Hype and PR being what they are, I always just go with something that fits the gap I'm trying to fill.

 I don't worry so much about solid, pearl, or hybrid as I do the general characteristics of the ball itself.

 If I need a quick response, I go with a quick cover. If I need a slower response, I go with something known to have that characteristic.

 Surface is your friend, and your mileage may vary, but going with ball characteristics instead of just broad brushing certain types of coverstocks has always worked pretty well for me.

Drill 25 or 30 a year and keep the ones that roll good.

Drill 25 or 30 a year and keep the ones that roll good.

😂😂😂

PTP would be more pop down lane

Soul should be a stronger scorpion


When buying I try to hit up deals. Can't go wrong with a known product on sale...

I do a combination of asking and watching.  I'll ask here and good bowlers in my area that drill a lot of stuff and describe what I'm looking for.  Second, I'll watch the good local bowlers and You tube videos looking for similar styles and hopefully intended lane conditions.  It's far from perfect, but at least I can weed out some choices and narrow it down to a few good candidates.

I am the same way.  Regarding the Power Torq Pearl; I asked Osku if he received his yet  because it was only a week before the release date and he usually does reaction videos and he said he had not gotten his yet which surprised me.  I feel like between the Zen Soul and PTP that I really cant go wrong with either one though.  Both will be stronger than the Scorpion with more pop on the backend.  But now I also see the Wolverine Dark Moss getting ready to release.  So we will shall see.

Hi Fellow Bowlers - This is a great subject!  Good ideas and easy reading.  I bowl at four centers, all synthetic, with differing oil patterns and lane Topographies.   Makes for an interesting game plan preparation.  I enjoy the analysis! Background - I am 81 years young and love my bowling.  Average in the low 190's.   In my pursuit to become a Gold Level Coach, I volunteered to work at a high end pro shop.  I worked with and mixed with many PBA players.  I learned to drill my own equipment, 70 plus balls.  I became a specialist in the Dual Angle Drilling Concept.  I really like the DA concept. Now I purchase a ball take it home, in the box, layout the DA and take the ball back to my Pro Shop guy and have him drill the ball to my specified DA layout.  A great arrangement for me.   Back to your question - I watch my teammates and competitors at all 4 centers and tournaments.  If I see the high end players using a ball, I place it in my study brain.  I read all of the Ball Reviews articles and Bowling This Month. I review the Cover Stock, Core, RG, Differential, and Intermediate Differential data.  I am particularly interested in the RG value. Low, medium, high RG tells me a story on arsenal fit.  I was fortunate to attend a World International Coaching Conference in Arlington, Texas.  Chris Barnes made a presentation on RG!  WOW!  BTM provides a meaningful review.  BR is a big contributor, I enjoy other bowlers discussions.  It is surprising, out side of you guys, how many bowlers do not have a clue!  But you need your own plan!  Strikes and Spares - Gold Coach ABE Denny O'Neill