Author Topic: When to replace bowling balls? (Read 3722 times)

newbie79 · « **on:** April 20, 2015, 10:21:38 AM »

Hi,

I've been using my 14+ pound bowling balls for probably six years now. Each week bowled about 5-10 games average.
Lane#1 Chainsaw Massacre
Lane#1 The Liberator (dry lane and also to pick up spares)

I am 55-year old bowling in senior league every week with low rev, normal speed and small hook. Average is 168.

I do send the ball to the pro shop for 'servicing' after about 50-80 games and re-surface.

1. I am just wondering what do I watched out in ball reaction that tells me that I need to get new bowling balls.
2. If I am to get replacement set of balls, any recommendation similar to the above two?

Thank you.

billdozer · « **Reply #1 on:** April 20, 2015, 11:30:41 AM »

The manufacturers say resurfaces are pretty much ineffective after 120 games as u get very few games out of them. I wait til I'm just not happy with it to be honest. I have stuff from 2010 that I still use because it still works! If its not operator error the worst thing you do is try something new...

tuckinfenpin · « **Reply #2 on:** April 20, 2015, 01:41:34 PM »

I agree with billdozer, if the ball is performing well- use it, no matter the age.

What you may look for is how the ball goes through the pins. There is even some debate on that now with the modern equipment and rev rates. Either way, you will want to see a continued motion through the pins, with little deflection on the ball.

Ball recommendations, solid symmetric mid level performance with a controlled hook. Pick your poison from there. Maybe take a suggestion from the pro shop operator that will watch you throw a few. You wont need a top shelf ball with a lot of hook, or huge backend, IMO.

Steven · « **Reply #3 on:** April 20, 2015, 02:14:49 PM »

Quote from: billdozer on April 20, 2015, 11:30:41 AM

The manufacturers say resurfaces are pretty much ineffective after 120 games as u get very few games out of them. I wait til I'm just not happy with it to be honest. I have stuff from 2010 that I still use because it still works! If its not operator error the worst thing you do is try something new...

Interesting. I'd like to see where the above bolded is documented.

From my experience, there are too many variables to give an absolute as to when resurfaces are no longer effective. I have balls with hundreds of games where reaction is still maintained through occasional resurfaces, and others that lost their magic after less than 100 games, regardless of what I did to keep them alive.

With experience, you'll know when a ball has lost significant hook potential. I wish there was a an absolute formula that provides the answer.

Metal_rules · « **Reply #4 on:** April 21, 2015, 06:57:46 AM »

I guess it depends on just how good of a ball reaction I am getting. As long as the cover is in good condition, and the balls reaction is good, keep it. I have one ball that is over 2 years of age that I still use. Normally I try to sell what I have every 6 months to a year, and buy new. Wining a few pots pays for the ball, then selling it at a low cost to get a new piece, IMO is a win-win.

Author Topic: When to replace bowling balls? (Read 3722 times)

newbie79

When to replace bowling balls?

billdozer

Re: When to replace bowling balls?

tuckinfenpin

Re: When to replace bowling balls?

Steven

Re: When to replace bowling balls?

Metal_rules

Re: When to replace bowling balls?