Needs some advise

[beginner_bowler]

I am using a Columbia 300 Scout reactive and a Columbia 300 Scout urethane hi flare. I am a new bowler this is the first season bowling. What are your guys thoughts as to what balls I am throwing and what can I add to my arsenal to improve my game. I don't want to buy a bunch of the same balls

[Matt Fortney]

Before reading this...keep in mind, I am NOT trying to be rude in any way. Please don't take this that way...that said:

I think the best thing for a first year bowler is to get used to, learn how to throw the equipment you have. Work on the finer points of the game first. Concentrate on spares, work on accuracy. After all, it's the bowler who will "improve your game," not the ball.

Another thing to consider. If you buy a ball now, and have it drilled based on your current style, it may not be the ball for you once your game/style changes.

That being said...maybe at the beginning of next season, end of this season, when you decide you're ready, look at something new. Talk to your pro shop operator, see what he recomends. You'll probably be looking at something along the lines of "mid-priced" or "mid-priced plus." The Scouts are a great ball to learn the game with.

Sorry for the long post, and if you have any questions feel free to shoot me a message, I'd be more than willing to help.

Matt
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Hammer Pride Staff Member

http://www.hammerbowling.com
http://www.hammerstuff.com

"Nothing Hits Like A Hammer"

[beginner_bowler]

OK thanks Not taking rude I am Just trying to improve myself and learn more about the sport and one thing I do not want to do is buy a bunch of the same balls but by  a different manufactures so thanks for your input and will wait till I can improve a bit more than

[azguy]

I agree with the main point Matt has said. But, IF and that's the key, if you feel you have improved, by seasons end, there should be many used balls for sale by those who want the "newest and greatest" balls out. Again, IF, you feel you are ready to take a step up in balls, that's a good time to buy a ball or two, stepping up a bit, and during the summer learn with those "mid-range" balls.

There's nothing wrong at all about getting a used ball, having it plugged and redrilled for you and the improvement, we all hope, that you have made. If you don't feel you are ready for the next step up, nothing wrong at all, just get comfortable with your style or if you want to improve on spares, then work on that before stepping up in balls.

If you ask many folks, most will tell you that spares kill most folks scores. One day you can't miss, then next you couldn't hit the side of a barn. Consistently, that's the main key to anything you do. Be it bowling, golf, basketball, you name it, that's the key.

Feel confident, comfortable and know that one part of the game can ruin the rest. I've always said, get consistent with spares before going to the "big hook" game. IMO, you'll be better off.
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az guy aka: R & L Bowlers Pro
rlbowlerspro@cox.net
www.rlbowlerspro.com

[beginner_bowler]

I am in the St. Louis, Mo Area. I have been looking at a few coaches here not sure where I want to go with it I have a few high bowlers that have been helping me or Do I want to spend $ 50.00 per hour for a leasson

[Fluff E Bunnie]

quote:I am in the St. Louis, Mo Area. I have been looking at a few coaches here not sure where I want to go with it I have a few high bowlers that have been helping me or Do I want to spend $ 50.00 per hour for a leasson

If it is a really good coach I don't see why not.
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Tom Cruise has officially reached Michael Jackson status.

Do get a stronger ball. Why? Because they hook and perform with less effort on your part. The Scouts are a great start, but eventually bowlers start looking for "more", and if they are still in the entry level equipment they sometimes start developing bad habits trying to get more out of them.

I have purchased several used balls in my past, and if you're careful you can get some great balls with plenty of life still in them. Try to avoid anything that's already been plugged and re-drilled. Find something that's been used by only one bowler, perhaps with a forgiving layout where you can save some money by just plugging and moving the thumb hole only and switching finger inserts to your size.

Used balls (including drilling) go anywhere from $50 - $80 at our shop, just to give you an idea...


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

[beginner_bowler]

any sugestions as to a type of ball to move up to I don't understand all the ball types and different cores

[FranVarin]

beginner...you have received some great advice here. Let me add my 2 cents. The best thing you can do is to learn proper technique with your hand. I agree with what Matt said earlier. The second thing, get to a point where you are converting about 80 percent of your spares. The general philosophy that I teach beginner and intermediate bowlers is to see that the game is about spares not strikes. "spares are made; strikes happen." Adopt the philosophy that you will try to make the best first shot you can and cover whatever you leave. If you do that, you will find that you will be up around 170-180 in average. Now, giving direction on what ball to move to is next to impossible without seeing you bowl. But, I can tell you this. I start everyone out in either urethane or a mild reactive until they can demonstrate that they are capable of using the proper technique to move the ball. Once that happens, then you are ready for stronger equipment because you will then be ready to take advantage of it. YES, find a USBC certified coach in your area and get some solid instruction and advice. I don't want to insult anyone but, going to the "good bowlers" for help is, in my opinion, not necessarily your best option. Those who have taken the time to gain a certification are a different breed altogether. A good coach at all levels is essential.

Fran

[dizzyfugu]

quote: The Scouts are a great start, but eventually bowlers start looking for "more", and if they are still in the entry level equipment they sometimes start developing bad habits trying to get more out of them.

very true - I have seen this with youth bowlers in the leagues I play. Very high potential, but they play entry level pieces like Tornadoes or Tropical Storms and try to rip the cover off of them. One of them stepped up to a Red Hornet this year, and it was/is painful to see how much he struggles with the ball, overpowering it due to the bad release habits and tons of muscle he used to put into the Tornado last year.

That said, I do not think that a stronger ball would solve this problem. It is more an attitude or consciousness thing. If you are serious about the game and want to have a sound foundation for real improvements, rather invest the money in some coaching than a ball. The ball might be stronger, taking "work" off of you, but it is also deluding to "buy" the hook with ever stronger balls that will not perform well because the release is poor.

It is like the call from the dark side of the Force... resist, and work on yourself, not the equipment.

Besides, with 2 Scouts in the bag, a used lower RG ball with a sheen or matte surface for more oil is not wrong as a good addition to your arsenal, as well as a polyester ball for spares.
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DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany

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[dizzyfugu]

quote:YES, find a USBC certified coach in your area and get some solid instruction and advice. I don't want to insult anyone but, going to the "good bowlers" for help is, in my opinion, not necessarily your best option. Those who have taken the time to gain a certification are a different breed altogether. A good coach at all levels is essential.

Yup! Seriously, yup.
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DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany

Confused by bowling?
Check out BR.com's vault of wisdom: the unofficial FAQ section
Secrets revealed: What's a fugu?