Equipment Suggestions for a Returning Bowler?

[lightngsvt]

Hello everyone.  My first post here, so here goes...  I am 35 and just joined a weekly league.  I used to bowl as a kid and into my early teens, but since then have maybe only bowled 2-4 times a year.  Im currently using a Columbia u dot (I think) 16lb and throw fairly straight but try to hook sometimes (need to work on technique).  Im also using the same shoes from 15+ years ago.

Would there be any reason to get new shoes since my current ones are in good shape (but they do stick sometimes)?

What would you recommend for a good overall ball?  Something that isnt for a total beginner and that I can grow with for a while.  I dont throw super fast, just kind of go with the swing of the ball. I am thinking of maybe going to a 15lb for the hook, any downsides?

Thanks in advance!

[lightngsvt]

Probably should also mention that Im averaging about 130-ish right now and that the lane conditions at the alley seem to be light to medium oil.

[CoachLefty]

I would buy something in a companies midline, such as the Brunswick BVP series.  All those balls are proven technology and have been around for awhile.  You best bet is to go to a reputable pro shop in your area, and have the operator watch you bowl and recommend something.
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Go Balls Deep

Lefty

[Hogsharley]

Welcome. No problem going down to 15#'s. Most people use 15#'s these days. If your old shoes are still good shape and are comfortable, keep them. You may want to invest a few $$'s for a wire brush for the sole.

As for a ball. I would keep it affordable. Maybe in the lines of a Brunswick BVP Sidewinder or Avalanche series. Good balls for the money and the lane condition.

http://www.ballreviews.com/Reviews/Reviews.asp?ManufacterID=2&BallID=811
http://www.ballreviews.com/Reviews/Reviews.asp?ManufacterID=2&BallID=863
http://www.ballreviews.com/Reviews/Reviews.asp?ManufacterID=2&BallID=864
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3 holes of fun!!

[Dan Belcher]

A cheaper, controllable ball is definately a good choice.  Brunswick Avalanche, Rotogrip Pluto, Storm Street Rod, etc. are good choices.  Make sure you go to a pro shop where the ball driller actually takes his time, measures your hand well, watches you bowl before doing anything, etc.  And definately invest in some coaching if at all possible.  It will help you infinitely more than equipment or blind advice given over the Internet.  Good luck.

[Juggernaut]

Welcome to the site and welcome back to bowling, a sport you can partcipate in for a lifetime!

  As was stated by the prior replies, there are many options out there.  The market is quite different than it used to be and there are literally HUNDREDS of choices out there for you bowling equipment needs.

  As a first ball, I would reccommend that you get something versatile and dependable. Several choices come to mind and I will list just a few of these:

1. Brunswick Avalanche series
    There are two of these, a pearlized cover and a solid cover.  Of the two, I would reccommend the solid cover as being a bit more versatile. You can check them out here: http://www.brunswickbowling.com/avalanche or watch a video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dsYQWqeubM

2. Ebonite Bash/Clash series

    There are actually four balls, two different Bashes and two different Clashes, which could be confusing a bit, but will readily be discernible after a bit of looking.  You can check them out here: http://www.ebonite.com/products/  ( scroll down to the clash series ), or you can watch some videos here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYXNWrBwj-8   or  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHyKz2Ud7Ao

3. Hammer "RAW" series

    After undergoing some changes, and some growing pains, the Hammer RAW series has been used successfully at many levels.  More than a beginners ball and less than the highest performace model, these fit nicely into that small niche of many league bowlers.  You can check them out here: http://www.hammerbowling.com/products/balls/ ( again, scroll down a bit.  P.S. The vibes are very good also! ) or you can watch video here : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFOqu9ARZlY  or  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXPj5NTowVw

4. Roto-Grip Planet series

   These have been some of the more successful " better than entry level " balls around.  The planet series has also undergone some growth pains, but the ones left are really good balls, especially for the " bang for the buck " crowd. Check them out here: http://www.rotogrip.com/products/balls/ball_line.asp?lineid=3&linename=Shield+Line  or watch videos here: http://www.videoballreviews.com/pluto.html  ( Sorry, no video of the neptune )

5. Storm STREETRODS

   These are one of the newer additions to this midclass of balls, but, Storm has always been known for their performance and their variety of equipment available.  Many people swear by them ( storm ) and rave about their stuff.
   You can find the Streetrods here: http://www.stormbowling.com/products/balls/ball_line.asp?lineid=4&linename=Hot+Line%26%238482%3B  or you can find the videos at: http://www.videoballreviews.com/streetrods.html


6.  Visionary's Ogre line

    Visionary has become a little better known lately, due to the performance of their equipment and the versatility of the same.  Usually not a contestant in the ever popular " ball of the month" club, visionary tends to make good pieces that fit well together and make them for longer periods of time before they discontinue them. You can check them out here: http://www.visionarybowling.com/balls_OGREline.html  or watch some videos here: http://www.videoballreviews.com/visionary.html

  I am sure there are MANY, MANY others that I have overlooked, but these are the ones that came to mind immediately when you asked for something "more" than a beginners ball



   Good to see someone coming into the sport rather than going out and I hope to have you around for a long time.

Yours truly,
Juggernaut
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"The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits."
Albert Einstein

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Edited on 9/3/2008 4:07 PM

[JohnP]

Keep the old shoes and order a Bowler's Slide Sock (see link below).  No more sticking problems unless you're getting your heel down too early.  --  JohnP

http://bowlersslidesock.com/

[janderson]

The bowler's slide sock is a good addition to any bowler's toolbox for when you can't get the slide you need from your normal shoes.  The can be used with your old shoes.

Generally speaking, ball companies today have three "lines" or "levels" of equipment: advanced/pro, mid-line, and entry-level.  Prices are highest to lowest accordingly.

Spending more money generally means more hook, but that is not always the case. Some of the "entry-level" balls out there are just as strong as their more expensive brothers.  As a casual bowler (bowl once per week) who is not competing for much money, an entry level ball is all you need unless you want to spend more money.
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J.J. "Waterola Kid" Anderson, the bLowling King  : Kill the back row

[lightngsvt]

Thanks for all the good advice!  I went to the pro shop at the alley and bought a new ball.  He wanted to see my old ball, watch me bowl and did a ton of measurements, probably spent 20-30 minutes with me.  In the end he felt the Hammer Raw Hammer was the best recommendation and since it was mentioned here I took his advice.  I went with a 15# with a "dull" finish (not sure if the Hammer comes polished?), he said if I had to much hook he could polish it some.  I pick it up Saturday and they include a free hour of bowling with a new ball so I can get some practice before league on Tuesday.

[KingofKings696]

I would definitly go with Juggernaught on the vibes VERY good ball for the price.

[lenstanles703]

Any company has Mid Priced balls that are very good. They are usually proven coverstocks and cores. Raw hammer is a good choice.
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"We are all one"
Visionary test staff member