Technical Specs

• RG (Radius of Gyration): 2.51
• Differential: 0.055
• Intermediate Differential: ~0.011

The ball’s details are straight from the Storm playbook of proven performance, but here’s where things get interesting: that shift to darker purple pigmentation brings extra length and a touch more angle down lane. For bowlers who already loved the original Identity, the Midnight Cherry picks up right where it left off, just with a little more “oomph” at the end of the lane.

Subtle Separation: How the Midnight Cherry Rolls

Throwing both balls side-by-side, the differences show up in real play. The purple cover gives the Midnight Cherry a slightly longer glide before reacting, and when it does, it has a sharper move at the end. Sometimes in bowling, a small tweak like this can be the difference between ringing a 10-pin and sending all ten flying.

“The darker color of the purple—with the teal swapped out—gives it more length and just a bit more angle down lane,” I said after my first rounds with the new ball. And trust me, it’s noticeable without being wild—perfect for when your OG Identity just starts to hit a flat spot and you want to jumpstart your reaction.

Real-World Testing and Lane Conditions

When I took the IDentity Midnight Cherry out onto the lanes, I didn’t know what pattern I was going to face. After just a few warmup shots, I noticed consistent motion, that trademark Identity roll, but with an extra foot and a half of backend travel and kick.

During the PBA Tour Finals, I had to make a key ball change on a dual pattern—switching to the original Identity on a lane with urethane carrydown. The way the Identity’s bigger weight block reads earlier can be an asset or a challenge, depending on lane conditions. After a few games, when the ball started flatting 10-pins just a hair too often, I found myself wishing I had access to this new Midnight Cherry to make that subtle and crucial upgrade.

For those who love technical comparisons:

• The extra length means more entry angle—key when you’re hunting for strikes on tough house shots or broken-down patterns.
• More length and angle matter most to competitive bowlers who need their ball to finish strong as patterns change and transition.

Adjusting Techniques: Getting the Most from Identity B/C/P

The nuances of the Storm IDentity B/C/P Bowling Ball open up new possibilities for every style of bowler. I spent extra time experimenting with speeds, loft, and angles to see what the Midnight Cherry could do.

Modifying Ball Speed and Loft

Sometimes I slowed the ball down, testing how it reacted with a little less speed. This helped me see how much the cover would dig in and recover on the back end. Using loft isn’t just for tricky conditions—it’s also a great tool to manage launch angle and push the ball an extra foot or two down the lane without losing control.

Lane Positioning

I even tested the extreme left side, tossing shots out near the gutter. It’s usually a tricky move for an asymmetrical ball on friction-heavy house shots, but the Midnight Cherry surprised me by continuing to make a strong move back into the pins.

Pin carry got a close look. I threw splits, worked on four-pins, and looked at how small differences in rack or pin placement made spares tougher. On some racks, the three pin sliding just a touch the wrong direction showed how even great shots can still leave corner pins—attention to detail always pays off.

Key Tips for Getting the Best from Identity B/C/P

• Use loft to add length when the front part of the lane is biting.
• Adjust your ball speed down if you need more hook and backend reaction.
• Stay open-minded about standing left or right—this ball brings recovery where other asyms may not.
• Watch pin placement and rack structure on spares, especially if you’re dialing in that final shot for a win.

I’m genuinely proud of how this collaboration with Storm turned out. Watching 10 pins fly off the deck with loft and a smooth backend is every bowler’s dream.

Limited Edition Release: Collectors, Act Fast

This is a true limited edition. There aren’t many Midnight Cherry balls out there, making it a must-have for collectors, diehard Storm fans, and bowlers who want their gear to stand out. If you missed the first Identity drop, don’t make that mistake again—hit your local pro shop, ask for the Midnight Cherry, and place your order before it’s gone.

The original Identity got a bigger response than any previous collaboration with Storm—I saw more honor scores and excited reactions than ever before. If you’re one of the lucky few to get the Midnight Cherry, I’d love to see your best shots! Tag me on social media, share your opinions, and show the world what this ball can do.

Keep up with wider Storm Bowling announcements and the newest launches through the Storm Newsroom—there’s a lot more coming.

Why Every Bowler Should Try the Storm IDentity B/C/P Bowling Ball

Here’s why the Storm IDentity B/C/P Bowling Ball deserves a place in your arsenal:

• ID™ A.I. Core: Trusted, winning technology, now in a bold new look.
• ReX™ Pearl Reactive coverstock: Gives cleaner motion and amplified backend without losing control.
• Increased length and angularity: Subtle, but delivers real results for bowlers looking for that “little bit more.”
• Limited run: A must-have for anyone who’s a fan of Storm, unique colorways, or collecting high-end equipment.
• Sneaker culture energy: Unique colorway and drop heighten the thrill of owning it.

If you want to see this ball in action and get a feel for how it rolls, check out my video showcasing live shots, commentary, and real-world performance.

Insights and Happenings from Bowl Expo 2025

Beyond the buzz of the Midnight Cherry launch, Bowl Expo was packed with new ideas and big Storm announcements. It’s an exciting time to keep track of innovations in bowling gear. If you’re paying attention to the latest products or want to know what’s around the corner, keep your eyes on Storm’s official announcements and their main site for updates on upcoming balls and tech breakthroughs.

Want to keep up with my travels or Storm’s latest events? Catch demos and news through Storm’s official homepage or their newsroom for insider access to new gear, tips, and live events.

Final Thoughts

I loved testing and throwing the Storm IDentity B/C/P Bowling Ball, and I can’t wait to see what other bowlers make of it. Whether you’re here for exceptional performance, stand-out good looks, or just the thrill of a limited edition, the Midnight Cherry checks every box.

Remember, show me your best shots on social and let’s keep the excitement going. There’s nothing like the feeling of rolling a new ball and watching it deliver for you, frame after frame. Don’t sleep on this drop—get your hands on the Midnight Cherry before the last one’s gone!

Bowling is more fun when you mix performance, style, and excitement. This ball delivers all three. See you on the lanes.