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Author Topic: Should I use this ball or buy a new one  (Read 2705 times)

Ripcord

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Should I use this ball or buy a new one
« on: January 22, 2018, 08:36:46 PM »
A guy I know gave me this Brunswick Zone ball. I'm not a true beginner; I've done some bowling over the years and I have my own ball, but it's a plastic ball from the 1980's and I want to get back into bowling the right way, learn to throw a proper hook and I want a ball that will make this easier to learn.

This ball doesn't fit my hand so I will need to have it redrilled. Also, I suspect that the technology has come a way since this was manufactured. By the serial number  JJ75799 I think this ball was made in 1996.

So my question is: What is the actual name of this ball and where can I read the specs about the flare potential etc. and if I'm going to spend the money to have it redrilled would I actually be better off buying a new ball...

And if I'm going to do that, what should a "lower intermediate" bowler who wants to take the game to the next level look for in a new ball?

Thanks!
« Last Edit: January 22, 2018, 08:41:48 PM by Ripcord »

 

BallReviews-Removed0385

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Re: Should I use this ball or buy a new one
« Reply #1 on: January 22, 2018, 09:33:30 PM »
If I'm not mistaken it's a Danger Zone.  You could certainly use it.  Depending on the oil volume where you bowl, I'd play outside and get good reaction.  As long as the cost to plug it is reasonable, and the ball is not beat up I'd try it.  You can always add a newer ball later if you need something stronger.

Ripcord

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Re: Should I use this ball or buy a new one
« Reply #2 on: January 23, 2018, 07:42:07 AM »
Thanks Lane. I was mainly concerned about the age of the ball. Have there been major improvements in ball performance since 1996 that might help me learn faster if I invest in a new ball?

Snakster

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Re: Should I use this ball or buy a new one
« Reply #3 on: January 23, 2018, 08:40:34 AM »
If you scan the closeouts of BowlerX, Buddies, Gebharts, etc.  You can probably find a very good price on a more modern ball.  Drilling would cost less since no plugging required.  Net cost would/could be minimal.  Just a thought.
Current bag:
DV8 Turmoil 2 Pearl
Radical Squatch hybrid
Motiv Forza GT
Hammer Black Widow Gold
DV8 Vandal
DV8 Creed Rebellion

BallReviews-Removed0385

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Re: Should I use this ball or buy a new one
« Reply #4 on: January 23, 2018, 08:52:58 AM »
Thanks Lane. I was mainly concerned about the age of the ball. Have there been major improvements in ball performance since 1996 that might help me learn faster if I invest in a new ball?

The balls have advanced for sure, because we're putting lots more oil down than 20 years ago (the oils have advanced, too).  It depends what conditions you bowl on.  If the house is pretty dry, or at least drier outside, the Danger Zone would still react just fine, in my opinion.  Snakster brings up another viable option, though...

Jesse James

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Re: Should I use this ball or buy a new one
« Reply #5 on: January 23, 2018, 09:38:57 AM »
Thanks Lane. I was mainly concerned about the age of the ball. Have there been major improvements in ball performance since 1996 that might help me learn faster if I invest in a new ball?

It depends on the conditions in the house where you bowl mostly. I would not worry about the ball's performance. The covers on most Zones are everlasting! The first ball out of my bag right now is a Red Alert SE. If you have the time, you can look that one up to see how old it is. I think it came out around 2001 or so.

The ball is a beast, even on the newer oils that they use now. I am not able to use it in every house that I bowl, but the ones where I can........it gives me a look that now one else has!

I'd say that your ball is a classic, and a great one to start bowling with!
Some days you're the bug....some days you're the windshield...that's bowling!

HackJandy

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Re: Should I use this ball or buy a new one
« Reply #6 on: January 23, 2018, 03:31:52 PM »
Thanks Lane. I was mainly concerned about the age of the ball. Have there been major improvements in ball performance since 1996 that might help me learn faster if I invest in a new ball?

It depends on the conditions in the house where you bowl mostly. I would not worry about the ball's performance. The covers on most Zones are everlasting! The first ball out of my bag right now is a Red Alert SE. If you have the time, you can look that one up to see how old it is. I think it came out around 2001 or so.

The ball is a beast, even on the newer oils that they use now. I am not able to use it in every house that I bowl, but the ones where I can........it gives me a look that now one else has!

I'd say that your ball is a classic, and a great one to start bowling with!

That is one of the very best balls from that era so I would definitely drill it up.  Ball was so legendary they have a modern remake many use.
Kind of noob when made this account so take advice with grain of salt.

Ripcord

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Re: Should I use this ball or buy a new one
« Reply #7 on: January 24, 2018, 03:38:47 PM »
Thanks for all the great information!