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Author Topic: How to choose a first ball?  (Read 953 times)

Shag

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How to choose a first ball?
« on: August 13, 2008, 02:35:33 PM »
Hey, all.  Newbie around here, hoping you all can help me out as I venture into the world of bowling...  

I've always been a recreational bowler, but am joining a league for the first time this fall.  I'd like to buy a ball, but I'm not exactly sure how to go about it, given that I'm essentially starting from scratch.

I've been a 2-finger/palm bowler for years (don't bowl often), but am considering trying to switch to a traditional grip.  I threw a non-house ball for the first time a couple weeks ago (still using 2-finger/palm), and ended up throwing a 222 and 299 (doh!), both of which were personal bests.  Even given that success, I still think I'll be better served learning a traditional grip.  What a difference having a "real" ball makes!

So, any suggestions on how I should go about choosing a ball and drilling pattern?  I have no idea how I will throw a ball using a traditional grip, and none of my bowling buddies have any balls that will fit my fingers.
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dizzyfugu

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Re: How to choose a first ball?
« Reply #1 on: August 14, 2008, 04:41:46 AM »
Go to a local pro shop and talk to them. I'd recommend an entry level ball, any manufacturer will do - e. g. a Power Groove, Tropical Storm or a Tornado.
Tell the ball driller how you want to play, and they should be able to measure your hand properly and set the ball up with a simple layout, probably a label drilling. That's IMHO a good basis to start, and then see what happens and how you get along with the new piece.
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Moon57

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Re: How to choose a first ball?
« Reply #2 on: August 14, 2008, 07:02:41 AM »
Since you obviously have some ability, I'd go with a medium priced, medium oil ball. This type of ball should work for you in league and give you a shot in other houses. Now, if you stick with the 2 finger style, you have a lot of options for buying used balls off EBay. All you would have to do is change the finger inserts to your size since you aren't using the thumb hole. You'd save a lot of money while getting your feet wet. What weight ball do you think you want to use?
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Moon
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So many questions, so little time but I'm having fun.
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Shag

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Re: How to choose a first ball?
« Reply #3 on: August 15, 2008, 12:20:56 PM »
quote:
Since you obviously have some ability, I'd go with a medium priced, medium oil ball. This type of ball should work for you in league and give you a shot in other houses. Now, if you stick with the 2 finger style, you have a lot of options for buying used balls off EBay. All you would have to do is change the finger inserts to your size since you aren't using the thumb hole. You'd save a lot of money while getting your feet wet. What weight ball do you think you want to use?
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Moon
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So many questions, so little time but I'm having fun.


I'd like to at least give the traditional grip a try, as I have to think it's better in the long run (correct me if I'm wrong).

I was throwing my buddy's 14# Black Widow, which I think is probably the heaviest I'd want to go with my current style.  Any heavier, and I lose some stability.  I'm thinking I could probably throw a 15# ball when using my thumb, but I may just go with 14# to start, in case the thumb thing doesn't work out very well...
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Moon57

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Re: How to choose a first ball?
« Reply #4 on: August 15, 2008, 01:48:35 PM »
I'd go with the 14. A pound too light is better than a pound too heavy. That way you can use 2 fingers if you want to. If you like your buddies BW get that ball. You can always tweak the surface to make it go longer or shorter.
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Moon
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So many questions, so little time but I'm having fun.
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spoonz88

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Re: How to choose a first ball?
« Reply #5 on: August 15, 2008, 02:08:30 PM »
quote:
I was throwing my buddy's 14# Black Widow, which I think is probably the heaviest I'd want to go with my current style. Any heavier, and I lose some stability. I'm thinking I could probably throw a 15# ball when using my thumb, but I may just go with 14# to start, in case the thumb thing doesn't work out very well...  


how much do you weigh? http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/tip14.htm is ron clifton's article about ball weight, esp. 14#. using your thumb on a fitted ball will a free arm swing, which will probably make the ball 'feel lighter' because you're not using your arm muscles as much as no-thumb. but depending on your build 14# might still be the best choice.

...there are some "entry level" balls that i've heard very good things about, the roto-grip planet series, the hammer vibes i think, etc. so you can stay economical and still have a decent first ball.

btw i'm getting my 2nd ball drilled up tomorrow (a 14# roto-grip pluto) for around $150-160 with tax and grips. my 1st was 15# so i'm hoping the weight drop will help me hit my mark more and stuff
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