Author Topic: Novice Bowler - Thinking about buying a Taboo (Read 5813 times)

Justintoxicated · « **on:** May 03, 2011, 06:41:00 AM »

So I'm pretty new to the sport, just signed up for novice "for fun" type league with my work for the second time.

Right now I'm using an old Hammer Blue Ball (signature version) I bought a long time ago when I was still in high school (I'm 30 now). Ball has allot of groves, a few chunks taken out of it and it's a bit on the light side for me (a little under 14lbs). I'm getting better, but still have a LONG way to go to be any sort of good. I'm able to put some spin on the ball using 3 fingers now rather than screwing around with 2 fingers before. I'm looking to buy a heavier ball 15lb ball, that will hook harder than the ball I am using now. I understand there is no real Magic ball, and my low scores are just a part of a learning process.

The way I'm throwing my old ball, it seems to cut towards the center, gently, late down lane but does not really "hook". I guess it's not bad but I'm sure I want it to "hook" more. I'm also thinking I'd have more fun with a new ball that was a better weight for me these days.

I was looking at the Taboo "seconds" on ebay since they are much cheaper $120 and likely good enough for my use. But I have no idea about all the specifications that go into bowling balls, or if this would even be a good idea.

"The Hammer Taboo "Second" means the ball did not meet manufacturer specifications for a 1st quality ball. Here are the possible reasons for this. This ball may contain superficial defects such as coloring, surface defects, abnormal pin placement, or abnormal top weight."

"We have numerous pin and top weights available. If you purchase this ball and want a specific pin and/or top weight, you MUST request the pin and top weight in the notes or special instructions section "

To make things worse I'm not sure how I should have the ball drilled, or what is considered medium or heavy oil? I know my ball currently does pickup allot of oil every time I throw it down lane right now, enough that I like to wipe it off every time. So I'm assuming the lanes are pretty heavily oiled.

Thanks for any advice in advance.

clint191 · « **Reply #16 on:** May 03, 2011, 08:09:37 PM »

I'm sure the blems in most cases are fine balls, especially if you're just getting into the sport.

If your local pro shop is just to expensive, and it sounds like it is, you should give Buddiesproshop.com

a look.

They usually have some really nice balls on their "Must Go Items" and the prices are very good!!!

tommyboy74 · « **Reply #17 on:** May 03, 2011, 08:33:57 PM »

Assuming you are playing straighter, potentially a general layout of 4x4x1 or even 4x4x2 could match up well. Both are pin above layouts that work well on several conditions. The 4x4x2 layout is a stronger drill. 4x4x1 tends to be cleaner in the heads but reads the midlane well and finishes strong in the backend. Don't make the mistake of basing what you need off of other people as different people use different drillings to match their abilities and how they want to play the lanes.

Best thing is to work with a good pro shop who can help determine what will be best for you. From there, they will tweak the layout to match what you specifically will need to be successful.

My arsenal

Heavy Oil: Storm Virtual Gravity Nano: 4000 AB
Medium-Heavy Oil: Storm Anarchy: 1500 polished
Medium Oil: Roto Grip Nomad Dagger: 1500 polished

Medium-Light Oil: Roto Grip Rising Star: 1500 polished

Justintoxicated · « **Reply #18 on:** May 03, 2011, 10:18:26 PM »

I want to throw the ball a bit to the right and have it snap back to the center as it approaches the right side gutter. I don't want to throw it straight and have it cut inward or it wont have enough hook which is the problem I am having now.

UltimateB9000 · « **Reply #19 on:** May 04, 2011, 02:07:43 AM »

Just be careful what you get into. I would go with the Onyx Vibe it will give you a strong reaction for a mid performace ball while giving you the smooth predictable arc and control as well. Like I stated before your still in a learning stage and you should look for control. I have a Taboo and I only throw it when there is ALOT of oil but when there dry or short I pull out my Cherry Vibe and it gives me the control I need.

My Arsenal
Hammer Taboo
Hammer Jigsaw Corner
Hammer Jigsaw Trap
Hammer Black Widow Bite
Hammer Black Widow Pearl
Hammer Doom Raw Hammer
Hammer Cherry Vibe

bigz · « **Reply #20 on:** May 04, 2011, 02:25:53 AM »

i woud stay from the taboo..too much ball for a novice.

if you're staying with hammer,go with a vibe or wait for the new blue hammer to come.

you need something with a milder reaction until you can master throwing a hook consistently.

get something used on here that's newer than your old ball,most times they're barely broken in when they're sold.

chris

BIGZ-
BIG ON THE LANEZ!

GO STEELERS!!

Justintoxicated · « **Reply #21 on:** May 04, 2011, 10:48:59 AM »

Does it make sense to get a used ball? Wouldn't it have to be plugged and re-drilled which increases the cost? Hoping to get to the lane and check out some of everyones suggestions at lunch today. $1 games!

yeehayashi · « **Reply #22 on:** May 04, 2011, 11:49:22 AM »

I would say that for a novice bowler, the Taboo is probably overkill. There are so many good balls available new & used that would be excellent choices and allow you to grow your game as your shotmaking & targeting skills improve. Right off the top of my head, if you stay with the Hammer line, I'd look at the Vibe series. I'd also look at the entry and mid-level gear from Storm/Rotogrip and Brunswick too.

As to your question about new vs. used, if you have the budget to buy new, go for it, however, I have found that used balls perform just as good for me as NIB equipment. Just so long as the used equipment has been properly cleaned and maintained, it is a good buying strategy. There are lots of folks that buy, sell or trade their equipment who are straight shooters (pardon the pun) who can make you a terrific deal on equipment. Hope this helps you in your quest for a new ball.

Spence Hayashi

Justintoxicated · « **Reply #23 on:** May 04, 2011, 04:02:48 PM »

Well guys, I went back to the proshop and talked to the guy for about 45 minutes. He said he could order me anything. He was did not stock the Vibe, or the Nomad Dagger, but he had the storm 2 Furious in stock so I went ahead and had it drilled up for me. He said he felt I would be best off with a drilling setup that would break mid lane.

I showed him my old ball too. He said it was a reactive cover on my old blue hammer "Norm Duke" signature version but it was Nothing like todays balls (as you all told me as well). He was right.

The new ball is 15 instead of 13lb, and the grip is much wider (the old one was drilled when I was still growing). My first throw I let go of the ball a bit early, but still hit the pocket for a strike! The Pro Shop guy gave me a few pointers so I tried to change my release but it wasn't working for me. I went back to the way I was releasing my old ball (probably not the most correct way but whatever) and got 4 strikes in a row! Before I could not even throw 2 strikes in a row in a 3 game series.

AMAZING!

Sorry if I disappointed any hammer heads but I owe this great purchase to everyone who contributed to this thread so I wanted to thank everyone again!

tommyboy74 · « **Reply #24 on:** May 04, 2011, 05:37:23 PM »

You made a good choice with the 2Furious. That ball gives you a good value for the money and is versatile too.

My arsenal

Heavy Oil: Storm Virtual Gravity Nano: 4000 AB
Medium-Heavy Oil: Storm Anarchy: 1500 polished
Medium Oil: Roto Grip Nomad Dagger: 1500 polished

Medium-Light Oil: Roto Grip Rising Star: 1500 polished

Juggernaut · « **Reply #25 on:** May 04, 2011, 06:10:07 PM »

Justintoxicated wrote on 5/4/2011 4:02 PM:

Sorry if I disappointed any hammer heads but I owe this great purchase to everyone who contributed to this thread so I wanted to thank everyone again!

Don't worry about that, the important thing is that you've ended up making a purchase that both pleases you and helps you. Good luck with the ball.

Cobalt Bomb · « **Reply #26 on:** May 04, 2011, 07:00:49 PM »

Great that the pro shop worked with you.

Have fun!

yeehayashi · « **Reply #27 on:** May 04, 2011, 07:23:40 PM »

Nice choice with the 2Furious and going with the 15 lb ball. It's a versatile ball that will work well for you on a THS or on a medium to medium heavy oil pattern. It lays out the foundation on which you can build a well rounded arsenal if you add a ball for light/dry lane or a heavy oil pattern. Have fun and practice with it a lot this summer

Spence Hayashi

Author Topic: Novice Bowler - Thinking about buying a Taboo (Read 5813 times)

Justintoxicated

Novice Bowler - Thinking about buying a Taboo

clint191

Re: Novice Bowler - Thinking about buying a Taboo

tommyboy74

Re: Novice Bowler - Thinking about buying a Taboo

Justintoxicated

Re: Novice Bowler - Thinking about buying a Taboo

UltimateB9000

Re: Novice Bowler - Thinking about buying a Taboo

bigz

Re: Novice Bowler - Thinking about buying a Taboo

Justintoxicated

Re: Novice Bowler - Thinking about buying a Taboo

yeehayashi

Re: Novice Bowler - Thinking about buying a Taboo

Justintoxicated

Re: Novice Bowler - Thinking about buying a Taboo

tommyboy74

Re: Novice Bowler - Thinking about buying a Taboo

Juggernaut

Re: Novice Bowler - Thinking about buying a Taboo

Cobalt Bomb

Re: Novice Bowler - Thinking about buying a Taboo

yeehayashi

Re: Novice Bowler - Thinking about buying a Taboo