1.  If you can't play anywhere from the gutter to 4th arrow, having a big arsenal won't help you

2.  If you can't hit the pocket with every ball in your bag on most conditions, balance holes aren't going to help you

3.  Taking 4 or 5 balls to league on a house shot is like taking 14 clubs to a pitch and putt

Ever since I've REDUCED my arsenal and primarly focuses mostly on all of the Dynamics of the game first, and understand how to use all of what I have to compliment my game, it's easy sailing.

Doesn't matter if I bring 1, 2, or 8, all about versatility and adjustments first, but again to each their iwn.

I tend to use one ball during a league session, sometimes I will change later in the set to a second ball after the transition, but usually not though. During shadow is where I decide which ball is best suited for the conditions that day.

I take four "strike" balls plus a spare(plastic). Why? Because I have a four ball bag and it's no more of a pain in ass to take 2,3 or 4 since the bag holds four anyway. Then I have a single ball bag I use exclusively for my spare ball and it always goes with me. So since I have the ability to carry 5 balls, I take five balls. I almost never use more than two and the spare, but it's not the same two every league session. The ball I use as a first(or strike) ball is determined during shadow and at least where I bowl, you don't know what the condition that day will require.


Of course, I can "refer to #3" and bring only my plastic spare ball(or just use a house ball, since the ability to adjust is the only thing that matters anyway) and move my feet, but then my shoes are in the four ball roller at home because they won't fit in the single ball bag and I don't have a locker at the alley and there is no way in hell I'm going to wear the house shoes.


And before someone gets all preachy on me and starts yammering on about using urethane for 10 pins or flattening out on release, etc, etc. Save your breath(or keyboard), because I don't give a rats ass, you do you, I'll use my plastic spare ball, which I use for more than just the 10 pin.


So screw it, I'll take my five balls and not give a damn about what someone else thinks. 


Rant to be continued if necessary. 

I'll say it again. It depends on the house I'm bowling at. For a house shot around here, I'll take my Drift and Dream On to one, and my X and Black Ops to the other. Booyah goes to both. If I'm traveling to a house I'm unfamiliar with, my options increase. Don't know the topography? Don't know the volume or length? Bring them all and keep some in the car.

Quote from: Impending Doom on May 02, 2018, 01:01:11 PM

I'll say it again. It depends on the house I'm bowling at. For a house shot around here, I'll take my Drift and Dream On to one, and my X and Black Ops to the other. Booyah goes to both. If I'm traveling to a house I'm unfamiliar with, my options increase. Don't know the topography? Don't know the volume or length? Bring them all and keep some in the car.

But...but...but...it's just a house shot. Refer to rule #3. 

Well, I did use my Booyah last night at practice on the fresh house shot. Does that matter?

Bob,

What you say genre rings true to me. Ultimately, you can’t make up but so much lack of skills using equipment.

For those that can adjust their release and repeat shots, they don’t need  6 balls on a THS. But those who can’t definitely benefit from a wide range of equipment if they understand when and how to use it.

On the other hand, on a tough shot, where you have to be able to repeat shots, all the equipment in the world will not help the sprayers. The funny thing is that they always seem to be able to cast blame on someone or something else for their inability to score.

I agree with Milo.  I have a four ball bag and I carry a solid, hybrid, and a pearl all with different specs. and cover strength; plus a spare ball. Sometimes I have to use one or more because of the inconsistent house shot we face each week.  I make adjustments throughout the night until I get out of my comfort zone, then and only then do I change balls. When I do have to change, I'm glad I have the option available.  So for me so much for Rule #3!

The last point is perhaps the biggest point this post was intended for. I am guilty as well for this post being misinterpreted a bit. I am very sorry for that. But this was more so aimed at the people who don't want to zone change, change their target, adjust speeds, etc. This wasn't meant to devalue the skill of knowing when/how to ball change. If you're going through 5 balls a night, there is a good chance thst you're not giving yourself much of a chance to score in the first place and/or your decision making needs to improve.

2handed and juggernaut  absolutely nailed it, my same exact thoughts; Let them use their 6-8 balls all over the place and still can't reach the pocket, while us knowledgeable bowlers (regardless how many we bring)   play where the shit allows, and make our proper adjustments first and continue to score our lights out (ball change is the last resort)  and they can stay in no man's land and bitch and complain. 

Who's the dummy now?