Not really sure exactly how to couch this question correctly, but here goes.

 When do you need a new ball?

 Say you start the season really well, but the center tweaks the shot during a break, and your shot just isn't working anymore. The urethane you were using just won't turn the corner correctly anymore, and you decide to get something new (which you haven't done in a while), but until you decide what to get, you pull out some old stuff to "play with" to help you decide.

 You put in some new grips, and make a surface adjustment, to a ball that's been in the closet for years (V2-The original), and give it a whirl.

 You average 220 with it.

 You think "Well, that must've been a fluke".   

 Then, next set, you average 225 with it?   

 Now this is NOT figjam. I'm just not that good anymore, and I am truly perplexed at this. I already just knew I was going to have to make a purchase soon, but then this happens, and I'm confused as crap.

 Do I really need a new ball?  Is this old ball going to die soon? If I were to get something, would it be any better than a 16 year old ball from the closet?

 Somebody please give me some clarity here. I've thought and figured my way into a conundrum about this, and can no longer objectively reason it out where it makes any sense to me.

 Talk to me people. Please?

Ebo V2?? I'm jealous....

I broke out old balls after collecting dust in the storage and the ball was right for the conditions I've bowled on. One ball that collected dust was my Track Slash which matched up well at this house with old synthetics. I also had fun with the Depth Charge from Storm.

When I got my blue urethane I could not use it with the fairly new synthetic SPL's and old summit lane machine and old conditioners the house used. Then the bought or leased the walker and used fire and ice or a mix of both... now I can't put down my urethane most nights.

 Guys,

 Thanks for some quick replies, but to tell the truth, I am being serious.

 Yes, it IS nice, and a nice problem to have, but still a problem. I don't want to get "comfortable" like this, only to have it evaporate like it did, and if there is something I can do about it proactively, that would be preferable for me.

 Just trying to logically figure out what step to take next.

The V2 was/is one of the best balls of the reactive era.  Why wouldn't it work?  If it starts to die revive it.

It is all about having the right ball, and surface for the condition.

Everyone can get to the pocket pretty consistent on most house shots all over the world. Doesn't mean your are going to strike however.

Most bowlers do not understand that getting to the pocket isn't enough.

Bowling balls lose reaction. Sometimes it is just a loss in surface over a period of games. Sometimes it is surface along with oil absorption. Many bowlers never understand this, nor do they take time to get this fixed. At the same time, a large number of propshops do not do a good job of promoting this service to their customers.


Any ball from 1985 to now can be very useful on any bowlers normal house condition on any given week. Many new bowling balls can also work.

I will say this one small piece that may help. This current season I am having the best season of my bowling career. In terms of average, scores shot, etc. I also have an arsenal of bowling balls that should only be owned by someone who is on tour or getting stuff for free and I am neither of those categories.

The difference is I stopped drilling and trying tons of stuff. I started the season using a red legend solid, a rebel pearl, a GB2 phenom and for the entire year that has been the 3 balls I've continued to use non-stop. I added a Delirium Shock about 8 weeks in on a very specific layout to address some issues I was seeing with flying backends. Other wise that is it. This has been weekly in league, in tournaments, tournaments on sport patterns, and everything in between.

I maintain surface and I know the different bowling balls reaction very well. It is easy to switch balls when needed in the middle of the game and not second guess what I am doing. I see and want other stuff all of the time. I have at least 20 undrilled balls I'd like to try, but there is no point.

Once a ball seems to lose enough reaction that de-oiling or surface no longer works then it is time to replace. As a non-staff member who has drilled and thrown a lot of stuff, don't believe the hype/marketing.

Here's a solution to your damn if you do/ damn if you don't, with all the great advise I would do this; As mentioned above, keep going with what works, and 2 (and more important)  BUY SOMETHING THAT'S SIMILAR TO WHAT YOUR CURRENTLY USING, that's close to the pieces you have meaning cover/core and the numbers, that way when either the ball dies, and/or the shot changes again, you'll be prepared both ways, problem solved.

Good luck to you whatever you decide.

If the house tweaked a shot that was great with urethane then an older reactive may be your ticket for awhile.  Had they overhauled the pattern and it's now very slick then you might consider a newer ball.
For now go with what's working and set aside some mad money every month for the next ball if and when you decide to pull the trigger.