Starter Ball

[jarednowland]

I am just getting started in bowling and want to get my own ball, but I don't know where to start.  I am looking for something that has good action, but will last a long time and be a good solid ball to build my game and skills with.  I only have room in the budget for one ball so I need something that will perform well under normal conditions.  I am currently only a social bowler, but may join a league this summer if I have time.  I am thinking of going with a 15# ball and have the pro shop drill it, and I have no idea on grip placement.  Thanks in advance,


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Life's a garden, ya dig it and make it grow.

[shelley]

If this is your first ball, it would be much, much better to visit your local shop and see what they have to say and sell.  I would stay away from most high-end equipment, there are a lot of entry-level and mid-range balls that are fantastic pieces that will do exactly what you want.

In particular, the Rotogrip Planet line and the Brunswick Power Grooves are excellent pieces.  You won't save any money, really, by buying online and having it drilled in the shop, and your shop might have a combo deal for the ball, a bag, and some cheap shoes.

SH

[azguy]

shelley is right, go talk to your pro shop folks and see what they have. I'd also suggest you look at the Vibe, Clash, Bash or a Jazz. Any of those will be a good starting point for you. Go see if they have, in your weight, any of those on sale, maybe or a combo deal, sure can't hurt to look.

As far as layouts, they will be able to see you throw a few, see what you do now and find out from you what you expect/want from a ball and give you better options then we can online.

Good Luck and enjoy your new ball !
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az guy aka: R & L Bowlers Pro
rlbowlerspro@cox.net

[jarednowland]

Thank you all for the response, I was planning on getting a ball at the pro shop especially because the drilling price is doubled when you bring in a ball not bought from the shop.  I will do my research on the balls that you have suggested.  The guy at the shop suggested a Tornado, is this a good ball to start with?  Please let me know.
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Life's a garden, ya dig it and make it grow.

[Locke]

I would not start with the Tornado if you are wanting something with pin action. I would look at the Roto Grip Neptune, the Tropical Storm, and you could give a look at the Roto Grip Pluto.
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Always be sincere, even when you don't mean it

Known Cell pimp

[mrbowlingnut]

Street rod series or vibe series better stuff for an extra 20-30 bucks drilled.

[azguy]

I would also say don't get the Tornado, T-Zone or White Dot. Those balls will not 'allow' you to advance your game. They are, for the most part, a straight ball and will not get you anywhere but straight. IMO.

I suggest the Ebonites, Hammer, Power Groove, Tropicals are good but personally I'm not big on Roto Grip. There's nothing wrong with them, usually cheaper to go Ebonite, PG or Hammer. IMO, for the best bang for the buck, Clash, Jazz, Vibe or Tropical Storm. I don't know the prices in your area, just the costs in mine and those are the ones I'd tell you to look at before you go into your pro shop, BUT, he/she can see you bowl and you should listen to them.
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az guy aka: R & L Bowlers Pro
rlbowlerspro@cox.net

[JohnP]

The Ebonite Tornado series are good entry level reactive resin balls, but they do not have a dynamic core, just a pancake with a flip block.  They make a very good first ball, as do the Brunswick Power Grooves, and the Columbia Scouts.  The RotoGrip Planet series and the Storm Tropical series are a step up and do have dynamic cores.  --  JohnP