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

[cjanecky]

Good advice - thanks.

Corey

quote: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

[cjanecky]

Thanks to everyone who gave me advice on this topic.  I decided on the Brunswick Power Groove Reactive ball.  I ordered it yesterday so it will take time to arrive and then to get it drilled.  Once I bowl with it, I'll post my thoughts about it.  Hopefully I will improve a few pins.  

Thanks,
Corey

[a_ak57]

Wait a minute.  Have you asked some of the bowlers in your league where they get their stuff drilled?  Don't be shy, ask as many people as you can.  Maybe someone will find you a great pro shop to go to.
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- Andy


"Leaders are made, they are not born.  They are made with hard effort, which is the price which all of us must pay in order to achieve anything that is worthwile."

[charlest]

YOU DO NOT BUY A BALL.

YOU BUY A BALL REACTION.

end of story.
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"When we choose an action,
we also choose the consequences of that action.

[cjanecky]

As I mentioned earlier, I purchased the Power Groove Reactive ball in hopes to pick up my game a bit.  A lot of people suggested I get a "reactive" ball so that's what I did.  I had this ball drilled fingertip vs. the conventional drilling for my plastic Target Zone ball.  

After bowling on 6 different occasions for a total of 24 games, I must say that I think I wasted my money.  My scores have stayed about the same (some days better, some worse) and this ball doesn't give me any more curve than my cheap plastic ball.

I realize there are all sorts of variables here (drilling, heavier ball, coverstock...) but the bottom line is that my scores are staying the same and my ball seems to roll the same as the cheap plastic ball - that is, very straight.  So, I'm rather dissappointed with my purchase.

I do plan on continuing to use the new ball since it's not hurting my game.  Who knows, maybe 24 games ins't enough to make a judgement.

I do appreciate all the advice I received though.  It's one of those things that you never know until you try.

Thanks,
Corey

[JohnP]

quote:the bottom line is that my scores are staying the same and my ball seems to roll the same as the cheap plastic ball - that is, very straight.

cjanecky -- Any ball is going to go straight if you release it with your fingers at 6:00 and your thumb at 12:00.  A reactive resin ball does have much more hook potential than a plastic ball, but it's up to you to get that potential out of it.  I suggest you invest a few $$$ in some lessons with a good coach.  --  JohnP

[TheBowlingKid25]

Trust me if you ever plan to get more serious, its a good investment now. As for the ball not hooking, your right, there are MANY different factors determining the hook potential. For one, since you dont know how much oil there is, that is a big one. If there is a lot of oil, this ball wont hook a lot. Its designed for drier lanes. Also, it depends a lot on the USER of the ball. If you dont put throw the ball correctly to make it hook, it wont hook. I would suggest hanging around one of the leagues that has some more advanced bowlers, and asking them for help. Most bowlers (i say most for a reason) are friendly and willing to help. If you do get a sour grape, dont be turned off to asking for help. Just ask someone else. If you dont know how to do it now, how will you ever learn without asking, right?
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16 years old, and proud of it! Still not mature either!

[cjanecky]

quote:cjanecky -- Any ball is going to go straight if you release it with your fingers at 6:00 and your thumb at 12:00.  A reactive resin ball does have much more hook potential than a plastic ball, but it's up to you to get that potential out of it.  I suggest you invest a few $$$ in some lessons with a good coach.  --  JohnP

I appreciate the advice but I already took lessons at my local alley.  It was during my lessons that I was first advised to get a "reactive" ball.  After the lessons, I joined a league and several of the better bowlers all suggested I get a reactive ball.  I suspect that it is the way I release the ball.  From watching other bowlers, it reallu looks like it is the release of the ball that puts the necessary spin on the ball to cause it to curve.  As I mentioned in my original post, my wrist is messed up such that I can't hold/twist the ball like I notice most the better bowlers do.  So, my release is probably what is causing my ball to go straight.

As I said, no harm done other than spending money I probably didn't need to.  

Corey

[a_ak57]

If you're throwing it the same as you did before, it WILL NOT hook.  You have to put rotation on the ball to get it to move.  That's how a lot of people use their big hooking balls for spares, they can throw it straight.  Another possibility is too much oil.  Here's something you can do.  Watch all the other people who are bowling in leagues and ask what they are using.  Explain to them your situation.  While some people will be a-holes, you will get a few that will help you out.  Believe me, power grooves can hook.  But it's all user (and oil condition) based.  You need somewhat light conditions.  Or some good rotation.

EDIT:  Just saw your last response.  Since you don't need to ask the bowlers about a ball, ask them to teach you to hook.  Someone will surely help.
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- Andy


Brunswick!!

Edited on 1/3/2005 2:55 PM

[TheBowlingKid25]

You are right once again. It IS all in the release. The problem here though is that when you took lessons, you learned the basics. You were never taught how to release the ball properly, to hook it. I would say if you want to get better, get a coach. Someone advising you to get reactive isnt exactly coaching. When your average goes up to 170-180, it will be worth it. I wish I could find somewhere to take lessons. really do.
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16 years old, and proud of it! Still not mature either!