Hi all...  I am female, and recovering from neck surgery (9 mos. post op) and torn shoulder ligaments (4 mos.)...With on-going physical therapy.  I've finally been released by my neurosurgeon to bowl again, but must be careful...and likely will never get up to a 14lb ball.  I'm averaging 185 with an 11lb Storm, but consistently leave the 5 or 10 pin, because the ball is so light.  I want to move to a 12lb ball, and don't know whether to go with the Diva or the Arson Hybrid.  I know the cores are different than the 14-16lb balls, but it's been really hard to get info about the light cores.  I have heard good things about the Diva, but recently learned the 12# Arson Hybrid has a diesel core.  Can somebody give me recommendations or info about this?  Thanks so much.

Thanks for the reply.  I've been told by several tournament bowlers that I need to get into a heavier ball.  (I've got the Tropical Breeze.) I wondered if there were "hard hitting" 12 pounders.... I do have some power, but it seems like I have to hit the pocket Exactly right, or something stays on the deck.  I thought something more aggressive would help.

I appreciate the input.  I heard the Arson Hybrid cover stock has monster ability to grab the lane...  I am trying to learn everything I can about the sport, and I really appreciate the help.

Between those two, I'd say the Arson Hybrid is the ball.  The Diva is a VERY strong ball.  I just picked up the Arson Hybrid last night because I've been struggling to find the right angle on the fresh pattern.  My best games are usually 2nd or 3rd game, and by alot.

I'm still learning.  This is only my 3rd season, I'm at 185 average now, 41 yrs old with bad shoulders, bad knees, and I have to wear a wrist support due to some torn something or other in my wrist.  I haven't balled down yet, still throwing 15 lb's.  But I pay for it dearly the day after leagues.  I definitely fall into the "typical stubborn male" category.

I'm right at 15-16 mph, I'd say med rev rate, nothing extrodinary.  The wrist support limits that part.

The Hybrid is much more versatile than the Diva.  I was able to use the Hybrid last night until about the 5th frame of the 3rd game.  The oil went away, and I changed to my Freeze.  Hind sight being what it is, I think my Nail would have been a better move, and I should have started the 3rd game with it.

I'm really impressed with the Arson Hybrids coverstock.  I finally have my benchmark ball.  I didn't pick it up from the proshop till I had 4 frames under my belt already with a whopping 46 pins.  I threw the Hybrid beginning in the 5th frame and finished with a 202.  Second game was a 247...one of my highest games ever, finished with a 647 series, 3rd highest series ever for me.

The ball just hits, seemingly from anywhere unless I pulled it too much.  But it recovered really well with lots of power if I missed right.  If I missed left, it held and still found the pocket. 

Id say talk to your proshop about what you are looking for.  The Hybrid coverstock is very versatile.  But you'll still need a weaker ball when the oil starts to go away.

Not sure if it would make a difference for you, but have you considered learning to bowl left handed?  Not sure if it's the neck damage or the shoulder that's limiting you (or both).  But I bowl with several guys that started over due to injury and are doing incredibly will with the opposite hand.  One huge benefit to it, is if you work with a coach on this transition, you won't have to un-learn any bad habits.  You truly start from zero.

Good luck, and I too am envious of your average with a lighter ball.  That's accuracy that alot of folks that I know are striving for.