I have a plan and set goals, choices need to be made to set it in motion

[Phonetek]

I've mentioned several times I need to put together a new arsenal. My stuff is beat to death and ancient plus given my hand situation I'm reducing to 15lb balls. So yesterday I found out my average speed is 19mph and rev rate is 515 which I still can't believe it's that high. Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't that considered "Cranker" territory? Those numbers will likely increase some by dropping ball weight to 15lbs. Now having those numbers in mind, I'm a 3/4 roller but I don't know my axis tilt or rotation nor my PAP yet.

My goal after getting my arsenal is to hit practice hard from when I get the stuff all through the summer so I can be at the top of my game. Fall, I'm planning leagues at multiple house one of which will be a sport league. Then I'm going to seek any tournaments I can find within a couple hours driving distance, nothing across country unless it's just too tempting to turn down.

So now that I have a plan and goals in place I really need to quit web surfing bowling ball websites and start making some definitive decisions. I'm not concerned with spare balls at this point, I have an old 15lb black hammer I can polish the crap out of or I can pick up a plastic whatever. My concern is picking something for mid level and heavy oil. I've made it pretty well known that I am partial to the Hammer line of balls and I really like what I see in the Rotogrip line as well. DV8 is also in my considerations. Cost at this point isn't a consideration, if I have to save to get whatever it is then so be it. Getting together this arsenal isn't just me buying toys or just a want, it's a need. I consider this to be an investment because I expect to eventually get a return from using it.

Before I finalize my decisions given all that I said above. What other information do I need to gather to make the proper choices? Keep in mind my PSO is NOT in a bowling center so I'm going to have to bring video to him and bring him my current ball to determine PAP, axis tilt, track width and so on. I also am rather confused on the proper layouts to use but I would assume that is determined depending on which balls I get.

Last thing to consider is the type of grip I'm going to use. As I mentioned in other posts (in case you hadn't seen them) I have two separated bones in my hand and I am seeing the hand specialist tomorrow (2/7/18) to find out about the surgery to repair it. I have already been assured that it's not a major thing and a pretty non-evasive procedure. I'll be 100% in a few weeks. That said, I'm going to have a grip that for lack of better term would be the most ergonomic. Other words, one that's not going to beat the crap out of my hand. Obviously soft oval inserts will be but my meaning is more on drilling aspect. From what I've read Tri-grip and ADT are in the comfort category vs. the traditional method. I don't really know which to choose and to be honest and I don't know what other methods are out there that may be helpful for this. I don't know enough about it. These things weren't around or were in their infancy when I stopped bowling.

So to make a short story long.... these are the things I need help on guys, any answers you can provide would be appreciated. I've gotten to the point that further research on my part because I've done a ton, isn't going to help much. Please point me in the right direction. Thank you in advance.

[Amyers]

First buy one ball and then make decisions on the rest of the arsenal. It's always safer to buy one then add than it is to buy 3. As far as the grip goes if your separated bones allow it (especially since this is soon to be repaired) I would suggest going regular conventional fingertip. These other grips may or may not have an advantage I see mixed reviews on both if the person drilling them knows what they are doing with them unfortunately the number of PSO's who know what they are doing with them is small so I wouldn't suggest it unless it's absolutely necessary.

I wouldn't sweat the layouts at this point have the pso put whatever layout he feels is best for you for the initial ball. I tend not to mess with layout a whole lot and buy my balls to do different things.

[Phonetek]

First buy one ball and then make decisions on the rest of the arsenal. It's always safer to buy one then add than it is to buy 3. As far as the grip goes if your separated bones allow it (especially since this is soon to be repaired) I would suggest going regular conventional fingertip. These other grips may or may not have an advantage I see mixed reviews on both if the person drilling them knows what they are doing with them unfortunately the number of PSO's who know what they are doing with them is small so I wouldn't suggest it unless it's absolutely necessary.

I wouldn't sweat the layouts at this point have the pso put whatever layout he feels is best for you for the initial ball. I tend not to mess with layout a whole lot and buy my balls to do different things.

My PSO has been around for 35yrs so I can trust him. I have talked to him about my hand but before I found out what was really going on with it. Funny thing about it is I have bowled with it a few times since I found out, yesterday as a matter of fact. All I did was make the thumb tighter. Tighter than I normally like because I'm not getting out of it clean. However, it stopped me from using the death grip because the inserts are so worn out and far too big thus not effecting my hand like it did. It's not the preferred method but it's getting the job done. Yeah yeah, I'm a bad boy and my doctor's head is gonna fly off if I tell him I've bowled. It's my son's fault! He begs me to take him and for anything else I'd say no but it's an addiction, I just gotta do it! Wifey has already read me the riot act but she gets it.

So you said to buy one ball first. I can go along with that. The main house I will be practicing in loves to make a skating rink out of the lanes. It's like they dumped quarts of Valvoline on the lanes. At least most of the time it's like that. I was told they generally go 41-49' with varying patterns. My old RPM Swirl doesn't stand a chance on that even if it's sanded to death. Well not on 49' at least. What would be a good ball suggestion for that?

[Amyers]

My PSO has been around for 35yrs so I can trust him. I have talked to him about my hand but before I found out what was really going on with it. Funny thing about it is I have bowled with it a few times since I found out, yesterday as a matter of fact. All I did was make the thumb tighter. Tighter than I normally like because I'm not getting out of it clean. However, it stopped me from using the death grip because the inserts are so worn out and far too big thus not effecting my hand like it did. It's not the preferred method but it's getting the job done. Yeah yeah, I'm a bad boy and my doctor's head is gonna fly off if I tell him I've bowled. It's my son's fault! He begs me to take him and for anything else I'd say no but it's an addiction, I just gotta do it! Wifey has already read me the riot act but she gets it.

So you said to buy one ball first. I can go along with that. The main house I will be practicing in loves to make a skating rink out of the lanes. It's like they dumped quarts of Valvoline on the lanes. At least most of the time it's like that. I was told they generally go 41-49' with varying patterns. My old RPM Swirl doesn't stand a chance on that even if it's sanded to death. Well not on 49' at least. What would be a good ball suggestion for that?

Well for your speed/rev rate and the way you describe the conditions I'd start off with the fierce phobia or dark legend since you like hammer. Gives you plenty of room to add a Rip'd or gauntlet above if you need more or a rebel or vibe for less later depending on your game. I've got a buddy that's a staffer for hammer and he wont hardly put that dark legend down even though they have newer stuff lol.

[Phonetek]

I'm glad to see the Rip'd on the list. I was looking at one of those and I like it a lot! That just came out but before it I was looking at the Gauntlet (non fury). The Fury seems like overkill especially for me. I did say Hammer was my first choice but I don't necessarily need nor want an ALL Hammer arsenal. I'm brand loyal but not afraid to try new things. Back in the day I was all Hammer and Columbia. I always had a at least a Yellow Dot or Legend. I preferred the "Original Yellow Dot" which I had several. I even had an Original 9P 16lb. Yellow dot undrilled still in the original box with complete until two years ago. That was my crown jewel. We were moving to a new home. My wife was unloading our Tahoe, tipped the box and the ball came out and landed smack on top of her foot. Not only did it break her foot ON OUR 18th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY to which we spent at the ER (I'm still hearing about it) but also the ball cracked all the way around so it ended up in the garbage. I know it sounds horrible but I felt worse about the ball. LOL I love my wife but I knew her foot would recover as it did.

Back on subject, I decided to stray from Columbia and Hammer to buy that AMF RPM Swirl and I gotta say it was a fantastic ball, I bowled extremely well with it back then. Now it hits the pocket like a purple easter egg in comparison. So yeah, I'm willing to give other brands a try like Roto Grip and DV8. I did throw Roto back in the day. I had a blue Roto Grip and a black Roto Star. They worked well at the time. Nothing Columbia has right now is really jumping out at me.

[Amyers]

Well with you stats the Rotogrip Dare Devil Trick would be a good choice or maybe the wreckm.

I try to avoid the top line oilers balls except for sports patterns and not often then just not needed most of the time.

I don't recommend stuff that I don't see roll so I generally stick with hammer, storm, Brunswick, Rotogrip. The others I just don't see enough of. Brunswick magnitude 55 is a great ball choice too

[Phonetek]

Well with you stats the Rotogrip Dare Devil Trick would be a good choice or maybe the wreckm.

I try to avoid the top line oilers balls except for sports patterns and not often then just not needed most of the time.

I don't recommend stuff that I don't see roll so I generally stick with hammer, storm, Brunswick, Rotogrip. The others I just don't see enough of. Brunswick magnitude 55 is a great ball choice too

Thank you again Amyers. Wow I haven't had a Brunswick since my LT-48 & LT-51 a LONG time ago. LOL I do plan on at least one sport league and pretty much being all over the place at different alleys. I of course have a regular house close to home where I'll be a regular but I always loved going to different places even if it's just once. I like diversity and also going to those really old nostalgic places.(Wood & Tele-scores! YEAH BABY!) Super high tech places....meh. Moving around it makes it fun and a challenge. I'll probably have only 1 of the high oil balls for the "Just in case" but it will likely turn out to be my least used. Only two real reasons to use those, tournament/sport or to show off. I'm not interested in showing off. If I want to do that all you have to do is throw two strikes in a row during cosmic bowling, half the house will stop to watch. Well, after their 6lb glowing ball finally lands.

Anyway, thank you for those suggestions. I'm going to look at those carefully for consideration. When I do decide I'll be sure to update with what I get and how they worked out.

[1VegasBowler]

3 of the best heavy oil balls are the DV8 Creed, Brunswick's True Motion urethane, Tenacity and Kingpin.

More importantly, they are very predictable off the spot and can make hard turns to the pocket.

I have all 4 and they are all beasts when it comes to oil.

[Eddy]

I was told they generally go 41-49' with varying patterns. My old RPM Swirl doesn't stand a chance on that even if it's sanded to death. Well not on 49' at least. What would be a good ball suggestion for that?

If you're partial to Hammer, I would go with the new Rip'D Solid. It's their biggest hooking ball ever. And tell your PSO to go with 500 grit on it. You should be able to get it to move.

If you're really serious, get a ball spinner and do it at home.

[Phonetek]

The Rip'd solid and Gauntlet Fury seem to be the most extreme balls and I don't think I need quite that. You'd have to ring them out after each ball instead of wiping them off. The regular Rip'd on the other hand, it's only borderline too much but I can make it work. I'm not much for all these swirly multi-colored marble balls but I have to say I do like the look of the regular Rip'd as well as it's other attributes. At least for game one maybe game two depending on how quick they break down it will be fine. I can live with that. So I think that's going to be what I'm gonna get decision made.
Question is, what ball to go to next?
This will be my primary ball that I'll be using in most cases so I need to pick one for this category now. Given the suggestions, I'm liking the Roto Grip lineup for this. I'm not sure just yet which one. It's easier to pick out a used car.

[Phonetek]

Here is what I come up with. I decided on 4 balls instead of 3. 1 heavy oil , 2 mid range and of course dry/spare

Heavy oil - Hammer - Rip'd (least used)
Mid range #1 - Roto Grip - Hustle Hybrid
Mid range #2 - Columbia 300 - Nitrous
Dry/Spare - Orig Black Hammer - High polish since I have it already

I'm trying to cover the bases in general, I just need a starting point. Would these be good choices to start with then do surface changes from there?

[Amyers]

Here is what I come up with. I decided on 4 balls instead of 3. 1 heavy oil , 2 mid range and of course dry/spare

Heavy oil - Hammer - Rip'd (least used)
Mid range #1 - Roto Grip - Hustle Hybrid
Mid range #2 - Columbia 300 - Nitrous
Dry/Spare - Orig Black Hammer - High polish since I have it already

I'm trying to cover the bases in general, I just need a starting point. Would these be good choices to start with then do surface changes from there?

The Rip'd probably a good choice for flooded lanes only seen it once so far
I'm not sure on the HYB. The Pow was dog food the Ink is great I'd wait for more consensus before purchasing the HYB I haven't seen a HYB yet
I see no Columbia ever

The big flaw that I do see is HYB and the Nitrous are very much on the lighter end of the spectrum at least from the manufactures information. Looks like a huge gap from the Rip to either of those two balls.

[Phonetek]

The Rip'd probably a good choice for flooded lanes only seen it once so far
I'm not sure on the HYB. The Pow was dog food the Ink is great I'd wait for more consensus before purchasing the HYB I haven't seen a HYB yet
I see no Columbia ever

The big flaw that I do see is HYB and the Nitrous are very much on the lighter end of the spectrum at least from the manufactures information. Looks like a huge gap from the Rip to either of those two balls.

A gap huh?....crap this is not easy. Anyway, are you better off buying an aggressive ball and polishing it if it's too much or buying a less aggressive one and sanding it if it's not enough? I was looking at the Roto Grip Dare Devil Danger but figured it was overkill that's why I was looking at the HYB. I'm starting to get overwhelmed to be honest. There are too many choices. I know aggressive isn't the preferred term but neither is strong and weak.

To make it simple, what I'm looking for is a well rounded arsenal. I didn't really want to start out with 4 but I don't see any other way. I don't need the best of the best either. I'm only willing to buy one high end ball out of the 4 and that would be the Rip'd. The others, as long as I can make them work is all that matters. In the past my regular arsenal consisted of the Yellow Dot Legend, Blue Hammer and AMF RPM Swirl. Those days are gone though.

[djp1080]

Phonetek, Rather than the Hustle HYB, you'd be better served by the Storm Hy-Road. It's been around for a long, long time and it can handle just about any condition you roll it on according to Bowling This Month. It's a hybrid cover like the Dare Devil Danger and the Rip'd. It's probably one of the best benchmark balls around.

[Phonetek]

I wasn't looking at the Storm line but it does look interesting too. I feel like that 90's band Bare naked ladies "If I had a million dollars" song. The price isn't all that much higher than the Hustle plus it's boysenberry, you can't go wrong with boysenberry. When you say "Benchmark balls" what do you mean? Is there a list that I can see these benchmarks?

[djp1080]

A benchmark ball to me is one which you can use as a standard which you can get a good feel of the lanes as to which ball in your bag will do best. Perhaps it's the benchmark ball is best today.
It's a ball you won't go wrong as the ball that is in the middle of your lineup. It's a hybrid where it's got a mix of the solid coverstock and the pearl coverstock. You get the best of both types of ball all wrapped up in one. It's won plenty of money for folks over the years.

[Phonetek]

I understand completely. At first I thought there yet more specs to learn LOL That's what I am looking for is a good all around ball or "1st out of the bag" as they say. If it's as versatile as you say then I can keep it to 3 choices. The AMF RPM Swirl was always that ball back then, that's why I got it. I still may pick up a plastic for grins. I know the PSO I was at stocks that Storm, I seen it on the wall tonight. Sadly I didn't think to sniff it.

[djp1080]

I have two. The first one is 16 lbs. and I've had it several years now. The second one is 15 lbs. with a little different layout. Besides the aroma to me it looks how a bowling ball should look almost shiny black like my Black Beauty. Also, this ball has no filler. Coverstock and weight block. It should work well for years.

[Phonetek]

My 16lb Amf ball is at the pro shop as we speak with the plug hardening. Plus he fixed the thumb in my blue hammer. It's something for the meantime until I can start putting all this together. If this job goes through I'll start piecing it together. I'm gonna start with a bag and one ball. Bringing my bag into the pro shop tonight I about twisted my arm off pulling it. It tipped over while I was pulling it and flipped over. It's such a piece of crap. It's seen it's day.

[Amyers]

Personally I'd rather sand a polished ball than polish a sanded one myself. Don't buy 4 to start buy one middle of the road ball then decide on the others after you see what you need. Not all of these would I cinsider necessarily bench mark but probably middle of the bag at least.

Storm. Son!q. Hyroad, Torrent
RotoGrip. Dare Devil or Dare Devil Trick Wrekem
Hammer. Fierce Phobia, Dark Legend, BW gold

There are different shapes there decide if you want more of an earlier hook or more angular look then pick one out. All of these their are balls that are earlier hook or later so they are at least somewhere in the middle. Then fill out your arsenal from there.

[Eddy]

The Rip'd solid and Gauntlet Fury seem to be the most extreme balls and I don't think I need quite that. You'd have to ring them out after each ball instead of wiping them off. The regular Rip'd on the other hand, it's only borderline too much but I can make it work. I'm not much for all these swirly multi-colored marble balls but I have to say I do like the look of the regular Rip'd as well as it's other attributes. At least for game one maybe game two depending on how quick they break down it will be fine. I can live with that. So I think that's going to be what I'm gonna get decision made.
Question is, what ball to go to next?
This will be my primary ball that I'll be using in most cases so I need to pick one for this category now. Given the suggestions, I'm liking the Roto Grip lineup for this. I'm not sure just yet which one. It's easier to pick out a used car.

If we knew your rpm and ball speed/type shot you prefer, we might be able to help you better.

[Phonetek]

If we knew your rpm and ball speed/type shot you prefer, we might be able to help you better.

It's actually in the OP, 19MPH, Rev Rate 515. My old ball will be ready at the PSO today or tomorrow, curious to see if those numbers change having a ball that fits properly. As for the shot I prefer, I'm not sure how to answer that. That would depend on the lanes on if I have to swing it out or go down and in.

I "prefer" to be somewhere in between. I don't particularly care to have a really big swing and belly it way out there. Although you tend to get better pin action doing that but you also get max punishment if you miss. Too down and in a lot more single pin spares. I can do all 3 but prefer the middle ground.