For Nationals, with a team strategy of "every person for themselves" or "it works on a house shot" how do you decide what to put in your bag?

For Nationals, with a team strategy of "every person for themselves" or "it works on a house shot" how do you decide what to put in your bag?

Those be donor strategies matey.

I'm a donor, you're a donor. Well, maybe not you, but  99% of all bowlers who go there are donors. It's a fact of life.

My current for a Nationals arsenal (could change depending on feedback about the patterns)

Expect the shot to be pretty similar to the last time in Vegas. The stadium has more use now but I'd expect that to be accounted for in the creation of the pattern

In a similar boat with the people I go with, i'm taking the following this year

Spare Ball
Idol (box surface)
Idol Pearl (3000 grit)
Web Tour (500/2000 grit)
Roto Grip Hustle Ink (3000 grit)

And i'll have a 6th ball with me, which will be based on what seems to fit based on what people that have bowled the tournament say (will be limited because I bowl the 23rd and 24th of this month).


My Web tour has a control layout so it's really tumbly to help control the backends if they are really crisp like they were in team event last year. The Idol pairing has been phenomenal for me on everything i've come across with the OG especially great on everything except burnt heads, and the pearl with a tad bit of surface is a great drop down when I need a little more back end punch. Hustle Ink is incase they blow up and get ugly.

For Nationals, with a team strategy of "every person for themselves" or "it works on a house shot" how do you decide what to put in your bag?

A few pints of Jim Beam would be a good start. Odds are, that mentality is going to make the pattern play like a trainwreck as it will get harder as you bowl on it.  You will need strong, smooth reacting equipment until it transitions, then its anybody's guess since the team you are bowling with is a free for all.

If you can break the pattern down properly, it will get house-shot like.  If guys are going to stand left and throw right, looking at the lane sideways like a wall, be ready for a bunch of 450 series.   Judging by your post, you already know this.

Bowl, drink, enjoy @@

Just as most have already said on here, if it's every man for himself you will need a lot of beer to keep your depression at a minimum! It's going to be a TRAINWReCK!

I like surface. Last time I went I took two balls with a lot of surface one at 800 and one at 1000. I then had a medium particle ball at 2000 which really served me well. I also had a medium shiny piece, and a strong pearl.

Please have a strategy to break the lanes down properly otherwise you will just be pissed off! Good luck!

I will decide what pieces to take and have them all pretty shiny.
Once I get there, I wait for a squad to go out and then visit the booth.
Those guys will know what is working and at what surface is popular.
I also do that before minors as well.
Now if I only can find someone to throw it better for me......