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Author Topic: Buying a Ball  (Read 1410 times)

bjpap84

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Buying a Ball
« on: June 28, 2008, 09:57:54 AM »
I am fairly new to bowling and am looking to buy my first ball and shoes and wanted to know the best routes of finding the right one for me.  Any tips would be much appreciated

 

Juggernaut

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Re: Buying a Ball
« Reply #1 on: June 28, 2008, 06:18:17 PM »
A lot depends on what your goals are and how serious you're going to get about it.

  Being a newbie, I wouldn't spend a ton of cash on a really high performance ball.  It would be like trying to give a drivers training course in an F-1 Formula race car.

  I also, unless you have NO ambition to achieve higher skill levels, recommend a plastic/polyester ball.  They are cheaper, but have very limited capabilities.

  Not really touting one brand over another, but Brunswick has the Avalanche line of balls out right now that are affordable, reactive resin, and not bad looking either.

  Nearly all companies have a "beginner" lineup of balls.

  As far as shoes, that also is depending on the level you are trying to get to or compete at.  Just looked at the book the other day and Dexter sure seems to have quite a few models out right now.  I WOULD recommend buying a pair that are made specifically for the hand that you will be throwing the ball with.  These will have special soles made to help power your approach and also give you the slide you need.

  www.Buddiesproshop.com often has some good specials or deals on shoes. You might check them out if you are buying online.

 Good luck
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Edited on 6/28/2008 6:19 PM
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shelley

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Re: Buying a Ball
« Reply #2 on: June 28, 2008, 08:41:03 PM »
If you really are new I would strongly suggest going local.  Many shops have packages with a ball, bag, and shoes together.  As Juggernaut said, you don't have to spend $200+ on a high-end ball, an entry-level or mid-priced reactive will more than suffice.  The Tropical Storms, Roto-Grip planets, and Power Grooves are excellent beginner pieces.  You won't save much, if any, by buying online as opposed to a higher-end ball.

SH

Spider Ball Bowler

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Re: Buying a Ball
« Reply #3 on: June 28, 2008, 08:54:47 PM »
I agree with the poster above.  If you're just starting out, or even if you've been bowling for a while, but using house equipment, I would suggest going to the local pro shop and looking at the beginning line equipment of any company.

The Tropical Storm by Storm is a good piece to look at.  I am a "higher level, house bowler" and found this to be my go to ball for one season and all my tournaments.

The Pluto from Roto Grip is another great piece.  I find it hard to believe they can sell this ball for as cheap as it is, when it performs just as good if not better than a lot of the higher end stuff.

If you have your heart set on a higher end piece (which I nor anyone on here would suggest), I would suggest looking on here, or eBay for something used, as you can find equipment, that is pretty much brand new for fairly cheap.

As far as shoes goes, look online.  Find a close out, much cheaper, and being a beginner, staying cheap is the way to go.  Plus it's just embarrassing when someone with no clue walks in with a $250 bowling ball and $200 shoes

To get set up, you're going to be looking at about $150-$200 for a good started ball and a decent pair of shoes.  

Just an FYI, you can also look at your local Sports Authority, Dunahms, Dick's or whatever you have and find some shoes.  For years, I spent $15 a year on Brunswick Kmart specials.  They would last one year before falling apart.  I then switched to a Pair of Dexters that were red, white and blue that I got from Sports Authority, they lasted from the age of 19 until I decided to replace them for no good reason, other than I wanted a pair of left handed shoes.  My first pair of "high end shoes" fell apart after 3/4 of a season, bowling two times a week.

Good luck
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