I'm interested as to what you all think on this. I've heard several opinions, I have my own but I'd like to get a poll from knowledgeable people.
I believe that someone should probably be averaging between the 180-200 range before he/she starts thinking about an agressive reactive or particle bowling ball. Reason being is that urethane and plastic will teach you to make consistant shots, regardless of the lane condition. (You can hit the pocket with plastic on massive oil, you just won't carry the 10 all the time.) This is how I learned and I believe it taught me how to adjust better than most and as a result I can pretty much be competitive on any type of lanes.
However, I read an article not too long ago where someone said, and I'm paraphrasing, something like 'the majority of 150-average bowlers should use resin'.
I think this line of thinking has really messed a guy that bowls with us up. He's the lowest guy on our team with a 170. He had a Messenger (not crazily agressive) that was beat up and wanted to get a new ball, and ended up with a Brunswick Fuze. I thought that this was the WAY wrong type of ball choice. Way too flippy and aggressive for someone that has a tough time being around the pocket consistently. His average has been kind of sinking down lately.
Unfortunately, he's having HUGE problems with accuracy on the first ball, spare shooting was suspect most the time anyway, and mechanical problems are starting to show themselves. He's an athlete and is getting frustrated. What I've been thinking of doing is opening up the thumb on his old Black Shadow and working with him just on lifting the ball and mechanics.
I stand by that if you're under 180, stick to the basic stuff. Then gradually move up. I believe 'Bones was saying all you need is a dull urethane and polished urethane to bowl consistently (not money-making big series, but solid 600's). I agree very much so.
What do most of you think about equipment/average, and is my Black Shadow idea good to help him out?
Thanks,
Nate
