NEED a new ball syndrome?

[JPbowl]

Have you been effected by it ?

I think most of us have, who can resist the urge try the latest and greatest ball on the market with the hopes of them being able to bowl 20+ pins higher with this new magical sphere.

How much has balling ball technology changed the past 6 years? How much does it help your typical league bowler?
How much of it is just marketing?

New colors,smells, cores, coverstocks.
The important parts (core and coverstock) don't really seem to have changed much. The marketing on the other hand, full blown.

While i do enjoy watching ball reaction videos, i believe there is a lot of fluff with all the tech jargin 'we've incresead the RG .08 this year and added 5 gamma molecules to our patentent hyper resin 2.0 forumla and expereinced the best reaction we've ever seen !'

I've been somewhat dissaponted with the past couple balls of gotten, while they are 'good' i don't see what makes them beter than my 7yr old columbia hyde that i just rolled a 831 with. It's been resurfaced once.

I got a track 811 about year and a half ago , had my hyde refinished and had some finger grips put in at the same time.
No spectacular games with that ball, My Hyde became the go-to ball once again.

Janurary this year i got the dv8 nightmare 'most hookingest ball ever on the market'
Eh not so much if playing a inside line a little bit more but outside not even close, my Hyde still hooks more and still remains the goto.

When i first started out a older lady helped me and a friend with a little advice here and there.
She was always into buying new bowling balls. Sometimes 3-5 a year. Took some lessons here and there but hasn't really improved.

She has the syndrome... BAD

We even bowled on a league with her one summer. ONE.
Such a negative attitude ' oh i'm horrible' 'i can't bowl'

In closing, how important is having the latest greatest bowling ball to you ?

[Faithacabra]

I am so glad to see a post like this. I see this syndrome ALL the time!

I have to agree with a lot that you have said. I think there definitely comes a time when you need to replace your bowling ball. However, I see a lot of people buying new bowling balls in order to improve their game. 9 times out of 10 you're just spending money with no change in your game. There is no "magical bowling ball" that will suddenly start you bowling strikes.

Picking a ball that fits your bowling style is important, but more than that, working with a coach or someone who is able to help you with your bowling technique is much more helpful. I have watched my father buy new bowling ball after new bowling ball and get mad because he's still not bowling "as good as he used to." His biggest issue is that he doesn't do enough research to see if the new ball is even a good fit for him and he doesn't stick with a ball long enough to become consistent. He doesn't want to hear it through.

He went out and bought the DV8 Hell Raiser Revenge last year, thinking it would react just like in the video's. When it didn't he complained non stop about it. He didn't want to hear that he was using it on wood lanes that are not what I would consider heavy oil, and unfortunately, that is a ball that requires heavier oil patterns to perform properly. He stopped bowling with it after 6 games! And moved on to his next ball that he thought would save his game. I believe most people would do well to make sure that they have at least 1 bowling ball that they continually practice and bowl with that gives them consistent results.

I by no means am a terrific bowler. And I do love to try new equipment with all the new technologies that all the manufacturer's keep boasting about. It does seem that they retire new bowling balls faster and faster to release the new version or updated version. It's seems a little unnecessary at times. But that is the nature of owning a business like that I suppose.

[vdubtx]

I have purchased one new ball in the last 6 years. Only reason I did buy a new one was to use it at my first time at Nationals and it is an aggressive ball. The other balls I have are still fine for my needs. I constantly hear from other bowlers in the league that have issues with their form or what not about the new ball they just tried and it would do this or that. I just don't get into the new ball every couple month syndrome.

Recently a pretty good bowler was just coming back from injury got a new Urethane ball. He was trying to not hook so much, but what he doesn't understand is it's not the ball that is hooking so much as it is his form. He chicken wings the heck out of hit and put a ton of revs on the ball with speed. When he is on he is on, but man when he is off he will gutter every few frames just trying to chuck it out there.

The last 4 years have been the best bowling I have done in my career with 2 balls, plus my spare ball. I attribute my increase in average more to my spare pick ups than I do to my strike balls.

[JDHamm85]

I picked up a new Aura Paranormal a couple of weeks ago to replace the Roto Grip Cell I had been using for about 5 years. Before the Cell, I had been using an old Brunswick Yellow Dot Zone that was pretty much my first real fingertip reactive ball, and I still use it as a spare ball. I will still use my Cell too I think, just not as often. I liked it, but not as much as I do the Paranormal. I've already broken my high game with the Paranormal only after having it for a couple of weeks. I won't be replacing it anytime soon, with my own funds anyway.

The allure of a new ball is probably the most enticing to the average knowledgable bowler, who doesn't pay attention much to lane oil, hand position, speed, all the little things. But whose to say that if everybody here could afford a new ball every couple of months, we wouldn't take that chance and build the ultimate ball army?

[TCJ]

Nobody needs any more than two bowling balls. That would be a spare ball and a strike ball. If you're the type who can throw a regular ball straight, then great, you have room for two strike balls in your bag. On a typical house shot, that equipment will be more than enough to get the job done if the bowler knows how to change release and all that other stuff. Now, another bowling ball could quite possibly work better for certain conditions (thus I don't know those who have more) but it's not 100% necessary, especially if the person is just a once a week bowler.

That said...

I love owning bowling balls. There's just something fun about getting a new one (or a new used one) and playing around with it. That doesn't mean I buy new ones all the time because I don't... but I do understand those who purchase a new one every three months. I'll bring four or five of them to the lanes on any given night. One reason is that I enjoy knowing that I can find a use for every bowling ball in my arsenal and the other is that I bowl with different styles so I have different balls for each of those. Lately for my practice sessions I bring one left-handed ball, my spare ball (I use for right or left), my dedicated two-handed ball, and my standard righty ball. Bowling is for fun, so why not have fun trying a bunch of things with various equipment if you have the chance?

[Bendial]

I'm pretty sure I have a bad case of this lol. Just started in January and I already have 5 balls haha. For me though it's not because I think they will improve my game, I'm just really enthusiastic about the sport and sometimes a specific ball just gets boring and you want something new.

[billf]

I have given away 15 balls so far this year. I haven't paid for a ball for myself in about 18 months. I do enjoy trying out the new balls though but you're right, they do about the same thing as the past balls.
For a once a week league bowler, yes only two balls are required. If you bowl in multiple houses on different surfaces however, you may want to increase that. Tournament bowlers, money is on the line so don't lose due to inferior equipment.

I have balls with different spans. Why? Well with the arthriitis in my joints and my propensity for breaking my wrist at work, I don't know how much flexibility my hand and wrist will have that night.

Another reason the average league bowler buys the latest and greatest hooking balls: they think fresh oil means heavy oil. So they spend $200+ on say, a Brutal Nightmare, then wonder why it doesn't hook like it should or leaves pins on seemingly great pocket shots. They don't know or realize heavy oil balls HAVE to skid to retain energy at the breakpoint. Fresh oil last night I used the Misfit and Natural Pearl for an 825 series. The Revenge and Terror didn't even make the trip. Old wood lanes that aren't heavily oiled and transition quickly, no need for them. Plus I was tired already and knew I wouldn't be in the mood to loft the gutter.

[Greenday]

For me it's a matter of finding the widest arsenal.

I have an arcing heavy oil ball with my Invasion, a skid/snap heavy with the Sync, an arcing medium-heavy with the IQ Pearl, a skid/snap medium with the Frantic, and a skid/snap with the Tropical Breeze. Still need a medium-light oil ball, then eventually fill in the other needs.

[Gunz1911]

I have given away 15 balls so far this year. I haven't paid for a ball for myself in about 18 months. I do enjoy trying out the new balls though but you're right, they do about the same thing as the past balls.
For a once a week league bowler, yes only two balls are required. If you bowl in multiple houses on different surfaces however, you may want to increase that. Tournament bowlers, money is on the line so don't lose due to inferior equipment.

I have balls with different spans. Why? Well with the arthriitis in my joints and my propensity for breaking my wrist at work, I don't know how much flexibility my hand and wrist will have that night.

Another reason the average league bowler buys the latest and greatest hooking balls: they think fresh oil means heavy oil. So they spend $200+ on say, a Brutal Nightmare, then wonder why it doesn't hook like it should or leaves pins on seemingly great pocket shots. They don't know or realize heavy oil balls HAVE to skid to retain energy at the breakpoint. Fresh oil last night I used the Misfit and Natural Pearl for an 825 series. The Revenge and Terror didn't even make the trip. Old wood lanes that aren't heavily oiled and transition quickly, no need for them. Plus I was tired already and knew I wouldn't be in the mood to loft the gutter.

Geez bill, You didn't have to call me out that bad!!! :cool:

[DLP]

I have the syndrome as well. But since I'm new to the game I usually can talk myself out of any of the pretties simply by telling myself I'm not worthy =)

It's worked so far :P

[billf]

Geez bill, You didn't have to call me out that bad!!! :cool:

We've all been there. Well, at least I use to be there. I still chuckle when I ball down by two and cover more boards.

[GoodGravy]

So, if you were not suppose to get a new ball every other month, they would quit making so many right????

[got_a_300]

I used to have the need a new ball syndrome very bad
back in the late 80's early 90's but back then I was out
every weekend bowling in some kind of tournament and
out bowling in PBA regional events when I could.

I kept the credit card(s) company('s) happy back then and
I always got a good price on any bowling equipment that
I bought.

The shop that I bought from back then said since I bought
so much equipment and I drove 80+ miles just to get there
that I would get it at 2% over cost and bowling balls wasn't
all that expensive back then either.

Well now days since I came back to bowling in the fall of 2011
I've only bought 6 new balls and 1 used ball. I used to buy that
many in a month or so back then so I guess that I do not have the
need a new ball syndrome that bad any more.

[Gunz1911]

6 Bowling balls a month.... Damn. I have been bowling since Jan. and I am on the fence about getting a 2nd and 3rd ball.

[got_a_300]

6 Bowling balls a month.... Damn. I have been bowling since Jan. and I am on the fence about getting a 2nd and 3rd ball.

This was back in the good old days of wood lanes that had a
bad tendency of chewing up bowling balls in a hurry causing
large chips and a lot of scratch marks in the track area.

I never tried refinishing the balls I'd just give them to people
that wanted to mess with them and try to get them fixed. I've
still got about 10 or so of them left that wasn't all that badly
messed up but some still have some deep cuts in them just
not in the center of the track area.

The only bad thing is some of them have cracked into around
the center of the ball and you can actually see the core and
some of the others the core has come loose and rattles around
inside the ball from setting around all of those years exposed
to hot and cold weather while in storage.

[Stormed1]

I have it but it's more because I throw brands that not everyone throws. As a result I want to be able to tell customers that this is what ball a does. Not This is what company a says it does. Also as i bowl on 3 different surfaces which vart a great amoubt in friction i need equipment for each center. I also bowl a sport shot league in the summer and King of the hills on sport shoys so i have some that only bget use on them. However if i only bowled in one center i cold do wrth a 2-3 ball arsenal plus spare ball

[swingset]

I would love to buy new all the time just because having new equipment is neat and I love experimenting...but I don't have the funds for it nor do I have the time. So, I buy a new ball every year or so, maybe, but I win some and I buy used a lot and I have a great arsenal without spending much at all.

I don't believe "new" = better. In fact, some of the best balls in my arsenal are old....but they still perform perfectly on the right conditions. I have some balls I was given, or bought for $10, that account for my most consistent and hardest hitting weapons.

No need to buy new all the time, but if you enjoy doing it and can afford it, I won't knock ya!

[CeKnauss]

Nobody needs any more than two bowling balls. That would be a spare ball and a strike ball.

Nothing personal, but when people tell me this, I am a bit hurt. I bowl leagues at several different houses in a single season and while I could get away with taking only a single strike ball with me to each league with a house shot, there are several other considerations. Humidity, temperature, number of people bowling on the pair, amount of oil, consistency of the oil week to week, etc. I also was bowling and had a ball come back down the return cracked in half, so I needed another ball to use...

On another note, I do believe certain balls match up to certain people's styles and expectations better than others. Last night's sport league is an example I wish to use, where most of the people around me were having difficulty hitting the pocket the correct way. I saw a lot of funky splits and leaves, but I was fortunate to be much better lined up than I was expecting. I was using a MOtion Hole drilled Radical Yeti, playing about 17 at the arrows and 5 at the breakpoint on a 33ft pattern and was drilling the pocket like it was a house shot. I did pull a few inside and missed right on some others, but when I hit that mark (which seemed easy for me last night), I left nothing standing. I had 4 other reactive balls with me and none of them read the pattern like the Yeti (for my style), but I could have fought with them and found something that worked.

I have somewhere in the mid 30s of bowling balls, and while some of them work well for me, others don't. I've thrown various manufacturers and in the end, none of them really offer anything the others don't. If you know the general shape a ball is designed to make, you can make it work (generally). A quick example is the Brunswick Revolver, a ball I wanted to love but after my 3rd one (that I couldn't get to roll well for my game), I gave up on it. I have 2 of the Lethal Revolver and they both roll great for me (different surface prep and layout for different conditions).

Like anyone who loves to collect things and/or try new things, I too have this so-called syndrome. Some may see it as a waste, but I am merely collecting things for which I enjoy. If everyone were offered only one type of strike ball, bowling would not have a broad appeal. Telling people they may only use plastic equipment would put people off. People like having a choice, not being told what to choose. Even back in the day there was at least the option between hard rubber and plastic (and later urethane, and, for those followers of Don McCune, "The Soaker").

[classygranny]

I must not be as avid bowler as most on here.

I really don't like getting new equipment. It always feels so different, so much work to figure out what it's going to do. As most of you know, I just recently built a 3-ball arsenal, including a spare ball. I've only got two drilled so far. So far, I have been ok with getting used to them. But I'm in no hurry to go out and buy more.

And besides, where in the heck do you keep all those balls? I feel like I am sometimes overrun when I open the spare bedroom closet as it is.

Also, as soon as I am comfy with the new ones, I was going to trash my old Revolver. But someone said I should just take it to the bowling alley and leave it and someone will pick it up. Maybe I will do that - as I sure don't want it hanging around the house taking space and collecting dust.

[aussiedave]

Have you been effected by it ?

I think most of us have, who can resist the urge try the latest and greatest ball on the market with the hopes of them being able to bowl 20+ pins higher with this new magical sphere.

How much has balling ball technology changed the past 6 years? How much does it help your typical league bowler?
How much of it is just marketing?

New colors,smells, cores, coverstocks.
The important parts (core and coverstock) don't really seem to have changed much. The marketing on the other hand, full blown.

While i do enjoy watching ball reaction videos, i believe there is a lot of fluff with all the tech jargin 'we've incresead the RG .08 this year and added 5 gamma molecules to our patentent hyper resin 2.0 forumla and expereinced the best reaction we've ever seen !'

I've been somewhat dissaponted with the past couple balls of gotten, while they are 'good' i don't see what makes them beter than my 7yr old columbia hyde that i just rolled a 831 with. It's been resurfaced once.

I got a track 811 about year and a half ago , had my hyde refinished and had some finger grips put in at the same time.
No spectacular games with that ball, My Hyde became the go-to ball once again.

Janurary this year i got the dv8 nightmare 'most hookingest ball ever on the market'
Eh not so much if playing a inside line a little bit more but outside not even close, my Hyde still hooks more and still remains the goto.

When i first started out a older lady helped me and a friend with a little advice here and there.
She was always into buying new bowling balls. Sometimes 3-5 a year. Took some lessons here and there but hasn't really improved.

She has the syndrome... BAD

We even bowled on a league with her one summer. ONE.
Such a negative attitude ' oh i'm horrible' 'i can't bowl'

In closing, how important is having the latest greatest bowling ball to you ?
I can fully understand the faster bowlers needing a ball with plenty of reaction, but for those ordinary mortals among us who only bowl in the 10 - 14 mph range the lesser reacting balls are almost a necessity - I find too much hook makes for more to go wrong.
I have recently switched back to my old faithful blue hammer with about 200 games on it and have seen my game become so much easier. Just last night bowled a career high with it - 172 - 277 - 246 = 695. Last week was a 607 with two weeks in the 480's before that!
It is so much easier to throw than my Ebonite Cyclone - I love the pin action I get with it but I have to throw it as hard as I can to get any sort of consistency and when you bowl on the edge like that, many little things can go wrong. The urethane hammer is just a nice smooth pendulum swing and good follow through and hey presto!
ad.

[aussiedave]

I can fully understand the faster bowlers needing a ball with plenty of reaction, but for those ordinary mortals among us who only bowl in the 10 - 14 mph range the lesser reacting balls are almost a necessity - I find too much hook makes for more to go wrong.
I have recently switched back to my old faithful blue hammer with about 200 games on it and have seen my game become so much easier. Just last night bowled a career high with it - 172 - 277 - 246 = 695. Last week was a 607 with two weeks in the 480's before that!
It is so much easier to throw than my Ebonite Cyclone - I love the pin action I get with it but I have to throw it as hard as I can to get any sort of consistency and when you bowl on the edge like that, many little things can go wrong. The urethane hammer is just a nice smooth pendulum swing and good follow through and hey presto!
ad.
I can't edit my posts here - why is that?
Addendum to previous post - having said that, I would like to get either another new Hammer or try a solid, not pearl coverstock - something not so reactive. I watch an older guy, looks to be about mid 60's who just gently rolls the ball down the lane, same motion every time and he has a 185 - 190 average. He uses an older solid ball - probably from the 2000's and has probably been bowling for 50 years too!
ad.

[ArtVandelay]

I'll play Devils Advocate...

I don't like getting new balls. I like finding a ball I like and becoming consistent with it. I don't want to constantly be learning how to throw a new ball.

Boom. My opinion.

[DLP]

I'll play Devils Advocate...

I don't like getting new balls. I like finding a ball I like and becoming consistent with it. I don't want to constantly be learning how to throw a new ball.

Boom. My opinion.

Have to agree with you! There is one "stupid ball" as I call it that I want, but I'll only get it when I a) deem myself worthy of being able to do it justice or b) a coach tells me its not meant for me.

But it's my hubby's fascination that I started with a T-Zone, he convinced me I needed something lighter, so I ended up with a Pyramid, and now because he wanted something different without really getting to know his Cyclone, I've now adopted it.

I want to become consistent and good with what I have. As long as hubby keeps changing his mind, just means I'll end up with more in my arsenal

As long as I bide my time, I'll probably end up with a Black Mamba as well :P

[CeKnauss]

I suppose I'll clarify one little part of mine. While I do enjoy purchasing new equipment and seeing how it works for my game, I don't expect the same to be true for everyone. If you only bowl recreationally or in a single league at a single house and you don't ever plan to do anything more, then having a single strike ball and a spare ball is fine.

The best way I can relate my interest in new equipment is with my love of music. Ever hear of "too much of a good thing"? Having one awesome ball for you is cool and all, but it's like a favorite song that you don't want to listen to too much or it will get old and repetitive. I enjoy good things, but I don't want it becoming a chore to love something. I buy a new ball every now and then to keep things fresh, to help local pro shops, and to try some new things.

[GeoLes]

I have the perfect cure for new ball syndrome - a wife :)

[classygranny]

I have the perfect cure for new ball syndrome - a wife :)

or a husband :)

(except mine - he spends more on his hobby than I think about for bowling balls!)

[billf]

You should try drilling up a ball and shooting a reaction video with no practice at all. Talk about hoping and praying to find the pocket quick! The worst part is when it's a good ball and you have to give it back ;(

[DLP]

I need a cure for the syndrome.

With Brunswick putting out a red/orange Strike King and the new fireball color on the Cyclone, my husband decided he wants both.

It's a matter of fashion over function with him!!!!

[DLP]

Can't trust hubby in the pro-shop unattended. He tracked me down when I was talking to my soon to be coach and profusely apologized. He couldn't keep his eye off the new Red/Gold Strike King. I think at this point he really won't be happy until he owns one of every "reddish" ball out there.

Me, I've convinced myself that I'm holding out until my coach and my pro (HAH! Do I take ownership or what :P) decide what's going to work best for me.

[classygranny]

Can't trust hubby in the pro-shop unattended. He tracked me down when I was talking to my soon to be coach and profusely apologized. He couldn't keep his eye off the new Red/Gold Strike King. I think at this point he really won't be happy until he owns one of every "reddish" ball out there.

Me, I've convinced myself that I'm holding out until my coach and my pro (HAH! Do I take ownership or what :P) decide what's going to work best for me.

Very sound advice....I did the same thing - and thus far, I am loving the RG Defiant Soul. Have yet to have a chance to throw the Meanstreak Brawler - maybe tomorrow.

Donna, you are going to go far in your bowling - your head is in the right place. Most bowlers can't get there even after bowling many years. I actually bowl with quite a few of those. I wish you all the best working with your coach/Pro - I know after the first and most definitely after the second lesson, my game has taken quite a change for the better.

[crimsoneyes]

my pro shop guy wont even let me get a new ball because he's scared of my wife. He's threatened to call her and ask permission. That's the cure for the syndrome right there.

[DLP]

my pro shop guy wont even let me get a new ball because he's scared of my wife. He's threatened to call her and ask permission. That's the sure for the syndrome right there.

Thanks for the idea - my hubby will greatly appreciate it :P

[vdubtx]

my pro shop guy wont even let me get a new ball because he's scared of my wife. He's threatened to call her and ask permission. That's the cure for the syndrome right there.

1023

[richardsymms]

Please tell me this. I have a Roto Grip Defiant and have bowled about 1100 games more or less in the 2.5 yrs I have had it. I have had the pro shop "rejuvenate it at least after every 30 - 40 games. Plus my own Abrallon work on it and then there's the sanding and polishing machine at the bowling lanes.. I assume the surface on this ball can wear out. How can I tell if it should be replaced. I love the Defiant and would buy another. The new Totally Defiant has exact same specs but different cover.

[Tampabaybob]

my pro shop guy wont even let me get a new ball because he's scared of my wife. He's threatened to call her and ask permission. That's the cure for the syndrome right there.

QUICK, change pro shops !!! Run don't walk !!

[Tampabaybob]

Please tell me this. I have a Roto Grip Defiant and have bowled about 1100 games more or less in the 2.5 yrs I have had it. I have had the pro shop "rejuvenate it at least after every 30 - 40 games. Plus my own Abrallon work on it and then there's the sanding and polishing machine at the bowling lanes.. I assume the surface on this ball can wear out. How can I tell if it should be replaced. I love the Defiant and would buy another. The new Totally Defiant has exact same specs but different cover.

I have been looking at the "Totally Defiant" also, and it appears to be an awesome ball. I've got the Shatter, LOVE IT, and this one seems just a bit more aggressive, but it's still a skid snap ball, and that's what I like. Too bad it won't be out till August 13th ! They know what they're doing, getting ready for the fall league rush. After 1100 games, you've more than paid for that ball. Go for it.......Totally Defiant it is !!!

[crimsoneyes]

QUICK, change pro shops !!! Run don't walk !!


Haha yeah I know... It's become more of a joke than seriousness now. He just made me get her a new ball before letting me get another. Which actually worked pretty good for me!

[DLP]

Raises her hand.. GUILTY AS CHARGED!

[e-tank]

had this BAD a couple months ago. Im trying to stay away from bbe as theres just so many good deals there that theyre hard to pass up. Pretty content with my arsenal now although i would like to add a pearl to it