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View Full Version : Current ball, and what to upgrade to



Brad Pierce
08-07-2011, 04:20 PM
So I've been bowling with one ball, for both spare shooting and a strike ball, which would be the RotoGrip mars. It's a urethane ball (I believe), and have noticed that on dry lanes, I get plenty of hook, sometimes too much and I end up going Brooklyn, or even washing out on the Brooklyn side (This is being shot from the 1st arrow from the right, and rides the ditch).

I was told by my coach that he doesn't want me to shoot that anymore though. He told me that a ball that comes into the pocket from that angle will tap very often (which I've found to be true), and if my stroke is off at all, and I put the ball out to the right too far, I'll always put it into the ditch (which I have had some problems with). So my coach drew me a diagram of how he wants me to start throwing. He showed it as to throw at an angle 1 board to the right of the 3rd arrow from the right, and the ball will gently break into the pocket, and will stop the 10 pin taps. But here's the thing. No matter how much I crank the ball, I always end up washing out on the right side. I can't get the ball to break enough. So I've been thinking about going to a reactive resin ball, but the question is which one? My dad thinks I should go with the Nano (which I'm afraid will be too much hook) or with what he used to throw, which is a Columbia U-Dot (Which is retired, but I can special order from my coach). Anyone have any other suggestions?

I know that the oil conditions can affect the break on the ball thrown from across alley, but even after trying to break down the oil on that path, it still will not break hard enough.

Stormed1
08-07-2011, 08:28 PM
The Mars is a reactive hybrid ball It is a good medium/light ball but doesn't like heavier oil. If you want to stay with Storm a good choice would be the Marvel as it handles med to heavy very well

The Mayor
08-08-2011, 11:48 AM
Stormed is correct, the Mars is a Hybrid Reactive Resin. I agree, I believe the NANO would be too big of a jump up from the Mars. And the U-Dot is a bad choice. It's urethane and is less aggressive than the Mars. Roto Grip has a new ball being released tomorrow called the Outlaw that would be a good choice for you on heavier oil. The Marvel as was suggested would also be very good. If I were to select one ball for you though, it would be the Victory Road Solid. It is unbelievably versatile, predictable and is the perfect benchmark ball. I think it would be a great compliment to your Mars.

Brad Pierce
08-14-2011, 08:38 PM
Sorry for the late reply, but thank you for the input! I think I'll be going with the Victory Road Solid, seeing as it's a pretty popular ball.

jaydee
08-15-2011, 09:04 AM
A certified coach who's watched and worked with your game would provide much more valuable input than anyone on here, or by you "seeing what's popular". There's so many variables out there, that people on these boards know absolutely nothing about (as it pertains to your game), so anything we say is a real shot in the dark compared to a coach, which you clearly have. Axis tilt, PAP, revs, speed all play a big role in ball selection, and your coach will either know these or at least get a sense of them by watching your game.