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

Or you can go with the Radical Guru and not have to worry about the ball being weaker after the "break in period". Radical's covers are chemically formulated to not lose there reaction after the "break in period".