That's very interesting and kind of bums me out as one who is always looking for an equipment related shortcut :-)
As to the ball age issue...it's been talked about before...but I guess with the new folks around...
1) My simple hypothesis is that the ball doesn't really matter.
Now, Rob tends to disagree with me on this a bit and we've had a lot of intellectual conversations here and in person about this topic. Of matter of fact, at the most recent lesson he gave me a Melee Jab to try to see if I noticed the effect that the newer technology has...and I will concede that the Jab is now probably my favorite ball in my bag. It's "erratic", but when it's "ON"...it's extremely effective.
2) My philosophy is that bowlers should work with older technology and improve their physical game before buying $240 top of the line equipment. I feel bowlers have become too reliant on technology. I want to get GOOD....and THEN level the playing field by using the newest technology.
3) Because ball companies release balls twice a year, I feel their marketing is extremely deceptive. There's simply no way the ball companies can truly improve balls and ball reactions in a substantial way in such a short time frame. So while I agree with Rob that newer technologies (especially cover stocks) can and do improve ball performance...I feel you have to get > 1.5 years difference before it's truly noticeable.
And given #3, I don't see why I'd pay $240 for a ball that in 9 months is going to be on clearance for $105 or $89.
So, that's the closest to the Mudpuppy Cliff Notes version of why my equipment tends to be on the older side. Just realize, I also go through arsenals (complete change-out) every 1000-1400 games. So just because I'm using older equipment...with the exception if the Melee Jab that was given to me second hand...all the balls are new when I start using them.
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