New to bowling

[mpotapa]

I've been bowling for about a month and a half now.  Joined a summer league with a few friends.  My average for the first week was 112, then I bought a new ball and 2 weeks later my average is up to 135 so I'm improving.  The ball I bought is the Storm Reign of Fire.  Is this a good ball for a beginner?  The guy at the pro shop has been working with me, I can throw a decent first ball but I have a lot of trouble picking up spares.  Any advice?  Thanks

[AngloBowler]

Generally, I'd say that the Reign of Fire is not the best selection, nothing against you, I don't expect a beginner to know. The pro shop operator should though. You would most likely have seen a similar improvement with a ball that cost half the price of the one you have, just through having a proper fit and the regular playing.

Keep working with your coach, I'm sure he will be your best guide. But, as a rule, I would recommend trying to bowl the ball straight at the vast majority of spares, you should be able to achieve this by altering the way you hold the ball in your swing
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Reporting from England

[Track_Fanatic]

This is my take on this situation.  I think this ball is just fine for a beginner.  Versatile since if the ball hooks too early, you can polish it up.  I hear too many times people's opinions about "you shouldn't have gotten that ball since you're a beginner".    A good ball driller is going to ask the customer questions about what they want out of bowling.  Depending on what the answer(s) are, the ball driller will recommend the best suitable ball.  Sorry anglobowler, I think you are off base with your comment about "you would most likely have seen similar improvement with a ball that costs half the price".  Lets see, can you get similar improvement with say a Power Grove or a Tornado?  IMHO, no you wouldn't be able too.  Dynamics of a ball does play into the equation.  I would continue working with a coach.  Preferably one that is certified.

[Juggernaut]

mpotapa,

 The Reign of Fire is a good piece of equipment. It is a little above what is truly considered "beginner" level, but that just means that the ball will be able to "grow" along with you as you get better and better. It is capable of very high performance, so will suit your needs for a season (or two), as long as you clean it and maintain it well.

 Speaking of cleaning, let me inform you that this is VERY important in modern bowling balls. The material they''re made from is very porous, but the pores get clogged with dirt and lane oil, which causes the ball to lose MUCH of its capabilities over a period of time. Get a good cleaner from your pro shop and don''t be afraid to use it. Your ball was a pretty good investment, but it is up to you to keep it that way.

 Also, a coach can be a good thing, but only if you''re ready for one. If you do decide to get a coach, get one who knows you are a true beginner so as to not overload yourself by a coach who "assumes" you know a little and just gets you in too deep too quickly. Bowling is pretty easy, but bowling well can get pretty technical.

 Good luck and welcome to the sport/game. Hope you love it as much as I have.


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Good transactions list in my profile



Edited on 6/5/2010 10:38 PM

[mpotapa]

Thanks for the advice, ill have to purchase a clesner.  How often should I clean a bowling ball? I have read that some people use simple green to clean up their ball.

[glssmn2001]

Welcome to bowling, the ROF is an excellent ball. All I can tell you is to keep it simple.

[T C 300]

^^^ it is a great ball but not for a 'beginner".. hope this guy doesnt turn out like most, thinkn they MUST have the newest heaver oil ball to make the hook! LOL tho ive never see this guy throw a ball, pretty sure he could of gotn something a bit weaker(less surface)..

op, you should in vest in a spare ball asap!!!

[glssmn2001]

If this is the ball he wanted than how can it be wrong. People wonder why bowling is on the decline and when a beginning bowler get a ball all the critice come out and say, its the wrong ball. That is just horrible....

[mpotapa]

I only paid 60 dollars drilled for the ball.  A guy that works for me owns a pro shop.  I told him I wanted to throw a hook and he was able to get me this ball for a good price.  I can always purchase other balls but right now I'm just trying to learn to throw a hook.  It's actually going pretty good.  I average about 4 strikes per game, but when I don't strike it's the spares that crush me.

[glssmn2001]

quote:I only paid 60 dollars drilled for the ball.  A guy that works for me owns a pro shop.  I told him I wanted to throw a hook and he was able to get me this ball for a good price.  I can always purchase other balls but right now I'm just trying to learn to throw a hook.  It's actually going pretty good.  I average about 4 strikes per game, but when I don't strike it's the spares that crush me.

 That is normal for spares to be the thorn in your side at the beginning. Spares are the key to scoring so make sure you keep practicing. Also, 60 bucks is a good deal for that piece.

[azguy]

Something I would suggest for you, go back to your pro shop guy and ask him for a 'spare ball'. A White Dot, T-Zone or a Maxim are the most common names for them. They are plastic covers and will usually go as straight as YOU throw them. Take some time, don't look or worry about a score and shoot at one pin. You decide what pin usually gives you the most trouble and try to hit that ONE pin ( full rack or not ). Shooting spares is like anything else, practice, practice and more practice.

I might not have suggested that ball for your first ball but you got a good deal and your pro shop guy can see you throw, knows what you want to do and are trying to do so he probably had your 'wanting to improve' in mind when he suggested that ball.

Just keep in mind, if it were as easy as it looks on TV, we'd ALL be on tour. Some days are better than others but as long as you can realize what your mistake was, improve on it then you'll see your game getting better.

As far as a cleaner, if you have simple green at your house, mix it with water, a small amount of alcohol and you have a good cleaner for a ball with little expense. Many companies make good cleaners but the simple green/water is a great day to day cleaner.

Good Luck and welcome !
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[mpotapa]

What weight spare ball should I purchase?  My reign of fire is 15 pounds.  I notice a lot of people get a 14 pound ball for spares, is this what you guys would you recommend?

[MC]

I prefer to throw the same weight spare ball as my main balls
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[Shields]

IMO you should stick to the same weight for your spare ball as your strike ball. If you get a different weight the timing of your backswing could easily get messed up.

[Xcessive_Evil]

quote:^^^ it is a great ball but not for a 'beginner".. hope this guy doesnt turn out like most, thinkn they MUST have the newest heaver oil ball to make the hook! LOL tho ive never see this guy throw a ball, pretty sure he could of gotn something a bit weaker(less surface)..

op, you should in vest in a spare ball asap!!!

I agree.  Especially considering he's new.  I personally would have suggested something no stronger than a vibe until he becomes more comfortable.

It's really no different than teaching a 16 year old how to drive....In a Corvette.
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