what influences you to buy use a certain ball?

[Joker]

Saw this on another thread and thought it be a fun topic. What influences you to use a certain manufacture's product?

a. staff members
b. ball reaction
c. company name
d. seen on tv

[Shaneshu87]

i was raised throwing hammer, that influences my purchases ;) it's kinda like my "home Team" not that i haven't owned other company balls, i even tried switching to DV8, but i always find my self coming back to hammer. i have loved, and owned, every Black Widow ball ever made, still own a NIB BW Pearl. i love the widow series because of the reaction, so that influenced my love for that series, and who doesn't fear a black widow? lol

[mc_runner]

- what I am looking for a ball to do
- reaction videos/review videos/demo/personal recommendations

those are most important, third is
- history with the brand

[CaptainXeroid]

I started off with pro shop recommendation, WAY back when I got a Wine U Dot to hook when my Bonanza Yellow Dot wouldn't. Then it was word of mouth...what were other folks throwing. These days it's mainly past experience(Columbia), but the next ball will probably be based on specs & reactions videos.

[Aslan]

None of the Above

e. clearance price (% off regular price)

[Amyers]

I find most videos useless as they have guys throwing 18 mph with 400 revs throwing the ball doesn't show me much. I try to watch people bowl who have similarities with my game and my pro-shop guys recommendations. I don't know that price plays a large roll if I really want/need it I'll pay for it. If I don't I'm not buying it regardless if its a good deal.

[RobLV1]

#1 - core numbers
#2 - core shape
#3 - cover material

[Aslan]

None of the Above

e. clearance price (% off regular price)

I just think it's kind've a paradox.

I mean, if you're a beginning bowler...buying a better ball isn't going to help you. Yet, if you're an advanced skill bowler...you should be able to make any ball work well with a couple minor adjustments. So who does a "shiny new ball" help?

It's kinda laughable really. Twice a year (usually summer and fall) each ball manufacturer releases a few new balls. And EVERY video is the same. EVERY video talks about how you REALLY need this ball and it's gonna help you dominate the world and it's just so much better than any other ball ever made...a MUST own. Then 6 months later they release it's replacement because that ball wasn't so good but this NEW release...WOWSERS does it hit well!! Don't believe them? Watch this professional bowler with a 450rpm rev rate and pinpoint accuracy as he throws strike after strike after strike...after we edit out the ones that don't strike!! WOW!! Ya can't argue with that!!

The bottom line is; they haven't made a step change in bowling ball technology since reactive resin. And there's not a huge horizon to make the next great leap. There's only so much you can do to a round hunk of resin really. Especially when you take into account that the USBC has certain guidelines in terms of top weight and such. You could make the funkiest core in the world that causes the ball to zig-zag...but it likely wouldn't be leagal to use.

What really sucks...for a numbers geek like me is....it would be AWESOME to see a database where every score in the USBC is linked to the ball that was thrown. So you could go into the database right now and say, "okay, last 12 months...which balls had the most...X?"

Examples (fictitious):
- 900 Games- Rotogrip Asylum (1)
- 300 Games- Hammer Deadly Aim (143)
- Highest Average Score- Brunswick Fortera Exile (204)
- Highest Average Score/MSRP (Value Rating)- Storm Tropical Breeze (1.59)

Wouldn't that be interesting? Probably not something you could do for EVERY bowler in the USBC at EVERY center. But what about just the PBA? Couldn't their stats folks keep track of what balls were used during which matches? Oh well, just thinking outloud.

[Amyers]

#1 - core numbers
#2 - core shape
#3 - cover material

How does this work for you? As far as core numbers go are there numbers you would like no one makes now? I'm not being a smart arse I'm no expert on numbers or the history over the last twenty years.

Core shape helps to determine the numbers does it not? How do you know one shape will be beneficial over another? Seem like this is the same as number one and is just as subjective picking by the color unless you've thrown that shape before and then it's not something new just a variation.

Cover material I understand although I hear some people think the newer covers make a difference others think there really hasn't been anything new in 15 years or more.

Just interested in hearing you expand on your thought processes a little more.

[Stormed1]

1. What condition i'm intebding to use the ball om.
2.Core asymetric or symetric , rg and diff
3. Coverstock - solid,pearl,hybrid
4.Desired reaction shape

Price does not come in to play. If I need and want it I will find a way to pay for it

[RobLV1]

How does this work for you? As far as core numbers go are there numbers you would like no one makes now? I'm not being a smart arse I'm no expert on numbers or the history over the last twenty years.

Core shape helps to determine the numbers does it not? How do you know one shape will be beneficial over another? Seem like this is the same as number one and is just as subjective picking by the color unless you've thrown that shape before and then it's not something new just a variation.

Cover material I understand although I hear some people think the newer covers make a difference others think there really hasn't been anything new in 15 years or more.

Just interested in hearing you expand on your thought processes a little more.

When I talk about core shape, I'm referring to two things: symmetry and overall shape. Some bowlers, particularly lower average bowlers, have a really hard time using balls with asymmetrical cores, primarily because asymmetrical cores tend to magnify differences between individual releases. For this reason, until a bowler develops a pretty consistent release, he is probably better off sticking with balls with symmetrical cores. By overall shape, I'm talking about the shape of core with which the bowler has had the most success. This is pretty much a function of axis tilt and axis rotation and the amount of control that a bowler has over each. Some bowlers have much more success with round(ish) cores, while others have more success with cylindrical cores.

Cover materials also match up better with certain bowlers' styles and preferences as to how to play the lanes. Personally, of the 14 balls currently in my arsenal, there are only two pearls, and I use them for very specific lane conditions. A good friend of mine who is a very high average bowler, naturally gravitates toward pearls. There have been ongoing advances in cover material technology. If you take a reactive resin ball that is produced now, and throw it next to one that was produced ten years ago, you will be amazed at the difference in ball reaction. The other issue with cover materials is that, because of their porosity to help the ball to hook, they just don't last anywhere near as long as we would like them to.

As to balls that I would like to see, no there are really no gaps left in what is available out there. For me personally, since changing over to using Brunswick equipment, the only ball that I really missed was the Storm IQ Tour Fusion (low rg, low diff., hybrid cover), and that gap has now been filled by the Brunswick Brute which is on a truck heading for my house as we speak!

[Amyers]

When I talk about core shape, I'm referring to two things: symmetry and overall shape. Some bowlers, particularly lower average bowlers, have a really hard time using balls with asymmetrical cores, primarily because asymmetrical cores tend to magnify differences between individual releases. For this reason, until a bowler develops a pretty consistent release, he is probably better off sticking with balls with symmetrical cores. By overall shape, I'm talking about the shape of core with which the bowler has had the most success. This is pretty much a function of axis tilt and axis rotation and the amount of control that a bowler has over each. Some bowlers have much more success with round(ish) cores, while others have more success with cylindrical cores.

Cover materials also match up better with certain bowlers' styles and preferences as to how to play the lanes. Personally, of the 14 balls currently in my arsenal, there are only two pearls, and I use them for very specific lane conditions. A good friend of mine who is a very high average bowler, naturally gravitates toward pearls. There have been ongoing advances in cover material technology. If you take a reactive resin ball that is produced now, and throw it next to one that was produced ten years ago, you will be amazed at the difference in ball reaction. The other issue with cover materials is that, because of their porosity to help the ball to hook, they just don't last anywhere near as long as we would like them to.

As to balls that I would like to see, no there are really no gaps left in what is available out there. For me personally, since changing over to using Brunswick equipment, the only ball that I really missed was the Storm IQ Tour Fusion (low rg, low diff., hybrid cover), and that gap has now been filled by the Brunswick Brute which is on a truck heading for my house as we speak!

Excellent response Rob Thanks it answered some questions. By the way I am enjoying your articles in BTM. Keep it up.

[RobLV1]

Glad to help.

[dnhoffman]

Definitely the scent.

[RobLV1]

I just think it's kind've a paradox.

I mean, if you're a beginning bowler...buying a better ball isn't going to help you. Yet, if you're an advanced skill bowler...you should be able to make any ball work well with a couple minor adjustments. So who does a "shiny new ball" help?

It's kinda laughable really. Twice a year (usually summer and fall) each ball manufacturer releases a few new balls. And EVERY video is the same. EVERY video talks about how you REALLY need this ball and it's gonna help you dominate the world and it's just so much better than any other ball ever made...a MUST own. Then 6 months later they release it's replacement because that ball wasn't so good but this NEW release...WOWSERS does it hit well!! Don't believe them? Watch this professional bowler with a 450rpm rev rate and pinpoint accuracy as he throws strike after strike after strike...after we edit out the ones that don't strike!! WOW!! Ya can't argue with that!!

The bottom line is; they haven't made a step change in bowling ball technology since reactive resin. And there's not a huge horizon to make the next great leap. There's only so much you can do to a round hunk of resin really. Especially when you take into account that the USBC has certain guidelines in terms of top weight and such. You could make the funkiest core in the world that causes the ball to zig-zag...but it likely wouldn't be leagal to use.

What really sucks...for a numbers geek like me is....it would be AWESOME to see a database where every score in the USBC is linked to the ball that was thrown. So you could go into the database right now and say, "okay, last 12 months...which balls had the most...X?"

Examples (fictitious):
- 900 Games- Rotogrip Asylum (1)
- 300 Games- Hammer Deadly Aim (143)
- Highest Average Score- Brunswick Fortera Exile (204)
- Highest Average Score/MSRP (Value Rating)- Storm Tropical Breeze (1.59)

Wouldn't that be interesting? Probably not something you could do for EVERY bowler in the USBC at EVERY center. But what about just the PBA? Couldn't their stats folks keep track of what balls were used during which matches? Oh well, just thinking outloud.

First, in terms of beginning bowlers, as long as they are currently using a reactive resin ball with a core inside, then you're right; a new ball probably isn't going to make a whole lot of difference. In terms of an advanced skill bowler who "should be able to make any ball work well with a couple of minor adjustments," you are way, way off base. There is a reason that PBA Touring Pros have dozens of bowling balls on the truck at any given time, and it's not because matching up doesn't make a difference. These are the best bowlers in the world who depend on their bowling to make a living, any any one of them will tell you that you can't outbowl a bad ball reaction.

What is laughable are the bowlers who actually watch those video and actually base their purchases on the reaction of a bowling ball thrown by a bowler with a totally different style than their own. If you learn about bowling balls, you can make your purchase decisions based on facts rather than video-induced fantasies.

While some changes/additions to manufacturer's lines of products are simple change-outs from older products to newer products, there indeed have been major changes to ball technology since reactive resin. The introduction of asymmetrical cores and hybrid cover materials were major changes, and the ongoing upgrading of reactive cover materials have had major influences on ball reaction. When you take into account the USBC guidelines in terms of static weights to which you refer, you must understand that their own ball motion study has shown that the static weight imbalances in bowling balls have less effect on ball motion than does the ambient temperature in the bowling center. Why, then do they keep the static weight requirements? I asked that very question at a USBC town hall meeting a few years ago. The answer I got, after considerable throat clearing, was that they keep them because they've always done it that way.

[Aslan]

Cover materials also match up better with certain bowlers' styles and preferences as to how to play the lanes. Personally, of the 14 balls currently in my arsenal, there are only two pearls, and I use them for very specific lane conditions. A good friend of mine who is a very high average bowler, naturally gravitates toward pearls.

I'm the same way. I use primarily Pearls right now, but it's been a struggle. It seems like Hybrids or esspecially solids work better for me and my lower rev rate. The Pearls don't seem to start hooking soon enough. But all the high rev guys I know tend to gravitate towards Pearls...probably because they don't want it to hook too soon.

I also agree that assymetric cores can be an issue for newer bowlers. As I've wrestled with my new assymetric line-up...many a game I spend hitting right, then left, then right, then left, etc... Seems like if my release, approach, timing, speed are not EXACTLY the same...the ball magnifies that variation.

[Aslan]

First, in terms of beginning bowlers, as long as they are currently using a reactive resin ball with a core inside, then you're right; a new ball probably isn't going to make a whole lot of difference.
YES! I was finally right about something!


In terms of an advanced skill bowler who "should be able to make any ball work well with a couple of minor adjustments," you are way, way off base. There is a reason that PBA Touring Pros have dozens of bowling balls on the truck at any given time, and it's not because matching up doesn't make a difference. These are the best bowlers in the world who depend on their bowling to make a living, any any one of them will tell you that you can't outbowl a bad ball reaction.
Interesting. This seems contradictory to me. I mean, for example, lets say Mika is throwing a ball and it's working well in practice but after a couple frames he or his ball rep notices it's hooking just a tad too early. Mika could switch balls to something a bit more polished...maybe go from a solid to a hybrid or a hybrid to a pearl. But he also could adjust laterally or he could adjust how far down the lane he projects the ball. Or, he could add a touch of speed.

As you are researching in another thread about ball changes...I would be almost certain that Mika in that case would choose to project slightly further down the lane since he's arguably the best bowler when it comes to loft manipulation. So did Mika in that example "outbowl a bad ball reaction"? Not really. It was a good ball reaction but due to eventual lane oil breakdown became "less good". Maybe Norm Duke or Chris Barnes would have preferred a 2-1 or 3-1 lateral adjustment to stay ahead of the changes. PDW might have made that ball change. Are any of them wrong or right? Depends on how it ends up working for them or not working for them.

Don't get me wrong...I AGREE with you to a certain extent. I don't have a huge rev rate..as you know. And often during practice, my low level reactive resin spare ball will start to hook more as the lanes dry up. Sometimes it gets to the point where unless I completely flatten my wrist on the release...I simply can't hit the 10-pin. And I do very poorly when flattening my wrist on my release. In THAT case...I need a urethane or plastic ball because I can't "outbowl that bad ball reaction". Fortunately, that almost never occurs in league or tournament play on fresh oil. But to me that is the most clear example of when I see a ball reaction I can't "outbowl". "Could" I? Flattening of wrist....20-30ft loft...7-9mph speed increase...sure, there are ways to do it...but they are ways that would be very difficult for me to do accurately and consistently.

And THATs why as my release and rev rate continue to improve...I am certainly open minded about changing my spare ball to a urethane or plastic ball. I would prefer that to learning how to change my release when shooting at single 10-pins.

[Shaneshu87]

And THATs why as my release and rev rate continue to improve...I am certainly open minded about changing my spare ball to a urethane or plastic ball. I would prefer that to learning how to change my release when shooting at single 10-pins.

my grandfather taught me a trick a long time ago to get single pins with out crazy speed or spare balls (pull out your ring finger) since that is the rotation finger. it worked for many years (i laugh now that i've switched to the Sarge Easter) however changing my release for one pin seemed to cause more inconsistency with my next strike ball. since, when i would pull out my ring finger, i tended to come out on top of the ball, this would throw off my next release with out me realizing it, until recently when i got a plastic spare ball. it was very nice not to have to change the way i release the ball and just shoot like i normally would

[Aslan]

Yeah, thats an interesting technique/adjustment.

But right now I'm really working hard on my release and getting it smooth, effortless, with the thumb coming out cleanly. So I certainly don't want to mess with it. I still have 1 15lb ball in my bag. I still have 2 balls not drilled tri-grip. And I have an old conventional drilled urethane at 14lbs. But I don't even like throwing THOSE because with all me concentration on release right now...I don't want to add any variation.

A urethane/plastic ball is certainly on the horizon if I stick with bowling. I don't think I can avoid it forever. But I need to improve my release and thus generate that "need".

[manke]

So Rob what research should a person do to figure out which ball a person should use? Do you go to your pro shop, or how is the regular bowler suppose to figure that out. Most pro shop now are sponsored so they only have a maybe one or two companies to choose from?

[RobLV1]

Once you accept the fact that bowling balls are much simpler than the manufacturers and proshops would have us believe, it's pretty easy to figure out for yourself what you need or don't need. Bowling Ball Basics:

1. There are only two basic factors within a bowling ball that determine ball reaction: friction and resistance. Everything else depends on the bowler. Most bowlers understand friction; the effect of the contact between the ball and the lane. Resistance is simply how easily the ball revs up as it goes down the lane.

2. There are four elements in each ball that affect the friction and resistance: the core, the layout, the cover material, and the surface preparation.

Core: there are two basic types of cores in reactive bowling balls: symmetric and asymmetric. Symmetric cores are the same all the way around, much like a lightbulb hanging from a string. Asymmetric cores are not the same all the way around. Symmetric cores are smoother and more controllable. Asymmetric core produce a more noticeable reaction, but also magnify any inconsistancies in the bowlers' release. There are two numbers that are associated with all cores (you can find them on manufacturer's websites and on the shelf talkers under the balls displayed in the proshop: the low rg and the differential. The low rg (radius of gyration) is the predominant factor in determining the balls resistance to revving up. Low rg is the measurement (in inches) that indicates how much resistance there is to the ball revving up. The minimum allowable low rg is 2.46. The higher the low rg measurement is, the longer the ball will go down the lane before hooking. The lower a bowlers rev rate is, the more important the low rg becomes. The differential is the mathematical difference between the high rg and the low rg. The maximum allowable differential is 0.060. The higher the differential the more unstable the core is within the ball which contributes to how much the ball flares as it makes its way down the lane.

Layout: Where the finger holes and thumb hole is drilled in the ball in relation to the position of the core does nothing more than change the rg and differential numbers that come with the ball. Those numbers are for the undrilled ball. Once the ball is drilled, the numbers change. The position of the pin in relation to the axis that the ball is rotating around when it is releases by the bowler (PAP) determines how much the ball will flare, as well as the direction of the axis migration. Balls drilled with the pin above the level of the finger holes have an axis migration that goes in an upward direction. These drillings cause a more angular reaction down the lane. Balls drilled with the pin on the level of the fingers have an axis migration that goes across the ball yielding a very smooth reaction. Balls drilled with the pin below the level of the finger holes have a very arcing motion as the ball goes down the lane. That's all there is to it. There is no magic involved in layouts, despite what many ball drillers will try to tell you.

Cover material: There are three types of cover materials in reactive bowling balls: solid, pearl, and hybrid. Solids give more read in the oil and react less violently to friction on the lane. Pearls, on the other hand, skid more in the oil and react more violently to dry parts of the lane. Hybrids combine both solid and pearl materials in one cover and give bowers the best of both worlds: medium skid in the oil, and medium reaction to friction. The most difficult thing about evaluating cover materials, is that there are no numbers associated with them. We have to depend on marketing rhetoric, and we all know how reliable that is! In terms of anticipating how aggressive a ball's cover material is, the best indicator is the price of the bowling ball. In a great majority of cases, the more expensive the ball is, the more aggressive the cover material will be. Keep in mind that I said "in most cases," as there are frequent exceptions.

Surface Preparation: The surface is the most easily adjustable element of any bowling ball. Balls with more surface (duller) read the oil more effectively. Balls with less surface (shinier) skit more in the oil and read the friction with a stronger reaction. The out-of-box finish (OOB) is nothing more than the surface preparation that the manufacturer has chosen to appeal to the greatest number of potential consumers. It is not sacred. 60% of bowlers will have to adjust the OOB finish to get the best reaction for them.

There, that's all there is to it. I'm sure that you have at least a thousand questions. Feel free to ask them here, and I will try my best to answer them for you.

[Aslan]

Rob-

Based on all that, wouldn't you say that the best advice for a newer bowler is to get a symmetric core, hybrid coverstock, and the OOB finish??

That way, as their game improves and they understand their needs better...they can go Pearl or Solid based on the help they need. They can surface it if need be. And the core will provide a consistent reaction even if their release varies a bit??

[MICHAEL]

Rob-

Based on all that, wouldn't you say that the best advice for a newer bowler is to get a symmetric core, hybrid coverstock, and the OOB finish??

That way, as their game improves and they understand their needs better...they can go Pearl or Solid based on the help they need. They can surface it if need be. And the core will provide a consistent reaction even if their release varies a bit??

I CAN"T believe it!!!! YOU condensed what Rob said to 1/4!!! GREAT JOB man of many Words!! :rolleyes:

ARE YOU READY FOR THE RUMBLE in the SUN!!!!! I think bowlinboards.com should give each of us a T shirt and new ball for the Heavily broadcasted Event. I would like a Hyper Cell! What ball would be your choice! Think Mike would drill them for use at the local Pro Shop?
Hey,, what's 5 new balls to them.... think of the publicity,,, this thing is going ESPN,,, (I hear)!

[Aslan]

ARE YOU READY FOR THE RUMBLE in the SUN!!!!!
Well, not quite yet. I recently had my 2nd lesson with one of my coaches and I think a small change has been made that might help things. But it will take some time to perfect it and I'm quickly running out of time!

But the key to my victory, won't be me becoming "gifted". The key to my victory will be watching ole Iceman implode as his game/gift can't adjust to this brave new world West of the Rockies. You're like a Republican presidential nominee. I don't have to say anything or point out anything or change my strategy to defeat you....I just need to sit back and wait for you to defeat yourself.



I think bowlinboards.com should give each of us a T shirt and new ball for the Heavily broadcasted Event.
Personally I can't figure out how that place makes any money giving away a ball a week like they do. Much less give out anything for this little event. Hopefully the site administrator knows it's going on and is at least kinda interested. I mean, they seemed quite supportive of the VBT and personally I think this event is FAR more significant. This is bowlingboards.com bringing together 5 bowlers for a unique little competition. 5 people who otherwise would never have crossed paths. Thats kinda significant if you think about it.


I would like a Hyper Cell! What ball would be your choice!
Since the Brunswick Aura Mystic is no lonnger available, I think I'd request a Storm Hy Road. I realize it's not a "fancy" choice but I'll eventually need a hybrid/symmetric core ball to replace the Rotogrip Asylum (still on shelf waiting it's turn) and the Hy Road is probably the best fit. I'm not sure what the coverstock on the Hyper Cell is, but I don't need another assymetric core ball right now. I already got 2 of them in the bag and 7-8 in the closet undrilled.


Think Mike would drill them for use at the local Pro Shop?
Doubtful. I think it's bad pro shop etiquette to use another man's drill press.


Hey,, what's 5 new balls to them.... think of the publicity,,, this thing is going ESPN,,, (I hear)!
Who needs another bowling ball?? You have what, 17? I have about 17. How bout these ideas:

1) Winner offered a moderator position on the site to help Bowl1820 battle spammers trying to sell us cheap Canadian pharmaceuticals? Loser gets a 1-year ban from the site.

2) Custom bowlingball.com jerseys with our usernames on the back that commemorate the 1st Annual Event?

3) Winner gets an an interview on the "Let's Go Bowling" radio show and a free entry into next year's USBC Open.

#2 sounds the cheapest and easiest. I mean, #1 would work IF Rob M. wins the tournament and either MWhite or Mudpuppy lose...but if either your or I lose...thats a loss of 18 posts per day and pretty soon the site shuts down. And if anyone less mature than Rob wins the thing...Bowl1820 will quit.

And #3 sounds good except on the off chance you win this event...which you won't...you'd actually have to go to the USBC Open to test your "gift" which you time and time and time again are too afraid to do.

Maybe THAT should be another sidebet? Loser MUST go to the 2015 USBC Open OR pay the winner the basic entry fee (in the event the person absolutely can't go for some reason). And in the event that the Loser goes to the USBC Open and actually wins money...all winnings go to the Winner of the sidebet???

[Aslan]

Since the Brunswick Aura Mystic is no lonnger available, I think I'd request a Storm Hy Road. I realize it's not a "fancy" choice but I'll eventually need a hybrid/symmetric core ball to replace the Rotogrip Asylum (still on shelf waiting it's turn) and the Hy Road is probably the best fit. I'm not sure what the coverstock on the Hyper Cell is, but I don't need another assymetric core ball right now. I already got 2 of them in the bag and 7-8 in the closet undrilled.

Actually, I think the Rotogrip Rumble. I forgot that I already have a replacement for the Asylum. But the Rumble would make a good replacement for the ball I have to replace the Rhythm. A solid cover stock around a symmetric core.

[Amyers]

Actually, I think the Rotogrip Rumble. I forgot that I already have a replacement for the Asylum. But the Rumble would make a good replacement for the ball I have to replace the Rhythm. A solid cover stock around a symmetric core.

You do realize it's a sickness when your thinking about the replacements for the balls you haven't even drilled yet?

[Aslan]

You do realize it's a sickness when your thinking about the replacements for the balls you haven't even drilled yet?

I'm on the road to recovery though. I mean, the question being asked is, "if we're being GIVEN a ball...which one would we get?" I have no intention of BUYING a Rotogrip Rumble...thats just what I would take if GIVEN one.

I am getting better. The pace has slowed considerably from 1-2 balls a month to now maybe 1 ball every 4-8 months. I just have to make it past this year's black friday and I'll be good. And the last 2 balls I bought THIS year...I definietly stopped and considered, and re-considered, and considered again...a lot more back and forth than in the past where I'd just the see it and go Whoa! and press the button.

I'm at 1201 games right now, I figure I'll have my next one drilled at around 1400. Roughly 19 games per week....that means probably by the end of November. Then my arsenal will be all 16lbs...all the same weight. That'll bring the stockpile in the closet to 10. Bowl with the 16lb arsenal for Fall season, sweeps, and the start of Spring/Summer.

And I figure another 600 games...then switch out to a comepletely (almost...might have to get a 15lb plastic spare ball for a complete change-out) 15lb arsenal just to see how I like it and if I notice any differences in carry or deflection. Drill 3-4 balls to replace 5-6...that'll bring the closet stockpile down to 7. Figure that'll be probably early July 2015. Get used to throwing the 15lbers in time for sweeps and the start of the next Fall season.

And then it depends on what I see. Of the remaining 7 balls, some are 15lbs, most are 16lbs. I'm presuming that I'll see no difference from one weight to the other. BUT...IF I DO...and I decide I absolutely want to bowl the one weight...then I'll have some undrilled balls I'll need to sell on BBE or Ebay.

[mike_thomas93]

I would say the core type, obviously, and what lane conditions they're more suitable for.

[dpatrickv]

Sometimes I just really like the line a certain ball uses. I went out and purchased the Rude Dude because it was a essentially a stronger version of the DV8 Dude that used the same basic breakpoint shape.

[austin]

I just think it's kind've a paradox.

I mean, if you're a beginning bowler...buying a better ball isn't going to help you. Yet, if you're an advanced skill bowler...you should be able to make any ball work well with a couple minor adjustments. So who does a "shiny new ball" help?

It's kinda laughable really. Twice a year (usually summer and fall) each ball manufacturer releases a few new balls. And EVERY video is the same. EVERY video talks about how you REALLY need this ball and it's gonna help you dominate the world and it's just so much better than any other ball ever made...a MUST own. Then 6 months later they release it's replacement because that ball wasn't so good but this NEW release...WOWSERS does it hit well!! Don't believe them? Watch this professional bowler with a 450rpm rev rate and pinpoint accuracy as he throws strike after strike after strike...after we edit out the ones that don't strike!! WOW!! Ya can't argue with that!!

The bottom line is; they haven't made a step change in bowling ball technology since reactive resin. And there's not a huge horizon to make the next great leap. There's only so much you can do to a round hunk of resin really. Especially when you take into account that the USBC has certain guidelines in terms of top weight and such. You could make the funkiest core in the world that causes the ball to zig-zag...but it likely wouldn't be leagal to use.

What really sucks...for a numbers geek like me is....it would be AWESOME to see a database where every score in the USBC is linked to the ball that was thrown. So you could go into the database right now and say, "okay, last 12 months...which balls had the most...X?"

Examples (fictitious):
- 900 Games- Rotogrip Asylum (1)
- 300 Games- Hammer Deadly Aim (143)
- Highest Average Score- Brunswick Fortera Exile (204)
- Highest Average Score/MSRP (Value Rating)- Storm Tropical Breeze (1.59)

Wouldn't that be interesting? Probably not something you could do for EVERY bowler in the USBC at EVERY center. But what about just the PBA? Couldn't their stats folks keep track of what balls were used during which matches? Oh well, just thinking outloud.

This would only work if all manufacturers were used on the PBA tour. For example I use Lane Masters which is not used on PBA tour.

[Aslan]

This would only work if all manufacturers were used on the PBA tour. For example I use Lane Masters which is not used on PBA tour.

Well, thats one thing I don't agree with in terms of the PBA. If equipment is USBC certified, it should be allowed on the PBA. The PBA has a history dating back at least 35 years of restricting products to try to strong-arm companies into being sponsors and it's sad. I really like Brunswick shoes…yet if I were on the PBA I couldn't wear any shoe that isn't Dexter because Dexter paid the PBA to give them exclusive rights. Thats just stupid in my opinion.

[Joker]

Well, thats one thing I don't agree with in terms of the PBA. If equipment is USBC certified, it should be allowed on the PBA. The PBA has a history dating back at least 35 years of restricting products to try to strong-arm companies into being sponsors and it's sad. I really like Brunswick shoes…yet if I were on the PBA I couldn't wear any shoe that isn't Dexter because Dexter paid the PBA to give them exclusive rights. Thats just stupid in my opinion.


didnt know that brunswick shoes weren't able to be used. I thought because brunswick already was paying i assumed that their shoes were allowed as well.

[RobLV1]

Any shoes may be worn in Regional and PBA50 Competition. Only Dexter and Storm shoes may be worn in PBA National competition.

[Amyers]

Well, thats one thing I don't agree with in terms of the PBA. If equipment is USBC certified, it should be allowed on the PBA. The PBA has a history dating back at least 35 years of restricting products to try to strong-arm companies into being sponsors and it's sad. I really like Brunswick shoes…yet if I were on the PBA I couldn't wear any shoe that isn't Dexter because Dexter paid the PBA to give them exclusive rights. Thats just stupid in my opinion.

I have to say I agree. I don't like the exclusive deals either. There should be a set approval fee and anyone who pays it is eligible.

[RobLV1]

Without the PBA's long history of "strong-arming companies into sponsorship," you would have never gotten the opportunity to see professional bowling on television. Unfortunately, tournaments have to be paid for somehow, and not too many bowling centers have the space to allow 40-50 thousand spectators to buy tickets each day like they can at professional golf tournaments.

[Amyers]

Without the PBA's long history of "strong-arming companies into sponsorship," you would have never gotten the opportunity to see professional bowling on television. Unfortunately, tournaments have to be paid for somehow, and not too many bowling centers have the space to allow 40-50 thousand spectators to buy tickets each day like they can at professional golf tournaments.

Rob you don't think they could raise just as much money if they set the "product registration fee" or whatever you want to call it at say 1/3 of whatever the exclusive arrangement pays them and then they get three or 4 companies or maybe more to pay they wouldn't be better off? That is the way they do bowling balls. Can you imagine if they had an exclusive deal with Storm for bowling balls? but we pay more attention to the balls and people would have a fit.

[Aslan]

Can you imagine if they had an exclusive deal with Storm for bowling balls? but we pay more attention to the balls and people would have a fit.

See, thats the thing. They intentionally don't do it with balls because it would end up killing the PBA. The ball company sponsors all pay their fees (except Lane Masters and Lord Field and smaller ones like that) which allows them to all have their sponsored players participate, promote their balls, etc… The PBA would never go 'exclusive' on balls.

Even Amateur tournaments don't do that and many of them are sponsored by one ball company. They try to 'encourage' you to buy and throw the sponsor's balls by offering large bonus $$$ if you in fact win and are wearing their shirts, shoes, and throwing their balls. And it in some cases is quite significant (in the range of $1000-$1500). But most times it's in the $50-$150 range.

But I agree with Amyers….I think if each company pays a small product registration fee for each type of product (balls, shoes, inserts, etc…) it would allow more manufacturers to become sponsors…and actually grow the sport. I think thats preferable to just taking essentially a 'bribe' from Dexter to pretty much discourage any tournament level player from wearing any other company's shoe. What's next? The players have to be insured through Geico, stay at a Motel 6, use odor eaters inserts, and only eat at Denny's the whole time they are participating in the Summer King of Swing??

For Lane Masters and Lord Field and Seismic…thats on them though. They simply don't want to invest that money into that type of advertising. And I don't think it's just the fees. You have to remember that as soon as they pay the fee and their balls can be thrown…they now need to sponsor players to throw them. Things can start getting expensive pretty fast…especially for companies that have such a small footprint that I've never even seen their products in pro shops.

[Jaescrub]

The PBA has done some shady S for along time. But back on subject I pick a ball based on my style of play. Then I pick a drilling for it to match up with the type of oil patter we play on. As I get better and start doing tournaments I'll have to buy some more equipment. And tighten up on leaning what balls and what lay outs work best for me on other oil patterns. You can always double up.

[dnhoffman]

Storm Crux has a pomegranate scent... I don't know what other criteria you need here folks....

[Aslan]

Storm Crux has a pomegranate scent... I don't know what other criteria you need here folks....

Never thought I'd say this...but gotta agree with dhoff here.