How in the world can people choose a bowling ball, or even worse an entire arsenal?  Each company keeps producing so many balls every couple months and it is frustrating.

I want to get something, but I have no idea what.....ugh.
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Stephen

Turn off the brain, turn on the scores!

Stephen, this is one (unsolved) mystery of modern life, and I guess everyone has a private philosophy to it?

Personally, you should at any rate know what ball reaction you want to have and for which condition the ball should be used. Having a good idea about this limits choice.

Some players stick to one manufacturer because this makes ball strength quite comparable. Manufacturers like Brunswick have a nice number system that makes ball choice quite easy.

Others (like me) have an arsenal and from time to time find gaps or replacements. I like to look at balls' numbers like RG and differential, as well as coverstock and core type to have a clue what they are basically designed to do (Skid/snap, roll, dry/oily lane, short/long patterns). IMHO it is always good to have a ball design that complements the condition you want to conquer with it. Therefore, it does not always have to be high performnce or state-of-the-art technology. I then just browse and shake the overwhelming choice to an evoked set of 2-4 candidates, do some snooping in online pro shops and forums, post questions when I am quite certain what I want and finally refine the choice to a ball. It is just legwork. Watching others throw that ball is also a great help.

Finally, I discuss the drilling for the desired reaction and condition with my pro shop, check pin distance and top weight to match with the desired ball reaction and to have a proper basis for the drilling. If you want a snappy layout, high top weight and a large pin-out comes handy (but is not a must - this is already fine-tuning) Good thing is that my pro shop supports me and leaves ball purchase either to me or they will order almost anything for me - which is great service.

With so many new balls around, having a marjet overview is a must if you want to chose by yourself. Sure, a pro shop is great help, and should always be consulted. But getting at least 2 seperate opinions about a ball is a serious recommendation. Just because an orb makes one player look great it most certainly will not do the same for you!
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DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany
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Edited on 12/8/2006 5:50 AM

I think the first thing to do is choose what you wish your ball to do and under what conditions. Then you can check out the various companies and see what they have to offer for what you want. Like another poster stated, some of us are brand specific, and there are a lot of companies.
 
  Learn as much as you can about the ball you're looking at, but more importantly, know what type of bowler you are prior to. High/med/low revs, what speed you throw, are you a cranker, stroker...etc, how do you play the lanes, etc. There are a lot of factors that go into ball selection, you pick what suits your game and conditions best. Then there's drilling, what do you want it to do when you throw it. Take your time, don't let someone else tell you what you should have. Good hunting and good bowling.
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"You keep doing what you have to do until you're called to do what it is you were meant to do."