I'm thinking about retiring my excessive, outdated 5-ball arsenal and replacing it with a new 3-ball arsenal (including spare). I'm wanting to buy two of the same ball and use different layouts, top weights, pin placements and such to cover the majority of lane conditions and surfaces out there.

I consider myself a 'power tweener' with medium ball speed (15-16 mph), medium revs, about 45 degrees of axis tilt and I track high close to my fingers and thumb. My PAP is about 4 1/2" over and about 3/8" up.

Based on the video reviews I've seen so far, I'm considering the Storm Sure Fire. It looks to be very versatile so I can play different parts of the lane using the same layout, condition and surface. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the Fire Line from Storm is a 2-piece construction (weight block inside resin, no filler). I've always preferred this type of construction since it has a higher CoR for better pin action and carry. And this also allows the thick coverstock shell to be very durable and long lasting. And since it's a mid-performance ball, it's a great value to boot.

I've also considered Legends/Lane Masters, but no one in my area owns or sells their equipment. So I have no first hand knowledge besides what I've seen online. Not to mention their high end lines are more expensive than the Sure Fire. Since they recently produced a mid-performance, 3-piece construction (with filler) line of balls with no difference in CoR to their high end line, I'm curious as to the durability of the coverstocks over time.

What do you think? I'm open to any comments, critiques and suggestions. And I thank everyone in advance for any advice.
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Thanks for your kind words, x59. Adjusting myself instead of the ball has been something I was taught back in youth leagues early on in my bowling career about 15 years ago. So it's no stranger to me. I just don't see the point lugging around 10 or more balls for a specific lane condition.

Don't get me wrong, I don't knock those who do it that way. I have a couple of guys on my own team like this and they bowl great. Not to mention they're older than me too (I'm only 30). It's just their way of doing things.

If I had the luxury of buying a new ball at every release date, I'd do it too. But to me it just doesn't make economic sense. Buy one, two, or maybe even three balls, throw in a spare ball, and just keep it clean and well maintained and they will last you for years. If you treat your bowling balls like your car, it's all good. Preventative maintenance, it keeps em running long.

As far as what you've suggested, I've heard about the Rebellion coming out next month. It seems to me the Terminator balls are very strong with those big cores. but like I said I don't have any experience with L/LM since no one owns or sells them here. I know it's not good to judge a book by it's cover. And I've heard a lot of good things about L/LM equipment, so I'm not ruling them out.

Thanks again.
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My current three ball Lane Master arsenal consist of :

Sting
World Class Reactive
Sure Strike
Arrow

Hey tst4eko, you sound just like me. I am wanting to start a new arsenal also. I also was thinking Storm Surefire,but with a Spitfire and a Jolt Pearl to round out the group, or going to L/LM. I was thinking The Buzz for medium to dry, The Black Pearl for the medium to slicker conditions to start with, and then later adding whatever ball I needed for more oil or dry. My stats are somewhat close to yours, and nobody in my area throws L/LM stuff so I also have no first hand knowledge of there equipment.
As to your idea of buying two of the same ball and just drilling them different, different surfaces, I would say you could cover more conditions buying different types of balls. Storm Surefire vs. Spitfire, just the different coverstocks will let you cover a wider range of conditions and then throw in the changes you can make with your physical game and you have more options again. I have drilled balls for peaple both ways, and the ones who wanted the different balls always seemed happier. Just another guy throwing in his 2cents worth.
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Thanks for the info, charlest. And you're right; the Black Pearl reactive isn't released yet, so no one knows how this ball performs. Based on the L/LM website, the diagrams show the Black Pearl Particle & Reactive play the same line and react the same way. If that's true, then perhaps I'll need some gap to cover a wider variety of lane conditions. And since the Legends line of balls don't offer a solid coverstock, I still need something for heavier conditions.

I guess an example would be this:
Terminator Rebellion - benchmark ball for medium heavy to medium
Buzz or Hornet - Medium dry to dry
Kingpin - Spare

Perhaps this might be a better 3-ball arsenal. If the lanes are heavier than what the Rebellion is drilled for, I can make some other adjustments such as move right, slower ball speed, cup the wrist more, tuck in my pinkie for extra revs, to make the ball hook more.

What do you all think?

BTW - Does L/LM sell the tune-up kit separately? If not, what's included so that I may purchase the items separately?
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Solid particle or pearl particle, it doesn't matter. I've used both and they work well for me. I'm just trying to find the best fit of the widest variety of lane conditions with two balls plus a spare. Therefore I'm buying a ball reaction, not just a ball. The rule of thumb is to get a solid ball for heavier conditions, a pearl for lighter conditions; but it doesn't have to be that way if I can find what works best for me.

Even though L/LM swears their 3 piece construction balls, like the XS Power,  maintain the same CoR as their Max & Legend lines, I prefer the 2 piece construction. I want the thicker coverstocks for durability and longevity. The last new ball I bought was an El Nino Wrath in 1999, and I still use it to this day. Granted it doesn't have the same reaction as before, it's still a good ball in its own right.

I just want new toys to play with, and also make a sound investment.

Do you have any suggestions for me? I know you don't know my game; I'm just trying to bounce ideas off of everyone. Thanks again for your input.
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That sounds like a good combination. I have plenty of time to get this arsenal going, so those two sound like a good starting point.

Thanks again for all your help.
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