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Author Topic: dukes ball choices  (Read 2710 times)

tfav44

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dukes ball choices
« on: February 28, 2008, 05:19:46 AM »
has anyone else noticed that all of his ball choices are balls prior to the shift series...passion, spitfire, special agent? it seems the guys making the show using anything newer struggle.
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thirtyclean

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Re: dukes ball choices
« Reply #1 on: February 28, 2008, 01:32:21 PM »
Duke was using a Secret Agent also, not the Special. Still using my Secret in league last night. Duke makes all those old Storm Pieces look good.
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Dan Belcher

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Re: dukes ball choices
« Reply #2 on: February 28, 2008, 01:37:11 PM »
In the promo videos Storm put out, Duke seemed really excited about the Rapid Fire, and also the Gravity Shift.  I think that he needed something lower RG and with more surface for the oil pattern they faced on the TV show.  But otherwise, I think he's limited on when he can use anything from the Shift line thanks to its strong cores (remember, PBA patterns tend to be more about control than hook).  That's why you see the Agent and Fire line used so much on tour.

Myrrodin

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Re: dukes ball choices
« Reply #3 on: February 28, 2008, 01:38:02 PM »
quote:
has anyone else noticed that all of his ball choices are balls prior to the shift series...passion, spitfire, special agent? it seems the guys making the show using anything newer struggle.
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tfav44
twisted fury
eraser boost
hot rod super sport pearl
a bad night of bowling is better than a good night at work.
every frame is a opportunity to succeed!
www.virginabeachtraveltips.com



What do you mean by prior to?

If you mean date-wise, the Shift came out prior to the Secret Agent, and two other players on the show were throwing the Rapid Fire, as well as various others in the last couple of weeks.

If you mean equipment lines, the statement is still false.  Pete Weber started with a Gravity Shift at the Pepsi Championship, and Rhino used one later in the show (and then immediately struck out).  

Remember, these guys are pros and don't always want to use the most aggressive ball possible.  Therefore, they tend to default to more controlled cores like the EMC (think Agents) and Inverted Twin-V (think Spit Fire).  Plus, the Shift line really seems to be hit or miss for a lot of people, and they are drill dependent.  I love mine, it is my favorite ball of all time, but a lot of people punch one up and it doesn't fit there game.  It just depends.  A couple of guys on tour like to use Shifts if you pay attention.  Pete Weber throws it occasionally (think U.S. Open last year) and Scroggins used to throw them when he threw other balls besides the Cell.  It just happens to be what matches who.  I know Norm likes the Agents and the Fire line a lot, so you frequently see him throwing those.  He likes using the RAD core as well.  On some of the shows from a couple of seasons back he throws an X-Factor Ace and a Paradigm.  He probably just used the Passion to tweak the reaction he was getting from his Paradigm for a different pattern/surface.  I wouldn't be so quick to write off the high and balls as unsuccessful, nor the newer ones (the Rapid Fire seems to be a BIG favorite on tour right now).

EDIT: Accidentally typed Special Agent instead of Secret *facepalm*

Edited on 2/28/2008 6:05 PM

Bluff

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Re: dukes ball choices
« Reply #4 on: February 28, 2008, 01:42:33 PM »
He can throw a house ball and it would look good.
But then he won't get paid for it lol
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Monster Pike

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Re: dukes ball choices
« Reply #5 on: February 28, 2008, 01:57:13 PM »
Myrrodin, you're right, Weber did throw a Shift at the open last yr. & nearly bowled a 300 w/it.  Just ask Jeff Carter, LOL.  The very next game, title game, he went to the Agent.  The Shift is also a pearl/particle & under the tv lights might be more condition specific.  I also have 2 Shifts, 1st was a 16#, & they are my favorite also.  I also have the Attitude & Gravity now.
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abrown

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Re: dukes ball choices
« Reply #6 on: February 28, 2008, 02:56:21 PM »
the special agent came out late 06 the shift was released in early 07

Gazoo

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Re: dukes ball choices
« Reply #7 on: February 28, 2008, 06:27:55 PM »
The Agent seems to be old reliable out there. I would think you would see a few more Sure Fires out there for the control it offers. I believe Rhino is the only one I have seen with it on a show.

Jmiller88

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Re: dukes ball choices
« Reply #8 on: February 28, 2008, 06:41:25 PM »
look at the line duke was playing with the pieces. the passion and secret are great balls for that line. also, just because it is old doesnt mean that is not reliable. a few people i know on the tour still love the "older" balls (paradigm, agent, fired up). also, not every guy out their needs the new stuff to score.
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evets1

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Re: dukes ball choices
« Reply #9 on: February 28, 2008, 11:58:36 PM »
I live in Indianapolis and spent the week at the Denny's World Championship. The bowlers that did well on that lane condition were bowlers that could play a very controlled shot. A big hook through the middle of the lane just didn't work. Those that chose to play a big hook were often rewarded with a washout. The style Norm Duke plays was perfect for this tournament. He didn't need a lot of ball...just something he could get to the pocket.