This is my first post.  I have been reading this forum for a couple of weeks now and have found a lot of valuable info.  Anyway, I am looking for a new ball or two and have pretty much narrow it down to Brunswick because of performance and value.  I just started bowling a couple of months ago.  I when to a a local pro shop for advice and they recommended a 14 lb. Ebonite Tornado.  It is a very nice ball for a beginner.  But I think I have out grown it.  I started out averaging 130 with it and now I am averaging around 160.  I also feel like I can handle a heavier ball too.  I am 27 years old, 5' 8", and 190 lbs.  My ball speed is 19-20 mph with a 14 lb.  I am tweener with a medium axis.  I bowl in a bowling ally with medium oil and I am pretty sure synthetic lanes.  I do not bowl in leagues and don't plan to in the near future.  I just bowl with my buddies and we are pretty competitive.  I am looking for a heavier ball with more hook potential and maybe a spare ball, currently use house balls for spares.  Here are some questions I have.

Should I go with a 15 or 16 lb ball?  I know that a 16 lb ball will take more time to adjusted to.  But I am sure that with my weight and a medium build I should be able to handle a 16 lb ball eventually with no problems.  Or should I just go with a 15 lb and then see if I need that extra pound later?

Should I go with a ball that has a smooth hook or and aggressive hook?  I would like a ball with an aggressive hook becuase it just looks cooler but will a ball with a smoother hook be more accurate?

Is there any reason a beginner like me shouldn't get a high performance ball vs. a mid performance ball because to me the price difference is very minimal?  Unless a mid-performance ball is better for me I would rather get a high performance ball since I don't mind spending the extra $20-$30.

Should I continue to used house balls for spares or should I get a dedicated spare ball?  If I do get a spare ball, should it have the same grip as the strike ball or a conventional grip so I won't impart excessive revs on it?

Sorry for all the questions.  I would appreciate any opinions.  Thanks.

Edited on 11/18/2005 9:17 AM

Agreed...everybody I know who has the nemesis is doing better than before without it...including good bowlers!

Great first ball.

Smokin is more light oil condition specific!

rEgards,

Luckylefty
--------------------
Proud owner of a 140 first game average this year!  Don't bowl me the second two games though!  (two warm up balls in league..thanks proprietors)

it doesnt take a hulking muscle man to throw 16.
i threw 16 in high school at 6'2" 145 and throw 16 now at 6'2" 190
it still feels the same, and im thinking i prefer it over 15.
its all about feel, and i feel my backswing is more natural with 16