I think there are two separate issues here:
1) Availability of a Sport Shot
2) The snobbish attitude of SOME of the better bowlers and posters to this forum.
Regarding #1): I average around 200 in one house, yet struggle with only a 173 average in another. Last summer I tried out the Sport Shot a few times and to me.... it was in-between the two houses I frequent the most. Not as easy as the 200 house, but easier than whatever crap pattern is being laid out at the other one.
At least I knew when I released the ball on the Sport Shot, where it would end up. Might not be a good shot or carry as well as I liked, but I got what I deserved... no robbery and no breaks. I WOULD like to bowl on it some more, but do not want to replace my favorite house shot with it. So... mixed feelings, but am open to it as an alternative.
Regarding #2): It is a real turn off when I read some of the comments and put downs here about those of us bowling on an "easy" shot. First of all, regardless of the shot, easy for one is hard for someone else, and visa versa. A bowler with lots of speed and lower revs is probably laughing at the posts from the people here who whine about not enough oil. And conversely, someone with tons of revs and slower speed, probably finds those of you who complain about too much oil or carrydown to be whiners.
What ever happened to "to each his own"?
When I am bowling next to novice bowlers and see them getting all excited about the slightest little success. Or see them celebrating one stupid shot as if they just won a PBA title (or the Superbowl, World Series, etc.) I kind of shake my head at their silliness, but I do not begrudge them their happiness or make comments about how pathetic their scores are. Or say anything (even behind their backs) about how the lanes must be too easy if someone like that can get a strike or score more than an 100 or 80 or whatever, etc...
All I am trying to say (and I think a minority [so far] of those responding to this thread would agree with me) is that wanting or endorsing the Sport Shot or PBA Shot leagues is fine. But neither the USBC nor the "better bowlers" out there should be promoting it by putting down the average (or even below average) Joes and Janes, and belittling their accomplishments.
I am MORE likely to want to try my hand at a tougher shot after my confidence is increased from success on a more conventional shot. If I'm failing and getting frustrated on the "easy" shot, why on earth would I even attempt the tougher shot?
In other words... both the easy and hard[er] shots should be seen as complimenting each other. Not mutually exclusive.
My 12 cents in this.
Edited on 4/20/2008 5:17 PM
Edited on 4/20/2008 5:21 PM
