Black Widow

[Coleco]

Hi, I'm new to the boards, and I've been bowling for not too long, but I can hook a ball pretty damn good. My highest score to date is 205, which is kinda good, to me at least. Anyhow, I've always used the house balls, I would just look for the best ball I could find.

Anyway, I'm in the market for my first ball, and have been wanting this Black Widow. Would this be too much for a first time buyer? I don't know jack about drilling, been searching looking for info, but if someone can shed more light here, I would highly appreciate it. Weight is another issue I'm concerned about. I always try to use 15 or 16 numbered balls. Is there a science to choosing the weight? I'm 5'10 190lbs, so I'm just assuming I should be using a #16, but sometimes it feels a bit heavy ( i guess it depends on the drilling or something??)

Now, I was just about to purchase a Black Widow when I came across "Pin Distance" and "Top Weight." I was like WTF?? So decided to join here and ask before I make a big mistake not making the correct selections for those prompts. Anyway, if someone here can school me on what those mean, and how I go about choosing what's best for me, please tell.

I'm just looking into getting better, and joining a league later on. Thank you.

[Coleco]

nevermnd about ball weight, did some good searching and found out how to size it up to my wrist strength. Now I just need to know if Black Widow is a good first time buyers ball and that stuff about "top weight" and "pin distance" which i think is the CG indicator, but why would I have to indicate that, if the CG is set about the core of the ball? Or i thought this was all settled when taking the ball to drill, not upon making the online purchase.

[JohnP]

I agree with Mycroft, buy your first ball through a good pro shop that will help you.  As for term definitions, top weight is the difference in weight between the half of the ball with the cg (center of gravity) marking on top and the other half.  It usually runs between 2 and 4 oz.  Pin distance is the distance between the cg and pin.  This usually varies from 0 (called a pin-in ball if the distance is less than 1") to 4".  The breaking characteristics of the ball can be modified by varying the distance between the PAP (Positive Axis Point) and the pin.  The pin out distance is primarily important in setting the ball's layout, especially if the customer doesn't want a balance hole.  --  JohnP

[PurplePeopleEater]

Please find a good proshop in your area. If you need help, ppl here may give you recommendations. The driller should watch you bowl first and find your PAP. Then he should ask your where you bowl--lane conditions--and what reaction you want--then recommend what equipment would work and layout of the equipment. Also a good fitting ball will feel lighter than a house ball. If he has any used balls laying around he may let you try one of them for reaction and close to comfort.  Enjoy the game.

[Coleco]

thanks for the suggestions. The one thing I hate about my bowling is the are swing. I usually muscle it. While it has been very effective for me, I just hate how it feels and the fact that I sometimes injure my wrist. I really want to start throwing the ball with a free arm swing, which I'm guessing is just going to put me back at square one in bowling.

So when going to buy a ball, should I just show the proshop the way I originally bowl or try out the free arm swing. I guess I should bowl a few frames on my own trying the new swing. Thanks.

[leftehh- LG]

Absolutely, go to the proshop and have them look at the way you bowl. Most of them are knowledgeable enough to pick out a ball that fits your game best. I'd recommend buying your first ball in the shop because of warranty reasons and ball cracking issues.
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Bowl to Win!

[azguy]

I sell balls online, and I agree with what has been said. For your first ball, you need to go to a shop, let them watch you, tell them what you want the ball to do, what you expect it to do and they can tell you a few good balls that will fit your needs.

After you know how you want a ball to work, know your style, know when the problem is you and not a wrong ball, then, you can get a ball online and probably save a few $'s, BUT, the first or maybe even the second ball, you really need the one on one that a good shop allows. Take what they say, keeping in mind they are there to help, then you can decide on a ball/layout that fits you.

It is very hard to tell what is best for you online, some can suggest balls, but without seeing you, watching how you release, what needs to be done etc, it's more than likely you'd end up with a ball that does not fit your needs. We all can suggest balls for you, but it's that one on one that will help you out in the long run.

JMO.
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az guy aka: R & L Bowlers Pro
rlbowlerspro@cox.net
www.rlbowlerspro.com


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[Rabiddog135]

I agree with what everyone that has replied to your post, get the advise from a good proshop operator before you just start purchasing balls online it will save you alot of headaches and money in the begining.
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Don Smith
F.O.S. To The Bone
Cobalt (X2),Tsunami (X2),Pearl Uranium,XXXL
thats just what I carry
Cobalt Bomb (NIB),BCB(X2-1 NIB),XXL,
Buzzsaw C/Carbide,
Original SD(X2,NIB),Golden Nugget,Pearl Cherry Bomb (X3-1NIB 1 is 16Lb)
SCB,H2O,Pink Raspberry (X1-16Lb)
And Always Looking For More

[Hogsharley]

quote:So when going to buy a ball, should I just show the proshop the way I originally bowl or try out the free arm swing. I guess I should bowl a few frames on my own trying the new swing. Thanks.

You should be using the free arm swing. The reason why you're hurting your wrist is because you're trying too hard to hook a plastic house ball. If you buy a Black Widow (BTW very good ball), you'll have to do much less with your arm and wrist to get the hook you'll need. The ball's coverstock and weight block will do most of the work for you.
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3 holes of fun!!

[Noy]

Yes, spend the 20 extra dollars in the proshop and have them watch you and reccomend a ball.  You never know, you may be able to buy something 30 dollars cheaper than a black widow that will match up to your game a lot better.
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Bowling Since March 2006 - "Get coaching, don't worry about it"...blah blah balh...Just answer the questions please

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