I try to watch people throw a ball also it depends on what ball company u prefer. Also what ballreaction u want as well what matches up to u.

I only throw Track because they seem to work the best for my game and because Track has a lot of releases each year, I always have some options. My ball driller is the best in my area, his advice is invaluable to me. Clint, Ex, REV and others on this site and Track's website and their posts are also very helpful to me.

I know that a lot of people match up to a certain company's equipment.  However, I have always felt that it was a bad idea to be married to a certain brand.  All companies have something good to offer, and they are easy to miss if you have tunnel vision.  With that being said, I buy balls based off my proshop's recommendation for my game, or by my own research.  Sometimes I want to try a new coverstock or core.  I have never bought a ball because of B or C because everyone throws different.  What reacts great for one person might not for me.  It can also go the other way.

Don

My purchaes now are much different than before.  I know a lot more about my game and balls.  I know what covers I like and the specs I want with respect to the core.

I go by the research i do online I do watch the show but it doesnt influence me on what I buy I just like to see if they are using something that isnt out yet.  As far as watching others most others in my town make any ball unimpressive plus it is like nothing but brunswick nation up here and all their stuff rolls way to early for me.  So dont pay much attention to what others throw.  I usually end up throwing what everybody else isnt.
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My life... Below average house bowler... Shoot one good score i ready for tour.  Next night I shoot lowest score of life,  Time to quit.  Hey lets shoe up got a dollar on this game!

For myself my answer would be a combination of b. and d. The b. portion would be through the many pro shop operators I've been given a chance to talk to online through this site who I've been able to carry good conversations with about my game and what would work best for my game. The d. portion would be my own research into what I think may be a need for my game through reading the bowling reviews in magazines and also looking at reviews on various websites. Another portion to the d. equation would be my bowling coach, who has helped me by looking at my arsenal and discussing where there were gaps that I had to achieve some special looks on the lanes when I need them.

I definitely enjoy seeing the new equipment thrown on tour but I'm well aware of the fact that every operator throws the ball differently. And within my home house we have a variety of people that throw a variety of companies, but I don't see too many people that throw the ball exactly in the way I do so I don't take that matter into account.

Matt