So,
I am usually not a very good bowler any more. At least in league. A Lack of speed and usually a lot of axis rotation leave me really struggling on the short low volume high friction league surfaces I am bowling on.
However travels to tournaments around our state where they are putting out higher volumes on a couple of combinations of league shots both longer and shorter has made me look like the sometimes hang with the scratch bowlers strike for strike handicap bowler I can be!
The surprising thing is lately my tournament arsenal has consisted of all things of two Ebonite Tornadoes a Solid Blue Violet/Sparkle
http://123bowl.com/bowling-balls/ebonite/blue-violet-sparkle-tornado/Pancake with an offset puck(2004 vintage). Label leverage drill.
Also an Ebonite Tornado Warning pearl Resin. Pancake only.
http://123bowl.com/bowling-balls/ebonite/tornado-warning-purple-green/ (mine is actually green and purple! Pin out of 1/2 inch right next to grip center!
In a recent tournament I was put on the lanes with many of our areas better throwers. I was not embarressed as my Tornado Blue Violet with its high flare setup allowed me to go inside on this high volume maybe 39 foot pattern and carry with the big hands boys the first game. A defect near the end of the game in my glue prevented me from being the high scratch and handicap game in the tourney.
Dealing with thumb insert problems all game 2. I transition to the Tornado warning pearl with a shorter semi fingertip span for game 3 and get tapped in the 10th to stop and 8 bagger playing lefty straight up the 9 board!
As I walk to the finals they inform me they have changed the qualifying to enable a low scratch out of the cut to bowl in the fith spot! Aak! I get it! They need them back, ok!
Two weeks before I started out 220 220 with two opens each game again using the Tornado Blue Violet Sparkle this time on a longer shot straight up the 10 board. Only the incorrect adjustment to stop 10 pins for this lefty kept me from being maybe the high handicap set. Still in this team competition enjoyed my strong contribution to our 2nd place qualifying!
Lately a switch to pancake plastic has in my league has made the pocket very findable. A bunch of months ago use of rubber fingertip ball with the cg just up from the grip center (finger weight) just missed getting me a few 300s the only leaves being 10 pins for this lefty.
The goal of this post! For some manufacturer to realize for the slower bowlers reintroduction of pancake or pancake/puck balls would be a tremendous addition to your arsenal for many bowlers on high friction surfaces.
Though the Cyclones are great I have spoken to several pro shop operators who think these pancakes and pancake/puck combo balls were the cat's meow for drier conditions with some even using and loving in their own arsenals!
Ebonite...Would you consider it? Maybe a solid Pancake/puck Tornado again?
Anyone else love them also?
Regards,
Luckylefty
PS my speed is now slowly slipping back up into the 14 range and may go higher. A post on that soon!