6 pound starter ball.

[RABid]

I just retired and decided to bowl. I'm driving 80 to take lessons and loving it. Sadly, the local alleys have closed and the nearest is 60 miles...

Anyway, trying to talk my 65 year old sister into bowling with me. Two years ago she strained the mussels in her chest lifting the metal lid to the under house access and now she is paranoid. So, we will start with a 6 pound ball for her. I've been reading and notice that some 6 pound balls don't have the same guarantees as the others so I thought I would ask for advice. Does anyone have a suggestion for a 6 pound starter ball? Pyramid Path is out as my pro shop does not carry Pyramid. They do have Storm, Brunswick, and Hammer. I'm sure there are other brands but that is the three that I remember. I want her to get measured for her first ball so I want to stick with a brand that the shop carries.

Any suggestions? ... Thanks.

[milorafferty]

If they have hammer, then they probably carry Columbia 300.

The White Dot is available in 6 pounds and comes in almost any color you(and more importantly, her) could desire.

[HackJandy]

Honestly pretty much every 6lb ball is going to be nearly identical in all but looks and price.  I have a 6lb cherry red T Zone for my 7yo which he loves.  Maxim is fine also as is the WD as milo mentioned.

(edit: Didn't realize the Storm Mix goes down to 6lb.  That is about the most durable ball you can own and one of the few choices for urethane in 6lb).

[RABid]

Thanks for the replies. I guess a bitter question would have been, "is there anything that I should avoid in the 6 pound line." I know the shop carries the Storm, and I think I remember seeing the White Dot. That gives me two good choices. Think I will give her a ball, shoes and bag for her birthday.

[milorafferty]

I would guess that all 6 lb balls are plastic(or urethane mix).

Honestly, all of them are pretty much the same. Let her pick a color she likes from any of the brands and go with that.

Your pro shop should have catalogs of all the different color options available. Believe me, color is going to be her #1 factor in making a choice. If she doesn't like how it looks, she will not want to use it.

[bradl]

If they have hammer, then they probably carry Columbia 300.

The White Dot is available in 6 pounds and comes in almost any color you(and more importantly, her) could desire.

This. My son and daughter just started their first youth leagues. He started out his with an 8lb White Dot (Blue/Silver), while she went with a 6lb Ebonite Maxim.

Both are pretty much the same as mentioned above, in either being a straight polyester ball or poly/urethane mix. Pancake cores, so they are all pretty much the same. So it all comes down to personal preference and color, otherwise, they are all the same for that weight.

BL.

[BallReviews-Removed0385]

6 lb. balls have tendency to crack easier because the filler material is lighter (more air in the mixture) so the cover doesn't have as much support.  I would seriously look at an 8 lb. ball.  If it fits her well it will still feel extremely light.  We have some very "frail" senior women who use 10 and 11 lb. balls as a comparison.

If you're dead set on a 6 lb. ball spend an extra $10 and pick up a Mix by Storm.  They seem to hold up better than traditional polyester covers.   My granddaughter had a 6 polyester that cracked (she rolled it very slowly too), and based on seeing many other kids crack 6 pounders, we bought her a Mix that has been more durable due to it's urethane cover.  (For that matter, I'd get the Mix, even in 8 lbs.)
 


 
 

[HackJandy]

6 lb. balls have tendency to crack easier because the filler material is lighter (more air in the mixture) so the cover doesn't have as much support.  I would seriously look at an 8 lb. ball.  If it fits her well it will still feel extremely light.  We have some very "frail" senior women who use 10 and 11 lb. balls as a comparison.

If you're dead set on a 6 lb. ball spend an extra $10 and pick up a Mix by Storm.  They seem to hold up better than traditional polyester covers.   My granddaughter had a 6 polyester that cracked (she rolled it very slowly too), and based on seeing many other kids crack 6 pounders, we bought her a Mix that has been more durable due to it's urethane cover.  (For that matter, I'd get the Mix, even in 8 lbs.)
 


 
 

+1 on Mix. At only at most $20 more pretty much ensuring your ball will last many years.  Also a great choice as a spare ball for heavier weights.

[RABid]

I don't mind paying a bit more for something that lasts so I will look for a Mix, bot for her and as my spare ball.

[RABid]

Bought myself a Mix this morning after my lesson. Highly touted by my instructor. Will try it tomorrow when I go practice.