Buying First Ball

[panbanger]

If you throw it straight, I would go with a plastic ball. Down the road if you decide you want to start hooking it, you can get one of the entry level reactive resin balls and have that plastic ball for spares.

[ArtVandelay]

I'm going to go off the beaten path:

While what they are saying is true (if you're going to keep your straight ball, go cheap and plastic because in a worst case scenario you will have your spare ball for when you are ready to start hooking), I truly believe a lot of bowling is mental. If you have the means to purchase an expensive ball and you think it will help, DO IT!!! Just the fact you will have a ball custom drilled for your grip will make a huge difference.

My only advice is if you even THINK you might want to start hooking it at some point, it's probably best to look for something intermediate, or on the lower end of the spectrum. Reason being: You'll want to learn the proper technique, and if the ball you're throwing has monster hook, you'll be on the left side of the lane (assuming you're right handed) too often and you'll hate life.

Really consider what your budget is, and what will make you happiest with your bowling. This is just a fun hobby. It's not life or death. But if you don't already have your own shoes, BUY THE SHOES FIRST!!! The house balls are free, but you're wasting your money if you're still paying to rent bowling shoes (plus they're disgusting).

[Perrin]

THat's a great point.

if shoes are $2.50 over the course of a normal league you can just about pay for your first ball with the money you saved not getting shoes every week.

[ssclary]

I have only been bowling regularly for one year, I have had the majority of success with the New Blue Hammer, got one for under 100 drilled through my local proshop. Not a lot of hook but just what I have needed. I have increased my league average from 120 to 170 in that one year of bowling weekly.

[e-tank]

i cant comment if shoes help scores but they sure as hell do feel better than house shoes

[Brother_jd]

i cant comment if shoes help scores but they sure as hell do feel better than house shoes

IMO shoes do effect your scores. Just like having your own ball will. Using the same pair of shoes gives you the same feel everytime you go bowl. Taking your chances with house shoes you are more than likely going to get something that has a different feel everytime. Same thing goes with using your own ball as compared to a house ball.

[75lockwood]

of course having your own shoes helps! just the fact that they will have a proper slide pad makes them worth it