New to bowling looking for good spare ball

[J Anderson]

I have a number of friends who shoot all their spares with what ever ball they are using on the first shot. Some are quite good at it, even corner pins. Others are less consistent in making good spare shots.

Personally I use a Storm Mix for most of my spares when bowling right handed. Left handed I'm pretty confident that I can throw my HyRoad straight enough to pick up the 7 pin, that I haven't bothered with a spare ball.

When I look at the specs on a Hammer Taboo Spare, I wonder why on earth some one would put a dynamic core in a plastic ball and advertize it as a "spare ball". I would think that combination would make throwing it straight more difficult.

[Aslan]

When I look at the specs on a Hammer Taboo Spare, I wonder why on earth some one would put a dynamic core in a plastic ball and advertize it as a "spare ball". I would think that combination would make throwing it straight more difficult.

I've never understood that either.

Listen, people are gonna swear by it because it has a little hammer stamped on it. Nobody wants to hear that ther $99 ball is the same as a $47 Pyramid Path just with a different logo. So…get whatever. All that matters is what it smells like.

[bowl1820]

When I look at the specs on a Hammer Taboo Spare, I wonder why on earth some one would put a dynamic core in a plastic ball and advertize it as a "spare ball". I would think that combination would make throwing it straight more difficult.

They have to advertize it as a "Spare" ball, if they just said it was a polyester (plastic) ball meant for short oil / dry lanes. Which in the ad is basically what they say it's for, beside being a "Spare ball" option.


"Taboo Spare
Hammer’s COOLEST spare ball yet… the Taboo Spare!

More aggressive than the rest, because of its Black Widow Core wrapped with a polished polyester coverstock, this ball not only gives Taboo fans a new spare ball option, but it may be a lifesaver on super short oil conditions."


The word "weak" would flash before everyone's eyes and they wouldn't sell any.

Because balls perceived as weak don't sell.

Would that combination make throwing it straight more difficult? It could, depending on the bowler and the conditions.

I had the "Clear Wolf" it had a strong Asymmetrical core, but I could pick a 10 pin up with it okay and I wasn't throwing a rocket like guys today.

[SRB57]

I recently got the roto grip own it red spare ball. It goes straight as advertised and looks cool to. Steve

[white_rabbitt]

I would love the Roto Grip Own It but just can't get myself to pay that much for a spare ball...unless someone can tell me why it's straight is better than a $45 ball's straight?

[Sourtower]

I would love the Roto Grip Own It but just can't get myself to pay that much for a spare ball...unless someone can tell me why it's straight is better than a $45 ball's straight?

I agree. For the most part my arsenal is all Hammer. I just couldn't find a good reason to spend more than $55 (drilled) for a ball that I plan on throwing at 10 pins. Even though I love the look of the Hammer Tough spare balls, I paid about half for my Columbia White Dot.

[Captain Internet]

When I was shopping for a spare ball I ended up having a choice between a Motiv Arctic Sniper for about 125 drilled, or my PSO had a old used plastic ball from the 90's for I think 50 drilled. I ended up going with the Sniper solely because I really like the way it looks. I did have a minor issue with it though. When I first bought it, I didn't keep up with the maintenance to well, so as the polish wore and soaked up the oil, it actually started developing a hook. I'm left handed and throw most of my left handed spares over the first arrow from the left, so I ended up missing a lot of 7's. 5 minutes in the storm surface factory polish setting fixed that right up though.

[nomad1721]

I just use a plastic ball for spares. Took a while to find one since i throw 16lbs.

[Ryan1700]

I have the TZone and it has worked pretty well. Actually bowled a 201 with it the other night. I just wanted to see if I could. I was more nervous on the last ball of that game than during league play! Haha

[Jaescrub]

I just use a plastic ball for spares. Took a while to find one since i throw 16lbs.

Ain't that the truth my local pro shop keeps zero 16lb equipment in stock! It sucks when I know I have to order everything from him or online just to get a ball I want.