How to Buy a Ball??

[cjanecky]

How does a relative beginner know how to pick out a ball?  I am currently using a Brunswick Target Zone 14 lb ball that I got as part of taking some bowling lessons at our local lanes.  The ball is starting to get scratched up so I thought about getting a new ball for myself for a Christmas gift.  However, after looking at balls, there is all sorts of terminology I have no idea about.  

The alley I bowl at just put in synthetic lanes but I have no idea if they are considered dry, medium or oily.  I throw a pretty straight ball because my wrist just doesn't work quite right to give me the action necessary to throw a strong hook.  As such, my ball ends up going fairly straight.  I'm currently averaging a score of about 145 though I do occasionally get games in the 190's. I probably should move up to a 15 lb ball this time around.  I'm looking to spend about $75.

I was hoping to find some sort of "Guide to buying a bowling ball" but I couldn't find anything.  Any suggestions?  The alley I am at doesn't have a pro shop so that's no help.  I bowl in a beginner league so my fellow bowlers are no help either.


Thanks in advance.
Corey

[TheBowlingKid25]

Yea, the reason your not hooking the ball much is because the cover is made of plastic. That is MADE to go straight, and thats what most people use for spare balls. As for getting a new ball, power grooves are ok, tornados, reactive scouts. A question for you though, do you have fingertip, or conventional grip? Meaning, when you put your fingers in, they they go deep in to the second knuckle, or the first knuckle?
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16 years and still going strong! 16 years old that is! The names Warrior Princess, Xena..Warrior Princess
And why would I "saw" pins in half, THATS A WASTE OF PINS!

[seadrive]

If you don't have a pro shop, where are you planning to buy the ball, and who is going to drill it?

If you go the a la carte route, you can buy a Power Groove from Buddies Pro Shop (www.buddiesproshop.com) for around $50, plus $10-15 shipping.  Now you have to get it drilled, which (depending on your location) should cost you somewhere around $30. Could be more if the driller actively discourages people from bringing in balls bought elsewhere.

So, I think the least you will get away with is $90-100.  If you're not willing to spend that much, then just stay with what you've got.

BTW, on balls in that price range, you really won't save much, if any, by buying online.  My advice to you is to talk to some of the better bowlers where you bowl, find out who drills their stuff, and go there.
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seadrive
Cogito ergo bowl

[cjanecky]

I figured that was the case, that the ball itself is made to go straight.  That's part of the reason I am looking for a new ball.  The ball I currently use is drilled conventionally.  That is, I go all the way to the second knuckle.

I also notice that people who through strong curve balls tend to cup the ball such that when they throw/release it, the ball already has some side spin on it.  Since my wrist does not bend that way, I can't "cup" the ball so my release does not automatically cause a lot of side spin.  

-Corey

Yea, the reason your not hooking the ball much is because the cover is made of plastic. That is MADE to go straight, and thats what most people use for spare balls. As for getting a new ball, power grooves are ok, tornados, reactive scouts. A question for you though, do you have fingertip, or conventional grip? Meaning, when you put your fingers in, they they go deep in to the second knuckle, or the first knuckle?

[cjanecky]

I can get the ball drilled at my local alley.  They have a drill and they have a guy they call up that can come in and drill the ball so drilling won't be the problem.  The problem is, what type of ball to buy?  The leaugue I am in has a few good bowlers but I am not too comfortable with their knowledge level.

-Corey

If you don't have a pro shop, where are you planning to buy the ball, and who is going to drill it?

[cjanecky]

Thanks, this gives me a good place to start looking.  The Columbia Scout has a "polished" finish while the Brunswick PowerGroove has a "Rubbing and Finishing Compound Double Buff" and the Ebonite Tornado has a "1000 grit Abralon" finish.  What is the differences in finishes and does it matter or is it just a peronal preference?

THanks,
Corey

quote:It will be tough to find a ball for $75, but you should give the powergroove series from brunswick a look.

  Got a good reactive cover and a lower end weightblock.  Doesn't cost a ton either.

  Also, they sell lots of columbia scout reactives ebonite tornados. All these balls are lower end, budget priced balls that are entry level.

  Good luck
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Obviously, you don't know JACK!

 

[TheBowlingKid25]

For you right now, I wouldnt worry about the finishes of those balls. I would say go with a power groove, its the best beginner ball there is. Having the ball drilled conventional is another HUGEEEE reason why you cant hook it much. You need to get your new ball drilled fingertip, it will make it a LOT easier to hook the ball.
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16 years and still going strong! 16 years old that is! The names Warrior Princess, Xena..Warrior Princess
And why would I "saw" pins in half, THATS A WASTE OF PINS!

[JPRLane1]

Just my bit of advice but if you do buy a ball I would discourage you from letting "some guy at the bowling alley drill it"  When buying better equipment you are making an investment in your bowling furture and I doubt seriously if the bowling alleys drill press is very good and if the guy they call knows much more than drilling three holes in a ball.  Finding a knowledgable driller/proshop owner is vital to ensure proper ball fitting/drilling/weight selection.  I hope you will understand as I walked the same road your walking now I started bowling with 12# plastic I got from sports authority and when I decided to take the next step I did talk to some local guys that were good bowlers but I made the mistake of not getting a good driller and just going to the guy who was in my local house.  Now he did have a proshop but he was just not a good driller in general but at the time I did not know any better. I ended up later on with three different balls with different spans and none of them were the proper span for my hand.  I of course now have been around a good length of time and now my equipment gets drilled by the best available to me.  Just my words of wisdom.   Also the power groove pearl comes polished like the tornado and scout they just use different terminology and there is one more choice of power grooves and that is the solid version which comes sanded if I am not mistaken.  I would personally suggest the power groove solid as you can polish it up and it would be similiar to a pearl for drier lanes once you figure that out and then you can dull it back down it you need something for more oil.  Also I agree you may want to consider finger tip grip and for this you definitely need a good ball fitter/driller,  that is if your looking for more hook if not then conventional grip on a new ball is still fine and you can always plug that ball and go finger tip later on if you decide to and you don't have to get another ball right away.  
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I should just quit bowling, oh wait I already tried that.
Now that I am back and my Saws are sharp again, I am ready to cut some wood.

Edited on 11/22/2004 8:03 AM

[JohnP]

cjanecky -- What area of the country do you live in?  --  JohnP

[cjanecky]

quote:cjanecky -- What area of the country do you live in?  --  JohnP

Richmond, VA

-Corey

[Lane1Redneck]

from some experience with the Power Grooves... it's a very good ball for the entry level bowler...  under 100 bux
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Bowling is the real X games

JEFF

[JohnP]

cjanecky -- Sorry, that's too far for you to drive to get to my shop.  I was hoping you were within driving distance.  --  JohnP

[qstick777]

cjanecky-

If you have a Bowl America nearby, you might want to check out their on-line store.  They usually have some decent deals on closeouts and other balls.  I remember seeing a couple of Storm balls for around $80.  They offer drilling services for $10 if your local BA has somebody that can drill.  Right now they are offering free ground shipping.  They ship from Springfield, VA so it shouldn't take long to get to Richmond. http://www.babowlingstore.com/

Not sure what pro shops are in your area, but I know that my pro shop usually has at least one new ball that you can get for under $100 (drilling included).  They also have used balls for around $50-$80 (drilling included).

You can also check out eBay and usually get a new ball for around $50 with shipping - of course those balls are usually 1-2 years old so it depends if you mind bowling with an older model.  I was able to get a Savage Flip for $51 (shipping included) and it was another $40 for drilling at my pro shop - still, pro shop was selling it for $149.  If you have to have new, Buddies seems to have the best deals on current balls and shipping is reasonable.

Also, check out the For Sale forums.

[cjanecky]

Several people have suggested the Brunswick Power Groove Reactive and I checked with the Bowl America store and they can get me the ball for $60 with drilling for $10.  The Bowl America accross town has a pro shop that says they can drill the ball (my local BA does not have a pro shop).  Thanks for the suggestions.

Corey

cjanecky-

If you have a Bowl America nearby, you might want to check out their on-line store.  They usually have some decent deals on closeouts and other balls.  I remember seeing a couple of Storm balls for around $80.  They offer drilling services for $10 if your local BA has somebody that can drill.  Right now they are offering free ground shipping.  They ship from Springfield, VA so it shouldn't take long to get to Richmond. http://www.babowlingstore.com/

[JohnP]

cjanecky -- Check with some of the better local bowlers on the ability of the driller at the Bowl America.  Any one can punch three holes in a bowling ball, but it takes some skill to fit a new bowler properly.  Unless your BA store is blessed with a good driller, I'd recommend spending a little more $$$ at a good pro shop.  --  JohnP