Ball Choice

[Bijiont]

Hello Everyone,

 

I am posting here on a whim to see if anyone can assist. Obviously there is only so much you can suggest without ever seeing them bowl.

 

I am currently bowling more a "cranker" style than anything and go for the long hooks. My problem is however our league has had to move locations recently which has changed my play drastically.

 

Currently I am using a Brunswick Slingshot as my strike ball (12lb) which at the new lanes they are heavy on the oil for league night. I am trying to decide on a couple things.

 

1 - New ball, what coverstocks should I look for or stay away from? Any ball suggestions for long hook or backend bite? Suggestions otherwise.

 

2 - Ball weight, currently I toss the 12lb at about 15 speed. Would moving up to a 14 improve my overall play or hurt it due to an already slower speed using the 12? Obviously there will be some "growing" issues getting use to a 14lb ball but curious what outcome I could expect.

 

Thanks,

 

 

 

 

[dizzyfugu]

You did not specify your actual problem?

 

To me it just sounds as if you can not (or do not want to) adjust to the new conditions. Did you try different lines, e.g. simply moving right with both feet and target), or change your release (e .g. keeping the hand behind the ball instead of revving)? I'd look into these options first, then maybe change the ball's surface (sanding it for an earlier read, if that's the true issue). Only then I'd consider an equipment "solution".

 

Do you know your PAP and RPM? That would be helpful, too.

 

Another basic question: why are you using 12 lbs.?

DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany
2010/11 Benrather BC Club Champion
Confused by bowling? Check out BR.com's vault of wisdom: the unofficial FAQ section

[Bijiont]

I wouldn't say that I have a real "issue" per say other than looking for suggestions. We have changed from a medium lanes/wood to heavy/synthetic lanes. It's also not that I can't adjust to the new lanes, however my current equipment is far from optimal considering the weekly conditions and my score shows it.

 

I have already adjusted my approach location 1 dot to the right and also took revs out however the lanes are so heavy that my ball will glide until about the last 3 feet of the lane which is far to late for my current ball. I have also looked into re-surfacing my current ball as well to get a more desired effect.

 

PAP and RPM, no I do not. I have only recently moved from a causal bowler into leagues thus why I posted here in the beginner section. The ball was drilled for me by a pro shop owner who I am in leagues with.

 

I somehow knew my weight choice would come into question which sadly I have no good reason other than it's a comfortable weight which I can easily manipulate as needed.

 

Please take into consideration how new I am (AVG155). 

 

Edited by Bijiont on 1/31/2012 at 5:24 AM

[JohnP]

If you can handle the weight, go to 14 lbs.  At 12 lbs the manufacturers use either a generic core or a pancake core, in short you don't get what you pay for.  --  JohnP

[Bijiont]

Thanks JohnP,

 

I have started looking at 14lb balls and will toss a couple of the shop balls to check weight before I purchase anything. I have also looked up PAP and RPM so that I can figure out my PAP on my next practice night before I drill another ball.

 

I think what was done is that my current ball was drilled in the "safe" zone. I still get action on the ball however I am sure it's not PAP measured. 

 

Other suggestions, comments, ect are very welcome. At the end of the day just looking to get better which obviously equipment only does not do.

JohnP wrote on 1/31/2012 11:27 AM:

If you can handle the weight, go to 14 lbs.  At 12 lbs the manufacturers use either a generic core or a pancake core, in short you don't get what you pay for.  --  JohnP

[tommyboy74]

The first suggestion I can give is to move to 14lbs if you can.  You'll get less deflection in the pin deck and it can help you improve carry which typically means an improved average.

 

All of the manufacturers make great equipment these days. I have thrown balls from Storm, Roto Grip, Track and Ebonite.  I personally prefer Track and Ebonite as of late as they seem to be a little more versatile and can be used in some wider ranges of conditions.  

Some suggestions can incude:

Heavy oil: Ebonite Mission X (solid)

Medium-Heavy: Track 919C (solid) and Ebonite Vital Energy (pearl)- a great combo

Medium: Track 503C (pearl), 508A (pearl), Ebonite Elevate (hybrid)
Medium-Light: Track 300T (solid), 300C (pearl), Ebonite Cyclone (pearl)

Keep in mind that these are just some general suggestions.  The best thing to do is work with your driller to determine drillings and best equipment for you specifically.  Not all brands match up the same for all bowlers.  Good luck.

My arsenal

Heavy Oil: Storm Virtual Gravity Nano: 2000 AB
Medium-Heavy Oil: Storm Anarchy: 1500 polished
Medium-Heavy Oil: Track 919C: 3000 AB
Medium-Heavy Oil: Ebonite Vital Energy: 4000 AB
Medium Oil: Roto Grip Nomad Dagger: 1500 polished

Medium-Light Oil: Roto Grip Rising Star: 1500 polished

[Bijiont]

Thanks for the suggestions Tommyboy74,

 

I have also looked up a couple balls such as Hammer Arson and also the Ebonite gameplan. 

 

Thanks everyone for the feedback, I have a better general direction and idea where to go from here. PAP is the first thing then go from there.

tommyboy74 wrote on 1/31/2012 10:17 PM:

The first suggestion I can give is to move to 14lbs if you can.  You'll get less deflection in the pin deck and it can help you improve carry which typically means an improved average.

 

All of the manufacturers make great equipment these days. I have thrown balls from Storm, Roto Grip, Track and Ebonite.  I personally prefer Track and Ebonite as of late as they seem to be a little more versatile and can be used in some wider ranges of conditions.  

Some suggestions can incude:

Heavy oil: Ebonite Mission X (solid)

Medium-Heavy: Track 919C (solid) and Ebonite Vital Energy (pearl)- a great combo

Medium: Track 503C (pearl), 508A (pearl), Ebonite Elevate (hybrid)
Medium-Light: Track 300T (solid), 300C (pearl), Ebonite Cyclone (pearl)

Keep in mind that these are just some general suggestions.  The best thing to do is work with your driller to determine drillings and best equipment for you specifically.  Not all brands match up the same for all bowlers.  Good luck.

My arsenal

Heavy Oil: Storm Virtual Gravity Nano: 2000 AB
Medium-Heavy Oil: Storm Anarchy: 1500 polished
Medium-Heavy Oil: Track 919C: 3000 AB
Medium-Heavy Oil: Ebonite Vital Energy: 4000 AB
Medium Oil: Roto Grip Nomad Dagger: 1500 polished

Medium-Light Oil: Roto Grip Rising Star: 1500 polished

[dizzyfugu]

I'd also suggest a 14 lbs. ball, because of the "true" cores all amnufacturers put into these ball from that weight on. With a proper fit to your hand, the weight should not be an issue - a girlfriend of mine started bowling with 12 lbs., and the switched to 14 lbs. when her friend moved up from 14 to 15, and his performance stuff became "useless". It worked very well for her, carry became considerably better.

DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany
2010/11 Benrather BC Club Champion
Confused by bowling? Check out BR.com's vault of wisdom: the unofficial FAQ section

[Bijiont]

Thanks DizzyFugu,

 

Appreciate the input.

dizzyfugu wrote on 2/1/2012 2:37 AM:

I'd also suggest a 14 lbs. ball, because of the "true" cores all amnufacturers put into these ball from that weight on. With a proper fit to your hand, the weight should not be an issue - a girlfriend of mine started bowling with 12 lbs., and the switched to 14 lbs. when her friend moved up from 14 to 15, and his performance stuff became "useless". It worked very well for her, carry became considerably better.

DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany
2010/11 Benrather BC Club Champion
Confused by bowling? Check out BR.com's vault of wisdom: the unofficial FAQ section

[Good Times Good Times]

MOST IMPORTANT ADVICE:

 

Find a competent, fully equipped pro shop to make sure you have a proper fit, layout for your game that is based upon your specifics and someone who knows what weight you probably should be throwing and whether 14lbs is appropriate or not yet. 

 

That will do more for your game than you could imagine.  Take the equipment suggestions from here and go in with a few ideas and the pro shop operator (again, if truly competent) will give you good and custom service.

Being from Michigan, let us know what area you are in and someone here could probably give you a good idea of a shop / driller to go see....

GetOffMe10Pin

"Whether you think that you can, or that you can't, you are usually right"
- Henry Ford

 

Edited by Good Times Good Times on 2/1/2012 at 8:24 AM

[completebowler]

There are a ton of knowledgeable shops in Metro Detroit. PM me if you want suggestions for your specific neighborhood or if you are near my area stop in and I will get you squared away at reasonable prices.

 

I ususally spend 2-3 hours with new customers from start to finish. A good shop should in my opinion. Of course, things can be much quicker if you aren't that serious but the option should be there I think.

ALL STAR BOWLING & TROPHY
LANGAN'S ALL STAR LANES
IBPSIA MEMBER
WALLED LAKE MI

 

All Star Bowling & Trophy

[Bijiont]

Thanks everyone, currently I am located in southwest Michigan. I am serious about getting better and not saying equipment is the only option as I do need to work on my mechanics as well.

If someone has a shop suggestion in my area that would be great.