Have a ball summer league ball suggestions wanted

[Briantime]

I'm currently bowling in a "Have a Ball" league. At the end of the league, I can choose any ball in the pro shop and was looking for some advice.
Here is the skinny on me and where I bowl.
I avg. 174. I don't roll fast or rev hard. More of a stroker. Low 15's for the speed according to the meter on the lane. I roll with a lot of side roll.
I currently own the following. Columbia Freeze, Roto Grip Wrecker, GameBreaker 2 and a spare ball. The GameBreaker is my newest ball and I am very pleased with it. It seems that with every new ball I get, as I get stronger balls I am more pleased with the results. With the GameBreaker 2 I am getting a really nice angle to the pocket and great carry.
The house has a reputation for being on the drier side, though honestly, I am not sure I am good enough to tell yet.
The pro shop is pretty good sized and has most brands and models.

Considering the RotoGrip Haywire, Ebonite Warrior Elite but completely open minded.

Suggestions? I'm all ears!

[Jessiewoodard57]

If its on the drier side I would not suggest the haywire . I have one and it prefers oil. On dry lanes I start at the left channel and cross the 10 board at the arrows to stay right of the head pin. By the time it hits the pocket all its energy is gone.

[Sourtower]

Both of those bowling balls need oil to use. If you are looking for something along the same lines as the Warrior Elite, then both the Hammer Scandal and Track Paradox are my suggestions. But again, all of these bowling balls need oil to work. If you like the GameBreaker 2, then I would take a look at the Black Widow Dark Legend. I've heard nothing but good things about that ball and it doesn't need as much oil as the aforementioned bowling balls.

[1VegasBowler]

It won't be a bad idea to try a Brunswick Vintage Danger Zone. Has great energy at the end and hits the pins pike a Mack Truck, with a smooth arc to the pocket. Just have the PSO drill it so that I can go longer. That's what I'll be doing when I get my mine in the next couple of days. It's going to be my main ball for Sport patterns.

[ckelly02]

Just remember that because your normal house is drier, not all houses are that way. So, if you want to broaden your arsenal I would suggest a heavy oil ball like the haywire

[1VegasBowler]

Just remember that because your normal house is drier, not all houses are that way. So, if you want to broaden your arsenal I would suggest a heavy oil ball like the haywire

Respectfully, I have to disagree only because a THS is not supposed to be heavy with oil.

While the oil is heaviest down the middle, it's nothing in comparison to sport patterns. And when you think about it, how often are you going to encounter heavy oil? While the lane oiler may have a malfunction or the person doing it may put in the wrong pattern, it's rare.

Personally, a ball for heavy oil is not optimal for a THS, because most heavy oil balls are quite strong, and are way above an entry level ball. Not to mention the prohibitive cost.

A versatile ball for most THS lane conditions is the best option. This way here you can change your approach when you have a night where the oil is heavier than normal, and for when the lanes breakdown in transition.

A heavy oil ball on THS transitioned lanes can eat you up alive, unless you have the ability to change your approach and targeting.

Only as an example: I have a Vandal and a Thug Unruly. Both balls are great for heavy oil. But once the pattern breaks down, I have to move my self to the left for the anticipated transition and the actual transition.

Both balls are very strong and when I encounter burned out conditions, I have to move my targeting from straight at the 10 board to 30-10, and while both are good in this situation, the Vandal is the better of the 2 because of its versatility.

JMO :)

(NOTE: It is only my opinion I express here, and I use the DV8 line for examples because this is all I have for now)

[classygranny]

Respectfully, I have to disagree only because a THS is not supposed to be heavy with oil.

Personally, a ball for heavy oil is not optimal for a THS, because most heavy oil balls are quite strong, and are way above an entry level ball. Not to mention the prohibitive cost.


Respectfully, I have to disagree...

Come bowl on our THS, and bring your heavy oil ball, because you're gonna need it!

[Mike White]

Respectfully, I have to disagree...

Come bowl on our THS, and bring your heavy oil ball, because you're gonna need it!

If the average Joe needs a heavy oil ball for your house shot, then your house shot is not typical.

[1VegasBowler]

Respectfully, I have to disagree...

Come bowl on our THS, and bring your heavy oil ball, because you're gonna need it!

One of these days I'll get down to Scottsdale :)

While a THS has some variations in length and oil, the oil isn't supposed to be heavy. Getting too heavy can almost create a sport pattern.

Currently, I bowl in a house where the THS is 42ft with an 8:1 ratio with the typical christmas tree pattern.

Every bowling center is supposed to have a sheet showing what the oil pattern is supposed to be at the front desk. But the people who work the front desk have no idea what you're talking about.

While I have no problem with the length of the different THS patterns, but they should all have the same ratios. But that's up to the USBC to change.

And the sad part about it is, if the machine ends up putting too much oil on the lanes you end up getting hosed on the way you play. While I am adding to my arsenal, I'm not ready to play on a shot when I don't have the right equipment. Carrying 3 balls to league play is one thing, but I shouldn't have to have 5 or 6. Bringing 5-6 on a PBA or Sport shot is normal because things change so fast and become more unpredictable compared to a THS.

I don't doubt there are some that have heavy oil out there. I just think the volume of oil for a THS needs to be standardized.

[1VegasBowler]

If the average Joe needs a heavy oil ball for your house shot, then your house shot is not typical.

It becomes closer to a sport shot.

[Mike White]

It becomes closer to a sport shot.

Most likely people that bowl on a house shot and think it's heavy oil are playing in the wrong part of the lane.

[1VegasBowler]

Most likely people that bowl on a house shot and think it's heavy oil are playing in the wrong part of the lane.

No kidding, because the heaviest oil is supposed to be down the middle and the least amount is to the outside. That's why the THS is very forgiving to the outside.

Those PBA & sport shots can be extremely unforgiving, especially the Shark pattern. Target the 10 board and see how many 3's come up for the night! lol

[Jessiewoodard57]

The house I bowl at just increased THS from 38' to 44' and I love it. I've been able to bring out the Sinister and Haywire and start at the center rather then the left gutter cap. I was going to move to a new house but now I'll stay. I made sure the manager was thanked for the change.

[Amyers]

It depends on your style, speed, revs, and where you play all have an effect on the type of ball you need. Patterns and the condition of the lanes play a big role in the type of equipment you will be the most successful with also. I do think a lot of bowlers use more ball than they need to their detriment. Personally I tend to be lower speed with more revs I can use a medium oil ball even on some pretty heavy patterns my wife tends to be more speed dominate and she uses a Brunswick Nirvana or the ball really never rolls.

[RobLV1]

Many bowlers think that all house shots are the same. They're not! The only thing that makes a house shot "typical" is that there is more oil on the middle part of the lane than there is on the outside part of the lane. That's it! I know bowlers who are very successful playing the second arrow on a house shot, using very aggressive bowling balls. I know others who are very successful using entry level equipment. It all depends on the bowler's style and, in particular, his ball speed and rev rate. There is no magic formula, and certainly, no magic bowling ball. The key is understanding ball motion, and how to adjust to rapidly changing lane conditions whether it be by lateral adjustments, ball changes, speed changes, or any combination of the three.

[1VegasBowler]

Many bowlers think that all house shots are the same. They're not! The only thing that makes a house shot "typical" is that there is more oil on the middle part of the lane than there is on the outside part of the lane. That's it! I know bowlers who are very successful playing the second arrow on a house shot, using very aggressive bowling balls. I know others who are very successful using entry level equipment. It all depends on the bowler's style and, in particular, his ball speed and rev rate. There is no magic formula, and certainly, no magic bowling ball. The key is understanding ball motion, and how to adjust to rapidly changing lane conditions whether it be by lateral adjustments, ball changes, speed changes, or any combination of the three.

No way to improve on this! :) lol

I'm low speed and rev dominant, and RobLV1 can attest to that. He will also probably say that I'm quite unusual in many aspects of my game as well. But as long as it's working well, why change.

[Briantime]

Wow,,,

Sparked more of a debate than I imagined :-)

Of the balls suggested, I looked the Vintage Danger Zone and the Hammer Dark Legend. On bowlingball.com's perfect scale, the Vintage Danger Zone indicated a lower score than the GameBreaker 2 I am currently using so I am not sure that would be a good choice as I am looking for a stronger ball. The Dark Legend looks interesting but I am very open to other suggestions.

A little more info which may be helpful. With the GB2 on my league THS, I usually am standing on the 15/16 and throwing for the 7 or 8 for my strike ball. I would like to play a little deeper but not have something so strong that I will not be able to control it...

[1VegasBowler]

I just picked up my VDZ today and only threw it a couple of times, mostly in the 10 minute practice. It is the only symetrical ball in my arsenal.

I love the motion it has and it hit very nice and strong. But, I had this drilled at 45x5x45 for Sport patterns, so I won't know how it will be until next Wednesday when I start my PBA Experience league.

[bnaidicz13]

You could take a look at the Storm Fight if you are looking for something that is more versatile for medium oil lanes. Hits like a truck and will be good at your speed.

[Amyers]

Wow,,,

Sparked more of a debate than I imagined :-)

Of the balls suggested, I looked the Vintage Danger Zone and the Hammer Dark Legend. On bowlingball.com's perfect scale, the Vintage Danger Zone indicated a lower score than the GameBreaker 2 I am currently using so I am not sure that would be a good choice as I am looking for a stronger ball. The Dark Legend looks interesting but I am very open to other suggestions.

A little more info which may be helpful. With the GB2 on my league THS, I usually am standing on the 15/16 and throwing for the 7 or 8 for my strike ball. I would like to play a little deeper but not have something so strong that I will not be able to control it...

The VDZ has a little higher Rg than the GB2 MVP so you might see a little more backend out of it but they are going to be within a couple of boards of each other. The big thing is do you want something that handles more oil and gives more overall hook or something with just more backend? If your looking for more overall I would go with Brunswick Nirvana, Storm Lock, Hammer Dark Legend, or Roto Grip Critical any of these would handle more oil and give more overall hook than your GB2 MVP. If your just wanting additional backend pop consider the Hammer Red Legend Pearl, Brunswick Master Mind Braniac, Storm Snap Lock (coming Soon), Roto Grip Eternal Cell. Something that might give you both would be the Brunswick Ultimate Nirvana. Sorry I didn't include any Ebonite but I try not to comment on balls that I haven't seen much and there aren't many in my area who use those.

[1VegasBowler]

The VDZ has a little higher Rg than the GB2 MVP so you might see a little more backend out of it but they are going to be within a couple of boards of each other. The big thing is do you want something that handles more oil and gives more overall hook or something with just more backend? If your looking for more overall I would go with Brunswick Nirvana, Storm Lock, Hammer Dark Legend, or Roto Grip Critical any of these would handle more oil and give more overall hook than your GB2 MVP. If your just wanting additional backend pop consider the Hammer Red Legend Pearl, Brunswick Master Mind Braniac, Storm Snap Lock (coming Soon), Roto Grip Eternal Cell. Something that might give you both would be the Brunswick Ultimate Nirvana. Sorry I didn't include any Ebonite but I try not to comment on balls that I haven't seen much and there aren't many in my area who use those.

This is why I limit my comments to the ones that I use or am about to use.

Hopefully, we all try to take a little something from everybody (except the know alls) to explore the possible options we have available to us from our own experiences. Talking to a good PSO is also very valuable.

Case and point: I debated between the Mastermind Brainiac and the Vintage Danger Zone as one of the balls I wanted for Sport patterns. While there is a wealth of information out here and some great opinions for both, I ultimately had to talk with my PSO, Johnny Petraglia, Jr.

While he made good cases for both, he strongly suggested the VDZ. While he could have gone for the more expensive of the 2 (albeit not much more), he went with the one that he feels would best fit what I would want to do with it. It just shows that not all PSO's are not just looking for the money. They're trying to help you out in getting you with what would be a better fit.

We all certainly have our preferences in equipment, and I respect the opinions of those who can certainly make the case for the ball they think would be best.

But, with no disrespect to anybody, I have to go with the person who has a better knowledge than all of us here. (Sorry if that doesn't sound right, but I fail for other words at this point and time..lol)