I bought a new ball (Storm Crossroad)

[ArtVandelay]

I know this is long (as are all my posts), and I know it sounds like I'm bragging about my wonderful experience, but this is actually a great story, and a good reason to drive almost any distance to find a pro shop with a great owner/staff member who cares:

I've spoken about the worthless pro shop where I bowl before. I also spoke about the two other pro shops in my area that are equally disinterested... Well...

I had a GREAT experiencing while out ball shopping today. One of my co-workers used to bowl in a league, and one of the people in her league was the owner of a pro-shop. She is a 198 average, and spoke very highly of the guy. So I decided to give him a go.

After driving over an hour, I arrived at his pro shop and was disappointed to find out he only sells Storm and Motiv. I was hoping for a Hammer or perhaps a Track. But I spoke to him for a while, and we spoke about our mutual friend. He started talking about some of the balls he had to sell but said none of that matters because he has no idea how I throw. So, with that he grabbed some of his personal balls with some different layouts and watched me bowl with different balls and layouts.

Our spans weren't too far off, and he was able to really see how I throw and what the ball was doing.

So we went back into the pro shop and he gave me 4 different options and explained how he would drill each one to fit my style. He stated my PAP wasn't too important because he noticed I had a habit of changing my release to suit the pins I was shooting at (he's right) so he would base the PAP off my strike ball, but he was more concerned with making this a great all around ball for me.

We discussed the options further, and he stated he think I would benefit greatly from one of his $220 balls, BUT that it would be too strong once the lanes break down, and it would likely be too similar to my Lane 1 Droid. So he suggested a couple other balls, and with his help I finally selected a Storm Crossroad.

While I hate its smell, and its color isn't my favorite, I am confident this is a wise purchase and great decision. He gave me a discount for knowing the person who referred me to him (even though I don't bowl league in his alley), and I was out the door for $215 including the interchangeable thumb insert. If I had bought that ball on the internet, I would have been guessing about it (and I likely would have gone with a Hammer or Track and who knows if it would have fit my style), I would have paid $120 for the ball, $50 for the drilling fees, $10 for the finger inserts, and $40 for the interchangeable thumb insert for a grand total of: $220. So I actually came out ON TOP by not buying online.

AAAAAAND, to top it off: Any ball purchased from him comes with 2 FREE lessons taught by him or his co-worker/business partner (whomever is available).

I just couldn't be happier. He identified me as a, "cranker," which is really crazy because I never would have guessed I put that many revs on the ball. He explained what my ball was doing and identified areas where it was losing its power. He explained how different layouts on different ball coverstocks can eliminate that problem and allow the ball to hit the pocket with all its momentum intact.

I've never been more NERVOUS bowling... hahahahaha. But I'm so happy I did this.

FIND A GOOD/GREAT PRO SHOP AND EXPERT AND BUY FROM THEM!!! IT'S MUCH BETTER TO HAVE A SCIENCE BEHIND WHAT YOU ARE TRYING TO DO/BUY THAN TO GUESS ONLINE AND PAY THE SAME PRICE!!!

[striker12]

nice job the crossroad will do great for you i have thrown one before and it was great.

[e-tank]

Welcome to the club!

[panbanger]

You live either in or close to Denton, right? What proshop did you go to? I've only used the one at my home alley in Denton and am pretty pleased with it, but I'm just curious.

[billf]

There are very few times where a set of expert eyes are not the best option. Glad it seems to have all worked out for you!

[ArtVandelay]

You live either in or close to Denton, right? What proshop did you go to? I've only used the one at my home alley in Denton and am pretty pleased with it, but I'm just curious.

Its actually the Brunswick in Denton by the mall. Terry was the guys name. I couldnt have been happier.

[panbanger]

Its actually the Brunswick in Denton by the mall. Terry was the guys name. I couldnt have been happier.

Yep that's where I bowl on Sundays! Terry is a good guy, he sold me my Storm Ice then when I took the plunge to fingertip grip and a big-boy ball he sold me my Misfit. Glad you had such a great experience!

[ArtVandelay]

Small world, huh?

[panbanger]

Give us an update now that you've had the ball for a few weeks. Is it working out for you? Does it strike fear in the hearts of your opponents? Does it make men want to be you, and women think they can change you?

I want an update, is what I'm getting at.

[ArtVandelay]

Hahahahaha. Well, its a lot stronger than the Hammer No Mercy that I had been used to. It took me a while to adjust.

My problem is I dont often have time to practice. I only bowl about 3 games a week during league. I think if I had more time to dedicate to practice, the transition could have been much easier.

My average dropped quite a bit since I had to retire The Hammer (ball return put a huge gash all the way around it and directly through my normal track). I am down to a 178 now. But last night I put together my first good series with it.

The first game was rough... I shot a 158. I had 4 really tough splits (but picked up one very nicely). Second game was a 214. I marked in all but one frame. Final game was a 219. So I had a 591 series, but I feel like I left a 600+ series out there.

I had it drilled for more of a mid lane read because I throw more of a coast to coast style and Im old Im a cranker. Overall Im pretty happy with the ball! The bowler needs some work, but the ball is just fine!