I saw this review today and thought it was cool.

http://www.ballreviews.com/Reviews/Reviews.asp?BallID=694&ManufacterID=11&ReviewID=27515

From: azrichter

I hope this review can be of help to anyone looking for a "re-entry" ball if they've been away from the game for awhile.

I was a decent bowler (180+)as a kid but left the game over 25 years ago. Wanting to bowl with my kids and intrigued by the new technology, I've wanted to get back to bowling for years. I just now got it done.

Searching for a ball was bewildering. I did not want a monster I couldn't control, or something too specific to lane conditions. Upon the advice of several pros and reviews I chose this ball for its reputed hook potential, predictability and versatility. Other balls high on my list and highly recommended were the Roto Horizon, Storm Spitfire and Thunderstruck Pearl.

Dave at Bowling Dynamics in Phoenix drilled this for me w/o knowing my PAP. 15 pounds, 3 oz top weight. 2" pin. 1000 grit. He placed the pin just below and right of my ring finger, with the CG about 3/4" right of the grip centerline. Very comfortable fit. "Don't worry," he said. "This is a great ball for you. Since you last bowled, this thing will seem like a smart bomb."

Bowled on fresh oil on a Monday afternoon. I guessed on the line, moved a little left to allow for some hook, and put it between the 1st & 2nd arrows. In spite of the stiff & rusty delivery, I hit the mark. Dark Thunder skidded, rolled and then, like a robot, made a smooth,perfect arc into the pocket. BOOM! I'm not sure any pins touched the deck before landing in the pit. Second shot---same thing. I stood there laughing like I'd won the lottery! I was astonished by the ball reaction and how it blew the pins off the deck.

Of course, the fun wouldn't last forever, but while struggling to get a feel for the game again (forgot how to shoot spares), I managed a 186, 195, 205,and 195 after a lousy first game. After a few games I felt very much in control of the ball and was able to influence its action to a great degree. When I got the speed right and hit my mark, the ball did exactly what I wanted it to. It seems like an ideal ball for re-learning the game.

I was surprised by a couple of 10 pins and an 8-10 leave on a pocket hit---I think I might have been trying to force it. It left a couple of 4 pins on slightly light hits. However, it produced thunderous strikes on Brooklyn hits, and made some ridiculous carries on bad hits. Pins seemed to be flying everywhere.

I found a ball that I was able to take control of right away, that hits with energy and likes the conditions I'll encounter for awhile. It way surpassed my expectations. I'd highly recommend Dark Thunder for bowlers in my situation who need to think about things other than what the ball is doing. This one will take care of itself if you get the delivery right. I did have to look around a bit to find it. It was worth the search.

Oh, yeah. I'm an old school guy. The plain black ball looks G-R-E-A-T!!!
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Thunderstruck $olid


Edited on 4/11/2007 3:19 PM