the usual "what ball to get" hehe

[MrBungle]

Hello all. Im 19 years old and i've been the casual bowler for a while now, using a straight shot averaging about 130-150. Average ball speed is around 17 mph. Lately I've been experimenting with spin. What I have been doing is use lighter balls(10-12 lbs) and putting middle and ring finger in the holes, tucking the ball in and hooking it. It's just not been consistent obvioulsy because it's not the right way! I have no preference with standing at which boards as i'm still new to the whole concept. When I try to use balls heavier than 14 I can't control it at all. I definitely would love to get a Hammer ball. I was looking at the Hammer Doom. I know I want to get it finger tip drilled so I can spin it better but i'm just stuck on the weight. It seems I can control a 12 house ball the best with spin, 14 with out. Picking out a ball is a lot more complicated than I thought. Unfortunately, the pro-shop guys around here are only around when i'm not available. If anyone can point me towards the right direction from my confusing info, it would be great. Thank you.

[No Open Tenths]

Just to add to what CJ said.
  A 14 pound ball that fits your hand will feel lighter than any 14 lb houseball.
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Whether you think you can, or whether you think you can't... you're probably right.

[MrBungle]

I will look into a cheap urethane. I have been throwing the house balls where my thumb comes out first then the other two fingers would get spin on the ball, but it really wouldn't give backend. I just figured because theyre house balls they wouldn't give the backend better balls do. Is this true? also, I have no idea of the oil condition on my lanes because today I asked the girl there and she had no clue.

[JohnP]

Spend a few more bucks and get an entry level reactive resin ball, Ebonite Tornado, Brunswick Power Groove, Columbia scout, Storm Tropical, etc.  --  JohnP

[MrBungle]

what makes entry level different from mid-high level?

[shelley]

quote:what makes entry level different from mid-high level?

They're cheaper, for one.    They also don't necessarily hook as much, so it will be easier to learn to bowl with one.  It's easy to buy a high-end ball that's too strong for a particular bowler or oil condition or one that's not too strong but has a very uncontrollable backend reaction.  Many high-end balls today are strong asymmetrics, and unless your driller knows what he's doing and you are consistent with your release, the results can be very unpredictable.  It's easy to drill one wrong and end up with a dud of a ball.

Not all high-end balls are like that.  Aside from the price, given the predictability, versatility, and control of something like an original Inferno, it seems like it'd be a pretty good ball to learn with.  Strong enough that you'll see some reaction but not so strong that it's unmanageable.

Still, I'd go with an entry-level or mid-line ball.  For entry-level, I'd go with a Tropical Storm or one of the Rotogrip planet balls.

SH

[MrBungle]

thanks everyone! I'll be looking into your suggestions. I definitely don't want to be spending too much just to find out it might hurt my game.

[JohnP]

quote: what makes entry level different from mid-high level?

The coverstock technology is older (this may or may not be a disadvantage, some of the old covers are still great), and the entry level balls have a pancake core, perhaps with a flip block, instead of a dynamic core.  --  JohnP

[bigz]

pm sent
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BIGZ-
BIG ON THE LANEZ!

GO STEELERS!!