What kind of ball should I get?

[blkhwks19]

I have been a bowling fan all my life but recently started bowling enough that I'd like to pick up my own ball. I know nothing of whats out there, whats average, whats good, whats bad, etc. I throw a slight natural curve and generally don't like to hold the ball with just my fingertips. Not sure what weight I'd use. In practice I usually use anything from 12 to 14 depending on which ball fits best (they're house balls, what do you expect?)  How can I determine what weight and type of ball I should go with? And is it recommended for me to carry two balls (say an extra "spare" ball or something), or is that something I should graduate into when I become more active and knowledgeable?

Any thoughts and advice would be great! Thanks!

[shelley]

By all means, go to your local pro shop.  If you aren't sure about the one in your home house, ask some of the better bowlers in your area where to go.

If you're at all interested in bowling more than once in a while and you have no major physical problems, it's worth the effort to learn to throw a hooking ball with a fingertip grip.  A properly fitted ball will not be difficult to hold on to, fingertip or conventional (fingers up to the second knuckle).

If you're not exceptionally weak, I would not go with less than 14#.  If you can use some 14# house balls, you shouldn't have any trouble using a 14# ball that's custom fitted for your hand.

Talk to the local driller, many of them have packages where you can get an entry-level ball (usually a Power Groove, Tropical Storm, Scout,... or maybe a plastic ball), a one-ball bag, and a pair of shoes for a discounted price.

SH

[kingpin_98]

I have a power groove and like it alot.  I'm glad a I took the advice of an experience bowler who told me to buy a ball that will let you learn and develop better technique.  Get your own shoes and bag too.

[holysnapper]

power groove or avalanche!!
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For me...bowling a 300 is like winning a jackpot...it never happens!!