First reactive for 17 year old girl

[LyalC52]

I was an avid bowler in the 90's, 3 to 4 nights a week leagues, and the local amateur tour on the weekends. 205 to 210 average. Gave it all up to finish college, career, raise a family.............

The past few years I've been going once or twice a month with my wife, kids and friends. House balls and rental shoes. I can't talk the wife into league bowling again, but my 17yo daughter is all fired up to give it a try.

My daughter is average height and build, athletic and very competitive. The past few times we've gone bowling I've had her throw a 14 pound ball. She will usually get through the first game and a half before switching to a 13 pound ball.

It seemed back in the 90's there was a big difference in performance going from 13 and under to 14 and over. Question: does this still hold true, or are there good 13 pound balls available?
I'm  not opposed to buying a 13 now and a 14 in 3 to 6 months.

I'm thinking of starting my daughter out with a Tropical Breeze. Any other suggestions?

[EL3MCNEIL]

Everyone on the boards are more than likely going to direct you to a local pro shop and have them assist in choosing a ball for her. Generally, any ball from any company (other than MOTIV) under 14lbs uses a generic core. Every company has good entry level balls and and the Tropical Breeze is a good ball in my opinion. I recently got my wife a Roto Grip Scream for my wife just because she enjoyed the color scheme and how the logo looked. She also uses 13lbs balls and I think it's a very good entry level ball.

[milorafferty]

Everyone on the boards are more than likely going to direct you to a local pro shop and have them assist in choosing a ball for her. Generally, any ball from any company (other than MOTIV) under 14lbs uses a generic core. Every company has good entry level balls and and the Tropical Breeze is a good ball in my opinion. I recently got my wife a Roto Grip Scream for my wife just because she enjoyed the color scheme and how the logo looked. She also uses 13lbs balls and I think it's a very good entry level ball.

Agree with the ball choices.

One thing to consider though, when she gets a ball drilled to fit her hand, she will be able to handle the weight more easily. If she uses a 14lb house ball to start, go with a 14 lb ball for the one you purchase. That takes generic cores out of your purchase decision.

[tuckinfenpin]

Everyone on the boards are more than likely going to direct you to a local pro shop and have them assist in choosing a ball for her. Generally, any ball from any company (other than MOTIV) under 14lbs uses a generic core. Every company has good entry level balls and and the Tropical Breeze is a good ball in my opinion. I recently got my wife a Roto Grip Scream for my wife just because she enjoyed the color scheme and how the logo looked. She also uses 13lbs balls and I think it's a very good entry level ball.

+1

Extremely good advice. Just be certain the pro shop will take the time to watch her throw a few before they recommend anything.
Generally women will throw the ball slower and an entry level ball is more than adequate.
Strike King has a pink and purple color scheme and may be a good fit for her without breaking the bank.

[Ratt_bowling]

Motiv Venom Shock 14# when it is fit to her hand it will feel lighter.  Go finger tip grip too.  Won't take but a few games to get used to it.

[tommyboy74]

Whatever you do, as tuckinfenpin mentions, make sure the pro shop takes the time to watch her throw a few shots before anything gets recommended.  If the shop just says "buy this" and doesn't know what her game is, don't spend your money there.

I'd say entry level should work out well in this case.  With Motiv, the Venom Shock is a very good option.  I could also see you going with the Roto Grip Scream or Shout, Storm Wipe Out or Punch Out, DV8 Outcast, Columbia Freeze Hybrid just to name a few.  One advantage with Motiv as previously mentioned, they don't use generic cores in the lighter weights.  Either they use their standard core or the ball isn't made in the lower weight.

[JohnP]

I agree that if she can use a 13 lb house ball she can probably use a 14 lb ball that's fitted to her hand.  Ask your pro shop operator to get a light 14 lb, I've seen 14 lb balls come in from about `14 lb 1 oz to 14 lb 6 oz.  The Tropical Breeze is a good ball but my preference is the Ebonite Cyclone.  I've sold a lot of them and had no complaints.  --  JohnP

[itsallaboutme]

What the OP should be more cautious about is a pro shop that recommends anything other than an entry level ball.  Show her the choices of entry level performance balls and let her pick a color.

There is no need to worry about the pro shop operator watching her bowl.  She has no game yet.  Once she has her own ball and is ready to step up to the next level then there is something to watch.

[LyalC52]

WoW, you guys are great. I really appreciate the input and suggestions.

I will look into all the balls you guys suggested and talk about them with the Pro Shop operator.

Finger grips for sure.

I want to get her into something that is very controllable so she can decide what direction she wants to take her game.

[Metal_rules]

Motiv Venom Shock 14# when it is fit to her hand it will feel lighter.  Go finger tip grip too.  Won't take but a few games to get used to it.

  He stated to use a finger tip grip, not finger grips. Finger grips will give her better control and grip on the release, instead of no grips. I suggest that the finger tip grip be shown to her by the pro shop to see if she is comfortable using that kind of span. I may suggest a relaxed finger tip instead. But again up to her when she is fitted. I also agree to go with a 14lb ball, the extra weight will benifet her. Good luck!

[LyalC52]

sorry for the confusion, yes I will have her ball drilled for finger tip grips like Turbo Grips

[LyalC52]

So I got my DD (softball reference haha) a 14# Black Cherry Tropical Breeze.
The Pro Shop Operator was very helpful and fit her into the ball with no issues or adjustments needed. Pin just above the fingers, turbo grips, and left OOB finish.

We've been going at least twice a week, 3 to 5 games for the past 6 weeks.
2 weeks ago I put a Robbys Revs II on her.
She is throwing right around 12.5 MPH
Right now she is throwing straight at her target, which is usually the second arrow on a fresh THS. When she moves she moves everything to keep the front end straight. The ball reacts around mid lane and has a nice roll up into the pocket.

As I stated in the OP, she is very competitive and has great eye hand coordination.
Last night she threw her high game so far of 189. The past few times out, she has been around the 140 mark.

I think she is ready to go from a straight line to a bigger curve. In other words, its time for ball #2.
Leaning towards a Motiv Venom Shock or DV8 Diva

What do you all suggest?

[milorafferty]

The Venom Shock is a great ball that works on a variety of conditions. I haven't thrown a Diva, but I've seen others get good results with it.

She will probably be happy with either of them. Have her pick her favorite color between the balls and go with that.

[tuckinfenpin]

One thing to keep in mind: with a 12 MPH ball speed, be sure to get a ball that is not too strong, or it will have a tendency to "roll out" which in using all the energy before getting to the pins.

A pearl coverstock or a solid cover with polish on most mid levels balls would be my suggestion. This will delay the hook and save more energy at the pins. However, if you decide on a solid cover, try it out before slapping a layer of polish on it.