hello, old guy trying to learn the new stuff

[LOUVIT]

I shot 190 or so 30-40 years ago before all this new equipment and lanes.. i am trying to make a comeback at 61 years old after back surgery. My approach sucks but I still have the roll. Issue is my ball isn't hooking ot hitting hard. Dam I am leaving the 5 pin....lol used to blow them suckers out. I have an older ebonite nvs. just today I did the hot water bath and will try again tomorrow. I am shooting 150-170 scores but with no real hook or carry. All fyi and any help will be appreciated. I bowl at Oakfield in Brandon Fl and Tom Daugherty owns the pro shop

thanks and Hi...Lou

[bowl1820]

Hi welcome to the boards! I've bowled at Oakfield a couple of times and BCB too.

[LOUVIT]

I go on Monday mornings and Thursday afternoon for the dollar a game stuff. until I get my act together i'm not ready for compition..lol. I live right near Oakfield, maybe we can meet up

[Trex]

I bought three of the NVS when they came out because i thought the first one was defective. The 2nd reacted the same, and so did the 3rd. No matter the layout or surface the ball did not move much. Had a very mild arc reaction like an old Black Beauty Rubber ball. To me this was a huge disappointment coming from a reactive ball. So I gave one to an older gentlemen who had his bowling ball stolen. The other two I sold. The Total NV was a much better ball for me and moved much more and hit harder. I eventually started using Hammer & Roto Grip bowling balls and have had much better success. My point is that part of the problem is that NVS you are using...It is a weak ball!!!!!

It might work great for a two hander, or serious cranker, but for tweener's and stroker's there are much better options!!

You might want to try a new ball, such as a Storm Hy-Road or Hy-Road pearl. It's a great ball that will be better than the Nvs, and will hit harder and hook more at a decent price.

If you want to stay with Ebonite, then buy a GameBreaker2 solid....Very good bowling ball, much better than NVS anyday!!!!

But keep the NVS in case you need it for super dry lanes or short patterns as it is great for that when the Gamebreaker2 becomes too strong hooking too much.

[LOUVIT]

thanks cranker, I don't care about the brand I just need to throw a hook, It's the only way I can adjust or really the only way I can bowl at all, as I said I'm new to all these different equipment. I read about so many different blocks and coverstock.

I went yesterday to try it after the hot water bath and opening up my tight finger holes but it must have been a holiday there was a waiting list at 10am. My house oakfield in Brandon Fl. had $1 games from 9-noon on Monday and thursday at 1pm

[JohnN]

I'm a senior bowler (63) with the same problem as you. Over the last 6 or 7 years my average has gone down from 200-208 in 2 houses to the 190's and this year forget it. Just couldn't seem to get a good consistent roll on the ball. First don't let anyone tell you your too old to try new things. If they don't work you can always go back. I have recently tried to keep my hand behind the ball more as opposed to the handshake style of release. When I do it correctly there is a world of difference in the motion of the ball. After shooting one of the worst series of my adult life 3 weeks ago I decided I needed to make a change. Went and practiced during open bowling and shot a 680. I attributed some of that to the lanes being dryer than during league play. My next league night I shot 643 (blew 3 easy spares). My next league night I shot 585 but missed 4 easy spares. On both nights the ball was rolling much better, with a bigger hook and much better hitting power. I have also switched to a Storm Gizmo from a Roby's wrist support. Have left the Gizmo in it's basic positions. You may want to try a heavier oil ball but that costs money. Good luck.

[rkj4243]

Welcome Lou,
As others have mentioned, you may want to look into getting a medium strength, medium reacting ball, made for today's conditions. There are a lot of choices, from a lot of manufacturers, just read some reviews, and work with your pro shop owner to make the correct choice. Your pro shop owner also should be able to watch you bowl, and get some ideas of a layout which would fit your style and needs as well. Videos for the majority of the latest bowling balls also can be found on bowlingball.com

[Turkey Track Hammer]

I bought three of the NVS when they came out because i thought the first one was defective. The 2nd reacted the same, and so did the 3rd. No matter the layout or surface the ball did not move much. Had a very mild arc reaction like an old Black Beauty Rubber ball. To me this was a huge disappointment coming from a reactive ball. So I gave one to an older gentlemen who had his bowling ball stolen. The other two I sold. The Total NV was a much better ball for me and moved much more and hit harder. I eventually started using Hammer & Roto Grip bowling balls and have had much better success. My point is that part of the problem is that NVS you are using...It is a weak ball!!!!!

It might work great for a two hander, or serious cranker, but for tweener's and stroker's there are much better options!!

You might want to try a new ball, such as a Storm Hy-Road or Hy-Road pearl. It's a great ball that will be better than the Nvs, and will hit harder and hook more at a decent price.

If you want to stay with Ebonite, then buy a GameBreaker2 solid....Very good bowling ball, much better than NVS anyday!!!!

But keep the NVS in case you need it for super dry lanes or short patterns as it is great for that when the Gamebreaker2 becomes too strong hooking too much.

After the 2nd NVS, Why would you even consider buying a 3rd?

[LOUVIT]

I'm a senior bowler (63) with the same problem as you. Over the last 6 or 7 years my average has gone down from 200-208 in 2 houses to the 190's and this year forget it. Just couldn't seem to get a good consistent roll on the ball. First don't let anyone tell you your too old to try new things. If they don't work you can always go back. I have recently tried to keep my hand behind the ball more as opposed to the handshake style of release. When I do it correctly there is a world of difference in the motion of the ball. After shooting one of the worst series of my adult life 3 weeks ago I decided I needed to make a change. Went and practiced during open bowling and shot a 680. I attributed some of that to the lanes being dryer than during league play. My next league night I shot 643 (blew 3 easy spares). My next league night I shot 585 but missed 4 easy spares. On both nights the ball was rolling much better, with a bigger hook and much better hitting power. I have also switched to a Storm Gizmo from a Roby's wrist support. Have left the Gizmo in it's basic positions. You may want to try a heavier oil ball but that costs money. Good luck.

when you say keeping your hand behind the ball do you mean thumb at 12 during swing and turning during release. that's they way I bowl. i read other stuff that says keep your thumb at 3 oclock. I can't do that don't have the strength I used to...lol

[LOUVIT]

Welcome Lou,
As others have mentioned, you may want to look into getting a medium strength, medium reacting ball, made for today's conditions. There are a lot of choices, from a lot of manufacturers, just read some reviews, and work with your pro shop owner to make the correct choice. Your pro shop owner also should be able to watch you bowl, and get some ideas of a layout which would fit your style and needs as well. Videos for the majority of the latest bowling balls also can be found on bowlingball.com

I have read and watched videos, 20 years ago I threw a big hook, Now I'm afraid that at 13 mph with a 16# ball I may not be able to get it out enough. My pro guy Tom Daugherty said the hammer scandel is a big hook ball and I should drop to 15#. I can barley afford the 200. for the ball and if I can't control it I'm screwed...lol that's 139.00 and 50 to drill. I wish I can find a good used ball but honestly don't want to get screwed like I did with my used NVS.

[djp1080]

I have read and watched videos, 20 years ago I threw a big hook, Now I'm afraid that at 13 mph with a 16# ball I may not be able to get it out enough. My pro guy Tom Daugherty said the hammer scandel is a big hook ball and I should drop to 15#. I can barley afford the 200. for the ball and if I can't control it I'm screwed...lol that's 139.00 and 50 to drill. I wish I can find a good used ball but honestly don't want to get screwed like I did with my used NVS.

I bought a Dark Legend which is similar to the Scandal. It has the carbon fiber in the cover. Been using 16 lb. balls forever and my last few balls are all 15 lb. A 14 lb. ball might even be okay, but the Dark Legend rolls pretty nice. I'd have gotten a Scandal but thought it would pick up a roll way too early for me with a speed of 17 mph or so. If you're at 13 mph, I'd get something that skids a bit more than this kind of ball and save it's energy for the dry boards likely at 40 feet or so. You might want to try a Hy-Road or a Sky Rocket at 14 or 15 lbs. They both should get further down the lane and break nicely for you if you keep your hand behind the ball. At the release point just get your index finger pointing down towards the floor / lane. Then let your fingers and the ball to do it's thing. You'll be just fine! Good luck...

[LOUVIT]

I bought a Dark Legend which is similar to the Scandal. It has the carbon fiber in the cover. Been using 16 lb. balls forever and my last few balls are all 15 lb. A 14 lb. ball might even be okay, but the Dark Legend rolls pretty nice. I'd have gotten a Scandal but thought it would pick up a roll way too early for me with a speed of 17 mph or so. If you're at 13 mph, I'd get something that skids a bit more than this kind of ball and save it's energy for the dry boards likely at 40 feet or so. You might want to try a Hy-Road or a Sky Rocket at 14 or 15 lbs. They both should get further down the lane and break nicely for you if you keep your hand behind the ball. At the release point just get your index finger pointing down towards the floor / lane. Then let your fingers and the ball to do it's thing. You'll be just fine! Good luck...

yea like I said at my ball speed the scandel does scare me, but going to 14# also scares me. when I can't blow a 5 pin I get pissed. I don't know the new game and don't know if a 14 will hit hard enough. I actually have no problems throwing a 16 but I need a slow pace. when I bowl alone I take breaks between frames I am 100 lbs overweight 61 years old and also have back issues. when I bowl I look at hat my other seniors are using and if it fits I want to roll it but don't know if it's right to ask them

[RobLV1]

yea like I said at my ball speed the scandel does scare me, but going to 14# also scares me. when I can't blow a 5 pin I get pissed. I don't know the new game and don't know if a 14 will hit hard enough. I actually have no problems throwing a 16 but I need a slow pace. when I bowl alone I take breaks between frames I am 100 lbs overweight 61 years old and also have back issues. when I bowl I look at hat my other seniors are using and if it fits I want to roll it but don't know if it's right to ask them

As you said, "I don't know the new game," and at a slow ball speed, an aggressive ball will lose so much energy that leaving a five pin is a common occurrance. The extra speed you'll gain from a 14 lb. ball will increase your power, not sacrifice it.

[djp1080]

yea like I said at my ball speed the scandel does scare me, but going to 14# also scares me. when I can't blow a 5 pin I get pissed. I don't know the new game and don't know if a 14 will hit hard enough. I actually have no problems throwing a 16 but I need a slow pace. when I bowl alone I take breaks between frames I am 100 lbs overweight 61 years old and also have back issues. when I bowl I look at hat my other seniors are using and if it fits I want to roll it but don't know if it's right to ask them

Yes, the Scandal kind of scares me a little, too. :)
Regarding 14 or 15 lb. balls here's a link to a short article about it and he even mentions some of your concerns: http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/tip14.htm
It's probably good to look at what others are throwing. Their ball might not work well for you if you don't roll it the way that other person is rolling it (e.g., speed, rev rate, etc.).
I'm a bit older than you it looks like and I might be in a bit better shape than some. In retirement I've lost a bit of weight rather than gain it and I fight powering the ball down the alley. My backswing is way too high most of the time. When I returned to the sport (after a 30 year lay off), I think I often was muscling the ball down the alley at 20 mph. Today I've gotten down to around 17 mph or so and I'm happy I have as my ball actually hooks a bit now. :) Usually taking out the 5-pin. :) Hope this helps...

[1VegasBowler]

I'm 53 and I returned in late 2014 after a 25 year hiatus.

What I did was watch tons of videos on youtube and read articles about how things are today, and it can be daunting at times.

I use the DV8/Brunswick line (see below) and I have been more than satisfied with what they have, and I plan on adding another (Ultimate Nirvana) around the end of July. Their equipment fits me and my game like a glove, and my PSO (Johnny Petraglia, Jr.) certainly knows his stuff.

While we all endorse the brands we like, just be sure that whatever line you go with works best for your game.

[LOUVIT]

I started a new thread for myself since I have improved some. here's where I stand now.
(Sorry for the confusion I do know forums I belong to many camaro and drag racing ones but at least I know what I', talking about on them....lol)

http://www.bowlingboards.com/threads/19652-Improving-on-my-20-year-comback

[jimgilmore]

I often leave 5 pins or 10 pins. And I am rolling an 11 # rhino. It's more about finding the right line to the pocket and getting it there IMHO. Sometimes I need to look like itsabit high to carry the 5 pin and seeing where it goes after to know if the line is right. Often the wall of the house shot dictates that a lt. The house I'm playing seems to have 2 lines one around 2 arrow and the other around 3 but also seems to have a definite out of bounds out side of the 8 th board. as the ball will not come back at all.

[LOUVIT]

all helpful info, thanks, I will not go to a 14# ball, I hate leaving the 5 pin...lol. I just read a post and reviewed the motiv Freestyle. any opinions? If I spend 200+ on a ball and drilling and it don't hook I will be one pissed bowler. I do watch others and everyone is playing the outside line, anytime I try to shoot from the right I pull the ball. I need to ball to go out and come back