16lbs sounds fine for you. I'd suggest finding a coach for a lesson or two. It will help you get back into the game much quicker and probably save you a lot of frustration.
Learning to bowl again................
So it's been about 20 years since I've bowled more than a game or two at a time. I used to bowl nearly every Saturday morning. I loved it! Then one day, I just stopped.
Fast forward 20 years and I'm in a company league. With my same old beginner ball, an Ebonite Galaxy 300 with a "standard" drill. It weighs 14 lbs.. I'll keep this ball, maybe, for a spare but will most likely re-drill it for a fingertip grip to match MY NEW BALL!! :O Yay!
I bought a Hammer First Blood (16lb.) from an online vendor. I know, talk about making a change! Anyhow, to my question(s); I'm a bigger fella, 6' 240 lbs., so I'm somewhat confident that I can handle a 16lb. ball but want to see if you guys think that the weight is unnecessary with this type of ball and if so, can I drill differently and/or adjust my delivery to compensate for a "too heavy" ball or does any of that even make sense at all? Secondly; are there any tips you'd like to give me for drilling and/or ball delivery to help my transition to a fingertip ball?
I'm really looking forward to my adventure in bowling and think that this relearning process will make bowling more interesting to me and perhaps raise my average to a respectable level.
I'm watching as many vids. on bowling technique as I can, by true professionals not that "5 step" hack I saw, and reading as much material as I can to help as well. Thanks in advance for your help or scolding for not using the search function!
16lbs sounds fine for you. I'd suggest finding a coach for a lesson or two. It will help you get back into the game much quicker and probably save you a lot of frustration.
First, welcome back! I hope you have a lot of fun in your league.
As for ball weight and the ability to handle a heavier ball, you are only as strong as the weakest link connecting you to the ball. For most of us that link is the wrist. The following link is to an article by Ron Clifton, explaining both why a 16# ball isn't always desirable even if you can handle the weight, and a good method of determining how much weight you can throw effectively.
http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/tip14.htm
As for drilling, the fit is much more important to you right now than how the ball is laid out. In fact with this being your first fingertip ball, the drill won't have the information do a fancy customized layout. You do want to find a driller who is certified by the IBPSIA. It wouldn't hurt to get recommendations from more experienced bowlers as well. Once you've gotten used to throwing with the new ball, The pro can figure out what your Positive Axis Point is and you could either have the First Blood plugged and re-drilled with a layout that's more effective for you, (usually there won't be enough of a difference to make it worthwhile) or use that information for the next ball.
You should get used to throwing fingertip pretty fast, as long as the fit is right. Some drillers will have you throw the ball a few times just to make sure it's right and may even give you a few tips.
John
Thanks guys. I'll click on the link you gave me J.
if i were you, id buy a cheaper ball to get back into the flow before you punch up that new first blood
maybe a used or cheap entry level ball that will be easy to control and it wont be a big deal to have multiple drillings and other damage to it
I am a proud member of Bowlingboards.com bowling Forums
Storm Crossroad, Roto Grip Defiant, DV8 Too Reckless, Brunswick Avalanche Urethane
Ball Speed: 18Mph
Rev Rate: 450
Current average: 199
High game: 300
High Series: 769
Oops! Already done. Lol! Oh well, if it doesn't work out I can buy another ball eh?Originally Posted by e-tank
one might say you drew....first....blood? haha
since the deed is done, enjoy your ball
I am a proud member of Bowlingboards.com bowling Forums
Storm Crossroad, Roto Grip Defiant, DV8 Too Reckless, Brunswick Avalanche Urethane
Ball Speed: 18Mph
Rev Rate: 450
Current average: 199
High game: 300
High Series: 769
Well played Sir, well played!one might say you drew....first....blood? haha
since the deed is done, enjoy your ball
Don't worry about it... It's probably way too much ball or a waste of money, but it's your darn money man.... I blow more cash on bowling crap I don't need than I ever should, doesn't stop me though...
True. You should see my guns, pipes, DE razors, motorcycles and car parts! Talk about way too much money!
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