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Author Topic: Help: my first bowling ball  (Read 5977 times)

Vilin13

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Help: my first bowling ball
« on: April 19, 2013, 01:00:57 PM »
First I would like to say hello to everyone

I am only a beginner bowler, my average around 110-115 (I played 6 times and getting a bit better everytime.

I don't throw with much power, usually I like to drop the house ball between second and first arrow, as I tend to curve it a bit too much. My spare shooting with house is ok for now, but I need a ball for my first throw, since house balls are a bit inconsistent while playing for longer time (first round my PB 143 and then with same style 109 and worse as the lane went drier). Storm site recommended tropical breeze for me, but I like the look of frantic, though looks don't matter much, performance does, and I'd like to ask the people here for the "right" choice.

So, in summary I am a beginner bowler with slow to average ball speed, not too much revs and house balls start to curve too much after two to three games.

Thanks for answers in advance.

 

Coach Bonesaw

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Re: Help: my first bowling ball
« Reply #1 on: April 19, 2013, 01:34:10 PM »
Ebonite Cyclone.
In the bag:

Roto Grip Magic Gem
Motiv Primal Shock
Hammer Ocean Vibe

ben919

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Re: Help: my first bowling ball
« Reply #2 on: April 19, 2013, 01:44:48 PM »
Welcome to our sport! As someone that is transitioning from a recreational bowler to a competitive bowler there is a lot of information that can be thrown at you, so I'll keep this advice in line with your question of choosing a ball.

Don't worry about trying to get the newest, high-end ball. With your 1st ball you really don't need to go any higher that the entry-level lines that all of the major ball companies have (Storm Tropicals, Brunswick Strike Kings, Columbia Scouts, etc). They will give you plenty of performance for your skill level and what you'll be bowling on, and they won't break the bank. In actuality you could probably just start with a plastic ball. They are affordable and once you get more advanced you'll want one on hand for spares anyway.

Talk to some of the more advanced bowlers in your center to find out the best pro shop in your area and go to them to get fitted properly. No matter what ball you end up choosing, just having a ball that is fit properly to your hand will see you have an increase in speed and a more consistant release and feel, which will lead to higher scores.   

Hope this helps, good luck!

Vilin13

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Re: Help: my first bowling ball
« Reply #3 on: April 19, 2013, 03:01:39 PM »
Thanks for the answers... Also, I have a bit weak wrist from my injury so I am starting with 12 pound ball... How much effect will this have on my game? I did throw 14 pounds, but at 1 hour mark my wrist started to feel weak. Sadly, our pro shop (I'm in a country bowling isn't very popular sport) doesn't offer Ebonite Cyclone anymore :/.

ben919

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Re: Help: my first bowling ball
« Reply #4 on: April 19, 2013, 03:25:49 PM »
You have to use what is comfortable to you. A heavier ball will carry better, but if you can't throw it for very long/well it won't help you much anyway. With that said, you'll probably be surprised that a ball that you may think will be too heavy will actually be comfortable for you when its drilled to fit you hand properly. A 14 pound house ball that doesn't fit your hand properly may fall off or hang up on your hand and cause your arm to get sore or tire, but a 14 pound ball drilled to fit may actually end up being comfortable. My guess is that if you can throw a 12 house ball you could probably at least throw a 13 pound ball that is drilled to fit.   
« Last Edit: April 19, 2013, 03:28:50 PM by ben919 »

Jesse James

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Re: Help: my first bowling ball
« Reply #5 on: April 19, 2013, 04:18:51 PM »
Ben919 has given you good solid advice to start out with. Throw enough games to really get comfortable, and then the real questions will start coming.

Welcome to the sport, Vilin13!
Some days you're the bug....some days you're the windshield...that's bowling!

cheech

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Re: Help: my first bowling ball
« Reply #6 on: April 19, 2013, 05:11:00 PM »
keep in mind a ball that fits your hand properly will feel lighter than the house balls because you dont use the forearm and wrist strength to grab on to it. even with the injury i would recommend at least a 14lb ball. i agree that the entry level balls will be good enough for you and spending some money on quality coaching o refine your skills. if you post on forum.bowlingchat.net in the coaching forum they can point you in the direction in a reputable coach and prosohop in your area.

tommyboy74

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Re: Help: my first bowling ball
« Reply #7 on: April 19, 2013, 07:28:26 PM »
+1.  A good fit will make all the difference in the world.

Entry level is the best way to start out.  The key is to work on the fundamentals first before even attempting to build a larger ball arsenal.  Balls to look at in the entry level would include the Columbia Freeze, Roto Grip Scream/Shout, Track 300 series, Hammer Vibe, Brunswick Karma, and Ebonite Cyclone.

Here are three good points of advice that many of us will tell you on here.  First, it's essential to find a quality pro shop.  Higher average bowlers in your center can give you good advice on this.

A good shop will take you out on the lanes to watch you bowl.  This is important because it will help with matching you better with the equipment.  If a shop does not want to take the time to have you bowl on the lanes or just want to sell you the most expensive ball possible (stuff like the Storm Sync, Defiant), go somewhere else.

Second, coaching is always good when you're getting started.  It will help you develop the fundamentals and that is key to building a solid game. 

Third, just have some fun.  Don't go in with the mindset where you have to bowl 200+ every game and overthink things.  Take things one shot at a time.  If you take it one shot at a time, combined with good coaching, and a ball with a good fit, you'll make some good strides pretty quickly.

Welcome to the sport and best of luck to you.

Current Ball Arsenal
Heavy:
MOTIV Jackal Legacy
MOTIV Mythic Jackal

Med-Heavy:
MOTIV Trident Odyssey
MOTIV Forge Fire
MOTIV Covert Revolt

Medium:
MOTIV VIP ExJ Sigma
MOTIV Sigma Sting
MOTIV Pride Solid

Medium-Light
MOTIV Venom Shock
MOTIV Tribal Fire

Vilin13

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Re: Help: my first bowling ball
« Reply #8 on: April 20, 2013, 10:21:10 AM »
Thanks for the answers everyone. I will take into account all advices. Yeah, 14 pound house ball usually started to slip a bit, especially my thumb, resulting in a nice but totally useless curve, as my ball went from one end to another in an arch, hitting a 7 pin only in the end. Also, we always play on house pattern, very late when lanes are drier.

Edit:

I realize I will not get to 200 anytime soon also for that I'll need a lot of practice :). For now I have my goals set on perfecting my technique and slowly but surely rise my average to 120 and so on... My biggest problem is leaving 10 pin a bit often, which leaves me with open frames as I hit it only about 40% of the time for now.
« Last Edit: April 20, 2013, 11:02:52 AM by Vilin13 »

LazyK

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Re: Help: my first bowling ball
« Reply #9 on: April 23, 2013, 09:09:37 PM »
I have to agree with all the posts everyone above mentioned.
When I entered competitive bowling, I went and bought the highest performance ball, only to have harder time transitioning into it. Few weeks later end up buying an entry ball which helped me get more control.

If house balls are hooking too much after 2-3 games, maybe the Storm Tropical Heat would work after you Polish it, as it's hybrid coverstock, you can change the surface in many ways to see what works for you.

I think if you throw 12 lbs house ball, then 14 lbs fitted with fingertips and larger span might be comfortable, but you should see if there's other bowlers with similar hand size that are willing to let you try their ball. Having larger span and fingertips is quite different than the house balls.

Also work on spares as much as strikes, they're a big deal in competitive bowling and can boost your average. If too many 10 pins occur, it's not a bad idea investing in a spare ball like Brunswick Target Zone, it'll go pretty darn straight at the 10 pin if you aim toward it properly.

bigz

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Re: Help: my first bowling ball
« Reply #10 on: April 24, 2013, 12:54:18 AM »
I would also look into getting a urethane ball as a 1st ball..most have the perfect amount of performance for a beginner bowler..won't over-react if you tug it.
Karma urethane,tank by motiv,natural by storm,blue hammer(vibe core) are the popular selections.
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