Author Topic: I find myself in a strange situation. (Read 5833 times)

charlest · « **on:** September 21, 2007, 02:31:34 PM »

For all the years since I returned to bowling in 1995, I am currently finding myself thinking that I want to stop using all other balls and use only Lanemasters/Legends balls. I didn't know I had that much money (I don't really.)

This feeling (and it's still not a completely logical thought, for me yet, just a feeling.) has been growing the last few weeks. I just drilled my first Buzz and a new Big Kahuna (since 16 lb Stings have not been available). I also had my Yeah Baby plugged. (It had the same drill on my 16 lb as was on my 15 lb, but the cores must be different enough that the ball reaction is different. I've kept it that way for a long time to be sure but it is just not right for me as it was.) I'll go have it redrilled soon.

So, having a Hornet, a Buzz, a stock surface BK and polished, high pin New Standard and soon, a Yeah Baby! will give me a relatively full range, basic arsenal. Add 2 or 3 specific condition balls and I'll have a full range arsenal.

As you can tell, I'm beginning to put some thoughts behind my feelings towards these balls. Getting mentally and emotionally comfortable using these balls and getting certain expected ball reactions when using them in different situations, all add to raise my comfort level.

Yes, I still have a ton of other brands, (there are a bunch of great balls being designed and made these days.) in both 15 lb and 16 lb, drilled and undrilled, all sitting waiting to be used. Among my favorites are several Track, Brunswick, Dyno-Thane and Visionary balls. It'll be most difficult giving them up, if I do get to that point. (not sure I'll ever give up my Blue/Green Centaurs.)

While I love trying new balls and seeing their reactions, I am tired of forgetting just how every one of them react under certain circumstances. Having and using 25 - 30 balls get a bit draining on the memory capacity. It does affect the scores eventually. But it is fun!

Then there's the money aspect: takes too much money to test all these balls.

So, I'm getting the same point to which many other have gotten. I don't know if I'll ever fully be there, using just one brand. Some balls are hard to give up.
--------------------
"None are so blind as those who will not see."

Worrying is like rocking in a rocking chair: it gives you something to do, but doesn't get you anywhere!"

TWOHAND834 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 21, 2007, 10:41:01 PM »

Sometimes that happens. I have gone through phases where I went several years only throwing one brand. I did it with Columbia back in the days of the Bosses, Beasts, and Rocks. I did it with Faball with the 3D series. I did it with Track with the Original Heat, The Elites, and Enforcer. Now, I have pretty much done it with Visionary over the past 5 years though I do have a couple Ebonites simply because a good friend of mine is on staff with them. It is just a matter of whether you want to limit yourself to just the one brand. Best of luck in your decisions whichever it may be.
--------------------
Steven Vance
Former Pro Shop Operator

If anyone out there is worried about the scores being too high, try duckpin!!

charlest · « **Reply #2 on:** September 21, 2007, 11:05:18 PM »

Steve,

That was the main concept behind my never, ever having even considered doing this before: limiting myself. Now with the Hornet out, I don't think I am limiting myself any longer, by using Lanemasters balls.

Hey, I just realized I'm still using a Brunswick Target Zone. The darned Lanemasters polyester is still so expensive.

--------------------
"None are so blind as those who will not see."

Worrying is like rocking in a rocking chair: it gives you something to do, but doesn't get you anywhere!"

« **Reply #3 on:** September 21, 2007, 11:16:54 PM »

Go with what you're comfortable with. I've thrown lots of stuff over the past several years and had some success with all of it. The past few years have been with Brunswick and they have been good to me.

When you're paying your hard-earned cash for each ball, you and only you, have to be convinced that the ball is going to fill a spot in your arsenal based on your own strengths. Too often people buy a ball because it works for someone else whose game is entirely different, and maybe it wasn't the best one for them after all.

--------------------

Lane Carter, Strike Zone Pro Shops - Salt Lake City, Utah

JS · « **Reply #4 on:** September 22, 2007, 10:57:58 AM »

Jeff,

LM lower priced (I think) polyester coming out this month. Now you can get rid of that Target Zone

http://www.buddiesproshop.com/product/4896/Lane_Masters_Kingpin_Bowling_Ball_-_Coming_September.htm

bgh · « **Reply #5 on:** September 22, 2007, 11:13:15 AM »

Charlest : You have beguiled by the Lanemasters/Legends Marketing Machine

In all seriousness, I sometimes feel like I want to go with an ALL Roto Grip Arsenal. But then again, I think of some of the really good Track, Columbia, and of Course Storm balls that are keepers.

Being this is a Lanemasters Forum; I will say that I thirst to try one of these balls soon. A Friend is getting a Black Pearl that I'm hoping to get to throw soon. (he has almost the same span of nearly 5 1/2" span; not many have such a large span).

I do see the merits in staying with the same company. Especially, one's that have such a range of products and reactions (yes, I have been watching the roll out closely, Lanemasters have really improved in the versatility of their product line = targeting a complete line). There's a KISS factor; that once a bowlers match up with a companies products or even product line has been identified, it would seem to be easier to keep things in perspective both financially and mentally.

But then again, who can really resist any of those colorful and tasty shinny brand new gum balls. .....Inquiring minds, if I had the space, financial resources and enough time, I'd try them all (well, most of the good ones).

--------------------
SeriousKeglers.com

Recognizing, Sharing; Learning - One Frame at a Time; Saving "Bowling as a Sport"

Edited on 9/22/2007 12:45 PM

shelley · « **Reply #6 on:** September 22, 2007, 01:07:54 PM »

quote:
Jeff,

LM lower priced (I think) polyester coming out this month. Now you can get rid of

I don't really count the plastic spare ball as part of an all X-company arsenal. Not every company has a spare ball that's regularly available and I wouldn't replace a spare ball unless it weren't round anymore just because I was using company X's equipment.

Besides, the two LM plastic balls haven't exactly wowed me with their looks. That's the only ball in my arsenal that I would choose based on appearance.

SH

charlest · « **Reply #7 on:** September 22, 2007, 03:07:21 PM »

quote:
I don't really count the plastic spare ball as part of an all X-company arsenal. Not every company has a spare ball that's regularly available and I wouldn't replace a spare ball unless it weren't round anymore just because I was using company X's equipment.

Besides, the two LM plastic balls haven't exactly wowed me with their looks. That's the only ball in my arsenal that I would choose based on appearance.

SH

Shelley,

No, of course, the spare ball doesn't have to be from the same company, but it would be nice. Nothing more, just nice. The Arrow was as interesting to me, as the Roto-Grip Spare Tire ball.

KeglerX,

One note, if I may:
I see nothing special about having all your balls from one company. I just happen to find myself almost "being there" and inclined to want to be there. I have paid for all my Lanemasters balls except for one that a retailer gave me, and that retailer remains special to me.

What's special is having a group of balls whose ball reactions are known, predictable and versatile. My main reasons for using Lanemasters balls have to do with two main charcteristics of their balls: their extra hitting power (beyond that of "new" balls) and their proven longevity. Their longevity makes them worth the slight extra cost. Their predicatability makes their slightly higher initial costs NOT be an emotional nor a financial obstacle. I know they will pay for themselves in the long run.

--------------------
"None are so blind as those who will not see."

Worrying is like rocking in a rocking chair: it gives you something to do, but doesn't get you anywhere!"

Edited on 9/22/2007 3:10 PM

DukeHarding · « **Reply #8 on:** September 22, 2007, 11:18:04 PM »

Jeff,
I'm in the same situation...Somehow, I've ended up with:
Black Pearl, Big Bang, Terminator, Satisfaxion, World Class Reactive and The Arrow.

I like the arsenal.
I know how the balls react.
I like the durability factor.

Still, I had a Hammer Black Widow Pearl, Hammer No Mercy Beatn, and a Track Kinetic, pass through my hands on the way to ebay...very hard to let them go....
I was strong, and sold them...Now I regret it a bit.

I'm trying to stay faithful to Lanemaster...it can be tough.

Interested in a slightly used Arrow LH drill?

--------------------
Duke Harding

Download Vintage Bowling Photos......

Balls on eBay.....

charlest · « **Reply #9 on:** September 23, 2007, 09:44:50 AM »

quote:
After the tests a few years ago by ABC or maybe some independent, there was even some discussion on the PBA forum. The thin shelled balls had a better carry percentage than the thick shelled balls. Columbia messed around with the hard cored ball years ago and abandoned it. So did Rotogrip

And just between us, I would bet the balls by Lanemaster with no Inner core between the shell and center core are cheaper to make.

Don't know about cheaper, easier perhaps. They say they're still making them all by hand. Since they're using expensive resins, they cost more. The ones with fillers, Sure Strike, are probably harder and more time consuming to make but cost less in materials.

I can't generalize how hard those balls, in the test you mentioned, hit to the fact that all thick shelled balls hit less hard. I know the COR has something to do with that as well as the coverstock's deterioration over time.

what the exact reason is why Lm/L's balls hit so hard, I can only make a guess.

I do know, or accept as fact, from personal observation over the past 3+ years, that Lanemaster balls hit harder than any other balls. This is from observing my own and others balls. Whether or not anyone believes that is not important to me. I have seen it over time and I know it, as opposed to "believe" it. It is one of the reasons I find myself having not one 2nd thought about the relatively high price of their balls. Whereas purchasing premium balls from any other manufacturer ALWAYS has me 2nd guessing myself as to whether or not they'll be worth it in the long and the short run.
--------------------
"None are so blind as those who will not see."

Worrying is like rocking in a rocking chair: it gives you something to do, but doesn't get you anywhere!"

charlest · « **Reply #10 on:** September 23, 2007, 12:50:44 PM »

As I'm reading Bo's comments (thanks, "BO"), I realize that I should add this regarding Lanemasters hitting power: For the 90-95% case, certain balls of other manufacturers definitely hit more than hard enough to get many strikes with pocket, high and wide hits. My feeling is that I need every possible advantage that I can get, not being a Sawbones, Norm Duke, W. R. Williams or Tommy Jones type or level of bowler. That is, many balls from many manufacturers have had that extra bit of hitting power that we all virtually crave, but I still know that Lanemasters ball generally hit that little extra bit harder, on average.
--------------------
"None are so blind as those who will not see."

Worrying is like rocking in a rocking chair: it gives you something to do, but doesn't get you anywhere!"

scotts33 · « **Reply #11 on:** September 24, 2007, 11:00:09 PM »

FYI Jeff, thought about this situation since you posted here on Sunday. We find ourselves in much the same situation which we discussed on PM.

ONLY thing to do is get off all bowling forums so you won't be tempted to purchase or try any other equipment. Correct?

--------------------
Scott

charlest · « **Reply #12 on:** September 25, 2007, 12:44:07 PM »

quote:
FYI Jeff, thought about this situation since you posted here on Sunday. We find ourselves in much the same situation which we discussed on PM.

ONLY thing to do is get off all bowling forums so you won't be tempted to purchase or try any other equipment. Correct?
--------------------
Scott

Correct, but how can I do that??
Talking about temptation - getting the new Bowlers' Journal and the new Bowling This Month is sheer torture. I may HAVE to get a job now. Off to practice ...
--------------------
"None are so blind as those who will not see."

Worrying is like rocking in a rocking chair: it gives you something to do, but doesn't get you anywhere!"

Krumpy300 · « **Reply #13 on:** September 25, 2007, 01:07:47 PM »

One of the better bowlers in my area throws mainly LM/L equipment. He threw the Black Pearl, Buzz and a Satisfaction during league last night.

There is definitely that extra something that Charlest desribes when it comes to hitting power.

The Buzz really caught my eye.
--------------------
Repetition is everything..

charlest · « **Reply #14 on:** September 25, 2007, 05:50:21 PM »

quote:
One of the better bowlers in my area throws mainly LM/L equipment. He threw the Black Pearl, Buzz and a Satisfaction during league last night.

There is definitely that extra something that Charlest desribes when it comes to hitting power.

The Buzz really caught my eye.
--------------------
Repetition is everything..

Based on your "like" of the Whiplash Pearl, you will LIKE the Buzz, near as I can tell.
--------------------
"None are so blind as those who will not see."

Worrying is like rocking in a rocking chair: it gives you something to do, but doesn't get you anywhere!"

Author Topic: I find myself in a strange situation. (Read 5833 times)

charlest

I find myself in a strange situation.

TWOHAND834

Re: I find myself in a strange situation.

charlest

Re: I find myself in a strange situation.

Re: I find myself in a strange situation.

JS

Re: I find myself in a strange situation.

bgh

Re: I find myself in a strange situation.

shelley

Re: I find myself in a strange situation.

charlest

Re: I find myself in a strange situation.

DukeHarding

Re: I find myself in a strange situation.

charlest

Re: I find myself in a strange situation.

charlest

Re: I find myself in a strange situation.

scotts33

Re: I find myself in a strange situation.

charlest

Re: I find myself in a strange situation.

Krumpy300

Re: I find myself in a strange situation.

charlest

Re: I find myself in a strange situation.