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Author Topic: Looking for my next ball(s)  (Read 5521 times)

Klaw1997

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Looking for my next ball(s)
« on: December 08, 2014, 01:50:37 PM »
Hey all,

I apologize in advance for the long read, but I wanted to be informative. Thanks for any feedback you are willing to share!

Background:

First time poster, but have been reading for a bit now. I used to bowl a lot in high school and college but that was 1998-2002 or so while I was still in Las Vegas. At that time the Pro Shop guy kinda took over for me, so I was not too aware of the exact drilling pattern/layout/etc.

I have the same ball I did then, a Storm Thunder Road (15#, RG = 2.56, Diff = 0.060). I also have a cheap Storm from back then for a spare ball. Despite the looks i get on the lane, I do decently with this equipment. 185 average in league, did a Swiss tournament last weekend and I averaged 213 over 9 games carrying our team to 5th place out of 24 teams of 3.

I am more of a stroker style bowler (<300 revs) and play a relatively straight game compared to most these days. Basically play straight up the second arrow, 15-16mph, high track (oil track is within 1" of the middle finger grip), i do not have my PAP, CG, or axis rotation numbers currently.

The point of this post:

I am finally getting back into bowling enough that I need to start upgrading and/or adding equipment. I cant just go out and buy 2-3 new balls and do it all at once, so I need a little help with strategy. My local ProShop is whom I should be talking to I know, but I am a little skeptical of the knowledge level around here (Oregon). It is definitely a step down from what I was spoiled with in Las Vegas. So I figured I would ask here as well just in case.

I was thinking of starting with acquiring a ball for heavier/longer oil patterns. My current ball can serve as my benchmark ball for now. From there I could eventually get one lower than my benchmark and then finally replace my benchmark ball.

So, I guess that is the first question:
If i can only buy 1 ball at a time (min 3 months apart) which order should I buy them?

Based upon the answer to that I guess I need some guidance/suggestions on particular pieces. I have been looking at Hammer, Track and Rotogrip currently and would like to stay away from Storm if possible just to try something new honestly.

For heavier/longer patterns I was thinking about something with a lower RG and an aggressive cover:
Asymmetric
Hammer BW Legend (2.50 and 0.058)**
RotoGrip HyperCell (2.52 and 0.056)***
RotoGrip Sinister (2.52 and 0.054)****
Motiv Convert Revolt (2.47 and 0.056)**

Symmetrical benchmark balls
Rotogrip Asylum
Rotogrip Disturbed
Hammer Absolut Hook/Flip
Motiv Sigma Sting

Any ideas or suggestions?
Any other strokers out there that have thrown these balls?
Any strokers have an endorsement for a ball company?
What information about me do you need to help in this discussion?

Thanks for all of the help
« Last Edit: December 10, 2014, 12:11:23 PM by Klaw1997 »

 

vkowalski1970

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Re: Looking for my next ball(s)
« Reply #1 on: December 08, 2014, 02:01:21 PM »
I am a long Roto Grip and Storm customer.  A few months back I decided to try Moriv and have been really impressed. The Motiv Covert Revolt fit your desire and it one of the best balls I've ever owned. Smooth and powerful along with very predictable. I'd recommend without hesitation. I have a hyper cell and it is super strong, great ball but I do not use often. The Sinister also looks great. But I am completely happy with My Revokt and will be buying another just to have
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robertbrowder

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Re: Looking for my next ball(s)
« Reply #2 on: December 08, 2014, 02:11:19 PM »
The Radical Guru will fit nicely. The Guru is a heavy oil ball that doesn't overreact in the midlane and gives you incredible motion through the pins. I liked my first so much I got a second one!
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Metal_rules

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Re: Looking for my next ball(s)
« Reply #3 on: December 08, 2014, 02:20:34 PM »
If you are looking at Roto - then for heavy  I would say the Hyper Cell for a solid, or a Sinister for a hybrid. I would also recomend that you review the Crux - even though its by Storm, you might be pleasently suprised. It is also a hybrid for heavy. For medium (benchmark) I would look at the Asylum by Roto Grip, very good hybrid, that has a nice smooth continous move, and low rg at 2.50. For the lower end I would look at the Uproar by Roto, even though the rg is 2.55, it is still excellent when the lanes break down.
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cheech

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Re: Looking for my next ball(s)
« Reply #4 on: December 08, 2014, 02:26:01 PM »
i am a big fan of symetrical balls rather than asymetrical especially on house patterns and if your proshop has limited knowledge on drilling technique. i think the strong symetricals out will be strong enough for what youre looking for. look at the columbia meltdown, roto grip hysteria, melee cross, and even though you said no to storm, the marvel-s or IQ tour nano.

if youd really like to go asymmetric, every company has their high performance solid. my choice would be black widow legend or hyper cell. 2 of the best cores in the last 8 or so years

Klaw1997

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Re: Looking for my next ball(s)
« Reply #5 on: December 08, 2014, 02:44:23 PM »
I am a long Roto Grip and Storm customer.  A few months back I decided to try Motiv and have been really impressed. The Motiv Covert Revolt fit your desire and it one of the best balls I've ever owned. Smooth and powerful along with very predictable. I'd recommend without hesitation...

OK good to know, I will take a look at Motiv as well as Radical.

If you are looking at Roto - then for heavy  I would say the Hyper Cell for a solid, or a Sinister for a hybrid. I would also recomend that you review the Crux - even though its by Storm, you might be pleasently suprised. It is also a hybrid for heavy. For medium (benchmark) I would look at the Asylum by Roto Grip, very good hybrid, that has a nice smooth continous move, and low rg at 2.50. For the lower end I would look at the Uproar by Roto, even though the rg is 2.55, it is still excellent when the lanes break down.

I take it you run a full Rotogrip setup as well then? Just curious to find out more about how people build their arsenals as well.

i am a big fan of symetrical balls rather than asymetrical especially on house patterns and if your proshop has limited knowledge on drilling technique. i think the strong symetricals out will be strong enough for what youre looking for. look at the columbia meltdown, roto grip hysteria, melee cross, and even though you said no to storm, the marvel-s or IQ tour nano.

if youd really like to go asymmetric, every company has their high performance solid. my choice would be black widow legend or hyper cell. 2 of the best cores in the last 8 or so years

Thanks for the comment. I havent delved into that main difference too much yet. Do you feel the symmetrical balls will be better in my situation given the line I usually play, or just that I could probably get away with using those?

Are the symmetrical balls more consistent and just less aggressive? I have read up on the definitions but am still a little hazy on the benefits of one vs the other.

Track is on there since that was the recommendation from the Pro Shop guy after watching me bowl a few frames. Hadnt really looked at them much before that ... guess I can add Radical and Motiv to that list of new research.


Thanks for the feedback so far guys


Metal_rules

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Re: Looking for my next ball(s)
« Reply #6 on: December 08, 2014, 04:44:13 PM »
After many years of changing ball companies, I finally found one that matched up well with my style. I have been using all Roto stuff for almost 5 years now. Imo when you stick with one company, its allot easier to make ball changes and no overlap in equipment. I have been extremely satisfied on what Roto Grip has and is doing. The Hyper Cell is a great piece, as well as the Asylum. And I am sure the Hyper Cell skid will be just as good. But if you want to mix pieces, that is up to you, just do your homework. ;)
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Klaw1997

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Re: Looking for my next ball(s)
« Reply #7 on: December 08, 2014, 05:26:18 PM »
Yeah, that makes a lot of sense with respect to building a line up with one company.

Kinda hard to choose a company to align with though just by trolling the web.

I guess what I am hearing from the varied responses is that a lot of the companies out there today are reputable and have a following of sorts.

So far RotoGrip has been mentioned the most. and all the rest right behind that...

ProShop guy didnt think too highly of Roto/Storm/Hammer

Strider

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Re: Looking for my next ball(s)
« Reply #8 on: December 08, 2014, 07:22:46 PM »
Really?  Those are probably the hottest 3 brands over the past few years.  What are the brands he's high on?  Everyone has stuff they match up well or poorly with (and no way to predict that I know of) but other than Ebonite having somewhat of a  reputation for needing a lot of maintenance or poor longevity, there really aren't any bad balls out there.

Klaw1997

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Re: Looking for my next ball(s)
« Reply #9 on: December 08, 2014, 07:32:21 PM »
Really?  Those are probably the hottest 3 brands over the past few years.  What are the brands he's high on?  Everyone has stuff they match up well or poorly with (and no way to predict that I know of) but other than Ebonite having somewhat of a  reputation for needing a lot of maintenance or poor longevity, there really aren't any bad balls out there.

OK thanks for confirming what I thought - I was surprised to hear those names on the bad list myself. Apparently Track and some of the Columbia balls are his preference. I will start looking into other ProShops within reasonable distance for perspective or see if I need to work through online venues. Hoping he can at least be trusted to tell me what my current drilling setup is so that I can build from there.

tommyboy74

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Re: Looking for my next ball(s)
« Reply #10 on: December 08, 2014, 11:31:29 PM »
Even though I throw a lot of Storm and Roto Grip, Motiv has really impressed me over the past several months.  Their equipment is versatile and it seems to match really well with most styles. 

2 balls to definitely check out would be the Motiv Covert Revolt (for medium-heavy oil) and then the Motiv Sigma Sting (great benchmark ball for medium oil).  The Covert Revolt is known for having a very smooth motion and being predictable on heavier volume.  It will also allow you to move left as needed to chase the oil.  The Sigma Sting does a ton of things well and IMO is one of the best balls to get period.  It's the definition of benchmark reaction.

Both balls work very well playing straighter.  Even though I have a higher rev rate/higher speed and can move deep, I love playing outside and have had a lot of success with both.
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Heavy:
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MOTIV Mythic Jackal

Med-Heavy:
MOTIV Trident Odyssey
MOTIV Forge Fire
MOTIV Covert Revolt

Medium:
MOTIV VIP ExJ Sigma
MOTIV Sigma Sting
MOTIV Pride Solid

Medium-Light
MOTIV Venom Shock
MOTIV Tribal Fire

Gene J Kanak

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Re: Looking for my next ball(s)
« Reply #11 on: December 09, 2014, 07:23:22 AM »
Just like Metal_Rules has done with Roto, I have been pretty much Storm exclusive for the past few seasons, and I have loved the results. As has already been mentioned, sticking with one company makes it very easy to determine where various balls are supposed to fit in relation to one another within an arsenal. Since making that jump, I have had far fewer cases of overlap within my bag.

That being said, there are very good balls to be had from just above every company out there these days. The key is determining what kind of motion you want to see and trying to figure out which company's equipment can give you the motion you seek.

In any event, as for what to add next, I think that depends upon what base you most need to get covered. If you often find yourself without enough ball in your hands because of the age/strength of that old Thunder Road, then I would go with your gut and get the strong piece next. Since you like going straighter, you may want to take something like the Sinister over the Hyper Cell. I say that because I think that the Sinister offers a bit more motion down the lane whereas the Hyper tends to dig in and just roll, roll, roll. If you're a straighter player, you may benefit from the increased entry angle the Sinister can provide.

Now, on the other hand, if your Thunder Road is strong enough most of the time, then you would want to start with the ball that is going to go under it. There are lots of options to consider there. As has already been metioned, the Uproar could work nicely in that role. It's very clean through the front part of the lane, and it offers a pretty strong move at the break point. It should allow you to move in and open things up more. However, if you're not looking to do that and would want something that will allow you to keep your angles tighter, then I would look at something like the Outcry. It's very clean through the heads, but it doesn't seem to want to go sideways off the spot.

When the time eventually comes to look for a replacement benchmark piece, I don't think that you could go wrong with either the Disturbed or the Asylum. Both pieces are smooth and strong.

Obviously, I just focused upon Roto equipment here. Again, I did so because I think it makes things much, much easier to keep straight when you go with pieces from one company. Others have already given you suggestions for possible arsenals from other labels, and that is fine too. You have to figure out what you think is going to be best for you and your game. Good luck picking, and don't be afraid to come back on for help or to let us all know how it went after you do.

Good luck and good bowling!


Klaw1997

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Re: Looking for my next ball(s)
« Reply #12 on: December 09, 2014, 10:36:18 AM »
Awesome responses guys! Thank you very much for the feedback it is very helpful.

The good news is that I have learned a lot from you guys in the last 24 hours, the bad news is that I am almost back to the drawing board with respect to choosing my next ball or ball company.

I am definitely in the situation more often where the Thunder Road is not enough ball. I very rarely if ever get into the situation where the Thunder Road is too much ball. So yes I agree that the ball above Thunder Road is the most critical at this point.

After all of the responses so far I am leaning towards Motiv, Roto Grip, or believe it or not back to Storm.

I guess my biggest hurdle at this point is to confirm the type of ball motion I am seeking. I am liking the continuous motion lately a little bit more than the snap on the back end. I hope this does not conflict with the fact that I like to play the straighter lines. I am comfortable moving in to the left when needed, however with my current ball I am typically able to play the straighter lines for a while.

If I had to choose a ball at this point(bad idea since my head is swimming):

Marvel S for heavier oil
Asylum for benchmark

Or

Sinister for heavier oil
Asylum for benchmark

I still have some research to do. Need to get over to Motiv and assess their lineup.

I will definitely keep you guys in the loop when I eventually make a purchase. I think I am probably 10 to 14 days away from spending the money at this point unless I gain a lot more knowledge in the next few days. That being said, I learned more in this one post then I did in the last week researching online. Thanks again!

vkowalski1970

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Re: Looking for my next ball(s)
« Reply #13 on: December 09, 2014, 10:39:16 AM »
If those are your 4 choices. I'd go Sinister over Marvel S. The Asylum is excellent also. I loved mine
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Metal_rules

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Re: Looking for my next ball(s)
« Reply #14 on: December 09, 2014, 11:04:22 AM »
If what you want right now is a stronger ball than your Thunder Road -- I would seriously look at the Hyper Cell  (solid)  -- or -- the Sinister (hybrid)  --or -- the Storm Crux (hybrid). Ck out some ball videos on all of them. I also wanted you to know that I am not on staff.  I use Roto Grip balls for one reason, I get results. I consider myself mainly a down and in player / stroker. So I believe we are simular in style, just so you know. You also want to make sure that the pro shop that drills your equipment, gets the correct layout. So do your research for a reputable shop, if you don't already have one. Also don't forget that cover adjustements, may come into play after you get your new piece if you dont get the re-action that you are looking for. good luck!
« Last Edit: December 09, 2014, 02:21:47 PM by Metal_rules »
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