Help!! New ball for beginner bowler???

[jinxednokla]

I just started bowling in a league last year with my father & brother.  They both are very good bowlers (200+ average) at least to me.  I started off league with a 60 average (awesome handicap though) and started off this league with a 93 average.  When I started I just used an old ball that use to be my step mothers, it had alot of wear on it.  Up until this year, my father just had me learning the basics.  He thinks I am ready now for a new ball and to start learning how to throw a fingertip.  I don't know the terminology so forgive me...He said I have a good lift or fall or something to do with making it hook (or curve if you use the wrong terminology like me). 

Basically I need to know what type of ball would be good for beginner fingertip bowlers.  The lanes tend to be medium oil that we bowl on.  I will only have one ball so I need one that generally works well.  I've looked at the Brunswick Python as a possibility but thought that the advanced bowlers could point me in the right direction.

Thanks for any help or advice. 

[JohnP]

The new Ebonite Cyclone looks like it should be a great beginner ball.  I haven't actually seen one of them in action yet, but the combination of coverstock, core, and price point looks great.  Another ball that's been around for a while and has been a good performer is the Columbia Freeze, at about the same price point.  --  JohnP

[dmonroe814]

JohnP gave some good advice on the ball.  The Eboinite Cyclone and Columbia Freeze balls are both considered entry level balls.  That does not mean that they are only for the beginner.  What it means is that the balls will hook when thrown correctly, but they will not over react on dryer lanes.  They are more versatile than the high performance/high priced balls.  You should not consider a high performance ball until you are averaging over 190 and really know your game.  Also stay away from the polyester/plastice balls.  They may be pretty, but they do not hook or knock down pins very well.  Most of the better bowlers will use a plastic balls for spares, because the go straighter.

[Brunswick_fan_BrandonH]

If you are looking for a new ball in the Brunswick line, I would suggest a Slingshot (http://www.bowlwithbrunswick.com/balls/entry-level-performance/) which comes in 5 different colors.  The Python might be a little too strong for your first fingertip drilled ball.  I would suggest working with a Pro Shop to ensure that you get a good fit for the fingertip drilling.  Good luck with the new grip and the rest of the season.

Brunswick Advisory Staff

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation

[kidlost2000]

From Brunswick the Python would be a good ball. The Slingshot or either Karma(s) would also work great. With any other manufacture I would stay with their entry level series or just above it. Besides the ball just practice and work on spares,spares,spares. It will make all of the difference.

 

 

"1 of 1." 

[ecc0_9879]

Motiv qz2 is great it hooks and hits hard. It is very forgiving also

http://s572.photobucket.com/albums/ss169/ecco_9879/

[dizzyfugu]

My vote would also go to the Karmas, and Storm's Tropical Storm is also a good beginner option.

As a side note: when switching to fingertip balls with a ball that fits your hand well, it might happen that the 1st fingertip ball might become too light with more practice. So, maybe ask your local pro shop for a used/plugged ball as a cheap starting option, and save some bucks for the next step. With more prcatice and a more defined release (including a PAP on which a more sophisticated setup can be built), the Python or something similar would be a second step.

 

Be patient!

DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany
2010/11 Benrather BC Club Champion
Confused by bowling? Check out BR.com's vault of wisdom: the unofficial FAQ section

[Brandon Riley]

I personally would recommend the Blue Karma.  It is not very expensive, rolls really true and seems to give me some forgiveness on marginal shots.

As stated before, ask your pro shop guy to watch you bowl, measure your hand and see how your ball rolls so that he can pick the optimal place to put the holes in your ball.

Brandon Riley

Brunswick Advisory Staff

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation.

[tommyboy74]

I would give a vote for the Rising Star or Storm Tropical Breeze.  Both are good balls to work with and can be versatile depending on the layout.  I would not go much stronger at this point than that, and definitely don't go into a high end asymmetrical at this point until your game develops a little further.  Other than those 2 suggestions, every brand has good equipment at a decent price.  Best advice- work with a pro shop and have them watch how you throw the ball.  From there, they can make sure you have a great fit and a ball that works best for you.  Good luck

My arsenal

Heavy Oil: Storm Virtual Gravity Nano: 2000 AB
Medium-Heavy Oil: Storm Anarchy: 1500 polished
Medium Oil: Roto Grip Nomad Dagger: 1500 polished

Medium-Light Oil: Roto Grip Rising Star: 1500 polished

[bigz]

you should get a natural pearl or a blue hammer..won't overreact and still score well.

BIGZ-
BIG ON THE LANEZ!

GO STEELERS!!