Which ball should be my first?

[brentodento]

Well, first time league bowler here.  Before I only bowled 1-2 times a year for recreation.  Here is what I have been doing so far, One month into my league.

So far, 135 average...I have always bowled straight, no hook, not even sure how to start throwing with a consistent hook.  Am not against throwing a hook, just apprehensive as to how to do it correctly.  Not to say I shouldn't stick with my "straight" bowling style, but the best I have ever bowled with that is a 187.  

I am ready to buy my own ball since I am tired of picking out the junk house balls week after week and hoping they don't get stuck on my thumb.  I don't know if this matters, but I usually pick a 15 or 16 lb ball, as I am 6-1, 220.  I have been throwing fairly hard, about 20-22 mph consistently.  

What should I do?  Any recommendations would be very much appreciated, since I am eager to figure this out and get my own ball.

Thanks for your help/advice in advance!

[Laybzz74]

Look around for someone to give you some basic lessons and get yourself an entry level reactive ball ... along with a bag and shoes; many pro shops offer lessons or knows someone that gives them. The longer you go with proper instruction, the harder it will be to break bad habits that you are presently forming. My 2 cents ...
--------------------
DAMN, I LOVE this game !!!

Robb in O'Fallon, IL (near Scott AFB)
LAYBZZ74@AOL.COM

[thfonz98]

all good for beginners

brunswick..any of the power grooves
columbia..scout hiflares
ebonite..tornados
hammer..vibe
storm..big hits
track..solutions or hexplosion

you could probably do 16lb with no problem as its much easier to throw a heavier weight when it is propperly fitted for your hand.  15lbs deflect properly though.
--------------------
I have a problem..i'm a fluffer
F.O.S. Member....They keep multiplying

[brentodento]

Thanks for the info so far guys, what are your thoughts about throwing straight, versus throwing with a hook?  Seems like anyone with a decent average that I have seen is throwing with a hook about 95% of the time.  Should I try to adjust my throwing style?

[shelley]

You're right.  Most serious bowlers and nearly all high-average bowlers hook it.

As for what ball, I'll second the Power Grooves.  I've got the Proactive Black Sparkle and it's a pretty nice, smooth, controllable ball for me.  Shoes will pretty much pay for themselves over the course of a league.

SH

[azguy]

I'd have you take a look at these:

Storm  Big Hit
Ebonite  Tornado or the Ice (blue one)
Columbia Super Trooper
Hammer  Vibe

JMO
--------------------
AZ Guy aka: R & L Bowlers Pro
rlbowlerspro@cox.net
www.rlbowlerspro.com

Sleep is over rated.

[rc1216]

Just my opinion, if you see yourself able to improve by hooking the ball, try it. But there are a lot of disadvantages in throwing hooks. You don't have to worry about the lanes drying up when you bowl straight. Again JMO.
--------------------
Mmm.... BEER. -Homer J. Simpson

[LowRev]

There is probably a Pro shop at the house where you are league bowling. My advice....just walk in there on bowling night or a Saturday and say to the guy,

"Can you recommend a ball. I just started bowling. I throw straight right now and my Average is....but I am going to want to learn to throw a hook in the future...what do you think I should get?"

This is where you start.

At some point you are going to have your own opinions about equipment but in the beginning it is best to talk to a pro.

just my opinion

--------------------
Jeff

LowRev and Lovin' it