Author Topic: Time for a new ball (Read 976 times)

Hobmot · « **on:** January 30, 2010, 11:07:57 AM »

Hello all. As you can see I'm new, and the main reason I made this account was basically just to get some recommendations on a new ball.

For some background, I'm a 17 year old that has been bowling for about 8 years. Through those 8 years I have had two bowling balls: A cheap plastic one and a Storm Tornado, the latter being about 5 years old. I'm stroker/tweener, and bowl for both my high school team and a Saturday morning league. The Saturday league usually sports an oil pattern of both medium intensity and length, and favors inside lines. I average about 180-190.

My high school coach recommended either of these: Virtual Energy, Reign, Mutant Cell, and the Furious.

If you need any other info, just ask.

Thanks in advance.

bighook69 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 30, 2010, 07:15:22 PM »

Do you know what kind of reaction you are looking to get? I know you say you like to play straight but do you like a snappy reaction or more of a roll? Also do you know what kind of oil volume you are looking for? Heavy oil, medium oil, light oil? The 4 balls you listed would almost make a whole arsenal for you, as they all do very different things, hard to suggest just one.

Hobmot · « **Reply #2 on:** January 30, 2010, 07:33:07 PM »

Definitely looking for more of an angular reaction. My ball now just sort of rolls into the pocket and I almost always need to start on the right side and then throw straight up or a swing out a bit to get a decent entry angle. Definitely a problem with some of the patterns I've seen during the high school season.

As I said, my house shot is of a moderate volume, but for high school we participate in various PBA shot tournaments.

So basically I want a versatile ball, I guess. Sadly, I have only enough money for one new ball.

Juggernaut · « **Reply #3 on:** January 30, 2010, 07:50:36 PM »

quote:
Hello all. As you can see I'm new, and the main reason I made this account was basically just to get some recommendations on a new ball.

For some background, I'm a 17 year old that has been bowling for about 8 years. Through those 8 years I have had two bowling balls: A cheap plastic one and a Storm Tornado, the latter being about 5 years old. I'm stroker/tweener, and bowl for both my high school team and a Saturday morning league. The Saturday league usually sports an oil pattern of both medium intensity and length, and favors inside lines. I average about 180-190.

My high school coach recommended either of these: Virtual Energy, Reign, Mutant Cell, and the Furious.

If you need any other info, just ask.

Thanks in advance.

O.K., first thing is, I don't remember a STORM Tornado. Ebonite made one called Tornado, is this the one you mean?

Either way, sounds like you're a recreational bowler who enjoys your league and is ready to improve your equipment. Taking this into consideration, my recommendation is to stay away from the very high performance category. They are usually specialized balls, intended for use on their specific condition by very experienced bowlers.

Of the ones you mentioned, I would lean towards either the REIGN or the FURIOUS, with my 1st choice being the REIGN. It seems to be a pretty versatile, somewhat durable piece with surprising performance for the money.

I, myself, am using AMF stuff. It is made by the 900Global company and is designed to be affordable, versatile, and performance based. So far, I have no complaints with any of their stuff. They also just released a pearlized version of a ball called the CLUTCH that would be a strong competitor with the REIGN.

Hammer also makes a good line of mid-priced balls with surprising perdormance in the VIBE line and the RAW line.

You can spend a lot of money and sometimes STILL not end up with as good a ball as some mid level, mid priced stuff.

Good luck and good bowling.
--------------------
Good transactions list in my profile

ILLEGITIMI, NON-CARBORUNDUM!

Hobmot · « **Reply #4 on:** January 30, 2010, 08:04:55 PM »

Thanks for the recommendations. I have no problem with using balls from any manufacturer, even though my coach seems to be leaning towards Storm balls for not just me but for all my teammates as well.

And yes, the Tornado was made by Ebonite, sorry.

Juggernaut · « **Reply #5 on:** January 30, 2010, 08:34:07 PM »

quote:
Thanks for the recommendations. I have no problem with using balls from any manufacturer, even though my coach seems to be leaning towards Storm balls for not just me but for all my teammates as well.

And yes, the Tornado was made by Ebonite, sorry.

STORM makes some darned fine equipment, but they are not the "end all, be all" for everyone. I've had several STORM balls in the past, but didn't match up well with most of them. The ones that did worked great, but you get that with all companies.

As for how to recommend the "perfect" ball for you, that's nearly impossible because what works for some, doesn't work for others, and many times ends up being a trial and error process.

That being said, I still think I would lean towards the REIGN. It is surprisingly strong, reasonably priced (most of the time), and has good recovery potential on the backends.

Go here to watch some videos of the REIGN in action: http://www.videoballreviews.com/reign.html
--------------------
Good transactions list in my profile

ILLEGITIMI, NON-CARBORUNDUM!

rvmark · « **Reply #6 on:** January 30, 2010, 09:15:19 PM »

I would agree with Juggernaut on staying away from the high performance lines, I see several of the high school bowlers in our area throwing Virtual Gravity's, Mutant Cells etc. and struggling to keep the ball on the right hand side of the lane. I have not thrown the reign but have watched a couple of good bowlers and have talked to them and they feel it is their most versatile ball. I have the Virtual Energy but to throw consistently have to be on the heavy side of medium oil, when I find oil it is money but I do not throw it every week. Most companies make very good equipment and some of the best buys IMO are in their mid performance lines. I have had success with some Roto Grip mid line as well as have been trying some AMF stuff and have found what it to be very controllable and versatile.

IMO of the ones you listed the Reign would be my first choice. Ultimately I would have your proshop driller watch you throw and help you pick out the correct ball that would help you to get the most bang for your buck.

Mark

notsohotshot · « **Reply #7 on:** January 30, 2010, 11:05:14 PM »

wHAT WT DO U USE,SPEED,REV RATE,AXIS TILT,AND pap

Laniarty · « **Reply #8 on:** January 30, 2010, 11:48:19 PM »

From Storm, the Furious or a Hy-Road would be perfect balls if you are looking for versatility. From what I've seen of the Reign it has a lot more push downlane before going sideways.

If I were to have only have one ball to use, I would be getting myself a Hy-Road. Easily the most versatile ball I own.

al_g · « **Reply #9 on:** January 31, 2010, 08:50:18 PM »

I agree with the others that have said to stay away from the high performance balls. Especially if you only have money to buy one ball.

I''d recommend a Storm HyRoad or RotoGrip Nomad. Both of these balls can handle a wide variety of conditions and are predictable. A Furious might not be a bad choice either. While these balls may not be considered angular by today''s standards, they will be more angular than the Tornado you''re currently throwing.

I have a Reign and while I like it, it is very long and strong. I''d worry about you getting too much of an over/under reaction with it on some of the PBA shots you bowl on in high school unless you''re very accurate. If the shot is right the Reign is a great ball, but my Nomad can be played on more conditions.

Edited on 1/31/2010 11:42 PM

HEAVENSFORGOTTEN · « **Reply #10 on:** January 31, 2010, 09:52:50 PM »

Lets not leave out TRACk- 505C. Controlled backend w/ excellent length and recently finding it very good with carrydown w/just the right cover adjustment.
--------------------
"When there's no hope, defend yourself without mercy, compassion or remorse." - BAY

TRACK LEGION member

lenstanles703 · « **Reply #11 on:** January 31, 2010, 10:42:39 PM »

If you want to start a nice arsenal go to any manufacturers mid price lines and start with a solid reactive. Then when you can afford another ball get the pearl reactive from the same line. The solid is usually the most versatile ball so I would start there. Like the Storm Furious then the Fast or Reign of Fire then the Reign.
--------------------
"We are all one"
Visionary test staff member

Edited on 1/31/2010 11:48 PM

jls · « **Reply #12 on:** February 01, 2010, 01:38:55 PM »

quote:
Hello all. As you can see I''m new, and the main reason I made this account was basically just to get some recommendations on a new ball.

For some background, I''m a 17 year old that has been bowling for about 8 years. Through those 8 years I have had two bowling balls: A cheap plastic one and a Storm Tornado, the latter being about 5 years old. I''m stroker/tweener, and bowl for both my high school team and a Saturday morning league. The Saturday league usually sports an oil pattern of both medium intensity and length, and favors inside lines. I average about 180-190.

My high school coach recommended either of these: Virtual Energy, Reign, Mutant Cell, and the Furious.

If you need any other info, just ask.

Thanks in advance.

These balls are all for different conditions... So what he says, makes little sense.... Forget about what your teacher said, and go to a pro shop for advise on bowling balls...

Unless he recommended all 4 of them, then that would be a decent arsenal...

And then get mom or dad to pay for them, and be sure to say, teach said so...

Seriously, go to a pro shop for advise..........

--------------------
jls "Obama, you wanna see my truck"

Edited on 2/1/2010 2:41 PM

Author Topic: Time for a new ball (Read 976 times)

Hobmot

Time for a new ball

bighook69

Re: Time for a new ball

Hobmot

Re: Time for a new ball

Juggernaut

Re: Time for a new ball

Hobmot

Re: Time for a new ball

Juggernaut

Re: Time for a new ball

rvmark

Re: Time for a new ball

notsohotshot

Re: Time for a new ball

Laniarty

Re: Time for a new ball

al_g

Re: Time for a new ball

HEAVENSFORGOTTEN

Re: Time for a new ball

lenstanles703

Re: Time for a new ball

jls

Re: Time for a new ball