Ok, based on the suggestion I received from my local pro shop, I thinking of replacing my old Columbia Yellow Dot (purchased 1984) that I use as my spare ball.  I just had it resurfaced again and you can no longer tell it’s even a Columbia ball.  Besides that, there are numerous cracks around the bridge and he believes that it’s just a matter of time before it totally gives in.

So, today I throw nothing but 16 pound balls, which includes my Yellow Dot.  My Pro shop guy has suggested that I go to 15 pounds on the new spare ball as I only would use it for single pin spares!  Anybody throw a 16 pound strike ball with a lesser weight spare ball?  Appreciate all the pros and cons on this subject!

I know it’s just a matter of personal taste, but I’d like to hear everybody’s thoughts on what ball I should buy as my new Spare ball.  I’ve read the comments regarding the Spare Tire, Track’s Flaming “T” , and the Columbia Dot’s, but have seen nothing on the Storm Polyester balls?  I like the idea of a little flash, but I guess it really doesn’t matter.  

Thanks

This is what i've noticed,and I have a 14lb spare ball, any spare ball will hook if a track gets burned into it. You have to keep the thing cleaned and polished to stay away from the "accidental hook", and i've tried maxims, dots and even my current spare ball, a clear team storm blue(in my profile), has the hook on the end if i don't clean and polish it once ever 25-30 games, or u jus learn to adjust with it.

Back to the main topic-throwing a ball 1lb down gives you control and a speed advantage so i'd say drop down to 15, plus it'll give your arm a break.
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Stop Crying, Shut Up and BOWL!!! Everybody throws  gutterballs back to back at one point in their life Getting Zero is an accomplishent that you should be proud of!!!

Edited on 6/12/2006 12:38 PM

Hey egl,

For my customers who want to try a lighter weight, doing it on the spare ball isn't bad.  If you naturally pick up speed at a 10 pin, it's not going to hurt you.  It's the opposite that I do not recommend.  Do not do it on a ball that you want or need to hook with.  Picking up speed on a heavier oil ball can cause it to go straighter and therefore defeat the purpose of that piece.  

The good part of this is that you may end up liking the weight of 15.  The tough part is that you may end up deciding to change over to all 15, I've had this happen quite frequently in the shop these days.  Hope this helps some...
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