Looking to buy a new ball and would like some opinions or thoughts.

[BowlingJoe]

Hello, Thanks for stopping in to least see if you can give a few thoughts or pointers on this little situation of mine.

So a little about me, I'm not new to bowling I use to bowl constantly when I was younger. However well years passed and I sorta got away from the sport for a good amount of time and am just now getting back into it. I'm currently throwing a Storm Tropical Breeze that doesn't really fit my hand. Its not my ball just one I borrow so I don't want to get it redrilled. Now I'm not a very big fellow matters fact I'm pretty darn small only weighing in at about a buck twenty so the ball I've using is only 12 pounds. It feels more comfortable than the 14 pounder, so thats what I've gone with thus far. I'm only back into the sport for maybe a month now, I'm averaging about 120's with a 150 high last week, and am wanting to get into leagues this summer.

I throw a strong hook, my ball speeds probably around 12mph or there about, My most common problem is defined by the picture below. Where the ball is hitting the break point and pulling so hard that it either scrapes the head pin or misses it entirely. Not always an issue but it does happen least once in awhile.

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i323/joe_fish80/bowling-path-Bad.jpg (http://s1088.photobucket.com/user/joe_fish80/media/bowling-path-Bad.jpg.html)

So my thought is to get a ball with a little more length to it, something more of a skid flip I believe its called. I've been looking at the Brunswick Ringer, Pyramids Path Rising, and the Storm Punchout. But am open to other suggestions as well, but what I'm not trying to do is spend 200+ on a ball either after drilling and plugs. I do intend to move to a fingertip ball rather than the more conventional one I am using currently, it just feels awkward in my hand. So I'm sure that will help a bundle to just have a properly fitted ball in the first place. Mostly though I just don't want to spend all this money on a ball only to find that it perhaps wasn't the best suited ball for me.

Any thoughts suggestions or idea's are more than appreciated.

Thanks again for reading,
Joe.

[Amyers]

Joe if your hooking to far with a tropical breeze you may be getting to many revs on the ball for where your speed is at most of this will change when you get your new ball fitted. Get any entry it mid level ball you like the looks of the three you listed are good balls Rotogrip outcry and ebonite cyclone are good ones too. When you get your new ball fitted with a proper grip you will find your ball speed will increase and balance you out some.

If you are missing the headpin left like in your diagram the solution is to move your feet and target left

[BowlingJoe]

I am getting quite a lot of revs, a ton really, it probably doesn't help that the ball itself is old, I'm sure the polish worn off, its scratched up, so on so forth. I like the idea of the balls I listed, I guess really what I need to do is have the local proshop guy have a look at my throw and see what he thinks, I've just not managed to catch him when he didn't have a line. Tomorrow hopefully I can and I'll see what he has to say. Issue with me pushing to the left, half the time I feel like i'm in my neighbors lane, I'm sorta bout far left as I'm comfy with. My thought with those balls were the fact that they have a bit better polish than the ball I'm currently using and I think would slip further down the oil before catching, thus bringing the ball closer to the head pin before the break which could solve the issue. Though I don't know if the reactive resin would simply cause it to break harder. Bit new at the whole not using a house ball thing I admit. Thats another good point though, with a proper grip my ball speed should stable out and probably speed up some, cause as is my palm isn't really on the ball all that much and I always feel like i'm fighting it to maintain good grip. I'm hoping the local proshop fellow doesn't have a line tomorrow and he can give some advice too on the subject, but I'd rather not go in blind I suppose.

[Amyers]

Are you throwing two handed or thumbless? I haven't seen too many people get enough to hook the lane with a tropical breeze.

In all reality the balls you have listed will probably hook a little more than the breeze. You can't get much less agressive than a breeze withou going to urathane. The extra polish actually makes a ball hook a little farther a rougher surface will hook sooner but they bleed energy off faster so the total boards moved is usually a little less. Talk to your pro shop operator and have them watch you bowl it could be the extra revs or the reduced speed are because of a bad fit with the house ball

[BowlingJoe]

I've a strange style i guess, its a lot like a two handed throw cept I release my second hand a lot sooner than they do from what I've seen video wise. Its just how I've always thrown even when I was just a kid. I'm thinking part of it might just be how the ball feels in my hand, since I've never used a ball fit to my grip, my new throw could end up being considerably different, tomorrows my biweekly bowling night, usually then and Fridays though that might change a bit come summer. But I'll see if he's willing to come down and have a look before I pick up a new ball. See what he thinks would be best.

From what he and I talked about before he was thinking the Ringer would be the most I'd want to go with, and he said Columbia's Blur ball might be a good pick too. But there were five people behind me at the time and I figured i'd just come back well tomorrow and see if it was a bit slower. Hopefully it is and maybe he can give a better thought on the subject. Nothing else if its packed again I'll try to get some video.

[Amyers]

That makes more sense most two handers struggle with this problem. Get properly fit then your going to need to adjust your style to better match your revs and ball speed. There is a reason why Belmo throws the ball 20 miles an hour it's not just because he can it's what it takes to balance the revs he gets

[BowlingJoe]

Thats a good point, its possible my throw will alter a bit with a more comfortable grip on the ball. Hopefully though I can get it all sorted before the league starts. Tomorrow should go well I think, or I should at least get some better idea's on what the best route is at the very least, might be better off getting a cheaper ball, throwing it see how that does, then moving up from there, then just turn my inexpensive ball into a spare ball down the road.

[ralphs007]

Hi Joe
I've had this ball for over a month now and I couldn't be happier .http://www.bowlingball.com/products/bowling-balls/brunswick/11422/ringer-royal-blue-solid.html
It was recommended by one of the members here and I'm glad I listen to him. I've seen it online for under 80.00 shipped but don't let the price fool you, the ball is awesome.

[BowlingJoe]

The Ringer was one I was looking at, I was more thinking the Burgundy Pearl or Platinum Pearl version over the Royal Blue due to its polish and having a bit more length since my ball wants to break early. But the Royal really isn't far off at all what I had in mind. On paper to me they look like they might just do the trick when fitted properly. Tomorrow I plan to talk to the guy at the shop, see what he thinks and have him take a look at my throw, see what advice he gives and if we're all on the same page I think I'll be buying my new ball tomorrow. Only thing that would delay me is if he maybe throws out some ball options that just seem more like he's after some cash than interested in helping me pick out the right ball. I don't think they're those kinds of people they've always been generous even gave us some extra time this week since my bro's pregnant fiancee was throwing. Seem like good people, so shouldn't be any issue. Hopefully though I get to come home with a new ball or at least have it waiting on me for the next time I stop in which will probably be this friday.

[BowlingJoe]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zrtk-ZnDoI&feature=youtu.be

Here is a slightly crappy video of my throw, it wasn't ment to be in slowmotion, but the phone died shortly after so we didn't get a second one. No less, its a poor throw for me, missed an arrow by a bit, ball bounced, and I hit the head pin pretty flat. But if nothing else it might show a better idea of my ball movement, it actually seemed to have toned down a bit after tweaking my throw some and reading a few things.

[vdubtx]

I would certainly give the 4 step approach video by Chris Barnes a look. Your first step is actually ahead of your ball moving and puts your timing off. In a 4 step, the ball and your right foot start and move the same distance.


http://youtu.be/HH_i75c_HqU


Couldn't tell, are you using your thumb? Wondering if that was cause of you dropping the ball.

[BowlingJoe]

I do use my thumb, but the ball i'm using isn't fitted to my hand what so ever and its just a little bit awkward to hold it. So it just sorta slipped a bit there. I will though tomorrow since i'm apparently heading back to the lane see about adjusting my movements, I can see how that would make things more consistent, possibly also increase my ball speed a little.

I wound up getting a Brunswick Ringer after speaking with the pro guy, he said it probably the most i'd want to go with my hook, but he thought once the ball fit my hand better, I should be able to control it more and it should do me good. We shall see, he said he should have it there tomorrow. Didn't really say what time though so I might not end up getting it till friday we'll see. Nothing else he said if drilling for the fingertip ball gave me a lot of troubles he would redrill it for me till he got me sorted out. So thats promising. Have to say little bit excited, be the first time i've had my own ball after all, curious how much of a difference it can make.

Today while shooting I still only shot high 120's low 130's for the 5 games, was consistent if nothing else. Each game I was usually hitting pocket or near pocket 70 percent of the time I figure that'll get better with more practice, I do really suck at picking up the 10 pin, my ball always falls off in the gutter early or hooks away from it. Its just that one pin that doesn't like me much and to be honest he's my least favorite pin too lol. I also miss a lot of really close 1 or 2 pin balls where I'm either inches away or in pairs i'll knock one over but graze it so barely that it just slips directly to the left rather than bouncing into the one behind it. Thats just an accuracy thing though and I will improve before the league starts I'm sure.

[Amyers]

Well having a ball that fits will make a world of difference. I think the reason you actually start early with your swing is the upward movement at the start try pushing the ball straight out and not upward with your first step

[JoeInPI]

I'm glad that you got a ball that will fit correctly. That will also allow you to learn some proper technique. because you won't be "favoring" one finger, or a thumb, or whatever to maintain control of the ball on your hand. It also affects your balance if you're worried about dropping the ball or not being able to let it go. Honestly- you're not that far off. That Barnes video is good. Timing is very important.

Don't worry about revs, work on building a repeatable swing. Everyone has a different style, and everyone is best with theirs. You might want to see about a few coaching sessions where someone can help you get your style (since it seems like this is the one ingrained into your mind from a young age) on the correct path. If Belmo proves anything, it is that ANY style can score, if it is repeatable, and if the owner of that swing is comfortable with it. I would work on that- gaining a repeatable swing that you can work without even thinking about it.

Then work on your 10-pins. :D

Here is a great spare shooting/10-pin video.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-6ZXu_300Q

[BowlingJoe]

So today, I was finally able to throw my new ball, and let me say.. It is far far far more comfortable than the ball before its a heavier ball and it really doesn't feel like it. So starting off I took a few games just to get a feel for how the ball reacted. Not really throwing for a score just trying to get a feel for the new finger tip setup and get zoned in on the new break point and all. I'm still letting go a hair early sometimes, I really need to work on my approach a bit, but one thing at a time I suppose. I did eventually get to where I was comfortable though and my average went up from my usual 120's to a 146, and would have been higher cept the 3rd game there was a lot of outside distraction. A new group came in beside us and they were just really really loud and carrying on the entire time. Sorta threw me off a bit.

X- 8/ 7/ 8- 8- 9/ X X 16 X6/ = 156

81 9/ 5/ 9/ 72 5/ 7/ X 63 9/9 =153

9- 9/ X 6- 5/ S71 X 8- 8- X 9/ =130

Was how it scored for the set, Thats something I've never done before, I've never hit back to back 150's, sometimes I'd get up there but the next game would always drop way down. So I see this as a very good positive result. I did make a few mistakes, got a bit too close to the right edge and fell in a few times which shouldn't have happened but I just lost focus is all those shots. They were the type where you throw it and you say to yourself wtf was I doing there? Sorta how the 9th frame was going for me, I think t hat too was in my head, I always think, man I really need to close this 9th frame, then I mess up... All those 8' and 9' opens were on that 10 side.. Man that 10 pin is by far my nemesis pin. But I'ma sort that out and he'll be my --censored-- one of these days lol. But all in all I was making my spares other than that right side. I kept hooking around it or guttering right before it, Few times lol, I tried to throw it so it'd straighten up bout mid way, that too failed a bit, but I'm getting closer I think to sorting out that right hand side. Next week that'll be my focus. Get that 10 pin. I'm even gonna take a day or half day and just throw at the 10 pin even if the rest are there. Even if it hits before it'll be good practice for me I think.

[BowlingJoe]

Don't worry about revs, work on building a repeatable swing. Everyone has a different style, and everyone is best with theirs. You might want to see about a few coaching sessions where someone can help you get your style (since it seems like this is the one ingrained into your mind from a young age) on the correct path. If Belmo proves anything, it is that ANY style can score, if it is repeatable, and if the owner of that swing is comfortable with it. I would work on that- gaining a repeatable swing that you can work without even thinking about it.

I think thats the case with me, its kinda just part of my game, On the other forum I get a bunch of these, you need to learn how to rethrow sorts of messages. I've just been ignoring them. Mean don't get me wrong I get what they're saying, but at the same time, I feel its best to do what comes naturally and work with your natural movements, even if they might not be ""technically"" correct, if thats whats working and its purely an accuracy issue, I should probably stick to the gun and just get better sights. Mean I've been back in the game for 3 maybe 4 weeks, my first week i was bowling crap, barely 100 or so, then I got it up to 110's then 120' / 130's here and there. Then with the new ball I'm up to 146 probably closer to 150 without the major distractions. There's improvement. Long as I can keep improving I think my perhaps unorthodox style will be just fine. Maybe if I do taper out, and can't push past something see about changing things up, but I decided that I'm going to at least run with what i'm doing till I get to that point. I do need to work on my approach I know that, and those 10 pins, but progress is progress, long as I keep progressing, I should be good and ready by the time summer league starts which really is the goal.

[Amyers]

Glad to hear you are happy with the new ball

[BowlingJoe]

Glad to hear you are happy with the new ball


Thank ya, I do really need to still work on a few things, gotta try that towel idea where ya put it on the line to try and make sure you throw over it. Cause for some reason I want to let go early, no clue why. Maybe I use to do it in the past not sure. I do know my approach needs work, then the pesky 10 pin... But all in all much better than the old one. Just gotta keep at it and I should be good to go come league.

[rv driver]

Thank ya, I do really need to still work on a few things, gotta try that towel idea where ya put it on the line to try and make sure you throw over it. Cause for some reason I want to let go early, no clue why. Maybe I use to do it in the past not sure. I do know my approach needs work, then the pesky 10 pin... But all in all much better than the old one. Just gotta keep at it and I should be good to go come league.
My problem's just the opposite -- too much loft. Finally figured out that I'm gripping the ball with my thumb. Having PSO take a look at my pitches...

[BowlingJoe]

My problem's just the opposite -- too much loft. Finally figured out that I'm gripping the ball with my thumb. Having PSO take a look at my pitches...

Yeah complete opposite then, cause I barely use my thumb, its just a guide, but even then its not really that I can't hang onto the ball for some reason I just like letting go when I get to that flat point. Its just something I have to work on. I'm just really happy that I hit 150's back to back, first time I've ever accomplished that. Its a well milestone if not a small one, I figure every 50 pins should be. So next step is the mighty 200, then 250, then I'd just be happy if I hit a 300 before all my hair falls out and since none in my family ever went fully bald I have time.

[rv driver]

Yeah complete opposite then, cause I barely use my thumb, its just a guide, but even then its not really that I can't hang onto the ball for some reason I just like letting go when I get to that flat point. Its just something I have to work on. I'm just really happy that I hit 150's back to back, first time I've ever accomplished that. Its a well milestone if not a small one, I figure every 50 pins should be. So next step is the mighty 200, then 250, then I'd just be happy if I hit a 300 before all my hair falls out and since none in my family ever went fully bald I have time.
You just might be able to do that with the Ringer...