win a ball from Bowling.com

Author Topic: Is a plastic ball really necessary for spares?  (Read 4526 times)

FBM357

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1398
Is a plastic ball really necessary for spares?
« on: September 22, 2004, 07:22:37 AM »
It appears a very large percentage of bowlers use plastic balls for spares.  How many of you can actually use your 'main' ball as a spare ball by simply altering the position of your wrist?  Why not do it more often? (other than added wear and tear on the your main ball)

I've always used my first ball for spares as well.  Lately I've been thinking about using plastic, but fear the habit of using my first ball would cause errant shots with the plastic.  Big adjustment?  What are you thoughts?

Vernon
--------------------
Caring people make a difference!!!  All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing

 

Zman

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 444
Re: Is a plastic ball really necessary for spares?
« Reply #31 on: September 27, 2004, 07:44:06 AM »
quote:
quote:
Would a polished urethane ball do?  like a pearl hammer for instance  Would it yield the same results (actually similar) as a plastic?
--------------------


It may; it all depends, in my personal opinion, on how you throw it AND on how fast you throw it. If you already have one such on hand, then I'd suggest that you experiment with it to see how well it works for you. If you do not have one, then I would not suggest getting one just to try it.

Vernon,

If you recall from when we practiced together, that although I throw my Blue Dot similarly to my strike ball, I do tend to take a lot of fingers out of it. Recently I have gone back and forth from a flat release to one similar to my strike release but, as I described above, with a lot less fingers/hand. I used to throw the Blue DOt VERY flat. Recently my spare percentage has suffered, so I am contemplating going back to a flat release. Life changes.
--------------------
"We get old too fast, and too late, smart."



Intersting comments. I actually come really straight up the back of my plastic spare ball, it tracks over he middle finger slightly.
Plus my spare ball is negative weighted. I don't want it to hook at all if it can be helped.
It's nice going to any tournament that allows limited practice shots and not having to use up shots practicing a 10 pin becasue ytou know exactly what lane reaction you will get shooting a 10.

That plus the less wear and tear on high tech equipment makes it worth it to have the plastic.
If your driller is good and you use inserts and a thumb slug your plastic should feel just like your high tech equipment on your hand.  


--------------------
I'll stone no head pins before their time.
Sr. K will. He gets tapped like that all the time.

Ishmael

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 854
Re: Is a plastic ball really necessary for spares?
« Reply #32 on: September 27, 2004, 09:24:08 AM »
A plastic ball maximizes your margin for error on spares.  If you make a perfect shot, it doesn't matter what kind of ball you use.  However,  when you make minor release errors, they will be magnified by stronger balls.  The plastic ball will likely still go relatively straight and still convert the spare.  Why make life more difficult than it has to be?

LuckyLefty

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 17348
Re: Is a plastic ball really necessary for spares?
« Reply #33 on: September 27, 2004, 09:35:48 AM »
Anyone see my question?

What is difference between house balls and a polished white dot?

Are both plastic?

I'm really liking house balls on synthetics right now for spares.

REgards,

Luckylefty
It takes Courage to have Faith, and Faith to have Courage.

James M. McCurley, New Orleans, Louisiana

TheBowlingKid25

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6133
Re: Is a plastic ball really necessary for spares?
« Reply #34 on: September 27, 2004, 09:58:47 AM »
House balls are just plastic.
--------------------
16 years and still going strong! 16 years old that is! The names Warrior Princess, Xena..Warrior Princess
And why would I "saw" pins in half, THATS A WASTE OF PINS!

CPA

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1205
Re: Is a plastic ball really necessary for spares?
« Reply #35 on: September 27, 2004, 04:15:19 PM »
I throw a plastic ball at all spares except double wood.  I started this about three seasons ago when I began a sport league.  This way I never need to worry about how much the ball will or will not hook.  Also this applies to tournaments I go to.

debs130

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 790
Re: Is a plastic ball really necessary for spares?
« Reply #36 on: September 27, 2004, 04:33:48 PM »
I recently began using plastic at virtually all spares, except double wood.  I previously used it only for the 3-10, 6, and 10 pin.  I'm still having trouble with anything left of the head pin (I'm a rightie).  Seems I still can't throw it perfectly straight.  Any tips for coming up the back of the ball?  I know it sounds easy enough, but I'm still turning it ever so slightly and shying away from left-side spares (missing them to the right).  I think my teammates want to kill me every time I miss an easy spare, but I don't want to give up.

Debbie
RIP Thong Princess and Sawbones

LuckyLefty

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 17348
Re: Is a plastic ball really necessary for spares?
« Reply #37 on: September 27, 2004, 06:20:39 PM »
I looked at AMF's website and see they are solid polyester(plastic) the balls I was talking about!

I think I like them better than pearly plastic on hard lane surfaces!

I think I'll get one!

REgards,

Luckylefty
It takes Courage to have Faith, and Faith to have Courage.

James M. McCurley, New Orleans, Louisiana

LuvThatWhiteDot

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3025
Re: Is a plastic ball really necessary for spares?
« Reply #38 on: September 27, 2004, 09:49:19 PM »
I throw my White Dot at all spares except double wood and clusters.  I throw my strike ball at the 3-6-9-10 (my LEAST favorite leave) so I make sure I cover the 9 pin.

White Dots STILL rule!

--------------------
White Dot
It's not the arrow, it's the Indian.
http://bowlingfans.com/league