View Full Version : Getting a new (old) ball
After using some of the newer high end balls and having had some success but not spectacular results, I am considering getting another new ball but really a new copy of an old ball that came out back in 2008.
I tried a Hyper-cell Skid for 1/2 a season and threw a Thug Unruly and guru Master and found moving deeper does not really give me any added scoring and makes me more inconsistent. Even with the Diva Divine I am using now the ball is great early but still a little stronger than my old Fury and forces me to play a little deeper shot than I am used to doing.
The ball I am considering is the Storm Hy-Road (14lb), it handles the med to heavy oil, hits hard and has stood the test of time. I have seen loads of guys in my leagues play in the same spot all night with a similar delivery to mine, med speed, lower revs, and a down and in type shot and maintain 200 plus averages.
Are there any other balls that you have seen that might be worth considering in place of the Hy-road?
If you have used a Hy-Road, what was your opinion ?
Jessiewoodard57
10-05-2015, 02:44 PM
Tony I was asking my PSO about a Hyper Cell Skid and he suggested a Sinister instead and man this ball move like the hyper cell and hits like a Mach Truck
Tony I was asking my PSO about a Hyper Cell Skid and he suggested a Sinister instead and man this ball move like the hyper cell and hits like a Mach Truck
Sounds nice, what type of ball motion does it have? The Hyper cell was a skid / flip and I would cover 15 to 20 boards with it in a heavy oil lane, and that's more than I can handle or need.
From the specs and documentation it looks like a nice ball but might stronger than I am looking for....would love to be able to try one out.
Amyers
10-05-2015, 02:53 PM
The truth is on THS you can play almost anywhere and score just fine. It's about finding the spots you are most comfortable from and matching the equipment and surfaces to your style and lane conditions. Now you can't play sports patterns that way and you won't always have the "optimal" line but your can still score effectively that way. Do you still have the Gold Rhino? if you do I would suggest lower the surface on it to 3k or 4k and you've got something somewhat close to a Hyroad.
Amyers
10-05-2015, 02:58 PM
Tony I was asking my PSO about a Hyper Cell Skid and he suggested a Sinister instead and man this ball move like the hyper cell and hits like a Mach Truck
Sinister is a nice ball but quite a bit more aggressive than a Hyroad.
The truth is on THS you can play almost anywhere and score just fine. It's about finding the spots you are most comfortable from and matching the equipment and surfaces to your style and lane conditions. Now you can't play sports patterns that way and you won't always have the "optimal" line but your can still score effectively that way. Do you still have the Gold Rhino? if you do I would suggest lower the surface on it to 3k or 4k and you've got something somewhat close to a Hyroad.
That's a great idea, but alas I gave the ball to a buddy of mine because I went to 14lb equipment. The change in surface might be a great idea for him, what was the existing surface, would going to 3k or 4k make the ball more aggressive or less, would it help smooth it out ? He is having trouble with it turning too hard on the back end. It also acted like that for me , almost a skid flip reaction, it's drilled pin down.
I see that the factory finish is 500, I am understanding where you're going , I have some sanding pads maybe I'll bring them to league and try changing the surface for him.
Jessiewoodard57
10-05-2015, 03:02 PM
Amyers is right it is an aggressive ball I'm at like the 25 targeting the 13
Amyers is right it is an aggressive ball I'm at like the 25 targeting the 13
Yes, I was playing out in that area with the hyper cell but the place that feels better for me is being between 15 and 20 and targeting 6/10
Jessiewoodard57
10-05-2015, 03:13 PM
Yes I think I would over shoot the pocket by a mile from that spot
Amyers
10-05-2015, 03:13 PM
That's a great idea, but alas I gave the ball to a buddy of mine because I went to 14lb equipment. The change in surface might be a great idea for him, what was the existing surface, would going to 3k or 4k make the ball more aggressive or less, would it help smooth it out ? He is having trouble with it turning too hard on the back end. It also acted like that for me , almost a skid flip reaction, it's drilled pin down.
The OOB Surface on that ball is 500 plus Royal compound but every one I seen looked more polished than most balls with rubbing compound do. That ball is very skid/flip in it's OOB surface.
" would going to 3k or 4k make the ball more aggressive or less"
Depends on how you term aggressive as you add additional surface to the ball it will hook sooner and may cover additional boards but the backend move gets smaller so the ball can be more controllable. My suggestion would be to have him add surface until it gets to where he likes it. Start with 4k if that doesn't do it take it down to 3k or even 2k. One of the guys in my league uses that ball at 2k and it's his favorite. I try to keep my balls somewhat close to the factory because If I buy a skid flip ball I don't want to make it into a arc ball but if I've got it and don't like I'll definitely change the surface before getting rid of it.
The OOB Surface on that ball is 500 plus Royal compound but every one I seen looked more polished than most balls with rubbing compound do. That ball is very skid/flip in it's OOB surface.
Depends on how you term aggressive as you add additional surface to the ball it will hook sooner and may cover additional boards but the backend move gets smaller so the ball can be more controllable. My suggestion would be to have him add surface until it gets to where he likes it. Start with 4k if that doesn't do it take it down to 3k or even 2k. One of the guys in my league uses that ball at 2k and it's his favorite. I try to keep my balls somewhat close to the factory because If I buy a skid flip ball I don't want to make it into a arc ball but if I've got it and don't like I'll definitely change the surface before getting rid of it.
Sounds like a great idea, I have a set of pads 4000/ 3000/ 2000/ 1500/ 500, maybe I'll take them with wed night and see if we can find a better setup for him and once it is close he can bring it to the shop and have him put it on the machine.
He was used to throwing a total inferno so it's not the amount of boards as much as the sharp turn that bothers him.
Amyers
10-05-2015, 03:30 PM
Sounds like a great idea, I have a set of pads 4000/ 3000/ 2000/ 1500/ 500, maybe I'll take them with wed night and see if we can find a better setup for him and once it is close he can bring it to the shop and have him put it on the machine.
He was used to throwing a total inferno so it's not the amount of boards as much as the sharp turn that bothers him.
That should help with that. Let us know if it helps.
Amyers
10-05-2015, 03:33 PM
Yes, I was playing out in that area with the hyper cell but the place that feels better for me is being between 15 and 20 and targeting 6/10
If I wanted to play that far right (which I can't unless I want to use plastic) I might consider the Devour, Ride, Soul, or Loco. Unless you've got serious ball speed or lower revs.
If I wanted to play that far right (which I can't unless I want to use plastic) I might consider the Devour, Ride, Soul, or Loco. Unless you've got serious ball speed or lower revs.
I don't know what they put down for my league but I can play the diva divine out there for the first game a lot of times and then have to move left and end up between 20 and 25 and playing 10 11.
The lanes are heavier oil than the regular house shot but it's not a sport league either.
I have med speed and med to lower revs
J Anderson
10-05-2015, 04:08 PM
Are there any other balls that you have seen that might be worth considering in place of the Hy-road?
If you have used a Hy-Road, what was your opinion ?
I have two HyRoads, one for each hand. If I was only allowed to bring one ball to bowl with it would be a HyRoad.
LyalC52
10-05-2015, 04:58 PM
If I was only allowed to bring one ball to bowl with it would be a HyRoad.
I agree 100%
great bench mark and all purpose ball
If I wanted to play that far right (which I can't unless I want to use plastic) I might consider the Devour, Ride, Soul, or Loco. Unless you've got serious ball speed or lower revs.
I looked at the balls listed and all seem comparable as you indicated. Other than being newer releases I'm not sure that there is anything that would suggest they would offer improved performance over the Hy-road.
I am continued to be influenced by other bowlers that use the ball, last week one of the guys we were bowling who has been a 200/ 210 average bowler was in the 180's and after throwing a 166 put away his brand new ball and got out his old beat up hy road and promptly knocked out a 210 , I asked how he liked the new ball and he said he should have had the PSO order him a new Hy-road instead ......
Amyers
10-05-2015, 08:33 PM
I looked at the balls listed and all seem comparable as you indicated. Other than being newer releases I'm not sure that there is anything that would suggest they would offer improved performance over the Hy-road.
I am continued to be influenced by other bowlers that use the ball, last week one of the guys we were bowling who has been a 200/ 210 average bowler was in the 180's and after throwing a 166 put away his brand new ball and got out his old beat up hy road and promptly knocked out a 210 , I asked how he liked the new ball and he said he should have had the PSO order him a new Hy-road instead ......
Tony I wasn't trying to say any of those balls were "better" than a Hyroad. The Hyroad is an all time great ball. The balls I suggested are just alternatives that may be slightly less aggressive than the Hyroad. If you prefer a Hyroad get one its a great ball you really can't go wrong with them. The only thought I had was to give alternatives and maybe something that might allow you to play the line you were talking about a little longer
Tony I wasn't trying to say any of those balls were "better" than a Hyroad. The Hyroad is an all time great ball. The balls I suggested are just alternatives that may be slightly less aggressive than the Hyroad. If you prefer a Hyroad get one its a great ball you really can't go wrong with them. The only thought I had was to give alternatives and maybe something that might allow you to play the line you were talking about a little longer
I understand and appreciate that, I think there are at least 5 guys in the league that are playing a similar line with the hy-road and a couple of them throw way harder than I do. We have enough oil that there are a bunch of guys playing hyper cell's and Crux all night without changing balls.
I am OK with moving some, I just don't like to have to get out at 25 and throw over 13 to get to the pocket, I just can't reliably hit that mark and get the right ball speed to be consistent.
I'm glad to get your input , it's very helpful !
Amyers
10-05-2015, 10:28 PM
Y
I understand and appreciate that, I think there are at least 5 guys in the league that are playing a similar line with the hy-road and a couple of them throw way harder than I do. We have enough oil that there are a bunch of guys playing hyper cell's and Crux all night without changing balls.
I am OK with moving some, I just don't like to have to get out at 25 and throw over 13 to get to the pocket, I just can't reliably hit that mark and get the right ball speed to be consistent.
I'm glad to get your input , it's very helpful !
You are welcome. One of my houses put out a shot like that the other 3 are deserts outside 10. Don't completely give up on the inside game though if you want to continue to improve as a bowler. You can decide where you want to play on THS to some extent but if you start bowling tournaments or sport leagues you will be bowling on sport and challenge conditions you have to play where the shot is and not just where you want too. Good luck
djp1080
10-06-2015, 12:04 AM
Tony, Up till now my favorite ball is my Hy-Road; however, I just purchased a Sky Rocket and tried it out today for the first time. I was impressed on how it reacted to the friction. It's not the strongest ball I have, but it just worked very nicely on the house shot in the senior league. I expected a little more snap than the Hy-Road and about the same length which is exactly what I got. My pro shop drilled up with about a 4" x 4" x 2" layout. Both my coach and PSO recommended this ball. Good luck...
billf
10-06-2015, 01:28 AM
For reason I will not delve into again I will not ever buy another NEW 900RotoStorm. That being said, there is a reason I still have my Hy-Road. Very well may be the best reactive ball ever made. Consistent. Takes surface changes very well. The only other ball from them I truly like is the IQ Tour Edition. Like that ball for the same reasons yet handles more oil with a little more backend.
For reason I will not delve into again I will not ever buy another NEW 900RotoStorm. That being said, there is a reason I still have my Hy-Road. Very well may be the best reactive ball ever made. Consistent. Takes surface changes very well. The only other ball from them I truly like is the IQ Tour Edition. Like that ball for the same reasons yet handles more oil with a little more backend.
Interesting, I have also considered that ball and have seen it used with great results. I noticed also that the cover stock is the same. The main reason for choosing the hy-road instead is to stay with a ball that I can play more of an outside line.
Amyers
10-06-2015, 09:00 AM
Tony, Up till now my favorite ball is my Hy-Road; however, I just purchased a Sky Rocket and tried it out today for the first time. I was impressed on how it reacted to the friction. It's not the strongest ball I have, but it just worked very nicely on the house shot in the senior league. I expected a little more snap than the Hy-Road and about the same length which is exactly what I got. My pro shop drilled up with about a 4" x 4" x 2" layout. Both my coach and PSO recommended this ball. Good luck...
The sky rocket will produce a much more angular motion than the Hyroad. If you are looking for the newer ball with the Hyroad tendency it would be the rocket. The Skyrocket will be as longer and as much or more backend as the Rhino Gold you had.
The sky rocket will produce a much more angular motion than the Hyroad. If you are looking for the newer ball with the Hyroad tendency it would be the rocket. The Skyrocket will be as longer and as much or more backend as the Rhino Gold you had.
Yes, I don't need a ball with that much back-end, the Rocket looks like it has the same cover-stock but instead of getting a ball like the hy-road I might as well get the hy-road while it is still available, it seems from the comments of experienced users I can't go wrong and it will be a good ball to have in the bag. I can always get a stronger but similar ball later, and I likely will.
It's been ordered, should be here today or Thursday, might be able to pick it up in time for Fri morning league.
larry mc
10-10-2015, 11:05 AM
brunswick lt 48
brunswick lt 48
I can see where this ball might work out. Funny thing is I had one of the original ones, first ball I ever purchased, conventional grip and everything.
Jessiewoodard57
10-12-2015, 09:03 AM
Tony , you have me wanting to order a hy-road for myself. I was thinking about the sky rocket but then I won the hay wire. Thinking I'm going to hold off . Of course I could always order it and drill it latter. I hate temptation. Did I say I'm addicted.
Tony , you have me wanting to order a hy-road for myself. I was thinking about the sky rocket but then I won the hay wire. Thinking I'm going to hold off . Of course I could always order it and drill it latter. I hate temptation. Did I say I'm addicted.
Yes, I'm addicted too! Have had the Hy-Road for a couple of weeks and I love it. Got it drilled pin up, went out and found it was a way stronger ball than the rating. Took some advice on changing the surface and took the polish off,and brought it up to a 4000 finish. The ball is darn near perfect for me.
Went out today at a house that's tougher than where my leagues are and tossed a few games , 188, 193, 199, 205, 215. I can certainly understand why people love this ball.
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