My 2nd Ball Advice/Suggestions/Recommendations

[zman1974]

What do you guys think of the Storm IQ Tour as a compliment to my Marauder? It is one of the highest reviewed balls in BTM, and it seems to be the ideal benchmark ball.

[scottymoney]

My personal thought is speed should never be the culprit. Keep a consistent speed and move on the approach. If 1 mph is the difference you need to change I guess that isn't too bad. But think of this, the lane is 60' long. If you are throwing at 16mph and not making the pocket create more or less angle to compensate. If you create more angle by moving deeper you are giving the ball more time by making your shot longer, instead of 60' you may now get some extra distance for the ball to hook in. It also works the other way. Taking away angle will create a shorter distance the ball travels but will also cut down on the hook needed to to get into the pocket.

In the end trying to limit or create speed is tough for a lot of people because in most cases you need to change your timing to reduce speed or create speed. Where as keeping timing and everything the same and just moving your spot on the approach and target can be much easier to learn.

[ghetto24]

im the type of person that is stubborn and wont make a ball change. I stick to what I got and figure out how to make it work. when I don't have the hook, like stated above, I know how to slow my ball speed down but not lose my revs. it really is an acquired skill. and I have to admit that it does work. im in the process of getting two new balls. and like quite a few have said, if you want hook, get the brutal nightmare. it will look like someone just kicked it on its breaking point. this is one of the balls I will be getting. another option would be a hammer or higher end track balls. those things hook CRAZY-LIKE!!!

[zman1974]

I got to throw a fellow league member's Reign of Power last night, and it does exactly what I want it to do; churn through the oil on a fresh league shot (41'). This ball produces a very different reaction than the Marauder; I would describe it as a big curve that is predictable and controllable. I think it will be a great compliment to the Marauder. Going to get mine punched up on Saturday for league on Tuesday.

[billf]

I finally had the chance to roll a Reign of Power. I liked it and think it would be a great compliment to the Marauder for you. The have different reactiolns so with adjustments you can play your 41' pattern with multiple angles no matter the level of oil.

[Castiel]

I was having the same problem with my Marauder. Now the ball doesn't even leave the house...

[zman1974]

Got the Hell Raiser Terror for a steal so I decided to purchase it instead of the Reign of Power. After further consideration of my actual lane conditions I really don't think that a sanded solid is really necessary. Thanks to Billf for the advice. I plan on going with the same layout as the Marauder, and hopefully I will see the reaction I get from the Marauder in the late 2nd/3rd game on the 1st game. I can always add the Madness later if I'm wrong; it's such a reasonably priced ball now I should be able to get it for easily under a $100 in a few months.

[zman1974]

LOL. Back to the Marauder Madness. Just makes more sense for what I am trying to do. If I didn't own the Marauder it would be the Terror, no question, but it doesn't make sense for the only two balls I own to both do basically the same thing.

[billf]

????? I own thirteen balls all for the same reason: to get strikes lol
If you want a different reaction then just have it drilled differently. The Madness is close to the Marauder oil-wise than the Terror (it's actually right between them). Either way, you will love it so enjoy!

[zman1974]

Well, it's only my second. Hell, it's only the 4th ball I've ever owned lol. Still experimenting and getting my feet wet. Will be interesting to see what the solid vs. hybrid will do for me. Can always add a Hell Raiser or Nightmare series ball later on.