I have a friend (full roller) who is now getting back into bowling after 20-25 years.  He's very fond of Columbia and his last ball was a U-Dot.  He wants a new Columbia ball and was asking my advice, but I'm not too sure what to recommend since the game has evolved so much since then.  Any ideas?
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I agree with Gazoo, The Rival is the best ball out there to date. Great on Synthetic. A little strong on wood lanes. But polishing the ball would work wonders on wood.

"Maybe you should refer him to the local GOOD pro shop???"

Charlest,
That's always a given with me as one should take ball recommendations on this site with a grain of salt. There are balls that come along from time to time, that I feel are great all purpose balls that work on all but the extremes) for a majority of bowlers and their characteristics. The Rival is one of them. And yes, my opinions should be taken with a grain of salt too. I like the fact that you inserted GOOD with regards to pro shop.
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"I don't want to be remembered, I want to be forgotten"

Edited on 10/14/2008 6:04 PM

well if he doesnt know if he even will bowl league i wouldnt spend $180 on a ball for open bowling. i would go with the noize if you want columbia. or the high flush if you can find one.
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HG:300x2(SR300 both)289(sawblade)280(SR300)
HS:792(SR300)778(SR300)778(SR300/Dr.Jekyll)
bowling for 14years
18 years old
2004 NYSPHSAA team champions
2007 NYSPHSAA individual high game(300) and series(1411-6 games)
current arsenal:
rival, arch rival, dead flush,scout,
blue vibe
SR300, RXS300 maxim
on the way maybe.....the sauce, momentum swing,resurgence, or demension.
p.s. go leftys