I haven't bowled in years, so I'm not sure what kind of lane conditions I'll encounter locally. From what I saw in the past every lane I seem to play on was really oily.

The last time I bowled, MoRich was still around, so what 2005 or 2006? Been awhile.

I started off with a (Columbia?) in standard grip. Eventually I purchased a MoRich Total Annihilation in finger tip grip and my average went up. Sure my average went up, but I wasn't a consistent good bowler though. A good game for me was in the 170-190 range with a high of around 225 or maybe 230. But a lot of my games were average (138) or so.

Why did I love my MoRich and what am I looking for in another ball?

1 - I like that it was different. Our bowling center carried lots of balls from brands like Storm, Columbia, etc, and only one or two MoRich. It stood out because nobody else had one but me at the time and it was the most expensive ball they had. I had to have it! I like that it was not something everyone had.

2 - I liked it's hook. My friends were amazed at how I could throw right on the gutter and curve back in.

So there you have it.. what brands are good to look into these days? Anything interesting or cool going on out there? I'll probably go to a local bowling alley and see what they carry and then most likely buy something they don't have.

Should I follow Mo on over to a Radical ball or is there something else cool going on?

Is Radical made in Mexico or is there a list of the ones not made in Mexico?

Well if you looking for stuff you won't see everywhere take a look at. Seismic or Lord Field. They both have some big hooking pieces but I would suggest something more middle of the road to start off with. I'm throwing some seismic balls now and really like them. I'm kind of the same way I like pieces that make people walk over and say what's that.

Even though I throw Storm and Roto Grip for the most part, I have been venturing into Motiv lately.  Most times, I usually would start with something that is midrange when getting back into the game. 

2 balls that I recently purchased but have really impressed me are the Motiv Covert Revolt (medium-heavy) and then the Motiv Sigma Sting (medium oil).  The Covert Revolt basically gives me something that is a little stronger, can handle some higher volumes of oil, yet is very predictable by giving a smooth, arc reaction.  With not many games on it, I can already say that it will probably be the 1st ball out of my bag most nights as the place I bowl at tends to have a little more volume on the fresh.

The Motiv Sigma Sting is a great benchmark ball and one that will tell me if I should ball up, stay with it, or ball down.  The Sigma Sting is clean through the front, reads the middle of the lane well, and is a little more angular on the backend.  The thing I noticed with it is that for a benchmark, it tends to be much smoother than some pearl balls that are out there.  That is a huge plus.

If you were to go Storm or Roto Grip, I would lean more towards the IQ Tour Fusion or the Asylum (both hybrids).  Both brands make some great hybrids that can be used as benchmark balls yet handle some oil.

All honesty, all of the brands today make great equipment.  Personally, I like what Storm and Roto Grip have done for a long time.  However, Seismic and Motiv are also putting out great balls that can be very versatile.  You won't go wrong either way.

As for a pro shop, word of mouth is good.  However, a few key things to look for with a good shop. 

1)  If they don't take you out on the lanes to watch you throw a few shots, go somewhere else.

2)  Good shops will spend time to fit you properly.

3)  Good shops will also provide recommendations for your specific game based on how you bowl.  If they don't take you on the lanes, go somewhere else.

Any shop can sell the highest priced hook monster out there.  The big question is do you really need it when a midrange ball will meet your needs better?  A quality shop will take the time to match equipment and layouts for your specific game and needs.

Of the new balls I have drilled recently, the Mastermind is the most versatile. It is a beast on heavy oil and with less surface, works well on medium.

Also, I have not seen anyone disappointed with it. Last, you can find them for 115 to 134 shipped.

Lots of great bowling balls on the market and with Bowl Expo last week the new lines are coming out. I agree with staying with a mid-line ball and build off that and it's easier to get a benchmark ball from the mid performance balls. Seismic has the TSE line, which you can find at shops or on ebay for a great price. Same cover on three different cores, two asymmetrical cores:Raging Bull, Desperado and one symmetrical core: Solaris. First thing is to find a pro shop that you can trust and get recommendation from them or friends that bowl. Just my $.02, Bruce

I actually forgot about bowl.com. I can view my past averages there when I was a USBC member. I went from starting out with a 125 average, to when I had the MoRich a 148 average.

I've ultimately decided to go with a Seismic and I'll probably order right from one of their helpful staff as he's also provided me with a bunch of information. I hope to order it next week when I get paid.

As for drilling, I may go back to where I got my MoRich drilled and see if the same old guy is there. I think he is about an hour from me. He's strict and straight to the point.. stick your fingers in here, loosen the f--- up will ya, but that's the guy someone said it's the only person they'll ever use.

I called the place where I got my last ball drilled. To my surprise a female with nice voice answered instead of a crabby old man. She says AMF got rid of the old guy. They didn't like how he was running it.

I think they might be referring to how he talked. He'd kind of yelled at you. If you don't loosen the f up I can't drill your ball right.