Does anyone not use a spare ball?

[Hampe]

I've had the same experience watching other players in a lot of tournaments that weren't on THS (and I use to be in that situation myself). It can be really demoralizing missing spares on shots you thought would pick them up (say, skidding through the oil and missing right of the 7 pin when you normally would have hooked into it and picked it up). And once you start getting demoralized from missing a few of those, it can really start to take a toll on the rest of your game as well.

Since I've gotten adjusted to using the plastic ball for all spares, it feels like the absolute worst I can do is a 160 something. That feeling is a huge confidence boost, which helps me in other aspects of my game as well. I've written so much about this topic, but I just can't stress enough how important it is. Now that I know the difference, I feel like such an idiot for taking so long to switch.

[jnv32185]

I do not use a spare ball and never have used one. I currently use my strike ball which is a Hammer Arson for both strikes and spares. I have done a fair share of research regarding spare balls and although I am considering getting one my self. I do not feel I need to get one immediately as I do not miss many spares as it is and do not feel like it will make much if any of a difference in my average.

[Aslan]

The only reason for not using a spare ball is that you just don't understand that the game has changed.

I don't think the "game" has changed. But I think the equipment has.

[RobLV1]

Sorry, Aslan, but the game has also changed. When the USBC stopped monitoring lane conditions and dumbed down the oil requirements to the point that proprietors can do just about anything they want, bowlers got free hook in the track area. When you throw a ball across the track area, it will hook, unless it has very little friction (plastic). Argue all you want, but you WILL figure it out eventually and buy one.

[Aslan]

Argue all you want, but you WILL figure it out eventually and buy one.

Little known fact: Rob is secretly an evil Genie that can see into the future.

[Amyers]

Sorry, Aslan, but the game has also changed. When the USBC stopped monitoring lane conditions and dumbed down the oil requirements to the point that proprietors can do just about anything they want, bowlers got free hook in the track area. When you throw a ball across the track area, it will hook, unless it has very little friction (plastic). Argue all you want, but you WILL figure it out eventually and buy one.

I've been throwing a backup at the 10 pin and have gotten good at it 12/13. Where I'm seeing this is the 7 and 8 pins at least once or twice a series I've got one that hits more oil than I expect or less and takes off on me. Will have plastic spare ball for fall.

[mike_thomas93]

Norm Duke doesn't use a spare ball ;p

[Aslan]

Norm Duke doesn't use a spare ball ;p

[RobLV1]

The only one who can use Norm Duke as proof that you don't need a plastic spare ball is Norm Duke. Norm is an anomaly: he has more control over the motion of a bowling ball than anyone else on the planet. If you have that much control over how your ball rolls, I surely hope to see you in the finals at the WSOB later this year.

[Blomer]

I just picked up spare ball at a pro shop at a different house than I bowl at. First 6 10 pins I picked up, only shot at the 10. Can't wait to shoot it at my alley! Hopefully be a lift in my average when Fall starts.