My son is using a Target Zone right now. He will be 8 in September. I want to get a new ball for him this season. Part of me wants to get him another Target Zone and keep working on fundamentals. While part of me wants to get him into a urethane ball to get a little more ball movement and still keep working on fundamentals. I am truly tossed on this. I have had people tell to what I think is best for him, right now I don't know. The basics always need to be taught I know that. However I think the urethane would help out in many other aspects as well. Just looking for some input. Thanks all for your input. Only thing I am asking is to remain polite on this.

I would be bumping him up to 10 lb. Sorry forgot to mention that. Thanks for the input Russell.

The Polar Ice wouldn't be a bad ball to try or a Slingshot. Either ball I would probably consider using a 1000 grit to knock the shine down and have a smooth reaction.

It does have PK17 and in 10lbs will be a pancake weight block similar to the Polar Ice. Urethane and PK17 aren't going to be vastly different when they have similar cores and finishes. Both come highly polished from the factory, and either I would suggest knocking the shine off of to smooth out.

You guys are sending me in a different direction compared to where I was thinking. What are your thoughts on going either direction?

How fast does he throw the ball (if no speed available just fast, med, slow)?  If he throws it pretty quick then a Slingshot may be a better idea.  I would assume at 10lbs they will all have pancake weight blocks.  However I wouldn't let that influence your decision.

With age being my main concern, I would assume that there is not a lot of speed in the delivery. Being in the pro shop business for over 30 years I really think that a control type of ball is in the best interest here! Polar Ice (3 piece core)with a little weight shift drilling is the way to go. Want (need) a little more movement, light scuff will do the trick. A little older and more understanding of the basics of the sport, it's time to move up!

Speed is definitely a concern when dealing with bowler matchups especially children.  Urethane could be a better option but past 12 pounds I don't believe any manufacturer uses the same core as advertised.  The Brunswick core used in the slingshot is a 2.80 low rg with a .002 differential.  As far as length goes it should go plenty far down the lane for a resin ball.  As far as resin vs. urethane goes I have always preferred the length of a mildly aggressive resin ball to the controllability of urethane given that situation.  We have drilled slingshot for inexperience small children here in the past with no problems and plenty of success.  Whatever you may choose good luck with your search.  We need bowlers like your son to help our sport continue to survive into the future.