Good beginner ball?

[bryan1]

Hello, I've recently gotten into bowling about 2 months ago. I've been bowling fairly regularly during that time -- about once a week -- after rarely bowling in my life before that. My average is 130, with a high of 171. I'd like to get more serious, not only with lessons but with equipment. I don't want to use the house balls anymore, but as a beginner I also am not going to immediately invest in an entire ball arsenal right away. My question is: Is there are good "catch-all" nice performance ball I can buy to start with, so I can practice with a good ball, before I get into buying balls for specific oil patterns etc? Thanks for your help!

[billdozer]

I feel, anything under $100 bucks, and is not polyester is a start.  Pick one that "you" personally like, and your coach will take it from there.

[milorafferty]

Get the Ebonite Cyclone. Best value on the market at this time.

[xrayjay]

I had the (pre ebo) scout and jazz, both balls were dirty cheap. the JAzz was $45 and scout $55. I shot a non sanctioned 300 (first) with the scout and a sanctioned 300 with the jazz.  And just like these balls, I used a storm breeze pearl for two seasons.

So, don't be fooled by the price or label these balls have. They maybe in the lower level/cat..but, they still knock'em downs....

[byronk]

Brunswick Strike King

[spmcgivern]

Pretty much every company has a ball in this category.  This may come down to what can you get at a good price.  Look for equipment that is discounted or go with what your ball driller is suggesting.  You could even use aesthetics if a balls colors seem your style.

But in the end, the ball shouldn't cost a lot and should be in the Mid or Low performance categories.

[kllian]

i also started with a strike king

[JohnP]

I've sold a lot of Cyclones and have never had a complaint on one.  The Strike King would be my second choice.  --  JohnP

[loop_zero]

Sold lots of Cyclones, it's a great ball and just seems to have the upper hand in the low end balls. Second choice would be the strike king. Lastly the storm tropical breeze.

[loop_zero]

Spend more time, and money if you have to on coaching!

[Snakster]

Am I the only one who doesn't equate 'beginner' to 'low performance'? I'd say go to BowlerX or buddies website and peruse the closeouts. There are some very good balls at very good prices. The marauder might be a good one to go for or the meanstreak. Even at regular price a Wrecker or Uproar.

Torrid Affair. Torrid elite is even marked down some places. Original yeti can be had for $80. To necessarily lock into a ball that is deemed beginner only to discover two months from now that it's not enough ball for you. Look for the good deals and set yourself up with some good equipment, it can only help.

My two cents. (The above is exactly what happened with my son. Essentially wasted money)

[spmcgivern]

Am I the only one who doesn't equate 'beginner' to 'low performance'? I'd say go to BowlerX or buddies website and peruse the closeouts. There are some very good balls at very good prices. The marauder might be a good one to go for or the meanstreak. Even at regular price a Wrecker or Uproar.

Torrid Affair. Torrid elite is even marked down some places. Original yeti can be had for $80. To necessarily lock into a ball that is deemed beginner only to discover two months from now that it's not enough ball for you. Look for the good deals and set yourself up with some good equipment, it can only help.

My two cents. (The above is exactly what happened with my son. Essentially wasted money)

The main reason for the mid to low performance category is because of the jump in performance he would see going to anything else.  The OP is using a house ball.  Imagine having a Storm Sync drilled and then not being able to control it.  Beginner bowlers are recommended lower performance equipment because they are easier to handle.  Nothing too aggressive and definitely more predictable.

But I do agree with the closeout items.  No reason to get the latest and greatest at this point.

[Snakster]

Note that I did not recommend a sync or other super ball. Good mid performance balls suitable for medium house conditions. Not too much ball for a beginner, but ample room to grow. Amazing value out there. No need to aim low. My son went from ground zero and quickly outgrew the scout reactive I initially bought him.

Granted, one could debate whether he truly outgrew it, but within a month and a half he was banging an Arson. By the summer he had an arsenal building as he was preparing for junior tournament schedule in the fall. My only point is, if you are serious about getting into it, do yourself a favor and go straight to mid.

[byronk]

I get what your saying about mid level balls but A Stike King is not a beginnger ball. Its a ball that would be good for a beginner because of its versatillity and price but its also a ball he can keep and use long term.

[milorafferty]

I get what your saying about mid level balls but A Stike King is not a beginnger ball. Its a ball that would be good for a beginner because of its versatillity and price but its also a ball he can keep and use long term.

Agreed. Same with the Cyclone. Both are good balls that are great value for their cost. A new bowler could learn with either of them and as their skill level progressed they could build their arsenal around it.