Newbie looking for a new ball

[Bgyfz450]

I have been bowling with a fingertip ball for a month now, it's a hammer jigsaw corner. I bought it used for the house I bowl at in a beginner league. The pro there helped me and it fits my hand ok. I bowl straight using the far right arrow and it hooks in. I was wondering what ball would be good for a new purchase? I want a good ball so I can learn how to use is for a long time without having to buy a new ball again in a year or so. The lanes where I bowl are about medium lanes. Thank you for any help possible. Of and btw I was looking at the new hammer viral solid cause it's kind of similar to the jigsaw corner I'm currently usin now but it's pretty banged up. Thank you again.

[JasonNJ]

I would tell you to stay away from the really high end balls. While it may sound like a great idea to get something with massive hook potential, they are also much harder to control and honestly don't match up well with regular house shot conditions. I personally like Pearl coverstock balls because they tend to go longer before hooking and that helps retains energy when it hits the pocket. I would recommend a C300 Deep Freeze, Storm Sky Rocket, Hy Road Pearl, Motiv Venom Panic or anything with similar RG and Diff ratings. Good luck and let us know which ball you get and if it helped your game.

[Bgyfz450]

Jason isn't the ball that I'm using now a really high end ball the hammer jigsaw corner?

[Tony]

The Jigsaw Corner was one of the stronger balls back when it came out 5 or 6 years ago but
they have released quite a few balls since them that are more aggressive.

[JasonNJ]

Jason isn't the ball that I'm using now a really high end ball the hammer jigsaw corner?

I just looked up the specs and yes it does seem to be a really aggressive ball. How have you been bowling with it?

[Bgyfz450]

I'm decent with it. Like I said I hit the far right arrow and let it hook in. I don't have a huge curve on the ball right now. My average right now with it is a 155. I was looking at the hammer viral solid would that be to aggressive? I just have a slow rotation so I didn't know if a polished ball would carry it down the lane more cause the jigsaw is a matte finish.

[Tony]

http://www.bowlingthismonth.com/ball-manufacturer/hammer/

Here is the ball matrix for hammer, your current ball is not listed but if it were it would be in the GENERAL area of the
Blue/ silver taboo / purple taboo/ taboo / amp . The Viral solid is longer and weaker on their scale ending up in the 17/49 area. Of course that's with the OOB surface on the ball.

[Bgyfz450]

So what could be a good ball to get then? I just want a ball that will work good for me being a beginner and will work once I get better

[JasonNJ]

So what could be a good ball to get then? I just want a ball that will work good for me being a beginner and will work once I get better

The Viral Solid is rated as a medium to light oil ball and the Jigsaw Corner is considered a medium to heavy oil ball also the Viral like Tony said should go a little bit longer and has less flare potential but to me that isn't necessarily a bad thing. For example I went from throwing a Storm Crux Pearl to a Columbia 300 Blur pearl that is a $160 ball to a $60 ball undrilled and I've increased my average maybe 10-15 pins. I'm pretty much a down and in bowler as well. I throw the 8th board between 1st and 2nd arrow straight down and let it hook to the pocket. I don't know what my revolutions are but I would guess I'm on the lower side with speed around 16-17mph.

I think the reason why I got better with the weaker ball is that the Crux Pearl was too strong for the lane conditions I normally bowl on. Also it had so much natural hook that even if I didn't release it well it still hooked. With the weaker Blur Pearl, I've been a lot more consistent to the pocket and it made my learn to release better since it had less natural hook.


So if you think the Viral Solid is the ball for you, I would say get it but I think my best advice for you would be to find a good pro shop and work with them to figure out the best ball for you. Maybe they even have some balls you could try out.

[Tony]

The Viral Solid is rated as a medium to light oil ball and the Jigsaw Corner is considered a medium to heavy oil ball also the Viral like Tony said should go a little bit longer and has less flare potential but to me that isn't necessarily a bad thing. For example I went from throwing a Storm Crux Pearl to a Columbia 300 Blur pearl that is a $160 ball to a $60 ball undrilled and I've increased my average maybe 10-15 pins. I'm pretty much a down and in bowler as well. I throw the 8th board between 1st and 2nd arrow straight down and let it hook to the pocket. I don't know what my revolutions are but I would guess I'm on the lower side with speed around 16-17mph.

I think the reason why I got better with the weaker ball is that the Crux Pearl was too strong for the lane conditions I normally bowl on. Also it had so much natural hook that even if I didn't release it well it still hooked. With the weaker Blur Pearl, I've been a lot more consistent to the pocket and it made my learn to release better since it had less natural hook.


So if you think the Viral Solid is the ball for you, I would say get it but I think my best advice for you would be to find a good pro shop and work with them to figure out the best ball for you. Maybe they even have some balls you could try out.

I wasn't suggesting the Viral Solid is the wrong or right ball, just showing you how it compares to the ball you have. The ball manufacturers and pro shop operators (PSO) usually suggest bowlers starting out use the lower cost less radical starter to mid level balls, they are easier to control and you will get a more consistent reaction from the ball. Finding a good PSO and having them help you find a good ball to begin with is a good idea. If you tell them you're an inexperienced bowler they should suggest a ball that suits your game now, in time you might want to add a more aggressive ball. There are several guys around here who are very knowledgeable on many of the different balls and might be able to suggest some of the models that might suit your game.

[larry mc]

for what u r describing i would say a strong pearl . , like a hyper cell skid

[Tony]

for what u r describing i would say a strong pearl . , like a hyper cell skid

A Hyper-cell Skid / strong skid / flip ball for a beginner bowler ? Why ?

[Bgyfz450]

I would like to keep the price around $100. I appreciate all of info tho. Just so much to consider and so much info.

[Stormed1]

Balls I would look at are the prlio muidem no doog era eseht fo lla,vitoM mof axroF ,pirG otoR morf eriwyaH ,mrots morf daoryH ,nosrA remma

[Tony]

Balls I would look at are the prlio muidem no doog era eseht fo lla,vitoM mof axroF ,pirG otoR morf eriwyaH ,mrots morf daoryH ,nosrA remma

Somehow the balls listed don't seem familiar ! lol unless I read backwards Hammer Arson, Rotogrip Haywire,

[billf]

Where you are describing where you play, way outside, there is very little to no oil. Ebonite Cyclone drilled RICO would work great out there. It's inexpensive, comes in a few color variations, pearl cover to help with the length. The layout will help make up for the entry level core.

[Bgyfz450]

I bowl where my left foot is on the center dot and try and hit my mark between the first and second arrow. I saw that the cyclone has a high flare, would that be to much flare or not? I don't put much spin on my ball just yet still learning. Thank you for all your help

[scottymoney]

I bowl where my left foot is on the center dot and try and hit my mark between the first and second arrow. I saw that the cyclone has a high flare, would that be to much flare or not? I don't put much spin on my ball just yet still learning. Thank you for all your help

I would try playing a straighter line. Standing 20 aiming 7 is part of your issue, unless you are standing 20 and drifting right 4 boards or so. Trying to play between first and 2nd arrow you are starting the ball in the dry. Playing on a house shot you need to find the oil. I know my reply isn't about a new ball but something you may want to look into.

[Amyers]

Any entry level to mid level ball will be fine with your current situation. Something like a Cyclone, Soul Mate, or Devour would make good choices. Save the money from buying high end and get some lessons from a qualified coach if available.

[billf]

I bowl where my left foot is on the center dot and try and hit my mark between the first and second arrow. I saw that the cyclone has a high flare, would that be to much flare or not? I don't put much spin on my ball just yet still learning. Thank you for all your help

Flare potential at this point is fairly irrelevant. It's the bowler's release that causes flare. The potential is built into the ball dynamics. The Cyclone is a good ball to learn with and a good value for the money.

[Bgyfz450]

So the cyclone says a high flare potential but it wouldn't matter with me since I'm just learning how?

[larry mc]

he says he has no hand so it would clear the heads then give him some angle

[Amyers]

So the cyclone says a high flare potential but it wouldn't matter with me since I'm just learning how?

Unless you have the rev rate and axis rotation to cause the ball to flare it doesn't matter how much the ball is capable of. If I ball says it's capable of 7" of flare but you only generate 3" the ball still only flares 3"

[Tony]

he says he has no hand so it would clear the heads then give him some angle

I can see your point,it might work well ,but if he is out where it's dry even without much hand it might be a little hard to control. One of my teammates throws like that with his skid and most of his strikes are brooklyn because the ball takes off on him a little bit.

[Amyers]

I can see your point,it might work well ,but if he is out where it's dry even without much hand it might be a little hard to control. One of my teammates throws like that with his skid and most of his strikes are brooklyn because the ball takes off on him a little bit.

I would not even remotely consider a high end asymmetric ball for a person learning to bowl.

[Bgyfz450]

I have only been looking at symmetric balls

[Ishkabibble]

My son started with a Cyclone for his first finger tip. It's not going to hook off the lanes but it will be easier to control. Given your price point I don't think you can go wrong with a Cyclone.

[Tony]

I would not even remotely consider a high end asymmetric ball for a person learning to bowl.

Agreed !

[JasonNJ]

Another ball to consider would be a Columbia 300 Blur it comes in Pearl, Solid and Hybrid. Currently my favorite ball with a very controllable hook.

[Bgyfz450]

The bowling pro where I bowl is a great family friend and he set me up with a brunswick fortera exile. Can't wait to try it out tomorrow.

[Jaescrub]

I really would have put
You in a C300 crazy antics. That's a ball you could learn on and not grow out of. It's very easy to read and rolls well on most house shots. I was surprised with it.

[Amyers]

The bowling pro where I bowl is a great family friend and he set me up with a brunswick fortera exile. Can't wait to try it out tomorrow.

Wow. He watch you bowl before setting you up with that?

[fortheloveofbowling]

The bowling pro where I bowl is a great family friend and he set me up with a brunswick fortera exile. Can't wait to try it out tomorrow.

Where in southern Indiana? Evansville maybe?

[Bgyfz450]

Yes he has. He's been teaching me how to bowl.

[Bgyfz450]

Yes I live in Evansville

[fortheloveofbowling]

Yes I live in Evansville

Arc Lanes....Franklin Lanes?

[JasonNJ]

The bowling pro where I bowl is a great family friend and he set me up with a brunswick fortera exile. Can't wait to try it out tomorrow.

Nice, the Exile is a pretty strong ball. My buddy bowls with it.

[Bgyfz450]

River city Bill set me up with it

[Bgyfz450]

I just started bowling in a league about 2 months ago

[fortheloveofbowling]

I just started bowling in a league about 2 months ago

Good luck and have fun.

[bowl1820]

Here's Lanesides review for the Brunswick fortera exile for those interested.


http://youtu.be/ggRbZ42-Wyg

[Bgyfz450]

Thanx for sharing that

[Tony]

With your description of the way you throw the ball and that you've said you are a beginner, the Brunswick fortera exile seems like an unusual ball choice, I do know a few guys that use one and they are all pretty experienced, higher average bowlers that have pretty good speed and quite a bit of hand in a league with heavy oil.
Keep in mind I am not a coach and you have not posted any video of your bowling, so there are a lot of unknowns.
Good luck with the ball, it will be interesting to hear how it works for you.

[Bgyfz450]

My first game today was a 94 1st game 2nd game 118 3rd game 168. Was getting used to it towards the end, but wasn't getting the spin from my wrist like the guy thought I was cause I was using all fingers. Once I was Turing my wrist I got 3 strikes in a row 6 7 and 8 frame 9th spared 10th got 9 spare strike. I can't wait to go again after working hard on the fundamentals.

[billf]

I really would have put
You in a C300 crazy antics. That's a ball you could learn on and not grow out of. It's very easy to read and rolls well on most house shots. I was surprised with it.

That ball is a BEAST!!! Looks awesome rolling with hand in it too

[billf]

Am I the only one that thinks something here isn't adding up? The description of the bowler doesn't match the area this ball needs to work in.

[Jaescrub]

That ball is a BEAST!!! Looks awesome rolling with hand in it too
Bill your 100% right on that. my teammates can use my equipment so I get to see what my ball would do in the hands of every style. That ball fits into a lot of bowlers games. It's my only non storm ball in my bag.

[Tony]

Am I the only one that thinks something here isn't adding up? The description of the bowler doesn't match the area this ball needs to work in.

I thought the same thing / post 43. Seemed like an unusual choice to match that ball with a new bowler who bowls an outside line like he described.

[Amyers]

Am I the only one that thinks something here isn't adding up? The description of the bowler doesn't match the area this ball needs to work in.

I thought the same thing he seemed happy with the ball so I decided to keep my mouth such but since it has been brought up. This looks very much like a PSO passing off a ball he wanted to get rid of instead of matching the ball to the bowler. I would very rarely recommend a asymmetrical ball to a new bowler and most definitely not a high end heavy oil med-heavy oil skid/flip ball like the Fortera Exile to a new bowler. Hopefully he will grow into the ball and it will work out well for him. I haven't seen him bowl so maybe there is more going on here than I know but it seems like poor advice to me.

[Bgyfz450]

Yesterday I bowled and got a 184, 250, 176. I'm starting to put more spin on the ball and wow it reacts awesome. Even if I miss my mark by a few boards to the right it still hits the pocket. I dint think he was just trying to get rid of it cause he was going to have to order it then I saw that he had it it stock. He's a good family friend also. Check the link and that's how I bowl.






http://www.bowlwithbrunswick.com/balls/detail/fortera-exile/

[Amyers]

Yesterday I bowled and got a 184, 250, 176. I'm starting to put more spin on the ball and wow it reacts awesome. Even if I miss my mark by a few boards to the right it still hits the pocket. I dint think he was just trying to get rid of it cause he was going to have to order it then I saw that he had it it stock. He's a good family friend also. Check the link and that's how I bowl.


http://www.bowlwithbrunswick.com/balls/detail/fortera-exile/

It looks like it's working for you and that's great. Don't take my comments out of place he has seen you bowl we haven't but an aggressive skid flip asymmetrical ball is an unusual choice for a newbie. You will most likely find that as your release improves you will need a spare ball and a step down ball for lighter conditions pretty quickly. I do unfortunately see things like this with discontinued and soon to be discontinued balls that were not great sellers. I really like the looks of the Exile I just never pulled the trigger.

[Jaescrub]

Yesterday I bowled and got a 184, 250, 176. I'm starting to put more spin on the ball and wow it reacts awesome. Even if I miss my mark by a few boards to the right it still hits the pocket. I dint think he was just trying to get rid of it cause he was going to have to order it then I saw that he had it it stock. He's a good family friend also. Check the link and that's how I bowl.






http://www.bowlwithbrunswick.com/balls/detail/fortera-exile/
That's some good scores. You also have to take what we all say knowing we as a group want you to be the best Bowler you can be. We don't always see eye to eye on here but that's kinda what makes us a bowling family. I'm happy that balls working out for you, still not the pick I would have made but like most have said he must have seen something that pointed you that way.