Altered Reality is now 'Faltered' Reality...lol

[boatman37]

Not really a question, just a conversation starter but comments and suggestions or experience would be nice to hear. So love the new Altered Reality but struggled the past 2 weeks. Hitting the pocket but unless I hit it perfect the carry isn't great and I leave a 9 pin, 47, 6, etc. Sure some of that is from being slightly high or slightly low but when it was new that didn't matter. So have about 35 games on it now. I have a spinner and the full set of CTD pads and Motiv polish. I typically freshen up every ball after 10-12 games but this ball was OOB and I loved the motion so was afraid to mess with it but after the last 2 weeks and now reading that Storm recommends freshening it every 25-30 games and a full resurface every 30-50 IIRC.
I hadn't thought about the surface being the issue as I only have like 9 league games but then realized I bowled a tournament with it (maybe 5 games on that ball that day) and have been using it for my 2 practice games every week and used it for 6 games New Years Eve so had more games on it than I realized.

I'm good with surfacing regular surfaces without polish but am hesitant using polish. I'm gonna give it a try following the Storm surfacing manual. It says like 30 seconds with 500, 20 seconds with 1000, 20 seconds with 1500 then 10 seconds with polish or something. I saved the document and will follow it. May go Saturday for some practice so if it sucks I'll try something different. Maybe just the 5000P with no polish.

Anyone surfaced an Altered Reality and been able to get it close to OOB?

[boatman37]

Here is the guide I followed except I used a slightly used 3000 instead of the 4000 and used the Motiv polish
https://i.postimg.cc/5t8pdrNS/Storm-surfacing-guide.jpg (https://postimg.cc/675CCYZ8)

Here was new OOB but after a few games
https://i.postimg.cc/3NvJbt7X/Altered_Reality1.jpg (https://postimg.cc/XBnbrcrq)

Here is just now after re-surfacing
https://i.postimg.cc/K86QWbFY/Surfaced_AR2.jpg (https://postimg.cc/pmBD9gmN)

[RobLV1]

For many, many years I have suggested that bowlers never use a new ball with the box finish on it for the simple reason that it can never be duplicated. It can't be duplicated because the box finish is applied as part of the manufacturing process that results in a different surface than you can apply using a spinner. If you surface it yourself before you ever throw it, then the surface that you have can be easily duplicated.

[boatman37]

For many, many years I have suggested that bowlers never use a new ball with the box finish on it for the simple reason that it can never be duplicated. It can't be duplicated because the box finish is applied as part of the manufacturing process that results in a different surface than you can apply using a spinner. If you surface it yourself before you ever throw it, then the surface that you have can be easily duplicated.

Yeah I typically hit them right away with whatever they are supposed to be OOB but usually after using them the first night since my spinner is at home but I loved how this rolled and was afraid to mess with it...lol. So I used it as long as I could be went over that Storm guide and hope it's as good now. Doubt it will be worse but maybe different.

[ALazySavage]

I think it was Ron Hickland who put out a video comparing the out-of-box finishes on "identical" equipment and showed a pretty wide variety with the surface scanner of what the actual surface was (so you may be chasing a number that you weren't actually throwing). The concept is that being mass produced and going through machines to get to the finish that consistency was not very good between balls. Take it for what it is because while he is saying the same thing as Rob and many of us say, to resurface before you really start throwing a ball, he does have additional motivating factors as to why to recommend this (and some of his videos have shown bias towards the argument he is trying to make).

The beautiful thing about playing with the surface is that if you change the surface and do not like it you can always adjust it again. Other than putting on materials that would ruin the coverstock (and are not exactly approved anyway) or taking such a low grit to a ball for an extended period of time that you ruin the integrity of the sphere you are not going to mess up the ball. Honestly, you shouldn't think of any adjustment as messing up the ball and its reaction - you are just adjusting the reaction to something different, it may just not be ideal for what you are wanting/encountering and if you are practicing or bowling league it is much better to screw up your reaction for a night and learn more about what you can do with a ball.

Something else you may want to consider if you are doing this during practice is resurface the ball down to 1500 sanded and take all of your pads with you, get warmed up, and then throw some shots, resurface to 3000 and throw some shots, resurface to 4000 and throw some shots - two things to consider is if you are bowling during open you will want to make sure you are not bowling on something completely scorched (or understand what that does to the motion you are looking for) and that hand resurface will be a little different than spinner resurface (but if you do it correctly it will get you in the ball park or you could take your spinner and resurface with the 5000 pad - CTD does claim in their videos it gets to almost the same surface finish as 1500 polish).

[Aslan]

I still stand by my original advice that this was a "bad ball choice" for what/where you're using it...at the surface you're trying to use it.

Sand it to 2000-4000 and move a little inside and I think you'll do much better than trying to polish it and stay outside. I'm not trying to steal Rob's thunder here...but that's a ball with a core that wants to turn over sooner rather than later and wants to snap on the dime. If that surface isn't polished (to keep it from turning early) and there isn't any oil pushed downlane (to control that snap)...you're gonna have an erratic night. But...you smooth things out to 2000-4000...move inside a little and let the pattern carry the ball down the lane a little...I think it could still be a really good ball.

The other advantage to sanding it to 2000-4000 (versus polishing) is it'll take less maintenance. You try to keep that thing polished...you're gonna need to reapply that polish on the spinner every few weeks...maybe every 2 weeks depending how often you bowl.

[boatman37]

I still stand by my original advice that this was a "bad ball choice" for what/where you're using it...at the surface you're trying to use it.

Sand it to 2000-4000 and move a little inside and I think you'll do much better than trying to polish it and stay outside. I'm not trying to steal Rob's thunder here...but that's a ball with a core that wants to turn over sooner rather than later and wants to snap on the dime. If that surface isn't polished (to keep it from turning early) and there isn't any oil pushed downlane (to control that snap)...you're gonna have an erratic night. But...you smooth things out to 2000-4000...move inside a little and let the pattern carry the ball down the lane a little...I think it could still be a really good ball.

The other advantage to sanding it to 2000-4000 (versus polishing) is it'll take less maintenance. You try to keep that thing polished...you're gonna need to reapply that polish on the spinner every few weeks...maybe every 2 weeks depending how often you bowl.

Most of my stuff is at 3000 but this is a different ball. Haven't had a pearl asym for awhile (Black Widow Gold). Went back to factory with it last night and will monitor it. I have been practicing more inside but our THS is pretty flat and dry. Sure there is a little more oil in the middle but not alot. But if you are right then I will likely try a different surface next time and move in if I need to. But what's throwing me off is even my Igniter and Raw Hammer pearl are struggling so that tells me it's more me but I'm hitting the pocket nicely where I usually strike. If the weather holds up I'm going back to the center I got the Altered Reality from Saturday and bowling some practice. Then Tuesday before league my usual 2 practice games.

[SRB57]

I typically use them out of box finish at first just to see how I like it. The Idol Helios I have been using came at 2000 but is pretty lane shined now and still has a great ball reation so won't touch it other than cleaning until I see it change. I will then put the surface I have been using on my solids. I use to be a big fan of polished stuff (pearls mostly) but seem to get a more controlled consistent reaction out of solids with some surface on it. I am going to pre order the new roto grip GEM which is a solid asymmetrical with surface. I hope to be able to move in further when my symmetrical won't turn the corner. Steve

[boatman37]

I ordered a Helios about 2 weeks ago. Not that I really wanted or needed it but I won it at a tournament. Well, I had my pick of any SBI ball. My PSO suggested the Helios with the thought of taking some surface off if we need to. Haven't got it yet (haven't heard anything from RG as far as tracking number or that they have even received my certificate). Now I have to figure out which ball to pull from the bag...lol. Thinking the Igniter since it's the oldest but it still works great.

Right now my bag is (from most aggressive to weakest):

Altered Reality (OOB)
Brunswick Igniter (3000)
Raw Hammer pearl (OOB)
T-Zone spare ball

The AR has a completely different shape than any of the others, reading sooner. The Igniter goes longer with more backend and the Raw Hammer is the longest with the sharpest snap. I really haven't compared all 3 on the same conditions on the same night. Figured once the Helios is here I'll figure it out

[Aslan]

I think the arsenal is sound. I just think you need to decide how you want to use the AR...which I think is a really good ball.

I think you have two options:

Option #1 (my preferred option because I'm a righty):

Start the night with the Igniter...you can probably play where you're comfortable...maybe a little left. I think it gives you a good look in practice about how the lanes are going to play. I think the Hammer Raw Pearl gives you a very good "ball down" option once the lanes start to break down.

If you're in a situation where you're facing 2-3 other lefties, you have the option of the AR, with a polished surface that will give you that same length to battle the chewed up lanes...but still give you a ball that has the low RG/high diff. to turn hard with carry down at the breakpoint.

Option #2: (better option for you because you're a lefty):

You could put a 3000-4000 surface on that AR...move just inside where you believe the oil line is...and find a good line in practice. Nothing extreme...just a little more aggressive than what you're used to. The Igniter would make a great option to ball down to once you move left and the line burns up and you start leaving 7-pins. If you continue moving left and start to see 7-pins with the Igniter...you still have the Raw Pearl as another ball down option for very late in the game.

But, thats the opinion of a very, very sub-par bowler.

[boatman37]

I think the arsenal is sound. I just think you need to decide how you want to use the AR...which I think is a really good ball.

I think you have two options:

Option #1 (my preferred option because I'm a righty):

Start the night with the Igniter...you can probably play where you're comfortable...maybe a little left. I think it gives you a good look in practice about how the lanes are going to play. I think the Hammer Raw Pearl gives you a very good "ball down" option once the lanes start to break down.

If you're in a situation where you're facing 2-3 other lefties, you have the option of the AR, with a polished surface that will give you that same length to battle the chewed up lanes...but still give you a ball that has the low RG/high diff. to turn hard with carry down at the breakpoint.

Option #2: (better option for you because you're a lefty):

You could put a 3000-4000 surface on that AR...move just inside where you believe the oil line is...and find a good line in practice. Nothing extreme...just a little more aggressive than what you're used to. The Igniter would make a great option to ball down to once you move left and the line burns up and you start leaving 7-pins. If you continue moving left and start to see 7-pins with the Igniter...you still have the Raw Pearl as another ball down option for very late in the game.

But, thats the opinion of a very, very sub-par bowler.

Thankfully I don't leave many 7 pins. Maybe 2 a night average. I'd have to pull up my pinpal stats but last I remember I average like 1.7 7 pins per night. Actually I missed my first 7 in a long time the other night so looked at my stats and IIRC I was 6/7 in the last 9 league games. And 2 of those 3 weeks I struggled. Will check later and follow up on it

[boatman37]

So in 66 league games this year I have left (83) 7 pins so just over 1 per game. 6 pin is my 2nd most with 26 followed by 10 pin with 19 then the 4-7 with 18.

[Aslan]

The 6-pin (for a lefty), tells me you're too far left....that the line you're on is burning up and you're losing energy. Not burnt up enough to cause it to go through the nose...just enough to cause it lose energy.

If you leave a 6-pin, as a lefty, always move 1:1 to the right. That should strike every time on the next shot. Same thing on a 6-8 or single 8-pin.
I do the same thing with 4-pins, as a righty...I move 1:1 left for a 4-pin or a 4-9 or a 9-pin. Usually will strike on the next ball.

I definitely think if you surfaced that AR to 3000 and got a 'little' (not a lot) more aggressive with your starting line...and made the adjustment above when you see 6-pins...you'd still have a shot at being very happy with the AR purchase. I'd probably do 1000/2000/3000 on the spinner every 1.5 months and then maybe just touch it up by hand with a 3000 before league play. 3000-4000 doesn't require a ton of maintenance.

[Aslan]

So in 66 league games this year I have left (83) 7 pins so just over 1 per game. 6 pin is my 2nd most with 26 followed by 10 pin with 19 then the 4-7 with 18.

My stats, as a righty, are 'sort of' similar:
In 66 league games I have left (47) 10 pins, (26) 7 pins, and then (25) 6-10s.

I guess I tend to see more variety than you do...even if you add my 7s and 10s together I haven't left them 83 times!

The biggest differences being (in reverse order of impact):

3) I leave fewer 6-pins (17) and 4-pins (15)

2) I actually leave more 'garbage' than you do...like (19) 5 pins and (18) 2-4-5s.

1) I have nowhere near your conversion rate. So, if I leave them...well, I'm currently 89% on 5 pins, 73% on 4 pins and 7 pins, 63% on 10 pins, and only 58% on 6 pins.

[boatman37]

The 6-pin (for a lefty), tells me you're too far left....that the line you're on is burning up and you're losing energy. Not burnt up enough to cause it to go through the nose...just enough to cause it lose energy.

If you leave a 6-pin, as a lefty, always move 1:1 to the right. That should strike every time on the next shot. Same thing on a 6-8 or single 8-pin.
I do the same thing with 4-pins, as a righty...I move 1:1 left for a 4-pin or a 4-9 or a 9-pin. Usually will strike on the next ball.

I definitely think if you surfaced that AR to 3000 and got a 'little' (not a lot) more aggressive with your starting line...and made the adjustment above when you see 6-pins...you'd still have a shot at being very happy with the AR purchase. I'd probably do 1000/2000/3000 on the spinner every 1.5 months and then maybe just touch it up by hand with a 3000 before league play. 3000-4000 doesn't require a ton of maintenance.

I'm not unhappy with the AR. Still love the ball, just went longer on a surface than I usually do and saw the results of it. And I'll pay closer attention but think most of my 6 pins are just bad shots by me but never really kept track of it. Headed out in a few to the center where I got the AR and plan to bowl a few games there. The AR is freshly surfaced but it is a different center than I'm used to so there may be a little variation there.

[SRB57]

I ordered a Helios about 2 weeks ago. Not that I really wanted or needed it but I won it at a tournament. Well, I had my pick of any SBI ball. My PSO suggested the Helios with the thought of taking some surface off if we need to. Haven't got it yet (haven't heard anything from RG as far as tracking number or that they have even received my certificate). Now I have to figure out which ball to pull from the bag...lol. Thinking the Igniter since it's the oldest but it still works great.

Right now my bag is (from most aggressive to weakest):

Altered Reality (OOB)
Brunswick Igniter (3000)
Raw Hammer pearl (OOB)
T-Zone spare ball

The AR has a completely different shape than any of the others, reading sooner. The Igniter goes longer with more backend and the Raw Hammer is the longest with the sharpest snap. I really haven't compared all 3 on the same conditions on the same night. Figured once the Helios is here I'll figure it out

I think you will like the Helios as I do. I like it as it is very controllable and nice round shape and I seem to carry a lot better. Steve

[boatman37]

Could have used that Helios today...lol. Went to the center where I got the AR and bowled about 5 games. Me and my wife both bowled and often bowled each others frames so no idea what my scores were but it was $7.15/game...ouch!. And they were packed.

So took the AR with fresh OOB re-surface, the Igniter with a fresh 3000 and the Raw Hammer pearl OOB. Never took the Raw Hammer out of the bag and only threw the Igniter a few times just to see. But those lanes were wet. Way more than I'm used to and seemed to be even more than they were last time I was there. Seemed fairly flat too but I didn't get too far inside. The AR seemed to be 'floating' I guess you'd call it. If I got it out to the 6-ish board it would come back, any further out and it would go through the nose so very dry outside 5-6. If I missed inside I'd 6 pin or 6-8 pin. If I moved my feet slightly right and missed inside the ball wouldn't even make it back to the head pin. Took a slightly used 3000 CTD pad and a brand new 5000P pad. The 5000P pad is supposed to be 4000 if done by hand. Tried the 3000 first and not much change so tried the 4000 just for the heck of it and still not much change. Seemed slightly better but still inconsistent. I was able to throw a 4 bagger at one point.

But I came to the conclusion that either my home center is extremely dry or this other place is extremely wet. I don't have any recent experience at other places other than sport shot tournaments so can't compare them. And gotta say, this pattern today didn't seem too much different than the sport shots I played on but I'm sure it was a THS variation.

All in all I don't think I had the right ball for these lane conditions today. Didn't try anything further in than about the 12 board figuring it was even worse in there but probably should have tried a shot or two.

Going to throw the AR back on the spinner tomorrow and hit it with the 5000P with no polish and try that out Tuesday

[boatman37]

Here is a quick video. I was trying to determine my axis point but this is the Altered reality. 2nd shot fell off my fingertips so it was just a bad shot. really only worth watching the first 10 seconds or so but you get the idea. Standing about 20 and targeting 10 at the arrows and about 7 at the breakpoint >

https://youtu.be/qVh67Tk4aXU

[boatman37]

Went in for 2 games of practice and threw the AR most of it. Stayed inside the 2nd arrow every shot and even went as far as standing 22 and targeting 10 and was able to hit the pocket and strike both times I tried it. Once league started I just wasn't comfortable with it in warmups so grabbed the Igniter. Still wasn't getting a god feel but ended up sticking with the Igniter all 3 games and rolled a 687 (213-206-268). Thinking my house is just too dry for the AR most nights but haven't written it off yet.
Oh, and re-sanded the AR yesterday with a brand new 5000P pad, no polish this time. It may have done well tonight but I finished warmups with the Igniter and the AR wasn't doing any better so just stuck with that one

EDIT: after watching the video from practice last night I actually threw 2 shots with the AR standing about 27 and targeting 16-17 and struck both shots so that was nice. Will post a video shortly of the whole practice session.

https://i.postimg.cc/y8TMHzYH/2022-02-08-scoreboard.jpg (https://postimg.cc/G4H7FVy7)

[Aslan]

See....thats what's hard about bowling with it being so dang pattern dependent.

I can tell you to put a 3000-4000 surface on the AR and move inside the oil line...but I don't know the 'length' of the pattern. I don't know what the AR will do vertically when it gets to the end of the pattern. I still think you can find a line that'll work...maybe change your angle a little. That being said...it seems like your Igniter works very well at that house. Sometimes, if it ain't broke...

I mean, I REALLY wanted to use my Grudge Hybrid at the house I've been bowling at and at a house I bowled at on Fridays and at a wood lane house. But, I couldn't. It just wouldn't work. It burned up outside...it didn't turn the corner if I moved inside. However, my Aura Mystic worked AMAZINGLY well in those houses (until it cracked). So, why try to force a square peg into a round hole?

[boatman37]

Actually just edited my post. I threw 2 shots standing about 27 and targeting 16-17 which is WAY outside my comfort zone but the AR came back and struck on both shots

[Phonetek]

Actually just edited my post. I threw 2 shots standing about 27 and targeting 16-17 which is WAY outside my comfort zone but the AR came back and struck on both shots

Pure luck! 😜

[boatman37]

Pure luck! 😜

Probably...lol

[boatman37]

Here is the video from my practice games.

https://youtu.be/ronkdWSeTzQ

[Ryster]

Looks like the AR, on that particular condition, needs to be given some room to move. Stand right and send it out. It is definitely not an "up and in" kind of ball.

[boatman37]

Looks like the AR, on that particular condition, needs to be given some room to move. Stand right and send it out. It is definitely not an "up and in" kind of ball.

If you watch at about the 5 minute mark I was standing about as far right as I'm comfortable with. Did it 2 shots in a row

[Ryster]

If you watch at about the 5 minute mark I was standing about as far right as I'm comfortable with. Did it 2 shots in a row

Exactly. Then you moved back left with it and had some issues again.

The AR needs some room, and trying to play a line similar to your Igniter may not be possible [or consistent] with the AR. You may find that you are trying to throw the AR faster to stay straighter with it, and that can have other impacts on your game (release, accuracy, timing, etc.)

[boatman37]

Used the Altered Reality in games 1 and 3 tonight. Got my new glasses so that was a little weird but game 1 was consistent and rolled 243. Game 2 started leaving 7 pins so switched to the Igniter but wasn't any better. Problem was more me though. Rolled 172. Game 3 switched back to the Altered Reality and moved around a little. Started with the first 2 then a few slip-ups then finished with like back 7 or so for 232. Missed a few easy spares but was 3/3 on 7 pins. We won 2 of 3 so are 19-2 this 3rd.

[boatman37]

Lane were wet and must have been funky. My accuracy was off but lots of people were struggling. Guy next to us has a 220 average and was using his spare ball. I asked him why and he said that was the only ball he could get carry with. I started with the Altered reality and tugged about 1/2 my shots. Tried the Igniter in game 2 and got my accuracy back but no carry. Game 3 tried the Raw Hammer pearl to get a little more entry angle but no better. Covered 2 baby splits and was 4/4 on 7 pins so in the last 7 weeks or so I'm at about 85% on my 7 pins. PSO where I got the Altered Reality is a PBA member and showed me a few tips and I think more than anything that gave me the confidence to just stick with it.
We lost the first 2 games then won the last game and lost total pins so probably knocked out of first now. I'm having surgery Monday so will be out of commission for about a month.

[boatman37]

No updates on me since I have sat the last 3 weeks due to surgery but team has went 5-2 I think each of those weeks and we are still in 1st place, albeit only by a game or 2. Dr raised my lifting restriction to 25lbs but said no bowling for 2 more weeks. So if I follow that next week will be my last week sitting. Still a little sore in my mid-section but if I'm not sore next Tuesday I may go in early and do a game or two of 1 step drills. If there is no discomfort I may go ahead and bowl but it would likely be a modified approach. I can bowl without bending or putting much stress but my speed is a little lower and not as many revs but can still score good. Will see how it goes. But today started doing release drills here at home since I can lift a ball now. I put a rolled up sleeping bag against the wall in my office and kneeled down on my strong side knee and just worked my hand and wrist to try to stay behind it more. My axis rotation is about 75* so trying to stay a little more behind the ball

[boomer]

progress!

[boatman37]

Well bowled 1 practice game when i got there then bowled 1 game in league. No pain or discomfort but couldn't get any confidence in myself and too many missed spares. 173.

https://i.postimg.cc/zXmgjfKq/2022-03-22.png (https://postimages.org/)

[boatman37]

Well now that the Altered Reality is no longer legal...lol.

Anyway, really struggled tonight. Bowled a practice game (211-ish) and did very well. League started and rolled 160 and 157 before our captain pulled me. Not blaming him and offered to sit out cause I wasn't helping the team. Used the Altered Reality in game 1 then switched to the Igniter in game 2 but kept missing inside (notice all of my splits).

Only a few weeks left and we are 1 game back of first place.

Oh, and teammate rolled a 299 with a stone 7 (2 handed righty). Would have been his first 300

[boatman37]

So apparently I'm still allowed to use my Altered Reality in our league but tonight I decided on the Uppercut. Started great except a couple of easy opens but game 3 was a mess. Game 2 I would have had a 300 running into the 10th except I drug my toe in the 4th and stumbled then opened off of that bad leave.

Tonight I got there early and practiced using 4 balls. Realized I struggle when I need to get it out towards the gutter. If I throw it straight up a line I'm good but if I have to aim it out towards the gutter I'm screwed. I really need to work on this over the summer.

Dropped the Helios off to the PSO to get drilled so should have it next week.

[boatman37]

So game 2 last night a teammate ran the front 9 then left a 10 pin in the 10th then missed it. That is the same game I started with the front 3 then drug my toe in frame 4 then strung the next 5. Man what could have been

[boatman37]

Used the AR all 3 games tonight. Lanes were flooded. 211, 209, 184

[boatman37]

So back to this AR. When it was new I left it OOB fir the dirst 20 or so games cause I liked it so well (1500 polished). I did very well with it the first 12-15 games but then started struggling. Hit it with a 5000D and no better. Did that a few times after about each 12 games. Last time tried a 3000 on it but still struggling. Noticed tonight it feels like it more or less 'falls off' my fingers, or rolls off. My Helios has the best feel. I can naturally just rip it and feels like I'm really coming around it but its hard to tell due to the color of it. But can't seem to replicate that feel with the AR. Mentioned it to my PSO tonight but he isn't the one that drilled the AR. He has drilled everything else I have but not that one.
I had been blaming it on not finding a surface that matched up to my game but now thinking it's more related to something with the drilling. Inserts don't feel weird or anything. Possible maybe the pitches are slightly different but that doesn't explain why I bowled so good with it the first few weeks.

[J Anderson]

So back to this AR. When it was new I left it OOB fir the dirst 20 or so games cause I liked it so well (1500 polished). I did very well with it the first 12-15 games but then started struggling. Hit it with a 5000D and no better. Did that a few times after about each 12 games. Last time tried a 3000 on it but still struggling. Noticed tonight it feels like it more or less 'falls off' my fingers, or rolls off. My Helios has the best feel. I can naturally just rip it and feels like I'm really coming around it but its hard to tell due to the color of it. But can't seem to replicate that feel with the AR. Mentioned it to my PSO tonight but he isn't the one that drilled the AR. He has drilled everything else I have but not that one.
I had been blaming it on not finding a surface that matched up to my game but now thinking it's more related to something with the drilling. Inserts don't feel weird or anything. Possible maybe the pitches are slightly different but that doesn't explain why I bowled so good with it the first few weeks.

It might have been the novelty effect. Many times a change will have an initial positive effect that diminishes over time. Happens a lot with things like buying a device to improve your cars gas mileage. Subconsciously you want this to not be a waste of money and you drive slower, anticipate stops by letting up on the gas, etc. and voila, you’re getting better milage. After a few weeks the novelty wears off your car or truck goes back to being a fuel hog.

[boatman37]

I get that but it's odd in the fact that it felt so good and rolled so nice at first. Feels like a completely different ball now

[boomer]

have someone video you throwing the two balls - maybe you're unconsciously changing your delivery trying to make the AR do something, anything, but letting the Helios just go . . . you know?

[boatman37]

have someone video you throwing the two balls - maybe you're unconsciously changing your delivery trying to make the AR do something, anything, but letting the Helios just go . . . you know?

Will try that but tough in summer leagues. Only 2-man teams so its rapid fire and can't practice beforehand. but definitely something to look into

[boatman37]

So guy beside me last week rolled a 300. Tonight he was beside me again and another 300. His teammate rolled a 265 for a 565 set. I picked up my new Zen Soul tonight and used it all 4 games for 209, 182, 268c and 234c. Game 3 had the front 8 before leaving 2 7 pins in a row then 2nd frame of game 4 I covered the 2-7-8. Not how I was trying but missed it inside bad and kicked the 2 off the side wall hitting the 7 pin and knocking it into the 8...lol. I'll take it. Had an 893 tonight.

[boatman37]

Something else I changed last night that I keep forgetting about...I have a pair of Storm shoes with interchangeable soles. I had an S8 on it and it stuck too bad. Tried an S10 and it was like ice. Tried an S9 and still a little too slick. Never thought about changing the heel since I'm not much of a slider anyway but a fellow bowler mentioned it last night so I tried the S8 with the slickest heel I had and it felt really good. Balance was still off but not hopping as bad as I usually do but hard to say if that was the shoes or just that my timing was much better last night. Either way the shoes felt good. I have a cheap pair of Dexters ($60) and have been using them for the past 2 years. The Storms were about $200 but wasn't a fan of them until last night

[boomer]

Yeah - my F-in-law had been having issues with his decades old Linds. He loved those things and resisted changing until I bought him a pair of Dexters - low end, not interchangeable or anything, just good shoes - his balance became stable and his scores jumped. Amazing how that works! LOL

[boatman37]

Yeah - my F-in-law had been having issues with his decades old Linds. He loved those things and resisted changing until I bought him a pair of Dexters - low end, not interchangeable or anything, just good shoes - his balance became stable and his scores jumped. Amazing how that works! LOL

JR Raymond did a video about 6 months ago talking about shoes. Said he didn't realize it but his new shoes were causing his issues. To be fair here (I like JR) but it seems every few weeks he puts out a new video as to why he has been bowling bad and it's something different every time but it did shed some light on the whole shoe thing for me. I tried the Storms again a few months ago and threw 2 practice shots and put the Dexters back on but that heel swap made them feel like a different pair