BallReviews

Equipment Boards => Hammer => Topic started by: Fourgeorge on August 30, 2006, 10:00:51 AM

Title: I have a question.
Post by: Fourgeorge on August 30, 2006, 10:00:51 AM: I only bowl on house lanes, so i'm unsure if the lanes are dry or heavy. I've been thinking about getting the BW and wanted to know if it is veritile enought to be my only ball. If not are there any you could suggest?
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: six pack on August 30, 2006, 06:11:06 PM: I'd say it's a great ball for med.-heavy oil.alot depends on the bowler but you could use it as you're only ball.spares might be a problem considering how much backend the bw has.
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I'm not bad,I just bowl that way.
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: azguy on August 30, 2006, 06:14:05 PM: If that's the only ball you plan to have, I'd say no. IMO, if you only want one ball, the Doom would be a better choice. B/W does not like dry spots, and as said above, spares might be a problem plus not knowing what the lane conditions would/are, I'd say Doom.

The B/W is a super good ball, but to many unknowns for a yes, if that's going to be your only ball....JMO.
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az guy aka: R & L Bowlers Pro
rlbowlerspro@cox.net
www.rlbowlerspro.com
http://www.ebaystores.com/R-L-Bowlers-Pro?refid=store

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Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: legend4life95 on August 30, 2006, 06:15:20 PM: Heavy...yes. Medium...yes. Light oil....maybe playing really deep. Dry lanes....NEVER!
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****Kids in the back seat cause accidents; accidents in the back seat cause kids.****
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: six pack on August 30, 2006, 06:22:20 PM: better get both,that's what I would do.
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I'm not bad,I just bowl that way.
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: Rileybowler on August 30, 2006, 06:41:08 PM: You're not going to get a single ball to cover all conditions you can get one that will handle light through medium or one that will handle medium through probably light to medium heavy but not one that will do all. Probably if you are going to bowl ths probably its medium to light probably not heavy. You still need a spare ball but if you had to you could use a house ball to shoot your single pin spares hope this helps some.You could also ask some of the better bowlers and they could help you or your pro shop
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Carl
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: Fourgeorge on August 30, 2006, 08:27:55 PM: Right now I have a BIG ONE, but it's in pretty bad condition (still usable). That was the only ball i used for alwhile, but it's seems to have worn down.

So the Doom would be the best choice?
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: Long Roller on August 30, 2006, 08:31:18 PM: Do you happen to know if your a cranker, tweener, or stoker? Do you put a lot a lot on the ball? What line do you typically play?
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Shane Soule
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: Fourgeorge on August 30, 2006, 08:34:45 PM: I'm not well versed on the lingo, but i usually throw from the right (2nd arrow) and then have it hook back in.
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: Long Roller on August 30, 2006, 08:37:33 PM: I would say that the Black Widow won't be too much for any condition for you then. You have plenty of room to move left. This ball will open up your game the most. My vote is the black widow.
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Shane Soule
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: Fourgeorge on August 30, 2006, 08:40:37 PM: quote:
I would say that the Black Widow won't be too much for any condition for you then. You have plenty of room to move left. This ball will open up your game the most. My vote is the black widow.
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Shane Soule

Thanks, I was also debating if I should get a spare ball two. I did fine picking up spares with my BIG ONE, but I might have over-used it. I just don't want to ruin another ball.

Thanks agin.
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: Long Roller on August 30, 2006, 08:42:04 PM: I would pick up a cheap plastic ball for spares. If you plan on using your BW for awhile, it will last twice as long. You can find them cheap if you keep your eyes open on ebay and website closeouts.
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Shane Soule
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: Fourgeorge on August 30, 2006, 08:54:47 PM: I'm not a very good bowler (LOL), but i am improving. I didnt really have the money to buy two balls, so I got the BIG ONE and just used it to death.

I only started bowling about a year and a half ago (learned to hook about a year ago). I'm still improving.
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: Long Roller on August 30, 2006, 08:56:56 PM: I wouldn't worry about that comment George. Another good investment would be a lesson with a USBC approved coach. Starting with a good foundation is tenfold more important than any ball you could buy.
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Shane Soule
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: Fourgeorge on August 30, 2006, 09:02:15 PM: One more question. Does it really matter how I have it drilled? I just gave the pro shop guy my ball last time and he drilled it. Should i give him instructions or something?
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: Long Roller on August 30, 2006, 09:04:06 PM: Is your pro shop in a bowling alley?
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Shane Soule
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: Fourgeorge on August 30, 2006, 09:05:10 PM: Ya.
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: Long Roller on August 30, 2006, 09:07:22 PM: A good pro shop operator should watch you throw the ball, measure your pap, and make his best drill decision based on what you are looking for. If he doesn't ask you any of those questions, I would be looking for a different driller.
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Shane Soule
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: Fourgeorge on August 30, 2006, 09:10:45 PM: quote:
A good pro shop operator should watch you throw the ball, measure your pap, and make his best drill decision based on what you are looking for. If he doesn't ask you any of those questions, I would be looking for a different driller.
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Shane Soule

He's the only one i know in a 50 mile radius (LOL). He didnt ask me any questions, but i did tell him a was an inexperienced bowler.
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: Long Roller on August 30, 2006, 09:19:30 PM: I would tell him that you want close to a 3" pin and close to 3 oz of Top Weight. Some shady pro shops will sell you a "2nd" quality ball that has bad specs because they know you won't notice. Also, don't pay more than 180 dollars total or you would be better off buying from a reputable online store. Allstarbowling-joe on here is great to deal with and has the best prices. I think he is around 155 or so drilled and shipped to you on the BW.
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Shane Soule
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: Fourgeorge on August 30, 2006, 09:42:19 PM: Bowling.com has it for $125 or something like that (free shipping). Is that good? I think i would go for 15 IBS, not sure about top wieght.
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: Long Roller on August 30, 2006, 09:50:11 PM: Yes, that is a good price. Request a 3" pin and 3oz top weight.
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Shane Soule
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: Fourgeorge on August 30, 2006, 10:08:39 PM: quote:
Yes, that is a good price. Request a 3" pin and 3oz top weight.
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Shane Soule

Thanks alot.
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: Wylie on August 31, 2006, 07:01:19 AM: quote:
I didnt really have the money to buy two balls, so I got the BIG ONE and just used it to death.

Just curious, have you tried cleaning the Big One? You could probably either clean it or have it resurfaced and be good to go. Not saying that you shouldn't buy a new ball, just suggesting it. I just got a new Black Widow this past weekend and I absolutly love it so far.
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KYLE

"It's gonna be a good day Tater!"

Track Legion Member
Track & Hammer - What a Combo!
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: splendorlex on August 31, 2006, 08:56:12 AM: Hmmm...I'm surprised the Widow was suggested for an "all around" ball like he was looking for. I too would have gone with the Doom for that. You CAN get the Doom to work on the heavier stuff if you have to, but on the dry you're sunk with the Widow if you're a stroker who likes to play down and in. Sure, guys that can open up the lane and play the fifth arrow are one thing, but my feeling is that George isn't one of those guys.
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I'm not a bowler, but I do play one on Ballreviews.

If you don't like Wrigley, you might as well leave the country and join the Taliban.
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: Fourgeorge on August 31, 2006, 06:27:33 PM: quote:
Hmmm...I'm surprised the Widow was suggested for an "all around" ball like he was looking for. I too would have gone with the Doom for that. You CAN get the Doom to work on the heavier stuff if you have to, but on the dry you're sunk with the Widow if you're a stroker who likes to play down and in. Sure, guys that can open up the lane and play the fifth arrow are one thing, but my feeling is that George isn't one of those guys.
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I'm not a bowler, but I do play one on Ballreviews.

If you don't like Wrigley, you might as well leave the country and join the Taliban.

I'm not quite sure what type of bowler i am. But I'am RH and set up on the furthest arrow to the right, then curve the ball to the pocket. I don't throw to fast, probibly 10-15 MPH (15 IBS). I could still use the BIG ONE for spares and stuff, but it has recently started hooking WAY too much.
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: Robadat on August 31, 2006, 07:12:20 PM: George;

I have to agree with Splendorlex here. From what I gather from this post, You're bowling a year and a half, ave 160, throwing a Big One straight down 2nd arrow. The BW is much too strong in the backend. I would never suggest to anyone to have a strong assym ball as a one ball arsenal. Strong assyms. are way too condition specific to be used exclusively. I'd have to say you should go for a nice mid-range ball, with a symmetrical core. They are versatile, most repond well to changes in your release giving you a variety of looks and reactions. I personally favor Ebonite equipment, IMO something in their element line would be good for you, The Whirlwind or the Black Ice are both very good, versatile balls, The Doom might work for you if you put in a control drilling in it. You should also pick up a cheap plastic ball to shoot spares with.

Bob
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: Fourgeorge on August 31, 2006, 07:23:29 PM: quote:
George;

I have to agree with Splendorlex here. From what I gather from this post, You're bowling a year and a half, ave 160, throwing a Big One straight down 2nd arrow. The BW is much too strong in the backend. I would never suggest to anyone to have a strong assym ball as a one ball arsenal. Strong assyms. are way too condition specific to be used exclusively. I'd have to say you should go for a nice mid-range ball, with a symmetrical core. They are versatile, most repond well to changes in your release giving you a variety of looks and reactions. I personally favor Ebonite equipment, IMO something in their element line would be good for you, The Whirlwind or the Black Ice are both very good, versatile balls, The Doom might work for you if you put in a control drilling in it. You should also pick up a cheap plastic ball to shoot spares with.

Bob

Thanks.
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: Long Roller on September 01, 2006, 12:09:17 AM: Just knowing that he throws down the 2nd arrow is not enough information to say that the bw is too strong. He also says he plays on a house shot so I don't think hes looking for a ball to shoot 10 different conditions. I still think the BW drilled pin up is a good ball choice for a stroker on a house shot if you only could have one ball. Also, keep in mind, I've actually thrown this ball, plus probably 30 more new releases this year. It has a great reaction shape for the "typical" house shot.
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Shane Soule
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: splendorlex on September 01, 2006, 08:29:24 AM: Shane,

It's not that I doubt the BW is a great ball for a lot of guys, which I'm sure it is, but I don't think it's the right choice for a newer bowler like the OP. What I would think he needs is control and versatility, which he will get a bit more of with the Doom compared to the Widow. I'm also basing this on a symmetric core versus and assymmetric. If you have inconsistency in your release, assyms are not for you IMO.
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I'm not a bowler, but I do play one on Ballreviews.

If you don't like Wrigley, you might as well leave the country and join the Taliban.
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: Long Roller on September 01, 2006, 08:41:41 AM: I respect that opinion, but IMO the doom and the skid/flip cover seemed to be more over/under release specific than the black widow. For me the BW, almost seems symmetric. It may be the solid cover, but its consistent and it hooks. I love the doom though too. I guess you probably couldn't go wrong with either...
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Shane Soule
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: Wallshot on September 01, 2006, 02:00:22 PM: In our first week of scratch league last Monday both myself and the guy I was shooting against were throwing BW's. He's an older guy that shoots straight up second arrow whereas I can start out that way but might end up by the 4th game swinging it out past 5th arrow and playing the entire lane. All I could think is that by the 3rd game this guys going to be in trouble and he was. His BW started hitting high frame after frame and half way through the third game he'd switched balls. I used the BW all night, averaged 228, but paid dearly for any errant shots (i.e. my last game was an 8 strike 208).

I wouldn't suggest using the BW as your only ball particularly if you can't adjust BIG TIME as the lanes transition.

Edited on 9/1/2006 1:55 PM

Edited on 9/1/2006 1:56 PM
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: Long Roller on September 01, 2006, 02:01:43 PM: How were they drilled, and what was the surface prep?
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Shane Soule

Edited on 9/1/2006 1:57 PM
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: Wallshot on September 01, 2006, 02:07:36 PM: Actually, pretty similar as a couple times we picked up each others balls (ummm....that didn't sound right....LOL). Mine: Pin above bridge, cg kicked slightly to the LEFT (weighed out to 1/2 neg) with mb just right of thumb. His: pin above ring in the left quadrant....that's all I noticed.

The point is: the BW is one heckuva a strong ball in the backend. In a scratch league the track tends to burn up pretty quickly as players are using much the same trajectory. As the night progresses if you can't move left on a THS with the BW you're in trouble.
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: Wallshot on September 01, 2006, 02:10:23 PM: Both were oob surface. The guy I was bowling against said he was going to polish his up as it was just too strong. I think it's perfect the way it is but wouldn't mind getting two more....one polished and one at about 600 grit.
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: Long Roller on September 01, 2006, 02:10:59 PM: I agree with that, if you can't move left throughout a set, you're in trouble with any ball though. If someone can't adjust at all, they would probably be better off with a zone classic or something more even rolling than the doom or BW. I would work on trying to adjust if it was me.
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Shane Soule
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: Fourgeorge on September 01, 2006, 04:04:50 PM: Thanks for all your opinions guys. I have been looking on bowling.com for acouple different ball types. I think i've narrowed it down to

BW ($124)
BVP Rampage ($95)
Doom ($105)
Diablo ($115)

Those are the four that I like.
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: Wallshot on September 01, 2006, 04:19:05 PM: BW ($124)
BVP Rampage ($95)
Doom ($105)
Diablo ($115)

Thise are all good balls. I think of the four if I had to pick one and bowl with it all night I'd pick the Doom with the Rampage a very close second. I have 2 Dooms and the one drilled with the pin above the bridge and cg kicked out just a hair is a very nice, strong arcing ball and can last the night if things don't get too crispy. The other, drilled stacked leverage is a skid/ snap monster and a bit more condition sensitive. I also have 2 Rampages with similar drillings. They can be a little less forgiving than the Dooms but still hold up well as the lanes breakdown. The Diablo is a really interesting ball. It seems to ignore carrydown and has very good length with a hard arcing/hitting backend. I shot 277 with it in practice last night on a medium light condition but later, after the lanes had really dried up, it was too much reaction. It handles everything from light heavy to light medium with real authority.

You know, a lightly polished up Pain might be a good consideration too. Ah, the possibilities are endless, aren't they?
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: Fourgeorge on September 01, 2006, 04:27:09 PM: I'm probibly going to go with the Doom. I just don't know the what the best top weight or pin placement is for me.
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: Fourgeorge on September 01, 2006, 04:45:28 PM: Another question. Does DOOM need alot of maintenance (i.e do i need to buy cleaner to keep it in playing condition?) if so how often?
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: Wallshot on September 01, 2006, 10:36:12 PM: Ask for a top weight around 2.5 to 3oz and a pin of 2 to 3 (I prefer 3 or slightly more).

All reactive resin balls require routine maintenance. I clean mine after every use ( a bit fanatic about this, but I've never experienced dead ball syndrome either). A good, cheap and effective cleaner is Isopropyl alcohol. Despite what some people claim it does not harden the coverstock. I use it regularly but for deeper cleanings and to restore a certain amount of tackiness I prefer Ultimates Black Magic Rejuvenator or Storms Reacta Clean. If you search the forums you'll see many posts about what cleaners people like.
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: Long Roller on September 01, 2006, 10:44:47 PM: Wallshot, wouldn't a Diablo be a better "all around" ball per your standards? Not skid flip and its a very even rolling ball....
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Shane Soule
Title: Re: I have a question.
Post by: chitown on September 01, 2006, 11:15:00 PM: The DOOM would be the best ball for you in my opinion. However i'm biased because I feel the Doom is the best reactive pearl ball made. This is no joke. The Doom is that good.