Upgrading ball, help me figure out best option based on..

[hawk45]

Hi everyone,

I've been a casual league bowler for a few years.  I'll throw a session then get busy and have to drop out for a while, then get back into it.   I'm 40yrs old and big guy at 6'4" 230 lbs and athletic build. 

My first and existing ball is breaking up (chipping apart) and it's time for a new one.  I've been using a used 16lb Brunswick BVP I had redrilled to fingertip to fit me.  It hardly breaks and takes a long time before it starts to grab.  I've learned to throw it, but I find myself having to slow my ball speed down to about 13mph to get the ball to work at all. 

I'm only about a 140 average bowler.  I'd like to up my game and getting a new ball is the first step.  Honestly I bowl a bunch of places and not sure on the lane conditions (edit: buddy told me wet).  I would like to get something with some more hook and power.  I don't mind spending the money on a good ball.

I stopped by the pro shop at one of the lanes I bowl and they recommended these 3 balls and wanted do some research before dropping the money on the first recommendation.  I know they are all Storm, but I could care less what company as long as it's a good ball.   One other thing, I wasn't sure if I should jump right into a heavy breaker coming from a low breaker is a good idea.. should I get a mid-breaking ball and see how that goes?

Storm Freeze Hybrid
Storm Wrecker
Storm Hy-Road

Which would be the best to go with but open to other options. 

Let me know if you need more information and I'll try to supply.

Thanks for you help!!
Hawk

[ImBackInTheGame]

The Freeze Hybrid is actually a C300 ball.

All of them are good options for league house shots, but I would lean Hy-Road out of that group.

These balls are not high end bowling balls, more mid level.  However on league conditions they could hook more than the pro-performance balls since the higher level equipment is made for heavier conditions.   Now with that being said, if your natural swing and release is speed dominant (more speed than revs) then a higher end ball may be necessary.

Has the pro shop operator you talked to watched you bowl before?  If so, his suggestions are probably good.

[hawk45]

No, he didn't have me bowl.  Just pointed me to those.  He said that is what he recommends to all the high school teams. 

I'm guessing I should try another shop maybe, even though they are part of my local bowling alley.

I would like to be able to throw with more speed as I've been having to really slow things down with this ball.  If I throw it faster, I throw right through the break point.
I wouldn't say I spin overly hard either.

[tuckinfenpin]

No, he didn't have me bowl.  Just pointed me to those.  He said that is what he recommends to all the high school teams. 

I'm guessing I should try another shop maybe, even though they are part of my local bowling alley.

I would like to be able to throw with more speed as I've been having to really slow things down with this ball.  If I throw it faster, I throw right through the break point.
I wouldn't say I spin overly hard either.

When you are ready to purchase, go to another shop. The operator should take the time to watch your game. From there they can better recommend a ball. It should be an entry to mid level piece.

If you are more speed dominant, I would consider a solid coverstock vs a pearl. I would throw the recommendation of a Grease Monkey POW. Great ball for the price point IMO.

Other things that may work is see if they have any closeout pieces. There is a lot of new things out and they may need to make room for them.

While at it, check to see if the operator is a certified coach. If so, when you purchase a ball ask if they will give you a complimentary lesson. Don't hurt to ask. I know the shop I go to does this with the purchase of a new ball.

Good luck and welcome to the forum.

[JohnP]

Before you get a new ball find a good coach and get some lessons and practice.  From the three balls you asked about I'd recommend the HyRoad.  There's a reason it's stayed in Storm's line up so long.  --  JohnP

[Metal_rules]

Definitely get someone from a pro shop to watch you bowl. Then he can get a better idea of how you bowl so you will know what ball to consider. Without knowing your style, I would look at the Wrecker which is a hybrid ( part pearl and part solid) which will give you more movement (hook) at the back end or if you do bowl on more oily (wet) lanes then look at the Disturbed, both are made by Roto Grip.  The Hy-road by Storm has been around for a long time, and is a quality ball. Just do some research and defintely check out different pro shops and see what they recomend before you buy. Ask around for good referrals of places to go to so you can be confident on their workmanship.

[kidlost2000]

Do you have a video of you bowling? (Cellphone bid)

[BallReviews-Removed0385]

My question would be which BVP are you using?  Punisher? Nemesis? Goliath? Wizard?  A little more info. or short video will help us to help you.

[larry mc]

yeah bvp was a ball line not a ball . went from weak to strong

[Walking E]

Based on your athletic build and the fact that you don't seem to like slowing the ball down to make it break, I'd recommend a strong rolling, symmetric solid - something that won't skate too long when you are throwing a more comfortable speed, along with a higher flare potential to help the ball move. Some good choices there would be:
Motiv Covert Revolt
Motiv Forza
Storm Marvel-S
Hammer Bad Ass
Brunswick Melee Cross
Radical Yeti Unleashed
Ebonite Gamebreaker 2

[larry mc]

Hammer Bad intentions

[hawk45]

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to give a follow-up. 

My current ball is the BVP Ambush.

I was able to make it to a good shop over in KY (Hitt's Bowling).
The had me bowl 10 frames with my ball.
They gave me a few pointers and had me try moving around the lane.
When done he recommended a few balls and I made a choice.
I went with the Track Hx16 in 16lbs (same as my existing weight).
He had it on sale so came out to a good deal all setup.
He was going to drill while I waited, but I had to get back to work as I went over on lunch.  Should be ready by the weekend.
He said I should be able to add 5 or more boards.
I'll reply back again after I've had a chance to throw it a bit.

Also he said my old ball wasn't setup the best either.  Fingers too far apart and a too large thumb.  He said he'd fill and redrill my old one for $40 if I want to keep it for dryer lanes, so I may just do that to have a spare.\

Again, thanks for all the help.
Hawk