I was once considered to be quite a good bowler, but that was a long time ago, and things have changed a lot since then. This was back in the polyester/urethane days. I was great with yellow dots, U-dots, and Hammers, but flaring weightblocks and reactive technology has never liked me.

 Things have gotten so bad between me and reactives that, for the first time in a long time, I have shot multiple 400 series, and was averaging about 175-180. I can't seem to throw the ball NEARLY hard enough to take advantage of what its strengths are. It has been over 20 years, and I still just don't "get" reactives.

 Enter frustration and surrender.

 So, out of being so frustrated, I took all my "good" stuff out of my bag, and started carrying only a black urethane TURBO and a polyester BOOGIE to league, figuring if I was going to average a buck seventy, I could do that with them and have an excuse as to why. At least I would know where they were going when I let go of them.

 What happens? I shoot back to back 650's with the TURBO. Since then, the lowest set I've shot with it has been 610, and this is over a month in two different leagues.

 Then, last Thursday, I bowled with the polyester ball, and shot a 687! My average is now climbing, and after several weeks of this, I am at a 195 average.


 Make no mistake. I have NO illusion that I would EVER shoot any honor scores with either of them. I do not believe either of them to be the "magic" ball, or the answer to my bowling problems, but they have ended my struggle to consistently hit the pocket and have predictable, ball reaction.

 So, I guess my question is this: Would you give up all chances you might have to ever shoot an honor score in order to have predictable, reliable, repeatable scores by using equipment most people initially laugh at, or would you continue to use the new stuff, hoping to be like the blind pig that occasionally finds an acorn, and struggling the rest of the time?

 (P.S. They usually stop laughing and pointing after it becomes apparent that I am serious about it, and more than capable of shooting between 200 and 225 on a regular basis with them.)

My father in law gets his "balls Busted" all the time about his  two 20yr old Teal Rhino pros. He doesn't care and still averages 215-220 with them.  I have owned 6 balls since I first got the Versa Max two years ago. I still throw it more then anything, nothing else has compared to it.   Most of us will never be Pro Bowlers or have staff contracts. Throw what ever makes you comfortable, and happy with your bowling.

My father in law gets his "balls Busted" all the time about his  two 20yr old Teal Rhino pros. He doesn't care and still averages 215-220 with them.  I have owned 6 balls since I first got the Versa Max two years ago. I still throw it more then anything, nothing else has compared to it.   Most of us will never be Pro Bowlers or have staff contracts. Throw what ever makes you comfortable, and happy with your bowling.

Agreed - go with what you feel most confident throwing.  Who cares what the label says.

Disagree with the OP's implication.

I think it IS possible to throw an honor score with old stuff, especially on a lighter oil THS.  It can be done with 12 solid shots.

The higher your average, the more strikes you throw, the more games you bowl,  the better your odds of shooting 300 ect. Its a numbers game not a matter of equipment game.

You can buy several newer urethane options to try as well. I know a leftie who has been throwing an Ebi blue Crush since release and averaged anywhere from 230 to 250 with a lot of honor scores. It gives him the best look when playing the gutter and he can make it work.

I would stick with what you are doing and only consider maybe adding a plastic ball with an actual core to try and improve carry a little better along with trying a newer urethane option as well. Should allow you to have the same look and line with the hope of adding a little more hitting power for better carry.

 To good times good times:
 You are correct I suppose. I just never really expect to be able to throw 12 consecutive shots that good, although I have shot a 278 game during this run, so maybe anything is possible?

Nothing but defeat and surrender are possible with a negative outlook.  Confidence is key.  These old gems make you feel more confident in your game, but you also must embrace you game and be confident with it, not just with the ball.

There should be a ball or two out there you CAN control, if drilled to your game.  Or is the a coach or a friend you might be able to have watch you and find a slight change in your game that could help you control the new stuff?

Piece of crap? Black Turbo is the bomb!

@ Bowling Pariah: Give'em the Blues....with what you USE!!!

All comments above are positive and good for your game! You bowl with what's comfortable for you. I also get laughed at a lot by what I bring to houses these days, but I'm smart enough to not EVEN care! That's part of the reason I started that "Old Ball" thread. I am finding that I have to recirculate a lot of this equipment back into a regular rotation. It is what it is.

Stay hungry my friend, and keep on rolling!