Newbie Looking For Help

[Magsr09]

Hey guys and gals! I have enjoyed game/art of bowling since I was around 9 or so. I always said that I was going to be more serious about bowling after my desire or age failed me in other sports. Now I'm ready to put forth my engery to the sport. I have bowled before in junior leagues, and a league every now and then while in the military. So I can get the ball down the lane without hurting myself or anyone else...lol

I joined this site in hopes to learn about the various equipment, learn the lingo, and the mind sets of more experienced bowlers I bowl in two leagues,
here in California. The first one is mixed through my employer in which we have 30 teams. It isn't sanctioned, and is more or less for people to have fun a socialize. Which I have no problem with. But I wanted to try something that was more competitive, since I also thrive on competition. And I feel it only makes you better at what you do.

So I joined a "real league". I have a 179 average in league play, and 178 in the "fun league". Consistent yes, want to average higher?? Yes.  

So my question is what is a good ball to purchase for starters.  Right now I am using equipment I've had sitting in storage, which consists of a old pair of shoes, A blue Nitro, and a burgundy Columbia Yellow Dot. Both 16lbs. I'm a righty, I have plenty of revs on my release, and I toss is it around 21 or 22 I been told. I stand on the center dot, and shoot for the 2 arrow it's a nice shot when I slow the ball down a little. I'm not really comfortable with that shot. I would rather stand more left and crank it...lol Much more natural feeling. Also, the house has wood floors that are heavily oiled at 6:30 start time. Suggestions anyone!!!!!!!!!!! ??

Also, how much equipment should one purchase? I see a lot of guys with 4 or 5 balls, personally I think its all for show??? Most aren't better than 190 bowlers. Is all that needed???

HELP A NEWBIE OUT PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! MUCH LOVE TO YOU ALL, HIGH SCORES AND HAPPY BOWLING!!!!!!!!!!!!

[TyLytle]

Is there a pro shop at the center you bowl?  If so, get the pro shop guy to watch you bowl and he should be able to get you set up with what will work for you.

Ty

[seadrive]

Welcome!

Last question first: the number of balls you need to compete sorta depends on how many different lane conditions you encounter.  If your local house owns one of the latest, greatest auto-oiling machines, they probably put out basically the same shot for every league, day after day, week after week.

If that's the case, a couple of balls will be enough.  Which one to start with depends on how much oil they use, and the length to which they run it.  If the oil is short and your style is that of a cranker or power tweener, you probably don't need a hook monster.  If the oil is long, and you have high ball speed, you may want a ball that starts up early, like a Storm Core Power LRG.

As TyLytle said, your local pro shop is the best place to go to really get started, since he or she knows the lay of the lanes, and can actually watch you bowl to determine what would best suit you.

Good luck, and good bowling!
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seadrive
Cogito ergo bowl

[charlest]

Mags,

Just to convince you (if you need more replies), I agree in general with the previous two. Based on what you told us, it's hard to make that recommendation as there are so many potential balls that *MAY* fit your needs.

By the way, "wanting" to stand left and throw right is a "WANT", not a need. That may be fun, but if you are truly serious, in many, may cases, straighter (not straight) is better. In any case, I think the most important things you can do is
1. Find a good pro shop (ask many of the better bowlers locally and get a consensus of at least 2 shops; vist and talk to both of them to get a feeling for how they do business, how well they know bowlign & drilling, and how they treat customers.)
2. Get a good local coach.
3. Practice spares!!

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"Those who do not remember history are doomed to repeat it."