Post by: cjanecky on November 20, 2004, 05:20:04 AM
The alley I bowl at just put in synthetic lanes but I have no idea if they are considered dry, medium or oily. I throw a pretty straight ball because my wrist just doesn't work quite right to give me the action necessary to throw a strong hook. As such, my ball ends up going fairly straight. I'm currently averaging a score of about 145 though I do occasionally get games in the 190's. I probably should move up to a 15 lb ball this time around. I'm looking to spend about $75.
I was hoping to find some sort of "Guide to buying a bowling ball" but I couldn't find anything. Any suggestions? The alley I am at doesn't have a pro shop so that's no help. I bowl in a beginner league so my fellow bowlers are no help either.
Thanks in advance.
Corey
Post by: TheBowlingKid25 on November 20, 2004, 02:22:06 PM
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16 years and still going strong! 16 years old that is!
The names Warrior Princess, Xena..Warrior PrincessAnd why would I "saw" pins in half, THATS A WASTE OF PINS!
Post by: seadrive on November 20, 2004, 02:26:56 PM
If you go the a la carte route, you can buy a Power Groove from Buddies Pro Shop (www.buddiesproshop.com) for around $50, plus $10-15 shipping. Now you have to get it drilled, which (depending on your location) should cost you somewhere around $30. Could be more if the driller actively discourages people from bringing in balls bought elsewhere.
So, I think the least you will get away with is $90-100. If you're not willing to spend that much, then just stay with what you've got.
BTW, on balls in that price range, you really won't save much, if any, by buying online. My advice to you is to talk to some of the better bowlers where you bowl, find out who drills their stuff, and go there.
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seadrive
Cogito ergo bowl
Post by: cjanecky on November 22, 2004, 06:31:23 AM
I also notice that people who through strong curve balls tend to cup the ball such that when they throw/release it, the ball already has some side spin on it. Since my wrist does not bend that way, I can't "cup" the ball so my release does not automatically cause a lot of side spin.
-Corey
Quote
Yea, the reason your not hooking the ball much is because the cover is made of plastic. That is MADE to go straight, and thats what most people use for spare balls. As for getting a new ball, power grooves are ok, tornados, reactive scouts. A question for you though, do you have fingertip, or conventional grip? Meaning, when you put your fingers in, they they go deep in to the second knuckle, or the first knuckle?
Post by: cjanecky on November 22, 2004, 06:35:03 AM
-Corey
Quote
If you don't have a pro shop, where are you planning to buy the ball, and who is going to drill it?
Post by: cjanecky on November 22, 2004, 06:49:08 AM
THanks,
Corey
quote:
It will be tough to find a ball for $75, but you should give the powergroove series from brunswick a look.
Got a good reactive cover and a lower end weightblock. Doesn't cost a ton either.
Also, they sell lots of columbia scout reactives ebonite tornados. All these balls are lower end, budget priced balls that are entry level.
Good luck
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Obviously, you don't know JACK!
Post by: TheBowlingKid25 on November 22, 2004, 07:00:41 AM
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16 years and still going strong! 16 years old that is!
The names Warrior Princess, Xena..Warrior PrincessAnd why would I "saw" pins in half, THATS A WASTE OF PINS!
Post by: JPRLane1 on November 22, 2004, 07:02:27 AM
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I should just quit bowling, oh wait I already tried that.
Now that I am back and my Saws are sharp again, I am ready to cut some wood.Edited on 11/22/2004 8:03 AM
Post by: JohnP on November 22, 2004, 09:38:04 AM
Post by: cjanecky on November 23, 2004, 09:46:01 AM
quote:
cjanecky -- What area of the country do you live in? -- JohnP
Richmond, VA
-Corey
Post by: Lane1Redneck on November 23, 2004, 11:59:15 AM
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Bowling is the real X games 
JEFF
Post by: JohnP on November 23, 2004, 01:37:17 PM
Post by: qstick777 on November 28, 2004, 12:15:35 PM
If you have a Bowl America nearby, you might want to check out their on-line store. They usually have some decent deals on closeouts and other balls. I remember seeing a couple of Storm balls for around $80. They offer drilling services for $10 if your local BA has somebody that can drill. Right now they are offering free ground shipping. They ship from Springfield, VA so it shouldn't take long to get to Richmond. http://www.babowlingstore.com/
Not sure what pro shops are in your area, but I know that my pro shop usually has at least one new ball that you can get for under $100 (drilling included). They also have used balls for around $50-$80 (drilling included).
You can also check out eBay and usually get a new ball for around $50 with shipping - of course those balls are usually 1-2 years old so it depends if you mind bowling with an older model. I was able to get a Savage Flip for $51 (shipping included) and it was another $40 for drilling at my pro shop - still, pro shop was selling it for $149. If you have to have new, Buddies seems to have the best deals on current balls and shipping is reasonable.
Also, check out the For Sale forums.
Post by: cjanecky on December 01, 2004, 08:47:20 AM
Corey
Quote
cjanecky-
If you have a Bowl America nearby, you might want to check out their on-line store. They usually have some decent deals on closeouts and other balls. I remember seeing a couple of Storm balls for around $80. They offer drilling services for $10 if your local BA has somebody that can drill. Right now they are offering free ground shipping. They ship from Springfield, VA so it shouldn't take long to get to Richmond. http://www.babowlingstore.com/
Post by: JohnP on December 01, 2004, 10:11:54 AM
Post by: cjanecky on December 01, 2004, 12:53:24 PM
Corey
quote:
cjanecky -- Check with some of the better local bowlers on the ability of the driller at the Bowl America. Any one can punch three holes in a bowling ball, but it takes some skill to fit a new bowler properly. Unless your BA store is blessed with a good driller, I'd recommend spending a little more $$$ at a good pro shop. -- JohnP
Post by: cjanecky on December 10, 2004, 09:51:53 AM
Thanks,
Corey
Post by: a_ak57 on December 10, 2004, 10:06:31 AM
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- Andy
"Leaders are made, they are not born. They are made with hard effort, which is the price which all of us must pay in order to achieve anything that is worthwile."
Post by: charlest on December 10, 2004, 11:16:48 AM
YOU BUY A BALL REACTION.
end of story.
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"When we choose an action,
we also choose the consequences of that action.
Post by: cjanecky on January 03, 2005, 01:35:02 PM
After bowling on 6 different occasions for a total of 24 games, I must say that I think I wasted my money. My scores have stayed about the same (some days better, some worse) and this ball doesn't give me any more curve than my cheap plastic ball.
I realize there are all sorts of variables here (drilling, heavier ball, coverstock...) but the bottom line is that my scores are staying the same and my ball seems to roll the same as the cheap plastic ball - that is, very straight. So, I'm rather dissappointed with my purchase.
I do plan on continuing to use the new ball since it's not hurting my game. Who knows, maybe 24 games ins't enough to make a judgement.
I do appreciate all the advice I received though. It's one of those things that you never know until you try.
Thanks,
Corey
Post by: JohnP on January 03, 2005, 01:41:37 PM
quote:
the bottom line is that my scores are staying the same and my ball seems to roll the same as the cheap plastic ball - that is, very straight.
cjanecky -- Any ball is going to go straight if you release it with your fingers at 6:00 and your thumb at 12:00. A reactive resin ball does have much more hook potential than a plastic ball, but it's up to you to get that potential out of it. I suggest you invest a few $$$ in some lessons with a good coach. -- JohnP
Post by: TheBowlingKid25 on January 03, 2005, 01:44:43 PM
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16 years old, and proud of it! Still not mature either!
Post by: cjanecky on January 03, 2005, 01:51:32 PM
quote:
cjanecky -- Any ball is going to go straight if you release it with your fingers at 6:00 and your thumb at 12:00. A reactive resin ball does have much more hook potential than a plastic ball, but it's up to you to get that potential out of it. I suggest you invest a few $$$ in some lessons with a good coach. -- JohnP
I appreciate the advice but I already took lessons at my local alley. It was during my lessons that I was first advised to get a "reactive" ball. After the lessons, I joined a league and several of the better bowlers all suggested I get a reactive ball. I suspect that it is the way I release the ball. From watching other bowlers, it reallu looks like it is the release of the ball that puts the necessary spin on the ball to cause it to curve. As I mentioned in my original post, my wrist is messed up such that I can't hold/twist the ball like I notice most the better bowlers do. So, my release is probably what is causing my ball to go straight.
As I said, no harm done other than spending money I probably didn't need to.
Corey
Post by: a_ak57 on January 03, 2005, 01:54:20 PM
EDIT: Just saw your last response. Since you don't need to ask the bowlers about a ball, ask them to teach you to hook. Someone will surely help.
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- Andy
Brunswick!!
Edited on 1/3/2005 2:55 PM
Post by: TheBowlingKid25 on January 03, 2005, 01:54:34 PM
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16 years old, and proud of it! Still not mature either!