Thinking of getting a new ball

[Peri]

Hi everyone

It has been awhile since I introduced myself, I have been pretty busy so no real browsing time. I am a new bowler and am looking to getting a new ball. I am currently using a 12lb ball. I am looking at these three balls: Hammer Nail Smoke and Fire, the Hammer Taboo Spare and the Storm Manic.

I like these balls primarily because I like the colors. The pro where I bowl tells me that right now my speed is so slow just about any ball I throw will react the same, he also says, with a twinkle in his eye that when you start bowling you buy a ball because of the looks, than as you improve you buy a ball for what it can do. Where I bowl, the lanes are usually fairly dry, I think the lanes are oiled twice a week, and yes I do bowl pretty much the same regardless of the lane condition, I just have learned to do as our pro says and move where I am standing.

My husband and son seem to think that the Hammer Nail Smoke and Fire and the Storm Manic are too much ball for me. They laugh at the Hammer Taboo Spare, but I really-really-really like the way it looks and I am really leaning towards this ball (and how many times can I say really???). My son also scoffs at the Hammer Taboo Spare because the 12lb weight has a “pancake core”. What is a “pancake core” and how does it affect the ball? Any suggestions are sure welcome, especially if you have used one of these three balls.

[bowl1820]

This is a pancake weight block (the red disk) it's added to make up the weight lost by drilling the holes.


The 12 & 13 pound Taboo use it.

Most balls from about 12pd and less use a generic core or pancake core.


I think I'd go with the Hammer Smoke and fire it would be good on medium-dry lane conditions

[Peri]

Thank you for the reply and for the picture showing the "pancake". How does this "pancake" affect the ball?

Thanks again - and yes I am starting to lean toward the hammer nail smoke and fire.

[JaMau24]

Thank you for the reply and for the picture showing the "pancake". How does this "pancake" affect the ball?

Thanks again - and yes I am starting to lean toward the hammer nail smoke and fire.

Just a heads up... The Manic will hook the most out of those three balls, the Smoke and Fire has very minimal hook, and the spare ball won't hook much at all... Not sure how many revs you have or even if you hook the ball, but just take that into consideration...

Good luck!

[MICHAEL]

My wife has the manic, and it hooks great for her! Much better then her older ball the Cyclone! One often over looked thing related to getting the ball is, to have it drilled to suit YOUR STYLE of bowling! I would never let somone drill a ball without seeing your bowl!

[Peri]

Well my husband and son surprised me with the Hammer Nail Smoke and Fire! I will be using it for the first time tonight in our No-Tap League. Picking it up and getting in a practice game or two this afternoon. I am very excited to use it!

[billf]

Good luck