getting back into bowling need new ball

[ScttLee184]

Sorry if this is a re-post, I had several errors 2 days ago and not even sure if it went through.
Looking to get back into bowling and needing a new ball. I have been out of it for 2-3 years. Personal specs: 64 in good shape. Used a 14 lb finger tip cyclone, am right handed but had a right shoulder replacement and the shoulder is weaker that it used to be so I may need lighter ball. Lane conditions are variable non league is dry and league is oil.
Any suggestions on a better ball than the cyclone $80-$125 with more hook usable on various lane conditions, and using the same core in 13 & 14 lb balls (just in case I have to go lighter). Suggested weight considering shoulder replacement.
Thanks

[TWOHAND834]

Honestly, the Cyclone is a strong ball for the price point.  I would suggest getting it cleaned really well and using it a few times before considering a new ball.  Sometimes a good cleaning and/or surface adjustment is all it takes.  Plus, you can see if your shoulder can still handle the weight of that ball.  If your shoulder can handle the weight, then we can find something that will complement it.  But since it has only been a couple years, I wouldnt rush into another purchase just yet.  If you said you had been out 10 years, that would be a different story.

[ScttLee184]

Thanks for the quick reply.  Through various issues, i no longer have my cyclone.   Even though the weight won't be the same as a personally drilled ball I will try a house ball to test my shoulder.  What ball would be a good or slightly better replacement?
Thanks again

[TWOHAND834]

Gotcha.  Since Ebonite got bought out by Brunswick, you wouldnt be able to get a good replacement from an Ebonite ball just yet at a $125.00 price point.  Storm and Roto Grip have balls called the Match Up and Hustle which would fall into that Cyclone price point.  Those balls will be similar to the Cyclone as far as the type of hook they provide.  If you want something that is maybe more controllable on a variety of conditions then you could look in to the IQ line by Storm.  But those will cost you a little more. 

Your pro shop guy will put you in to the right ball that you are looking for.  What I mentioned are some of many options out there.  But once you tell him whether you want a skid/flip type of ball like the Cyclone or something more controllable like an IQ, he can steer you in to the right direction.

[mwl001]

http://www.ebonite.com/products/balls/lower-mid-performance/destiny-solid

What about the Destiny line?  They all use the cyclone core, same specs as the old Cyclone I think?  I picked up a Destiny solid off of bowling.com for $65 and sometimes they are cheaper than that even.

[AlonzoHarris]

At that price point - I suggest the Hustle Ink from Roto Grip

[Brandon Riley]

Talk to your local shop and ask about any closeouts.  Its nearing the end of season and I am sure there must be some older (last year's model) ball on the shelf that the pro shop wouldn't mind moving at the right price

[ScttLee184]

Thanks for the input.  I just bowled 1 game using a 13 & 14 lb house ball.  13 felt a little light and a 14 a bit too heavy.  A noticable difference.  After 1 game my arm felt dead and a little sore the next day.  But if I remember,  a properly drilled ball will seem lighter.  So what would you recommend a 13 or 14 lb?  And then slowly work my way into the game as my shoulder adjusted.

[SG17]

what I would do if this was me:  I would start with the 13lb ball.  I want to be able to complete my league; bowl all 3 games.  after some time of bowling regular, you may build your strength and shoulder up to a 14 lb ball, which will always be there to buy if you make that choice.

returning from injury and long lay off, I would err on the side of lighter. 

your best bet is to find a good proshop in your area, have the guy there watch you bowl a little bit so that they can make the best recommendation for you.

[mwl001]

I would agree - if you can afford it start with 13lbs then move up when that seems too easy to throw.  Too heavy might set you back or force you into bad habits.  Could be a month, could be a season, but you won't overdo it.

[TWOHAND834]

what I would do if this was me:  I would start with the 13lb ball.  I want to be able to complete my league; bowl all 3 games.  after some time of bowling regular, you may build your strength and shoulder up to a 14 lb ball, which will always be there to buy if you make that choice.

returning from injury and long lay off, I would err on the side of lighter. 

your best bet is to find a good proshop in your area, have the guy there watch you bowl a little bit so that they can make the best recommendation for you.

From someone who used to run a pro shop; this is where I disagree.  If the 13 was too light and he drills a 13, it is only going to feel lighter and be a heavy 12 pound.  The reason he had the dead shoulder is because the house ball doesnt fit so he has to squeeze it to hold on to it.  He has to muscle his arm swing which is a big no no.
So the 14 feels more like a 15.  You are talking about a 2.5 pound difference feel wise between a properly fitted 13 and a 14 pound house ball even though technically they are only 1 pound apart.

With that said, what I would do; is still get in to a 14.  HOWEVER, make sure the ball is a 14lb 0 oz but no heavier than 14lb 1oz undrilled.  That way when the ball gets drilled, it would basically be a heavy 13 pound ball.  That way you are finding that happy medium between the 13 feeling too light and the unproperly fitted house ball at 14.  I hope that makes sense.

[ScttLee184]

Having a local pro shop make suggestions is a good idea, but in Casper WY , and Wyoming in general, there is no real pro shop.  They all work out of an oversized closet and order balls shoes and accessories only when needed.    One even told me that a $60 plastic ball was as good as a $125 ball with reactive core and cover.  I have no way to get to a real pro shop in Ft. Collens, CO.  Therefore I am grateful for all your suggestions.