Hey guys this is my first post. I am looking for my first ball and specifically one that I can master my hook with. I dont know too much bowling lingo, but I have used house balls and I know how to hook the ball, but I cant get much with the plastic balls. I am deciding what ball I should get. I know the proactive ball hooks more than the reactive. If I am looking on getting a hook, should I therefore buy a proactive?  Also, I am looking at the punisher and nemesis. I figure if I buy a ball why not get a better one for still a pretty good price. I am done ranting so hopefully you guys can give me some good opinions.  

Thanks
Chris

Hi Chris,

ball choice (and surface preparation) should depend on the lane condition you usually play. Among the Power Grooves you can find a wide range of balls which fit into different stages of oil on the lanes.

A very good choice for light to medium oil and short to medium oil patterns are the polished pearl Power Grooves. These are quite strong balls, very good for a beginner.

For oilier conditions - when the polished balls will only slip down - the Black Particle Power Groove is a good choice, but mainly due to its matte finish, not the particle coverstock. Gives more traction, yes, but it is the ball surface which will make it grip better.

Also, if you can find one, the teal/purple sanded raective Power Groove (just discontinued) is another good medium to heavy oil choice. It is matte, too, but should be playable with control on a bit less oil than the Black Sparkle.

As a beginner, the BVP Nemesis is a good choice, too. Very forgiving, playable on a wide range of lane conditions. The Punisher needs some experience and a good timing, revs and some speed to be handy.

Best you can do is go to a pro shop with a rep (just ask players on your local lane where they got their balls and waht their experience with the shop staff was) and get some advice.
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DizzyFugu --- Reporting from Germany

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