I've started bowling for the first time lately and really enjoy it.  I'm a 6'3" athletic older guy, throw with more power than finesse and with a slight natural hook, and am a bit aggressive in my approach and delivery.  I get excited: what can I say?  This is my first custom ball and am looking at a reactive resin design so that I can work on developing a nice, predictable hook.  My son is buying it for me (birthday), so it needs to be very reasonable in price.  There's tons of stuff out there, so a little advice would be much appreciated.  Thanks.
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Dr.Ottomatic

Well, since you are new and undoubtedly still have a lot as far as your style to develop, (if you really get into bowling I would strongly recommend getting a little coaching) I would go for a medium strength ball with a moderate strength cover until you know what will work for you.  I would suggest either a Spit/Sure Fire, T-Road Solid, or Thunderstruck Solid, depending on how aggressive you want your ball to be. (T-Road should be strongest, then Sure Fire, and finally the Thunderstruck, but surface adjustments would make the Sure Fire slightly stronger)  Unfortunately, the Sure Fire is not out yet, so you will have to wait for that.  I, personally, would recommend the Thunderstruck Solid. (not to be confused with the T-Road Solid)

However, I would note that finding a good driller is just as important as selecting the right ball.  You don't want a layout that is overly aggressive or too tame, as it may cause the ball not to react as desired.  Ask around and see if you can find a good driller, and make sure to explain the reaction you are looking for and your circumstances (i.e. style and that you're a new bowler) to get the best results.  If possible, see if they can even watch you a few games to get a more accurate read on how you bowl.

Good luck, I hope this helped.

Edited on 8/15/2007 3:45 PM

Raw Hammer Anger is a really nice piece...especially if you have a tendancy to chuck it a bit...also handles a medium to oily shot very well.  Overall a very good medium priced piece in my humble opinion.

Other items that I have seen very good success with are the Tropical Storm's from Storm...very good for beginners, but in my opinion speed sensitive.  If you are already throwing hard...I think you would overpower the ball.  T-Road Solid or Thunderstruck Pearl would be better purchases, or even the Spit Fire would also be good.

Just my .02
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Phil Jensen
"Fools are put in many high positions, while the rich occupy the low ones."

Coincidentally, I was just looking at the Tropical Storm on-line.  What about ball weight?  I hear much conflicting advice on the matter.  My preference seems to be for a little more weight than less. Bowling center balls always fit me horribly and heavier balls cause lots of hand discomfort, so I can't tell for sure where I should be with ball weight.  Heavier balls certainly seem to carry pins much better for me than lighter ones.
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Dr.Ottomatic

You can generally go up in weight when you move from ill-fitting house balls to properly-fit personal balls.

If you're 6'3" and in good shape, I wouldn't go with anything less than 14#.  Even into your 60s or maybe 70s you should have no problems with 14#.  I'd start with 15# if you're in your 40s or 50s since you say you're strong enough to hurl it pretty quick and still get some hook out of it.

Once you drop down to 13#, not all equipment is available with a strong dynamic core.  Some balls simply aren't available in weights below 14#, though all entry-level balls like the Tropical Storms are.  If you choose to get into the used market, there's very little available in 13# or lower, the vast majority of equipment is 15#.

SH

This is where the coaching would come in. I would say that a lot of it is determined by the angle that the ball enters the pocket. With some coaching you would get a little more consistent and be able to fine tune your reacaction of the ball. Good Luck.
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Thanks for your posts, everyone.  All of the information has been quite helpful ... and interesting, too; and, I appreciate you devoting time to respond to this pretty basic topic. Thanks, again.
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Dr.Ottomatic