BallReviews
Equipment Boards => Hammer => Topic started by: KID A on August 29, 2012, 01:48:36 PM
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What would you recommend for someone looking to replace a Big Blue Pearl? I loved that ball, and I currently have an Arson (not the pearl one) and it is too much ball for my throwing style.
I am righty that rolls with a lot of revs and not a lot of speed (about 13 - 14 mph). League average 168.
I like a ball that has a late, yet aggressive, hook.
Any suggestions?
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Nail.
Here is a video showing how it reacts for me!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKqohQkHtzs&feature=plcp
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That's definitely one that I am looking at. Looks like it has pretty nice backend movement. I loved that about the BBP.
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Blue and Silver Taboo would be a great choice
Same COre
Pearl Cover (Hybrid)
Doesnt change direction real hard.....Just like the Big Blue pearl
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The Arson is too much for the OP as he said, and you're saying a ball stronger than that?
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Cobalt Vibe would be another good option!
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I looked at the Taboo and it's potential hook is even greater than the Big Blue Pearl and the Arson. No thanks on that one.
I have considered all the Vibes as well stc067. I just can't seem to decide. I love the way the Nail looks, but I know choosing a ball because it looks killer is not a good idea :)
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I can tell you that the nail looked good, but I can say for a fact that my family has had several vibes, and they have all been great.( My daughter is loving her Cobalt, and looking foreward to the High school season)
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I've seen the Nail thrown on fresh oil, and the guy had a very nice look playing up the boards,I think you could buy either the Nail or Vibe and be confident in your purchase. The Nail will be a few boards stronger than the Cobalt Vibe. The guy I saw was covering about the same # of boards as my Box finished Cyclone. Hope I have been helpful.
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Definitely helpful stc067! I think I am going to go down tot he lanes tomorrow over lunch and see what the pro thinks.
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Cool, whatever you pick up, I hope it works out for you.
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So I have spent a lot of time researching and talking to the local pro. Apparently my Arson flares a ton, and that is part of the problem. I have also found that rolling a 13# ball is part of the problem. Many of the 13# balls (across multiple brands) have the same type of core in them, so they are not really different in diff.
As of right now, I have two possible solutions given by the pro. Move up to a 14# ball to stick with Hammer (Vibe or the Nail). Or, stay with a 13# ball and get a Storm Fringe.
I really like hammer, and I love the way the Nail looks, but I am not sure I can throw with a heavier ball due to the way I cock my wrist when I throw. Ugh... I never know throwing a 13 pounder would cause me such problem!
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Perhaps in addition to a new ball,( I would suggest you move up in weight) you should invest in a few sessions with a local coach. They can help ease you through the transition, and any issues that may arise because of the change.By changing to the heavier ball, you open up the full range of dynamic core options that each manufacturer has to offer.
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What I'm trying to say is that the pain in the butt that increasing weight will cause you now will be worth it in the long run!
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That is what I am thinking as well. I am going bowling over lunch today and I am going to throw a house 14# ball for most of the time to see if I can handle it. Thanks again stc.
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My pleasure, let me know what you decide, and how everything works out for you.
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That is what I am thinking as well. I am going bowling over lunch today and I am going to throw a house 14# ball for most of the time to see if I can handle it. Thanks again stc.
Throwing a house ball versus a ball that fits your hand will be different than what you're looking for. When a person gets a ball that fits their hand correctly, they can usually have a higher weight versus if they were just to be throwing a house ball.
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That is what I am thinking as well. I am going bowling over lunch today and I am going to throw a house 14# ball for most of the time to see if I can handle it. Thanks again stc.
Throwing a house ball versus a ball that fits your hand will be different than what you're looking for. When a person gets a ball that fits their hand correctly, they can usually have a higher weight versus if they were just to be throwing a house ball. My suggestion would be to first either find another person or ask the pro shop if they have a ball in the weight you want to try that you could try out that would hopefully have similar specs to your current ball.
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Of course I know that. I am just going to throw whatever I can find today at lunch to see how my wrist reacts. I might ask the pro, but most of the balls I have seen in there are fingertip. I also have a weird hand position, so only balls that are drilled for my hand position really work for me.
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That is what I am thinking as well. I am going bowling over lunch today and I am going to throw a house 14# ball for most of the time to see if I can handle it. Thanks again stc.
Please don't use that as a judgement. Most house balls have either super large or super tiny holes that never fit anyone. When you use a ball like that, it always feels heavier than you can handle. A ball fitted for you will almost feel light. Unless you are a very small person, try to get up to 14 lbs. Even some pros use them. All 14s have true cores and many are not different from 15s in RG and differential.
You might see if the local pro shop has a used plastic ball you can use as a spare ball to see how well you can handle a 14 lb ball fitted for you.
If you are a teenager or even 11 or 12 yrs old, you will certainly grow soon and rapidly. A few arm curls with a dumbell and few shoulder exercises over the course of a few months and you'll see a large difference in the weight you can handle. Do it gradually for the best results.
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Guys, I appreciate the feedback and all.. but I am an adult and I am also not retarded (not trying to be ungrateful or anything, just sayin'). I own a Hammer Arson and a Big Blue Spare ball, both fitted and drilled specifically for me (both 13# as well). I know that a house ball is not even close to the same. But I also know that if I can handle throwing around a 14# house ball for a little while that getting a 14# ball drilled for me should be no sweat.
I threw a 14# for most of my shots today over lunch and I felt mostly fine with it. I cock my wrist funny when I bowl so I put extra strain on it. That's why I am concerned. Right now I am leaning towards moving up to the 14# ball.
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Moving up in weight will have many benefits, but again,I do encourage you to seek a coach to ease the transition.(Moving up or down in weight can cause timing issues.)A good coach can also help with your release.(funny wrist cock,your words, not mine) Whatever you do,again,I wish you the best of luck!
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Thanks again stc, I appreciate the feedback. I will look into lessons and see what they cost. It might be worth it to take a few.
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If you find a good coach, the results will more than justify the cost.If you post where you are located, perhaps some of the other members could suggest a qualified coach in your area.
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I live in Austin TX, and Wes Mallot is the house pro at the lanes I call home.
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Picked up a Grape Vibe. I should be getting it drilled on Thursday. Gives me time to roll it a bit before league on Monday :)
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Let us know what you think of the new ball !
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Thanks again for all the feedback. I rolled the ball for the first time today and it definitely has more of the reaction I am looking for. I didn't really shoot for score, but just tried throwing the ball from all different angles to see how it reacted. It's going to take some time for me to figure out the best line, but I don't have to use nearly as much lane with this ball. Hopefully that will translate into a little more consistency.
I also adjusted my grip slightly, so I have a lot to work on. Should be an interesting night on Monday league :)
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I'm way late on the feedback here... but I love the Grape Vibe so far!
I rolled a 189 and a 205 first two games in league on Monday night with it (I'm a 167 average). It really allows me to play less of the lane, and the late reaction is just about right. Thanks for all the input on here guys. I appreciate it. I would definitely recommend the ball to others as well. It's good so far!