I'm experiencing both sides of the spectrum this season. Not to toot my own horn, but I am always in the top 2 or 3 for high average in my men's league. The top 8 averages get posted on our league sheet. I average 219, and can't make the sheet. I know there are bowlers on the list that are not as good as I am. But I don't throw the latest/greatest equipment. Right now, with the lanes like they are, and the new equipment, its a carrying contest and some guys are doing it better.
In my mixed league, the shot is so bad, you work your butt off just to shoot a low 600 series. The only ball I found to work for me (and I've tried all 20 that I have) is my old purple Quake. My newest ball is over 2 years old and I'm throwing a relic that is 7 or 8 years old. I've had plenty of "clean" games that ended up in the 190's. I lead this league because I make spares. The only real difference that I can see in all the equipment that I've tried, is that the Quake is drilled leverage-axis. Everyone in this league is having trouble kicking out their corner pins. I am carrying marginally better, thus a higher average.
What I'd like to see is a condition that rewards good shotmaking regardless of the technology. I don't want a wall, but I want to enjoy myself at bowling. Lately, its too much like work. Pack the pocket for 30 frames, make 90% of your spares and shoot 595. There's a good time.
Edited on 12/4/2004 7:17 AM
