Xcel plus Illusion

[magusbuckley]

I started bowling in a league a little over a year ago.  Soon after starting, I ordered my own equipment because I wanted to get better.  When I looked at the information about balls, I figured it may as well have been written in Greek.  I had no clue what any of it meant.  So I did what any other newbie might do....I bought a good looking ball. Ha.  I bought the Ebonite Illusion.  This ball is designed with a mid-grade hook but I threw a straight ball.  I had the guy at the Pro Shop drill it for that - a straight ball.  Drilled as it was, it still has a pretty good hook on the backend of the lane.  Later, I shifted my body from the center of the lane to the right side and came in toward the 1-3 pocket.  My scores have always been up and down.  Slowly, however, I continued to climb the charts until I maxed out with an average of 147.  I have tried lots of different things with this ball drilled as it is, but can't get that average any higher.  Yes, I have had a couple of 190 or so games, but it sure isn't consistent.  I decided recently to get another ball.  I had my eyes on the Ebonite Killer Instinct for some time, but decided at the last minute to go with the Xcel Pearl.  I will have this ball drilled for fingertip (my other ball, Illusion, is not).  I am planning to get a certified coach to assist me with my new ball, the Xcel, before the new season starts mid January.  I have learned a lot from bowling.  There is much more to it than I initially imaged.  I enjoy learning and find myself doing so often which brings me to this.  Now that I have two balls, could I use my Xcel as my strike ball and my Illusion as my spare pickup ball?  I am not sure if this is a good combination.  I am very accurate with the Illusion, I just can't seem to get my strikes.  Not many in a row at least.  Any and all information will be greatly appreciated.
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Noah built the Arc, professionals built the Titanic.

[TheBowlingKid25]

You cant get many in a row, or any at all if thats the case because of your mechanics, not the ball. Your not consistent yet. The two balls are very alike, they are both for lighter oil. There really would be no point to have both. Before you go buying anything else, do exactly what you said, get a coach. It will help your game DRASTICALLY, and probably bring you up to be a 170-180+ bowler. If your set on doing something with the illusion though, you can always get it plugged, and redrilled finger tip, but its really not worth it right now for you. So I would say get a coach, its the best investment you can make for your game. Good luck.
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16 years old, and proud of it! Still not mature either!

[magusbuckley]

Thanks for the info. The one thing I have to disagree with you on is the consistency factor. I am VERY consistent. I almost always get my ball in the pocket. I'm not getting enough pin action. I have already spoken to a coach over the phone who told me to buy a new ball. She said I should be using a plastic ball for spares. That's why I asked about using the Illusion as my spare ball. I'm sure the plastic balls are inexpensive, but why waste the money if I can get my spares with my Illusion Ball? While the 10 pin gives me trouble, I usually pick up my spares. If I keep the Illusion as a spare ball, I won't have it plugged and redrilled. I am already tuned in to its current capabilites as it is drilled now. If I re-drill it, I'll have to learn all over again. In addition, the Illusion is not drilled for fingertip. My new ball, the Xcel Pearl, will be. The coach said I should have my new ball drilled with a little side weight since its my first fingertip ball. I don't think I'll do this since the Xcel has so much hook on the backend.

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Noah built the Arc, professionals built the Titanic.

[JohnP]

magusbuckley -- Some bowlers can switch between a fingertip strike ball and a conventional spare ball with no problems, others can't.  Try the Illusion as your spare ball and see if you can.  --  JohnP