win a ball from Bowling.com
« previous next »
Pages: [1]

Author Topic: Looking for some help.  (Read 552 times)

AmpleSound

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 2
Looking for some help.
« on: November 30, 2006, 06:24:03 AM »
Hi, I'm new to the forum, and I've got some questions as to which ball would be best for me.  I bowled a lot when I was little, and recently joined a league.  However I'm thinking of trying to throw hooks instead of straight balls.  Currently I'm using the typical run of mill plastic viz-a-ball (soon to be my spare ball).  To put it bluntly, I'm tired of hitting the pocket so beautifully only to leave (oddly enough) the 4 or the 6 pin.  I've already got a natural curve to my throw, and just about shake hands with the pins on my release already.  So I'm wondering if anyone would give me some insight as to what a good beginner ball would be as far as throwing moderate hooks.  Also I would like to keep my grip conventional, just a preference of mine.

So far I've been looking into the Roto-Grip Saturn, Columbia 300 Hyjinx, and the  Storm Hot Rod Super Sport (Navy/Peach colored).  Thanks in advance for any help I receive!
 
Logged

 

janderson

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2181
Re: Looking for some help.
« Reply #1 on: November 30, 2006, 02:53:35 PM »
Any entry level reactive-resin ball has the potential to out-hook your viz-a-ball by a large amount.  Until you've advanced your game some, there isn't much of a reason to spend the extra cash on a high-end ball unless you have money to burn, or can catch a good deal on a high-end ball on the used rack.

Most manufacturer web sites have a "entry level" category of equipment.  Any of those should do you well.  Indeed I once owned a Brunswick Power Groove reactive - considered an entry level ball - which outhooked everything else in my bag once it found dry boards.
--------------------
J.J. "Waterola Kid" Anderson, the bLowling King  : Kill the back row


Edited on 11/30/2006 3:45 PM
Logged

SprayNpray

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 726
Re: Looking for some help.
« Reply #2 on: November 30, 2006, 02:58:56 PM »
I would want to make sure this doen't cost you a ton of cash to start with.  There are a lot of mid-priced balls out there that will fit the bill:

1. BVP line from Brunswick, especially the Wizard and the Rampage, or even a Power Groove would work.
2. "Raw" series from Hammer- the Doom is a popular choice.
3. RotoGrip makes some nice equipment at a very reasonable price, including the Horizon series.
4. AMF also makes good equipment, and EVERY ball is reasonably priced.  The Radar series, or maybe a Venom.

Keep in mind that if you are going to stick with a conventional grip, you will never maximize your hook potential like you would if you went with a fingertip grip.  "Moderate" hook is exactly what you will get, and if that is your preference, any reactive ball will probably do roughly the same thing for you.

If you are only choosing from the balls you mentioned, I would go with the Saturn.

Welcome to the board.
--------------------
-SawFreak

~Predicting my next opponent runs into a BUZZSAW!

~Proud original member-  F.O.S.
Logged

AmpleSound

  • Newbie
  • *
  • Posts: 2
Re: Looking for some help.
« Reply #3 on: November 30, 2006, 03:19:24 PM »
Well I've been looking at many, and just from reviews and what not those are the ones that stood out to me.  One thing for sure I do understand I won't get the full hook potential (with staying at a conventional grip), but I feel that I will get better pin reaction than with the Viz-a-ball I'm currently using.  I've been shopping at bowlingball.com, and they have excellent prices as far as I can tell.  The Brunswick Wizard was also one I was looking into.  So, Sawfreak what would you recommend between the Wizard, and the Saturn?  Thanks again for your help!
Logged

azus

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1867
Re: Looking for some help.
« Reply #4 on: November 30, 2006, 03:30:45 PM »
The wizard may be a little to dull in oob, out of box, condition. But it depends on what lane condition you use it on. I would suggest a Tropical or any Hot Rod from storm.
--------------------
I like my coffee black, just like my metal.
What would Chuck Norris do?
(\ /)
( . .)
c(')(')
Cute Bunny! copy bunny into sig to help him achieve world domination
Logged

splendorlex

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4484
Re: Looking for some help.
« Reply #5 on: November 30, 2006, 03:43:47 PM »
Why do you not want to use a fingertip grip?  Honestly, you're selling yourself short by using a conventional grip.  I would also recommend the Doom from Hammer as a great starter ball.  It's the kind of ball you can grow into as your game improves, as well.
--------------------
Ballreviews.com--Get your political speculation here, no facts allowed!

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

Mr. Lebowski, this is Bell Salnicker with the Southern Cal Bowling League, and I just got a, an informal report, that a member of your team, uh, Walter Sobchak, drew a firearm during league play. If this is true of course, it contravenes a number of the league's by-laws, and article 27 of the league...
Logged

shelley

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 9655
Re: Looking for some help.
« Reply #6 on: November 30, 2006, 03:47:09 PM »
quote:
So far I've been looking into the Roto-Grip Saturn, Columbia 300 Hyjinx, and the  Storm Hot Rod Super Sport (Navy/Peach colored).  Thanks in advance for any help I receive!


All of those are excellent choices, I don't think you'll be disappointed with any.  None are so strong that you wouldn't be able to control them and all should give plenty of hitting power.  It's almost refreshing to see someone ask for their first performance ball without saying they want the most hooking-est ball available.  

You mentioned getting it conventionally drilled.  Unless you've got a weak grip, problems with your wrist, hand, or fingers, I wouldn't recommend staying with a conventional grip.  Certainly you'll see your average go up with a harder hitting performance ball, and since it's got the same grip you've got now you won't have to "learn" how to throw it, but in the long run, you'll probably be better off with a fingertip drill.  You'll be able to impart more rotation and roll with a fingertip release and generally get out of the ball easier.  With a cleaner release you'll be able to get more power at the pins.  Your average will probably decrease as you're learning how to throw it, but it will be well worth it in the long run.

SH
Logged

Rileybowler

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3458
Re: Looking for some help.
« Reply #7 on: November 30, 2006, 03:54:10 PM »
That Roto Grip Saturn I purchased including drilling inserts and slug $115 a very good price and a very good ball I don't think that you can beat it at that price good luck to you and good bowling
--------------------
Carl
Logged
Carl
Bless the LORD o my soul and all that is within me bless his holy name

SprayNpray

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 726
Re: Looking for some help.
« Reply #8 on: December 02, 2006, 08:11:08 PM »
Sorry for the slow reply to your second question; I must have missed it!  To answer about the choice between a Saturn or a Wizard, this is what I will say:  

Assuming you are sticking with the conventional grip, it really doesn't matter, so you should go with the best price you can find.  The reason I say it doesn't matter is because, as I mentioned before, any reactive will give you roughly the same reaction with the conventional grip, in my opinion.  The differences between balls with this grip will be marginal at best.

I have seen Wizards and Saturns both for dirt cheap on eBay, and either would make a good choice.  Me personally?  I have had success with the cover used on the Wizard (PK 18 solid), so I would go with that, based purely on personal experience.
--------------------
-SawFreak

~Predicting my next opponent runs into a BUZZSAW!

~Proud original member-  F.O.S.
Logged
Pages: [1]
« previous next »