Old bowler needs an update.

[Buddha512]

My wife and I are just getting back into the game after about a thirty year hiatus. At that time, I carried in the mid 190's, and she carried around a 160 average. From what I've read, neither of those are any great shakes today.

It didn't take us long to see the changes in the game. Can you guys help us catch up with the times.

The first thing I read about is that the old balls we used to use are ancient technology now. From what I've been able to discern you have plastic, urethane, and some kind of resin balls.My last balls were Yellow Dots, and Three Dots as a point of reference. I have no idea what to buy, or what the pros and cons are for the various types. At that time most of the higher average shooters either used a finger tip grip, or a semi finger tip. Is that still the case?

Lane finishes: Back just before I quit, they changed over to synthetic decks. I'm sure they've changed even more since then. Along with that it sounds like oils and oiling conditions have changed. The few videos I've looked up show people standing way left, and throwing huge sweeping curves. That's not the profile I was accustomed to. Is it the norm? I usually shot out around the fourth or fifth board, with just about a five to seven board moderately hard hook at the end. As to oiling, all I usually saw was a block down to about ten feet from the head pin, or a Christmas tree pattern that most people tried to ride.

Please feel free to add any info I've left out. through two practice sessions, we're pretty much lost still.

Thanks,
Scotty

[MICHAEL]

BEAM ME UP Scotty..... LOL,,, I am a trekie fan big time!!! So many questions Scotty, I would recommend you go to lockwood75 most general questions ask about bowling, I believe, and many of your questions will be answered, and if not, then some pretty darn good bowlers on here will help you out!

Welcome back to bowling, and good luck! I just started bowling for the first time, at age 62, and now almost 65,,, but had a sanctioned 300 a few months ago, that's how easy it is now with the new equipment.... Bowlingball.com has some fantastic deals on balls, and equipment.... enjoy!! later. Iceman/Michael

[Aslan]

My wife and I are just getting back into the game after about a thirty year hiatus. At that time, I carried in the mid 190's, and she carried around a 160 average. From what I've read, neither of those are any great shakes today.

With those averages back then, with newer balls on today's lane conditions...once you get back in the swing of things...you'll probably average 20-35 pins higher than you used to. You'll have a distinct advantage because you'll get more strikes with today's technologies but you'll have the refined skills to pick up spares.

[DLP]

Welcome back!!! As someone who is new to bowling only within this year, I can say there is a lot to learn. My husband (who took a 20 yr hiatus) has told me as much.

The best thing I've done is listen to those around me and read whatever I can get my hands on.
There are tons of websites with great information (unfortunately some of conflicting) but as far as the "physical" components of the game, at least the info is pretty much consistent. Rob Mautner created an AMAZING group of postings on another forum that explains the basics of bowling balls. It is a long read but one that is chocked full of information and can be found here: http://www.bowlingintel.com/forum/thread-533.html

As to your two specific questions:
1) I don't see many conventional grips anymore. It is not to say that they aren't out there, it is just not common. Is it done? Yes. It's all about what you are comfortable throwing. I switched from conventional to fingertip relatively quickly.
2) On the long sweeping curves - it is what works for them. Some people throw long sweeping curves to get the ball down the lane, other throw a ball with a skid flip reaction where the ball takes a sharp turn off the end of the oil. And then there is every derivative there of between the two extremes. How you throw the ball and where you throw it from to figure out what works best for you will be unique. IT's how you make it your own

There is plenty of info around here and online. Just ask away and I'm sure someone will have answer for you!!!

[Zaxmazr]

Thirty years out from bowling...how did you live? I was only out for 4 and I was having withdrawals lol
Welcome back to the game!

[Bunny]

Welcome back Scotty and the Misses! My husband and I took up bowling about a year ago, so I can relate. It was funny, my husband started watching bowling since we were just getting into it. The matches he saw both had two-handers (Belmo and Osku.) He thought, "What the heck? This is definately not the sport I grew up with! I don't think I can take up bowling at 55!"

Turns out there aren't that many two-handers and the sport hasn't changed that much. There's still 10 pins 60 feet down the lane. We've bowled a fun league and there are plenty of people that are "full rollers" that bowl great games consistently.

Some things that I've noticed...

Don't worry about changing YOUR form. In my opinion, the straighter you bowl the more you take out lane conditions. Don't worry about throwing a massive hook. You both probably have great form and the muscle memory will come back.

Don't worry about the expensive, high performance balls. Find a nice low to mid range ball that is versatile on a variety of House conditions. They have plenty of hook. (Maybe Freakin' Frantic for her, Lights Out for you. These are just a couple of suggestions. On Bowlingball com you can enter lane condition Medium or Medium-Light for a list of balls that are good for you and your wife.) You might use your old ball for your spare ball. If not, maybe invest in a inexpensive plastic spare ball as well. Two balls should work fine for a casual or house league bowler.

Get to know your Pro Shop guy and driller. Make sure he watches you bowl before drilling! I went with the fingertip grip. You'll pick that right up! (Take your short list of balls. Make sure they carry all or most of the manufacturers. Brunswick, Storm, DV8, and Hammer are all good. Some only carry a couple of brands. He should match the internet price and with drilling it comes out about the same as ordering online and having it drilled.)

Invest in two, 2-Ball rolling bags with Rollerblade type wheels, not the tiny, plastic wheels. One for each of you. I ended up with a 3-Ball bag and I can't lift the damn thing into our truck! (Don't even waste your money on cheap carry bags. Save your back!) Online ordering is best for this.

Unless your shoes are in pretty good shape, invest in a good pair of shoes with interchangeable soles/sliders. They should last for years! Online ordering is good here too.

Good luck you two! Most of all have fun!!

[Aslan]

(Maybe Freakin' Frantic for her,

(Don't even waste your money on cheap carry bags.

First she insults my ball...then she insults my bag. For the record...the Frantic is a MAN's ball...and strong, handsome, strapping men (like me) laugh at roller bags as we carry our boulders on our shoulders as our caveman breatheren did before us.

SIDENOTE: AWESOME TEAM NAME: Shoulders with Boulders?? Maybe?

Although...might want to re-think the bag thing...it is brutally heavy with 2 balls in it. I'm literally a sideways fart away from blowing out my back.

Oh...and she said the "FreakNFrantic"...yeah, thats a girl's ball. But the FRANTIC...a MAN's ball. I throw it. Iceman throws it. The asian guy who bowled on the lane 2 over to the right last friday throws it. And maybe not him...but me an ICEMAN....MEN...MANLY MEN. Men who may or may not have severe mental issues...but MEN nonetheless!!

Actually...get your lady friend a Storm Tropical Breeze. They make one that smells like cupcakes. I wish I was kidding...but I'm not.

[Aslan]

Thirty years out from bowling...how did you live? I was only out for 4 and I was having withdrawals lol
Welcome back to the game!

He probably spent a lot of time playing Grand Theft Auto.

[Bunny]

First she insults my ball...then she insults my bag. For the record...the Frantic is a MAN's ball...and strong, handsome, strapping men (like me) laugh at roller bags as we carry our boulders on our shoulders as our caveman breatheren did before us.

SIDENOTE: AWESOME TEAM NAME: Shoulders with Boulders?? Maybe?

Although...might want to re-think the bag thing...it is brutally heavy with 2 balls in it. I'm literally a sideways fart away from blowing out my back.

Oh...and she said the "FreakNFrantic"...yeah, thats a girl's ball. But the FRANTIC...a MAN's ball. I throw it. Iceman throws it. The asian guy who bowled on the lane 2 over to the right last friday throws it. And maybe not him...but me an ICEMAN....MEN...MANLY MEN. Men who may or may not have severe mental issues...but MEN nonetheless!!

Actually...get your lady friend a Storm Tropical Breeze. They make one that smells like cupcakes. I wish I was kidding...but I'm not.

Settle down Dude. "Calmer than you are."

I said Freakn' Frantic. Not Frantic. (Although the Frantic is an awesome, very versatile ball and a good choice for either of you!)

And two ball rollers are not too heavy I assure you. It's the 3+ bags that are nearly unliftable, especially into a big truck!

"Lady friend?" It's his wife for goodness sakes!


"You're like a child that wanders into a conversation..."

See ya Thursday Michael Bowlton!

[Aslan]

Lady friend?" It's his wife for goodness sakes!

She's not his special lady, she's his ****ing lady friend. He's just helping her conceive, man!