Author Topic: Looking for a ball recommendation (Read 10503 times)

Stylez78 · « **on:** July 14, 2023, 10:49:24 PM »

Currently I am rolling an Ebonite the One remix. I am not sure the exact layout angles as the Pro-shop guy didn't really tell me, he just drilled it up and said it would be a controllable ball. After putting about 50+ games on it, I feel like I fight this ball a lot, not ever getting a consistent reaction. The ball is drilled Pin down under the ring finger and I have been told it does make the ball roll earlier and not have much energy on the back end.

On my THS I start usually with my left foot on 20, I aim to get the ball to roll over 15. Most times if I miss right and get it over 10 it rolls too early and crosses over the head pin and hits like a wet noodle. Most times I have to stand between 25-20 with my left foot roll up 15 and keep it tight for a small arc. If I want to move left and open up my angle the ball just never will come back it rolls out leaves buckets or 1,2,4,7,10 type splits. If I want to play up the right side say standing 15 or so go up the right side I have to really ramp up my speed to 2-3 mph faster to hold as the ball really want to roll early (I prefer not to play this line).

So I am looking for a ball that can help get more length but also help me to play a deeper line open up the angle more even though I don't have lights out revs. The Black Widow 2.0 Hybrid was interesting to me as I have heard it is a THS killer and it is hard to throw it bad, I was also told that an Exotic Gem would be a great option. The house I bowl at doesn't have heavy oil at all, I'd say probably closer to medium when fresh. I was concerned as both these balls are meant for heavy to medium and I recall a few good house players talking at another house in the area about how their Gem (not the exotic the regular gem) would hook off the lanes after 1 game and that house goes a little heavier on the oil. I am sure lot of this info is irrelevant but figured I'd add it.

Anyhow, to wrap this up, I really want to try and investigate some other options in balls. There is a local house doing a storm demo day (it cost $25 to go but you get that back if you buy a ball) I was debating going to just throw different stuff, but overall I was trying to get some info on what may be a few different type of balls to look at for what I am trying to accomplish? I know layout will be a big factor and my current specs I have is 15.5mph off hand, right hander around 325ish rev. Tilt and axis I don't have but I am a medium-high track player I'd say my track is usually about 2" or so from my thumb. Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated.

TWOHAND834 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 17, 2023, 10:58:20 AM »

I have never been a fan of using asyms when moving deep and opening up angles for the simple fact that your have to be really good and consistent at "twirling" the ball or adding axis rotation. With your specs and not knowing exactly what your axis point is; I would not have recommended an asym for you as they tend to get hook/stoppy for those that dont have the speed and rev rate. Personally, I would recommend something that is a medium RG, med-high differential symmetrical. A symmetrical will tend to be more forgiving, the medium RG will help to create some added length, and the high differential will help with the ball being more continuous as you open your angles. I think a ball like the Cuda Pearl could fit. Assuming you use 15#; RG is 2.50, differential at .047, and it has the HK22 base which gives the ball some added pop on the backend.

SVstar34 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 17, 2023, 01:22:40 PM »

900G Zen Gold Label - release date is 7/28

I agree with the above comments on asymms, however, I like mild asymms for the spot you're talking about. (UC2, Honey/Money Badger) unfortunately, there aren't really options in this category right now. 900G Money Badger has made me a bunch of money in later blocks during tournaments, I've stashed one for when I need to drill a new one.

Stylez78 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 18, 2023, 08:43:00 AM »

I appreciate the advice! Since the post I wanted to add a little more info that maybe will help.

I recorded about 40 shots and broke everything down. The PSO wasn't there so I couldn't get them to measure the axis tilt with an armadillo so I did it by video.

Speed 15.5 MPH off hand
Rev Rate: (over 40 shots it fluctuated but most shots fell in the 330-350 range)
Axis Tilt: it was 10-12 degrees over the 40 shots.
Axis Rotation: this also was with in a range of 30-50 with most shots falling more in the 40 area.
PAP this was measured a while ago not sure if it has changed but going to have it re-checked but it was 4 1/2" and 1/8" up
I throw 15# ball and I am Right Hander.

I don't want a new ball for the sake of a new ball. I always had 1 ball mostly that I stuck with and tried to adapt to the THS that day by moving my feet, aim point or release. I never really chose a ball based on my characteristics, so I was hoping to try and hone in on a ball choice that fits me well, could be versatile and is laid out to my style, not just basic pin over ring finger or like my current ball pin under ring finger (generic layout).

I really do appreciate the opinions and advice.

tommyboy74 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 18, 2023, 09:24:48 AM »

I also agree with the above comments. In this case with being fairly matched up, a symmetrical would be more forgiving and honestly give you some added versatility. Asymmetricals have their place, but they're not something that I would usually suggest if you're going to be hooking the entire lane.

Mild asymms can work, but some of the new stuff like the Tour Dynam-X are not going to be flippy downlane. Think of it as more of a control ball where you can hook it a bit but won't get a sharp change of direction. So, you would be playing more front to back as opposed to side to side. A different example of something that's a mild asymm but has a cleaner cover and a bit more pop downlane would be a Motiv Pride Empire. Both are nice options when you need to control the pocket, blend out wet/dry and keep angles closer.

My initial thoughts for a ball would be something along the lines of a 900 Global Zen or a Storm Phaze II. Both of these are similar featuring cleaner covers and can be versatile across several types of patterns. Both are good with taking surface changes as well.

Also, the new Storm Summit is another option where you get a strong hybrid cover with a proven symmetrical core. I had a chance to see that for the first time at the US Open in Rochester earlier this summer and it was working well on the demanding patterns across multiple styles/angles. Think of it as a stronger Phaze II where you're getting similar motion but more teeth in heavier volumes.

Stylez78 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 18, 2023, 11:05:51 AM »

Quote from: tommyboy74 on July 18, 2023, 09:24:48 AM

I also agree with the above comments. In this case with being fairly matched up, a symmetrical would be more forgiving and honestly give you some added versatility. Asymmetricals have their place, but they're not something that I would usually suggest if you're going to be hooking the entire lane.

Mild asymms can work, but some of the new stuff like the Tour Dynam-X are not going to be flippy downlane. Think of it as more of a control ball where you can hook it a bit but won't get a sharp change of direction. So, you would be playing more front to back as opposed to side to side. A different example of something that's a mild asymm but has a cleaner cover and a bit more pop downlane would be a Motiv Pride Empire. Both are nice options when you need to control the pocket, blend out wet/dry and keep angles closer.

My initial thoughts for a ball would be something along the lines of a 900 Global Zen or a Storm Phaze II. Both of these are similar featuring cleaner covers and can be versatile across several types of patterns. Both are good with taking surface changes as well.

Also, the new Storm Summit is another option where you get a strong hybrid cover with a proven symmetrical core. I had a chance to see that for the first time at the US Open in Rochester earlier this summer and it was working well on the demanding patterns across multiple styles/angles. Think of it as a stronger Phaze II where you're getting similar motion but more teeth in heavier volumes.

I really appreciate the feedback! I had looked at videos about the Summit and heard that the ball hooked a ton! Now, I am not a player that is like give me the latest greatest hook monster! I am happy to have enough hook to get done what I need to get done. I am thinking back to days of old when I had the original Black Widow ball and even then I bought that ball without ever having someone what me or know anything about how I bowled, but I remember I could do anything with that ball and it just performed! I could stand left throw it all the way out and it would get back if I needed it too.

I am certainly not brand dependent and I am open to all suggestions. The Phaze II was one I thought would be a good option initially because it always talked about as a great benchmark ball but I thought maybe if it your only ball and on a THS it might not be the best option but again what do I know. lol Then I saw all the hype on the HK-22 coverstock and hearing all about the BW 2.0 hybrid and I have a distant cousin who bowls lights out and brags all the time about his Katana that lead me to maybe that is more of something I should be looking at. I tried 3 different PSO to talk about some stuff get their advice opinions etc and I always feel like they kind of just blowing me off, like they are too busy to discuss it or they get very vague like "yeah pretty much any thing up there will be good just pick what you like. So I like being able to get info and talk about why certain balls may be better based on how I bowl and why I may want to lay it out a certain way because of how I bowl.

SVstar34 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 18, 2023, 11:42:50 AM »

Quote from: Stylez78 on July 18, 2023, 08:43:00 AM

I appreciate the advice! Since the post I wanted to add a little more info that maybe will help.

I recorded about 40 shots and broke everything down. The PSO wasn't there so I couldn't get them to measure the axis tilt with an armadillo so I did it by video.

Speed 15.5 MPH off hand
Rev Rate: (over 40 shots it fluctuated but most shots fell in the 330-350 range)
Axis Tilt: it was 10-12 degrees over the 40 shots.
Axis Rotation: this also was with in a range of 30-50 with most shots falling more in the 40 area.
PAP this was measured a while ago not sure if it has changed but going to have it re-checked but it was 4 1/2" and 1/8" up
I throw 15# ball and I am Right Hander.

I don't want a new ball for the sake of a new ball. I always had 1 ball mostly that I stuck with and tried to adapt to the THS that day by moving my feet, aim point or release. I never really chose a ball based on my characteristics, so I was hoping to try and hone in on a ball choice that fits me well, could be versatile and is laid out to my style, not just basic pin over ring finger or like my current ball pin under ring finger (generic layout).

I really do appreciate the opinions and advice.

Based on what you're saying, The One is too much ball for the conditions you're on. At about 15mph off the hand and 330 revs, I consider that to be on the rev dominant side. You have good tilt if those numbers are correct and rotation is medium-low.

My initial post was for the new 900G Zen Gold Label thinking of it as a ball down from The One that will generally work best from in.

With your follow up post, I'd 100% recommend the Storm Phaze 5. Layout is not that important, a generic pin over ring will be around the most versatile spot for you with the specs you've mentioned

I bowl with multiple people who are also rev dominant and they all love the PhazeV as soon as there's defined friction. I had to convince one guy to get into his sooner during tournaments because he'd be struggling with reaction/carry and then every time he'd switch and put up big games.

Stylez78 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 19, 2023, 05:01:31 PM »

Quote from: SVstar34 on July 18, 2023, 11:42:50 AM

Quote from: Stylez78 on July 18, 2023, 08:43:00 AM
I appreciate the advice! Since the post I wanted to add a little more info that maybe will help.

I recorded about 40 shots and broke everything down. The PSO wasn't there so I couldn't get them to measure the axis tilt with an armadillo so I did it by video.

Speed 15.5 MPH off hand
Rev Rate: (over 40 shots it fluctuated but most shots fell in the 330-350 range)
Axis Tilt: it was 10-12 degrees over the 40 shots.
Axis Rotation: this also was with in a range of 30-50 with most shots falling more in the 40 area.
PAP this was measured a while ago not sure if it has changed but going to have it re-checked but it was 4 1/2" and 1/8" up
I throw 15# ball and I am Right Hander.

I don't want a new ball for the sake of a new ball. I always had 1 ball mostly that I stuck with and tried to adapt to the THS that day by moving my feet, aim point or release. I never really chose a ball based on my characteristics, so I was hoping to try and hone in on a ball choice that fits me well, could be versatile and is laid out to my style, not just basic pin over ring finger or like my current ball pin under ring finger (generic layout).

I really do appreciate the opinions and advice.

Based on what you're saying, The One is too much ball for the conditions you're on. At about 15mph off the hand and 330 revs, I consider that to be on the rev dominant side. You have good tilt if those numbers are correct and rotation is medium-low.

My initial post was for the new 900G Zen Gold Label thinking of it as a ball down from The One that will generally work best from in.

With your follow up post, I'd 100% recommend the Storm Phaze 5. Layout is not that important, a generic pin over ring will be around the most versatile spot for you with the specs you've mentioned

I bowl with multiple people who are also rev dominant and they all love the PhazeV as soon as there's defined friction. I had to convince one guy to get into his sooner during tournaments because he'd be struggling with reaction/carry and then every time he'd switch and put up big games.

I went back and watched aot of the video I took and watched the 10 pin and the bal exiting the deck.
I noticed on pretty much all shots, the ball deflected to the right off the head pin flush into the 9. I think the One is reading too early and burning up and has no energy late. I am not a layout expert and I don't have a prosect but the PSA is right of the thumb, the pin to pap is probably on the 3" side if I had to guess. I feel the layout is def not helping me, I may have to try surface see if I can get the ball to read later but just might be a lost cause on this ball.

This why I really want to try and get 1-2 balls to setup off each other based on my stats. The hopes to get both balls to work off each other where one is first out and the other can take over if the lanes dictate it. As a league bowler, I don't feel I need a 5 ball arsenal and hope 2 could cover most THS layouts.

Stylez78 · « **Reply #8 on:** August 06, 2023, 08:38:58 PM »

I ended up getting a Venom Shock. I'm liking it so far and I am looking to add a 2nd ball to compliment this to have a nice 1-2 punch option

Author Topic: Looking for a ball recommendation (Read 10503 times)

Stylez78

Looking for a ball recommendation

TWOHAND834

Re: Looking for a ball recommendation

SVstar34

Re: Looking for a ball recommendation

Stylez78

Re: Looking for a ball recommendation

tommyboy74

Re: Looking for a ball recommendation

Stylez78

Re: Looking for a ball recommendation

SVstar34

Re: Looking for a ball recommendation

Stylez78

Re: Looking for a ball recommendation

Stylez78

Re: Looking for a ball recommendation