Good beginner ball?

[bryan1]

Hello, I've recently gotten into bowling about 2 months ago. I've been bowling fairly regularly during that time -- about once a week -- after rarely bowling in my life before that. My average is 130, with a high of 171. I'd like to get more serious, not only with lessons but with equipment. I don't want to use the house balls anymore, but as a beginner I also am not going to immediately invest in an entire ball arsenal right away. My question is: Is there are good "catch-all" nice performance ball I can buy to start with, so I can practice with a good ball, before I get into buying balls for specific oil patterns etc? Thanks for your help!

[Snakster]

I'll concede the point on strike king and cyclone. Could use a strike king myself, truth be told.
 


Edit: that new Blur line from C300 looks promising too. Really like the look of the hybrid aesthetically.

[STORMHOOKER26]

While it would be a mistake to associate a "beginner" ball with low performance, its also a mistake to assume that "higher end" balls are harder to control.  Something like a Storm IQ Tour Pearl is very predictable and controllable.  If you don't mind spending a little more, its a great ball that covers a wide variety of lane conditions.  That being said, as other have noted, there is a ton of great equipment for reasonable prices.  Decide whether you want a pearl or polished ball which usually hooks late and has more backend hook or a solid ball(dull surface) which usually grips the lanes earlier thus providing a more even arching hook.  After you decide that, I would advise you not to overthink it.  Most balls on the market are really really good, especially if your used to throwing a house ball.  Pick one in your favorite color or find one with a cool name or pick a brand to be loyal to.  Have fun with it. 

[Ratt_bowling]

I bought my first ball in January and I too was overwhelmed with choices of ball.  I went to a Demo day and got a little bit of coaching, at least enough to get some advice on buying a dull ball.  It may be that the coach recognized what sort of hook I thought I wanted.  Anyhow, I went in to the pro-shop and he showed me all the dull balls in the shop.  I believe there were 8 different ones to choose from and the pro-shop guy admitted there was no real way to tell me which one to pick.  So I just chose the best looking dull ball they had, Hammer Amp.  It turns out the Hammer Amp is an advanced performance ball, but I can't say the ball has been 'too much' for me.  I'm doing fine with it but it took me about three months of practicing on my own without coaching before I found a release I could do consistently.  I'm probably still all wrong and now I've got some birthday money to go get some lessons. 

My advice then is...don't be too afraid to buy anything.  It worked out fine for me.  Try to get some coaching, they may end up helping you pick your 2nd ball.  I would ask about what oil conditions a ball are intended for and make sure it matches the conditions you will be on.  Some balls are for heavy oil conditions and won't work as intended on a dry bowling lane.  The pro-shop guy should know this.  I saw this first hand tonight when my father-in-law and I went to a new place and he started hooking his spare ball because it was too dry for his other ball. 

[JohnP]

Beginners should start with a symmetric ball, their release usually isn't consistent enough for asymmetrics.  Yes, there are some great buys on the internet, but I'd rather see a beginner use their local pro shop to get a relationship established.  6 - 8 years ago the Cyclone would have been a high midline ball, it has the coverstock used in The One and a strong symmetric core.  He should be able to get one, drilled, at his local pro shop for around $125.  --  JohnP

[STORMHOOKER26]

Agreed, symmetrical balls are considered the most user friendly.  I didnt mention it because almost every entry and mid level ball will be symmetrical and alot of the high performance balls are as well.  Generally the asymmetrical balls will be the most expensive balls in a company's line up.  For your first time, you really should just go to a good proshop and have the driller help you pick out a ball and get you fitted properly.  They will usually work with you on price if your buying the ball and drilling it there.

[EL3MCNEIL]

Is it better to start of with a first ball being lighter? My wife is just starting and we got her a 12lbs ball. Was thinking of moving her up to 14lbs after a while. Does that seem like a good idea or should we stick to what she originally has started throwing?

[jasonbaer33]

Look into the Global 900 Hook line. They have solid, pearl, and hybrid within the line and won't brake the back. Good balls and will cover most house shot conditions.

[Impending Doom]

Look into the Global 900 Hook line. They have solid, pearl, and hybrid within the line and won't break the back. Good balls and will cover most house shoot conditions.

+1. Hook line is awesome.

Also, remember the surface can be changed easily. A hybrid Hook with some surface changes would be perfect.

[amyers2002]

The weight of ball you throw depends on the individual if she can maintain a good speed with the heavier ball I would go heavier if not stick with the 12 lbs. I like the storm tropical breeze and have a friend who just got the new Motiv Ascent Apex and loves it.