How do I find the right ball?

[Alleycat4]

With so many different balls out there, how do I choose the best type for me?  I've heard of a few different cores and want to make the best choice.  I've tried different weights in house balls and seem to do best with a 9 pound; anything else is really to heavy for my wrist and shoulder, even with braces.  Any tips?

[Buddy Christ]

At 9 pounds, you're really not going to find too much of a difference in bowling balls. A bowling ball that properly fits will feel much lighter than it really is as well, so you really can't justify the weight you can use according to house equipment.

[JohnP]

Limiting to 9 lb equipment, select an entry level solid reactive resin ball.  Ebonite Tornado, Brunswick Power Groove, Columbia Scout, etc.  They're all about the same in that weight, so pick one you like the looks of.  --  JohnP

[dizzyfugu]

If you just tried house balls, chances are high that the balls do not fit well, so that you can only hold/handle 9 lbs.. Many new players fall into this pit - the ball does not fit, they take a lighter ball, its holes are even smaller/worse, and it end with an ugly light ball compromise. A good fit is vital for success (and fun!). With a properly drilled ball, I am sure you could add some weight.

Besides, if you wnat to start playing fingertip, JohnP's suggestion is good: check out entry level balls from the big manufacturers, e. g. Power Grooves, Tropical Storms, Tornados and the like. At that low weight and as a beginner, you do not need much more.

Have a pro shop measure your hand and ask for weight assistance, it could be that you can easily handle 11 or 12 lbs. if the ball just fits properly! And then better worry about a good execution of the shot than total hook on the lane. The latter comes automatically with the first, and then you might consider a more sophisticated (and probably even heavier) ball model.

Good luck!
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DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany

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[Alleycat4]

Thanks everyone!  What each one of you replied makes a good deal of sense to me.  I recall my mom using a 12# with ease she wasn't much bigger than me and had a 185 average when she bowled regularly.

[bowlerdawg]

with a proper fitted ball you should have no problems using a heavier ball

i wouldn't spend alot of money on one right out of the gate, and i would probably say get a 10 lb. ball for now, just to test the theory

you should be able to get an entry level ball drilled for you w/ inserts for 90-120

good luck and let us know how it works out
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I'm your huckleberry

If you want a reactive cover you'll need to go up to 10 lbs. That's where the Tornadoes, Power Grooves, and Scouts start in weight.  Between 10 and 12 lbs. you'll get a high RG core (a puck, or cylinders type) with a reactive cover.

Starting at 12 lbs. you will begin to see performance cores. Starting price for these varies from one manufacturer to another. Good luck.


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Lane Carter, Strike Zone Pro Shops - Salt Lake City, Utah
Brunswick Pro Shop Staff

www.brunswickbowling.com

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