Post by: wbltim on March 06, 2011, 09:44:19 PM
My son is 12 and has now expressed some interest in becoming more serious about bowling (it's about time!)
I am looking for a good 11 - 12 lb. ball for him to start with and get drilled out the right way. I know that for most of the manufacturers the weight blocks are different in the entry level balls. Not that he need anything real aggressive or anything, but I was at least looking for something that will hit and have a decent chance to carry.
Any suggestions come to mind?
299 - Roto SD-73 Classic
299 - Elite Black Label
298 - Roto SD-73
297 - Brunswick C 3.5
290 - Roto Rogue Cell
Post by: completebowler on March 07, 2011, 06:11:47 AM
ALL STAR BOWLING & TROPHY
LANGAN'S ALL STAR LANES
IBPSIA MEMBER
WALLED LAKE MI
LANGAN'S ALL STAR LANES
IBPSIA MEMBER
WALLED LAKE MI
Post by: brunswickcomplete on March 07, 2011, 06:50:18 AM
Brunswick slingshot or karma
Post by: Zanatos1914 on March 07, 2011, 07:08:05 AM
Storm Invasion
The reason I suggest this ball is because its versatile
This ball will be able to get through the heads of the lanes without problem and it will respond on the backend..
I would suggest getting it drilled long and set to arc...
Change the surface to 2000 and polish the ball...
2 Fingers 4 Life
I Am The 3 Fingers Nightmare
Post by: vkowalski1970 on March 07, 2011, 07:32:28 AM
Hammer Vibe series or Storm Tropical Heat Series
My Current Arsenal:
715T................... 65x4.4x30 1000AB
505T................... 65x4.5x30 2000AB
Bank Pearl...........60x5x40 1500 polished
Dark Star.............70x3.5x40 1500 polished
Red Backlash.......80x3x40 2000 polished
Post by: on March 07, 2011, 07:45:46 AM
I'd recommend a 12 lb. Slingshot. We've done several 12 lb. Anacondas with great results. They are a bit more forgiving than the entry level stuff.
Lane Carter, Strike Zone Pro Shops - Salt Lake City, Utah
Brunswick Pro Shop Staff
www.brunswickbowling.com
The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation.
Post by: azguy on March 07, 2011, 08:02:56 AM
The most I've done in that area has been:
1. Freeze
2. Hard Ball
3. Tropicals
You know how he does and what he expects but if I were to suggest it'd be from that list.
JMO
If you don't want my opinion, don't ask. If you don't like my opinion, ignore my posts. Have A Nice Day .
Post by: qstick777 on March 07, 2011, 08:11:49 AM
Any of the entry to mid level balls should be good - Hype, Missing Link, Freeze, Slingshot, Avalanche, Long Shot/Favorite, Tropical Storms, Hard/Curve Ball, Vibe, Backlash, etc
I'm pretty sure 12lb is as light as you are going to find and still get any sort of dynamic core.
Today's Striking Value at Bowlingball.com is a 10 or 12lb Lane#1 XXXL Starburst for $50 shipped - only thing is that has a polyester coverstock.
Post by: wbltim on March 07, 2011, 03:43:27 PM
Thanks, guys! Keep the suggestions coming.
Might be zeroing on the Freeze.
299 - Roto SD-73 Classic
299 - Elite Black Label
298 - Roto SD-73
297 - Brunswick C 3.5
290 - Roto Rogue Cell
Post by: Wilbert on March 07, 2011, 04:02:14 PM
I know Brunswick tries to keep real cores in the 12lb and up ball. If you go 11lb, a lot of the balls are just pancake cores. 11lb in a high end ball will get you the coverstock, but may not get the core. I agree with the other poster that a Slingshot may be good starter. It is relatively inexpensive. If your son keeps up with the game, he will be going up in weight quickly and will need more equipment ($). I am not sure what the other ball companies do. Some balls in 12lb have cores and some do not. You have to check on a case by case basis.
Edited by Wilbert on 3/7/2011 at 5:05 PM
Post by: milorafferty on March 07, 2011, 04:14:18 PM
If he is really wanting to become serious, look at the Ebonite Tornado. It only has the pancake core, but is a ball that can be hooked as it has a decent cover. It won't cost a lot and he will have to actually learn to put some rotation on the ball instead of letting the core do most of the work. At 12, he is going to grow out of the ball pretty fast, so when you buy the next ball, then step up to something with a more dynamic core.
Post by: DanH78 on March 07, 2011, 08:17:55 PM
Honestly, at age 12, the ball you get him will probably only last him a year. He's going to grow and be too strong for that 11-12 lb very quick.
I coach Saturday mornings and I've taken several kids down to the pro shop for their first ball. Most popular are usually the balls like the Power Groove or Tornado. The Tropicals are also popular.
I think the most important part is getting him a ball that is his, drilled for him. Just having his own ball instead of a house ball will make a HUGE difference for him.
#10
Post by: bigz on March 07, 2011, 09:55:22 PM
for most kids,the proshops go to 10% of body weight.you might want to go to a 13-14lb ball so he has something he can use for a few yrs.if it's drilled correctly,he wouldn't notice the heavier ball.
BIGZ-
BIG ON THE LANEZ!
GO STEELERS!!
Post by: dizzyfugu on March 08, 2011, 05:11:35 AM
A voice of reason. If this is the first "performance" ball, I'd also suggest either a low level entry piece like a Sligshuo, Tornado or a Trop. Storm, or a used and plugged mid-level piece with a simple, symmetrical core. With some training and still growing, 11 or 12 lbs. will quickly become too light, and if this is to test whether bowling is a long-term occupation, I'd rather wait for the next ball with a more potent and probably heavier piece.
Getting the basics right is much more important than a high end recative, esp. in the hands of a beginner. Only thing to watch out for is to coach the kid and have a keen eye on the player potential - many kids I know from my club's youth program also start with entry level balls, but quickly "grow out of them" - they start ripping the cover off of the ball and develop doubtful release habits, overpowering the ball. My advice: start small, but be prepared to take the next equipment step quickly!
DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany
Confused by bowling? Check out BR.com's vault of wisdom: the unofficial FAQ section
Confused by bowling? Check out BR.com's vault of wisdom: the unofficial FAQ section
Post by: prmtme on March 20, 2011, 12:33:07 PM
I am also looking for a ball that my 8 year old can use when she bowls on more oil. She has a slingshot right now and that works great for her when she is bowling in lge., she has been bowling between 360 and low 400's for the last couple of months in lge since she has gotten use to this ball and feeling more comfortable taking 4 steps and keeping balanced. She likes to hook it but does move around and tries to go straighter when she needs to but it is tough for an 8 year old to hook it when their is a lot of oil even if she has moved. She is throwing 10lbs and her speed is around 9 to 10 mph. What would be a good next step up in ball that will give her a little extra movement?
Post by: bartzini on March 20, 2011, 01:18:48 PM
I have plugged and drilled a 12# Fury and Toxic for my 11 yr old son. He came in 5th in the JBT about six months ago. Point being that you can get a good used ball and have it fitted by your proshop for less than a new one. The reaction and carry is great. He's about ready to go to a13 lber.
Bart
Post by: JohnP on March 20, 2011, 01:25:50 PM
10 lb balls have only a small pancake, so look only at the coverstock. I'd suggest a Tropical Storm and if it doesn't break as much as she wants sand it. Or you could keep the Tropical at oob and sand the Slingshot. -- JohnP