1st ball purchase

[CJBMonkey]

Hi there,
I'm a newbie, and I'd like some advice on getting my own ball.  
I've got some shoes that I purchased at the local pro shop, however the pro is in name only, with non-bowling staff.
I feel very self-conscious, because I don't know what any of those terms are in the other posts about PAP and all of that stuff.
I just am wondering about purchasing a ball that can grow with me from my very new stage (relatively consistent straight bowler, no hook, I don't know what "backend" means, so I don't know if I have it, and sometimes I can get the ball to rotate backwards as its rolling forward towards the pins) to the next level, where I can learn to hook the ball.
From what I understand, there are different cores and different coatings (is this what coverstock is?).  We bowl at two different AMF lanes, one has very little oil, and one is so oily that the house balls shimmy sideways at the slightest encouragement.  
I have seen balls online called spare balls, for straight bowling (I think) that would be good for me with how I play NOW.  I would like to learn to bowl with a hook, however, because that is how you get the strikes!(right?)
So, can I buy a ball that will let me learn how to bowl with a hook that will still roll straight with the way that I bowl now?
That was the longest question, I am sorry, but I sure appreciate any help you can offer!

[mrbowlingnut]

Pick a cheap AMF ball since it is AMF center that is reactive, no higher than say a nighthawk series ball would be good.

Power groove's and Jolt series would also work, do not waste your money on a high po series even the nighthwak series is pushing it.

[azguy]

I'd suggest you look at the following:

Power Groove
Tornado
Scout/R

Just to name a few. Each company has websites or you can go to your pro shop and I'm sure they have books that will show each ball and what type reaction they have.

JMO
--------------------
az guy aka: R & L Bowlers Pro
rlbowlerspro@cox.net
www.rlbowlerspro.com

[chadw1974]

Buy any entry level ball, something that's $80 or less. From what I've seen of all the entry level balls, they are all pretty close to each other as far as hook potential. DO NOT buy a spare ball if you want to be able to hook a ball. It's made of solid hard plastic & will not get traction on the lane. The resin balls have a coverstock that is tacky & grips the lane like a car tire.

If you want to start hooking the ball, make sure you have a tip grip drilled in the ball.

If you go with a resin ball, it will not roll straight unless you throw the ball extra hard (around 20mph) or put some awkward rotation on the ball.

After you get 1, you'll need to talk to your pro shop guy to help get you pointed in the right direction as far as getting the right rotation on the ball.

I myself just started a year ago & it'll probably take you a month or two to start getting the ball to do what you want it to do. So don't buy 1, get frustrated & quit. It takes time to learn how to get the ball under control.

Good luck & I hope this helps.

[CJBMonkey]

Thanks for all the advice, I really appreciate it!
Also, thanks for the encouragement chadw1974, I will keep what you say in mind.

[Moose Nugget]

CJB,

Congratulations on taking the first step to becoming a better bowler.  You have gone about it correctly so far by purchasing your shoes first and now looking for a ball.  Most of the information you've been given so far is great.  Look for an entry level ball, such as power groove, tropical storm, tornado, or scout reactive.  No ball will hook unless thrown correctly.  

Despite the tacky cover if you throw the ball straight with little or no rotation it will go straight.  A finger tip drilling will help you add rotation and prevent injuries provided it's done correctly and fits your hand properly.  I suggest you seek out a certified coach and spend some money there to learn the proper techniques now to prevent ingraining bad habits.  Money spent on coaching will last forever while your new ball will not.  

Before you purchase your new ball try and find a good pro shop to fit and drill your ball.  Ask around, talk to some high average bowlers and check out those who are recommended for yourself.  Take your investment to the shop you feel most comfortable with.  Enjoy the game for what it is and remember, learning comes from failure, struggles, and then success.  Rarely do we succeed with out paying our dues.

Good luck,
--------------------
Todd
USBC Bronze Level Certified Coach
2008 All Air Force Bowling Team Member
Redline Bowling Services
Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota


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