New member, ball advice?

[Grande]

Lessons would be my #1 choice. Hard to come by in these parts. For the moment, I'm relying on local knowledge (at the risk of being misdirected) and that which I read. Folks are always offering pointers.

I've no commitment to any brand in particular. Someone suggested Hammer Arson. I must admit, how it looks plays a part. I prefer understated. Will Gamebreaker2 be much different than the Cyclone that I already have? There's no point in being redundant. The notion of another ball at this point is really just to see how they can differ and for the fun of it.

[AlexNC]

You can also check out the videos on USBC Bowling academy. They are running a subscription special of something like $8 for access to all of the videos, but you can also view many of the vids for free. It's not as good as lessons, but it is a good supplement.

[Amyers]

Lessons would be my #1 choice. Hard to come by in these parts. For the moment, I'm relying on local knowledge (at the risk of being misdirected) and that which I read. Folks are always offering pointers.

I've no commitment to any brand in particular. Someone suggested Hammer Arson. I must admit, how it looks plays a part. I prefer understated. Will Gamebreaker2 be much different than the Cyclone that I already have? There's no point in being redundant. The notion of another ball at this point is really just to see how they can differ and for the fun of it.

The GB2 is a midline ball compared to the more entry level Cyclone so it will be somewhat more aggressive. The GB2 will handle more oil than the Cyclone will. You do need to understand the GB2 has more surface than the Cyclone so the ball will hook earlier than the Cyclone so be aware that you may see similar or even less backend movement from the GB2 than you currently get with the Cyclone. I think the GB2 would be a good step up from the Cyclone just want to make sure you understand what your getting. If you want more backend action you would be better off with the Adrenaline Overload if you want to stay Ebonite.

[Grande]

You can also check out the videos on USBC Bowling academy. They are running a subscription special of something like $8 for access to all of the videos, but you can also view many of the vids for free. It's not as good as lessons, but it is a good supplement.

Agreed! Excellent resource. Thanks.

[Grande]

The GB2 is a midline ball compared to the more entry level Cyclone so it will be somewhat more aggressive. The GB2 will handle more oil than the Cyclone will. You do need to understand the GB2 has more surface than the Cyclone so the ball will hook earlier than the Cyclone so be aware that you may see similar or even less backend movement from the GB2 than you currently get with the Cyclone. I think the GB2 would be a good step up from the Cyclone just want to make sure you understand what your getting. If you want more backend action you would be better off with the Adrenaline Overload if you want to stay Ebonite.

Maybe the GB2 MVP? I do want something significantly different than what I have for the learning experience.

[Amyers]

Maybe the GB2 MVP? I do want something significantly different than what I have for the learning experience.

The only difference between the GB2, MVP, and Gold are weather they are solid, hybrid, or pearl and the surface. All three balls use the same cover stock and core. You can change the surface yourself and a beginning bowler and truthfully most average bowlers will never notice the difference between types of cover stock. The cyclone tends to be on the stronger side of your average lower end ball so I'm not really sure you going to see much of a difference between it and the GB2 line.

It really depends on what you want. If you feel like the cyclone is sliding in the oil too much, not coming in to a roll before it hits the pins, or you can't move inside with it, the GB2 would be a good choice. If you really just want a big backend reaction I would go with something like the Adrenaline Overload, Brunswick Mastermind Brainiac, or Hammer Black Widow Red Legend (not the solid) all of these will give you a bigger backend without being crazy strong to where you can use it on league night.

[Grande]

Again, thank you. I'd speculate that it's more likely the bowler than the ball. When I find a coach, I'm sure refinements in my release and overall technique will improve the experience and yield better results.

It certainly come to a roll before it hits the pins, its just that the change of direction (hook?) is less than I'd like and doesn't enter the pocket at much of an angle.

[jab5325]

Again, thank you. I'd speculate that it's more likely the bowler than the ball. When I find a coach, I'm sure refinements in my release and overall technique will improve the experience and yield better results.

It certainly come to a roll before it hits the pins, its just that the change of direction (hook?) is less than I'd like and doesn't enter the pocket at much of an angle.

The Cyclone is a great ball, but is what it is--as Amyers mentioned, it's not very aggressive.

Just don't get into the mindset that you need a big, wide, arcing hook to achieve the proper entry angle to the pocket. Learning oil patterns and how to utilize them to your advantage is every bit as important as what equipment you have.

If you're a righty having trouble getting the Cyclone back to the pocket, try playing out around board 7-8 (out of the oil) and have your PSO put some surface on your ball.

[Grande]

Well, I did as suggested this AM in my newly joined senior league (casual, welcoming to a newbie like me). After moving everything (approach and target) to the left, I'm a lefty, I got decent rotation , transition to a roll and gentle hook that turned out to be both effective and repeatable. For a while, I was in love with the Cyclone!

Fast forward to a few hours later; went back for practice 2 lanes over. Same everything; approach, target, velocity, stance, grip, follow through etc. The ball wouldn't hook at all. Skid, roll, a barely detectable change of direction. Others suggested that maybe all the right handed players and straight ball rollers pushed all the oil to the left side and down the lane. Does that make sense? What do I do with that situation? Again, would another ball help?

As for the PSO, virtually non-existent. Only there for 3 hours a week and there's a waiting line. And, why change the surface on the Cyclone if it works well sometimes and it may be a matter of lane condition?

Thanks,
Grande (Jon)

[AlexNC]

Well, I did as suggested this AM in my newly joined senior league (casual, welcoming to a newbie like me). After moving everything (approach and target) to the left, I'm a lefty, I got decent rotation , transition to a roll and gentle hook that turned out to be both effective and repeatable. For a while, I was in love with the Cyclone!

Fast forward to a few hours later; went back for practice 2 lanes over. Same everything; approach, target, velocity, stance, grip, follow through etc. The ball wouldn't hook at all. Skid, roll, a barely detectable change of direction. Others suggested that maybe all the right handed players and straight ball rollers pushed all the oil to the left side and down the lane. Does that make sense? What do I do with that situation? Again, would another ball help?



As for the PSO, virtually non-existent. Only there for 3 hours a week and there's a waiting line. And, why change the surface on the Cyclone if it works well sometimes and it may be a matter of lane condition?

Thanks,
Grande (Jon)

Is it possible that in the second session your wrist was in more of a broken position - perhaps because you had already bowled earlier? This is something I have experienced in the past, where I have wondered why I am losing reaction. I recorded myself and found that over time I allowed my wrist to get lazy.