So I'm pretty new to the sport, just signed up for novice "for fun" type league with my work for the second time.

 

Right now I'm using an old Hammer Blue Ball (signature version) I bought a long time ago when I was still in high school (I'm 30 now).  Ball has allot of groves, a few chunks taken out of it and it's a bit on the light side for me (a little under 14lbs).   I'm getting better, but still have a LONG way to go to be any sort of good.  I'm able to put some spin on the ball using 3 fingers now rather than screwing around with 2 fingers before.  I'm looking to buy a heavier ball 15lb ball, that will hook harder than the ball I am using now.  I understand there is no real Magic ball, and my low scores are just a part of a learning process.

 

The way I'm throwing my old ball, it seems to cut towards the center, gently, late down lane but does not really "hook".  I guess it's not bad  but I'm sure I want it to "hook" more. I'm also thinking I'd have more fun with a new ball that was a better weight for me these days.

 

I was looking at the Taboo "seconds" on ebay since they are much cheaper $120 and likely good enough for my use.  But I have no idea about all the specifications that go into bowling balls, or if this would even be a good idea.

 

"The Hammer Taboo "Second" means the ball did not meet manufacturer specifications for a 1st quality ball. Here are the possible reasons for this. This ball may contain superficial defects such as coloring, surface defects, abnormal pin placement, or abnormal top weight."

 

"We have numerous pin and top weights available. If you purchase this ball and want a specific pin and/or top weight, you MUST request the pin and top weight in the notes or special instructions section "

 

To make things worse I'm not sure how I should have the ball drilled, or what is considered medium or heavy oil?  I know my ball currently does pickup allot of oil every time I throw it down lane right now, enough that I like to wipe it off every time. So I'm assuming the lanes are pretty heavily oiled.

 

Thanks for any advice in advance.

 

 

I think the Taboo might be too much ball for you I think a Onyx Vibe or a Midnight Vibe would be better for you. They would give you the hook you want and the control you need. I hope this helps you out.

If you go into a pro shop and tell them you are a novice bowler looking for a ball, they should not ask you how you want it drilled. It's part of the service for them to recommend an appropriate product for your skill level, perhaps watch you bowl, and make a recommendation. Sounds like it may be time to try a different pro shop!

 

With that being said, I would keep in mind 2 things:

1) That Taboo you are considering will need to be drilled, and that will add probably 50.00 to the cost.

2) A lower priced ball will probably be more forgiving at your skill level, and actually work better for you.

 

 

 

As for wiping oil off the ball every time, that happens even with light oil conditions.  Keep that up though as it is a good habit to get into.  Also use this time to practice and develop your game since you are still newer to the sport. Even though I've bowled for about 25 years (and that includes taking some time off), I still like to throw 3-6 games of practice a week so I can stay comfortable, keep the swing loose, and work on any issues with timing, ball reaction, etc.  Practice helps all of us bowl better.  Finally, feel free to ask any of us questions on the boards anytime as we can give you honest opinions that can help.  Good luck to you.

Medium-Light Oil: Roto Grip Rising Star: 1500 polished

 

Edited by tommyboy74 on 5/3/2011 at 4:00 PM

Thats quite a few balls to pick from tommyboy!  They are all about the same price as the Taboo though, I do understand I will have to pay for drilling, however prices in store always seem to be over the online prices by at least $70-80 and in some cases well over $100 of the online price.

 

That Dagger looks pretty cool, but it certainly isn't much cheaper.  What about the hammer Swagga?  Would this be a decent choice? It's a little less money and from what I have read it's a bit smoother than the Taboo. As for getting more spin on the ball, the majority of the people I have played against so far that can really get some hook/spin on their balls use 2 finger releases.  One guy that was giving me some pointers uses 2 hands and has a few championship rings.  Not sure if that really says anything about lane conditions though.  I guess I'll consider it medium oil though since it's certainly ALOT more oily than the lanes I used in highschool.  They run those machines down them often.

 

 

To answer the question about the Swagga and the Taboo, both are very similar with being strong balls.  They use the same cores, only the cover is a little different.  The Swagga is primarily a heavy oil ball while the Taboo works on medium-heavy and heavy.  You would probably run into the same issue with focusing on trying to control the ball rather than developing the fundamentals first.

Medium-Light Oil: Roto Grip Rising Star: 1500 polished

 

Edited by tommyboy74 on 5/3/2011 at 6:25 PM

Medium-Light Oil: Roto Grip Rising Star: 1500 polished

 

Edited by tommyboy74 on 5/3/2011 at 6:37 PM

Sounds like a good decision on your part. There are a lot of good balls out there in the $150 price range...including drilling.If I could make one more suggestion.....look for a solid coverstock as opposed to a pearl. This is a great time of year to be shopping for a ball as most companies have discontinued many balls and they can be had fairly cheap.

 

Some more balls you may want to look into.....

 

Columbia Total Bedlam

Hammer Jacked

Storm Furious

Brunswick Diamondback

MoRich Mania

 

Best of luck with whatever path you choose.

 

 

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