Hi everyone,
I’m new to the forum but not new to bowling.  I began in 2003 and bowled almost obsessively until late 2010.  This summer, I wanted to try my best to pick back up where I left off.  My average peaked at around 195 (in 2006 or so) and currently sits around the mid 180's.  I’m throwing the same ball or balls I’ve had for a long time now, and so far, my research on this topic has been frustrating since started to bowl again during the summer.  A lot has changed!

The three balls I liked best in my history are the AMF Velocity, Brunswick Smokin Inferno, and possibly the Columbia Backyard Bully.  I generally bought from bowlingball dot com, as they listed the specs and I just learned their specifications and judged mostly on that with fairly good results.  I am currently throwing the Smokin Inferno and am comfortable with that.  My Velocity cracked years ago.

As I mentioned, I’m in the market now for a similar ball to the above three – but there are a few added categories of specifications which are throwing me off a bit. I’ve spoken to the pro shop owner I usually go to, and he’s directed me towards the Brunswick Mastermind Strategy or Absolute Nirvana, which he says have a more aggressive core such as the ones I like. 

The only thing is that the “perfect scale” or hook scale on the bowlingball web site lists these near 230 on a scale of 300, when the three I mentioned I like are all between 175 and 185.  I am not sure if perhaps the market has changed and the hook scale is reflecting that or not, but if so, I guess it’s possible the hook potential of the balls I like and these I mention could be similar. 

There is now also a “performance” rating, which it appears my Brunswick Smokin Inferno is the only one that was new enough to get one, which was a 6 for “advanced performance”.  The ones above are a 10 out of 10.  The specs for the three balls I like are below (hopefully everything aligns to make it readable)

             Per Scale   RG   Coverstock       Lane Cond                   Flare   
AMF Velocity 16   185   2.48   Particle           Medium/Heavy            4-5”   
Smokin Inferno   175.2   2.497   Reactive Resin   Medium/Heavy             ?
Backyard Bully    185   2.547 Reactive Resin    Medium                       4-5"

I recently purchased the AMF Xcite because it was cheap, a bit weaker (hook rating) to my other balls, and I’ve had some good luck with AMF balls (only the Velocity really) in the past.  I actually hate the Xcite though as it doesn’t seem to hit as hard, which can possibly be due to the core but I am not sure. 

So while I’ve been bowling a while, the whole bowling ball specs thing is still very new to me – or at least the one I was familiar with is different.  I feel like I’m re-learning everything.  I just don’t want to make a $200+ mistake! 

My bowling style is very simple.  While I’m considered unorthodox in how I do it, I throw over second arrow on the right (right handed) with average speed (13-14mph or so?) and have the ball break into the pocket.  I am not one of those throw it and have the ball go coast to coast by any means!  I set a 186 average in my first week of league last night so things aren’t bad.  I just figure it’s about time for a new ball. 

If you want to stay with AMF I would suggest looking into the Ninja SE.  For a direct replacement to your Smokin Inferno the 900 Respect Pearl would be a very similar reaction and if you wanted a ball to hook a bit more with the same motion just get the Respect Solid.   

I won't say the suggestions above are bad, because they aren't.  But to be honest, I wouldn't ask the pro shop to try and match what you have.  Instead, have the pro shop take your stats (speed, revs, rotation, tilt) and determine what ball is best for you on the league conditions you will be facing.

I say this because it is near impossible to know what condition your equipment is in through the computer.  So trying to match it based on the information you have provided is near impossible.  Not saying the suggests won't work, but I would rely on the expertise in your area who can actually watch you bowl and knows what specific conditions you will face.

Have the pro shop get your stats, get a new fit from scratch, and only use your current equipment to get the stats he/she needs to determine which ball is best suited for your style.

If you don't trust your pro shop, then that is a different story.  Perhaps find out who the local better bowlers trust to determine who you go to.

Good Luck!!

Ball close to the Velocity would be a 900 Global Black Ops. Would be a bit smoother, but general motion would be the same.

My vote on ball would be the Black Ops as well. The info above as far as drilling is good enough to me.

Wow, I am so thankful for all the information!!  I am going to look into each ball mentioned and respond soon.  As far as the Fanatic, this is actually the ball the pro shop guy recommended first, but he sold his last one (and apparently he doesn't get more?).  I have done some research on this ball and I was thinking the BTU looked better to me as far as similar "specs" of my older balls but I could be wrong.  As I remember, the BTU is a bit "weaker", or lack of a better word. 

Well I've put everything together.  Have quite a few options.  I like both the Brunswick Fanatic/Fanatic BTU along with the Black Ops.  Given I haven't really bought anything (other than the Xcite) in nearly a decade, I might splurge for two balls.   I am a bit torn whether or not to look more into the Fanatic or Fanatic BTU as far as that goes.  It doesn't sound like I can make a bad decision, as either seem pretty good but just trying to match it up with my bowling style the best.

I'm again partial to the "hook rating" I see, which has the regular Fanatic at a slightly higher level than any ball I've had previously, though not very much.  The Fanatic BTU is a tiny bit below what the Velocity was but still more than the Smokin Inferno.  I am so comfortable with my area of play in my main house (second arrow, down and in) that I'm tempted to go with the BTU just because I don't want to get something too aggressive to where I have to start with an automatic adjustment (left, that is) -  though I'm not comfortable with the fact the BTU's ideal lane condition is listed as "medium/dry".  I generally get balls listed as medium/heavy, which is what the regular Fanatic is.. Too bad you can't rent these things and try them out?    All three balls appear to have excellent reviews as well..