Question for the ARSEnal experts out there!

[dpatrickv]

That last part bothers me. As much as you think you need to know, not everybody is going to know nor do they need to know those kinds of specifics. All they need to know if how their specific ball, with that specific drilling will roll on that lane condition. Not everybody is Chris Barnes, and frankly I will bet that there is a number of PBA pros who couldn't get into RG and roll specifics on why they changed, but they know exactly what that ball is supposed to do on that lane condition. How do they know? They know because they practice with it and they throw it on a weekly/daily basis.

You seem to think that you must know all these specifics to be warrant a ball change. I will say BS, all one needs to know is what ball will work better on that lane condition. You over-complicate and overthink just about everything.

[Ptnomore]

I am a THS bowler. I typically bowl two winter leagues and do 2-3 tourney's a year, nothing big, just local. I have 9 balls I think. Started a few years ago, with two. A C300 Freeze, and my old Plastic. Worked great, until the house surprised us one night with a ridiculously high volume pattern.

In comes the Wicked Siege. I was good for a year. Then, one night, machine was broke, lanes were toast. Plastic worked ok but I wanted something a bit harder hitting.

In comes the Storm Natural. Hated it, but waited another year to pick up a Hammer Nail. Now, I'm truly set. All bases are covered. No more surprises.

Then, boredom and some extra money in my pocket (never a good combination), I wanted something else to play with. Picked up a Taboo Jet black. LOVE that ball. Then wanted to try something to replace my 4 year old Freeze...got a Hammer Arson Hybrid. Awesome. Love it, very versatile ball. The Wicked Siege died so I recently replaced that with a Motiv Cruel Intent...Jury is still out on that ball. Haven't had a true proper oil condition to try it yet.

I typically bring 4 balls to league. Sometimes 6 if I get bored and decide to play with the coverstock on a ball or two during the week. I don't have time to practice through out the week, so I bring them occasionally to league night to see what they can do. Yep, I get picked on for it. Don't care. I'm an engineer, so my mind usually has a "method to the madnesss", or is trying to create one. If the team is losing badly, I'll give up in the 9th or 10th frame, or 1st and 2nd in the next game and start throwing other equipment, just to practice with it and have some fun. The teammates don't mind. Usually it doesn't hurt the scores enough, if at all.

I know a few guys that do the same thing. Just bring different stuff to play with from time to time. I enjoy it. I like figuring out what the equipment can do, trying different coverstock adjustments, etc. One of these days, it'll all click, and I'll have the extra time on my hands to really get out there and challenge myself at some bigger tourneys. Until then, I dream, and get picked on for bringing more than 2-3 balls to league night. I laugh right along with them. I'm the village idiot that can occasionally out bowl them, while they're bitching about the lack off oil, sticky approaches, slow ball return, cracked pins, bad racks dirty lanes, dirty back drops, etc, etc.

[bowl1820]

I agree that a THB (Typical House Bowler) doesn't need a "extensive knowledge of the micro structure of the bowling balls". But having a basic knowledge of them (learning what you have and how to use it) would allow you to make better choices in buying new ones and how they are used.

What are the basic's? coverstocks, surfaces, RG's and how they react are about it.

As for letting the pro shop owner guide you in the right direction, that's fine that's where most people start. Now as you progress, if you have more knowledge about the equipment etc. you and him can work better together and make better choices about what you want from him and the ball.

As for the THB not needing a coach, that all depends on what they want out of bowling and what they are happy with. If they just want to bowl and have a good time doing it, sure they don't need a coach. But if they are dissatisfied with how they bowl or want to move to a new level Then a coach would really help.

As for all the talk about RG's, Coaches etc. it's not because it's a big scam.

It's because people are here asking questions and wanting to learn and improve.

If someone asks what ball to get or what is the difference between this ball and that one. How should they be answered?

Just tell them go to pro shop and say "I want a ball that goes long and snaps hard" or say don't worry about the difference just go bowl.

If someone needs help with a physical part of the game, there's just so much that you can tell them online. At some point they need a pair of eyes and ears on the lanes with them. So you suggest they get a coach.

[Cart3r27]

Mind Blown!

[Aslan]

Mind Blown!

I know. I think I'm on the side or Rob M. and Bowl1820 in this discussion….mind MEGAblown!!

[Mudpuppy]

"You over-complicate and overthink just about everything." - quote of the year

Manufacturer's produce bowling balls. Do you think they want you to buy more or less? They spend millions on propaganda to get you interested to buy the latest and greatest to be that house bowler with 9 balls switching 50x a game.

And you WAY over simplify leaning on the pro shop owner - I do and I don't go in there with such generic rubbish. But I also don't go in there and talk RG or board numbers or anything of that nature. We talk intelligently based on his massive knowledge and my observations of my bowling. And it works. I get it - "I want a ball that goes long and snaps hard" - you don't need to say it 10 more times. Some people might say that - great. Some people might buy a bowling ball with a specific RG to use as a paperweight - again, great.

But I am just stating my opinion and what works for me and kind of playing devil's advocate. My wife is always telling me I take bowling WAY too serious - she has no idea. She throws some random house ball she found or took from a bowling alley like 20 years ago and wonders why she can't get much more than 100. Anytime I get a new ball there is an extensive approval process that she, the fun governor, has to review and approve or deny.

[Aslan]

Anytime I get a new ball there is an extensive approval process that she, the fun governor, has to review and approve or deny.

Maybe you'd have an easier time convincing her if you could explain the need for a ball with a higher RG and a pearl coverstock, a hole in your ARSEnal...rather than telling her you need another ball "cuz this one is green and matches my pants and if I throw it...it will go long and snap hard." I'm told women dig intelligence. Granted, I'm told lots of things that tend not to be true...so maybe just staring at the Hy Road and licking it and repeating, "yum grape!" will get ya further with women...who knows?

[MICHAEL]

Maybe you'd have an easier time convincing her if you could explain the need for a ball with a higher RG and a pearl coverstock, a hole in your ARSEnal...rather than telling her you need another ball "cuz this one is green and matches my pants and if I throw it...it will go long and snap hard." I'm told women dig intelligence. Granted, I'm told lots of things that tend not to be true...so maybe just staring at the Hy Road and licking it and repeating, "yum grape!" will get ya further with women...who knows?

Maybe just say: "Aslan said I need this ......... ball!", If she says, "who in the hell is Aslan,,,, simple say, "A womanless man that knows bowling!"

Aslan,,, I can get back to work finding you a beautiful, Hot, female bowling coach if you like??? ITs up to you!!

I can check out some of the Asian Chicks looking for an American that can bowl very good!! They are even advertising on this site.

Hey Asian guy, you want a date,,, so sorry,,, Aslan guy,,, check out our website, you want a hot date??? Sign in and meet your bowling dream coach woman!

[Mudpuppy]

I tend to avoid female repellants when talking to females - i.e. Aslan.

If I broke into talk about RG and coverstocks she would have me committed.

[dpatrickv]

I agree, if I started to talk about RGs and coverstocks to my fun governor then she would also probably have me committed, or at least roll her eyes and walk away.