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Author Topic: Seeking Advice for Replacement Ball  (Read 2216 times)

ml340b

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Seeking Advice for Replacement Ball
« on: November 11, 2011, 07:12:40 AM »
14 years ago I dropped out of the league and local/state tourney scene after 20+ years in adult competition.  While stationed in England, I purchased a new Nu-line Xcalibur.  Polished purple finish.  It's the best ball I ever rolled and fit my game as a 3/4 roller who is most comfortable with a straight down-and-in shot or mild swing condition.  My 11yo son just got his first ball and I'm considering a return to league play, but have no aspirations to go back to 7 leagues a week.  However, I would like to pick up with the learned skills from then.  Here's my problem.  After being in the closet for a couple years, I opened my bag two nights ago and my Xcalibur has a huge crack spanning from the fingers to thumb and as wide as 3/16" in the middle.  That ball served my game very well like an old, comfortable pair of shoes.  I'm seeking advice for a suitable replacement and trying to resolve this without having to take steps backwards because of ignorance.

 

In heavy oil I could shorten my arm swing and approach to keep it from skidding through and get a strong finish, and if I sped up in medium oil it would grab more.  Rarely did I encounter lane conditions which forced me to pull out my Dick Weber Legacy (non)Reactive.  I'd appreciate your feedback very much.  Thanks!


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JohnP

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Re: Seeking Advice for Replacement Ball
« Reply #1 on: November 12, 2011, 10:46:23 AM »
For your first ball after such a long time I suggest one of the new Ebonite Cyclones, a great ball at a great price.  Be sure to have your driller refit you, your hand has probably changed over the years.  Good luck  --  JohnP


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Re: Seeking Advice for Replacement Ball
« Reply #2 on: November 12, 2011, 11:25:57 AM »
The Cyclones look good, but I will add the Brunswick Massive Damage to the list. Very affordable and high performing piece for the every day house shots.
 


Lane Carter, Strike Zone Pro Shops - Salt Lake City, Utah
Brunswick Pro Shop Staff
 
The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation.
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charlest

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Re: Seeking Advice for Replacement Ball
« Reply #3 on: November 12, 2011, 03:34:31 PM »
The XCalibur would probably today be considered a medium-light to maybe medium oil ball.
I suspect you might need upwards of 500 rpms to be able to use on today's true heavy 
 oil, even if you sanded it..
 
The Cyclone mentioned above  would probably mimic the X-Calibur's general reaction on today's oil conditions and patterns. It is a safe starting point. You will likely want to add a solid on slightly more oil-handling ability as a first option, IF the drilled Cyclone suits your style.
 
 


"None are so blind as those who will not see."
"A comedian says funny things. A comic says things funny."

 
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"None are so blind as those who will not see."

usfan51473

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Re: Seeking Advice for Replacement Ball
« Reply #4 on: November 13, 2011, 07:53:08 AM »
Columbia has several options. The Freeze is a good light to medium ball. The Ransom Demand is a great medium to heavy ball.


In The Bag: Ran$om Demand, Tsunami, Freeze Orang/Purple, Flipside Wicked





                 "Know thy enemy...it is the 10 pin"     
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JOE FALCO

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Re: Seeking Advice for Replacement Ball
« Reply #5 on: November 14, 2011, 09:40:54 AM »

No recommendations .. just a welcome back! Good luck with your bowling!

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RIP Thongprincess/Sawbones!

JohnP

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Re: Seeking Advice for Replacement Ball
« Reply #6 on: November 14, 2011, 10:53:01 AM »
The Freeze is a very good ball and was my recommendation for lower end balls until the Cyclone came out.  Take a look, it has the coverstock from The One plus a stronger core than the Freeze's.  --  JohnP


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ml340b

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Re: Seeking Advice for Replacement Ball
« Reply #7 on: November 14, 2011, 12:11:32 PM »
Guys, thank you very sincerely for the responses.  Strategies have obviously changed quite a bit since I detached from the scene in '97, and it sounds like I'm gonna need to develop new skills to reap rewards.  I appreciate all the comments and have looked into the recommendations.  Several mentioned the Cyclone; I found comments from other bowlers on the Cyclone with a site that rates length of skid, hooking power and lane condition compatibilty, all of which are coinciding with your recommendations and what I am seeking.  Next, I'll consult the folks at Plano Super Bowl to gage the lane conditions and spend a few nights watching others in their premier leagues with high rollers.  I know that the few occasions in the past five years that I opened bowl, their condition seemed to be medium to light for my taste.  I get lost if I have to throw too much of a swing with a wider area, prefering a tighter line.

 

Again, thanks for the comments and pointing me in the right direction.  I'm blessed by the eye-opening you guys have shared. 


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