For me it's rare for a ball to reach 50 games. I tend to replace them sooner as I like to be able to tell my customers that this is what it does vs this is what ( insert company name ) says it does
I will typically buy a new ball for a condition I see a lot. The lanes I bowl on lately are on the dry side so got a low end reactive resin which still seems to hook a lot. When I was bowling 3-4 nights a week would buy one a season unless the lanes changed. Steve
For me it's rare for a ball to reach 50 games. I tend to replace them sooner as I like to be able to tell my customers that this is what it does vs this is what ( insert company name ) says it does
every month or so
I am surprised by some of the responses here. Some once a year or after 50 games?
I just purchased my first ball this year so seeing these responses gives me pause
50 games is extreme, but to Stromed1's defense, I believe he is either a pro shop owner or works in a pro shop and wants first hand knowledge of what the balls do for him not what the ball companies out out there in the ball videos etc. For him, it is a selling tool.Originally Posted by NewToBowling
High Sanctioned Scratch Game - 300(12) Hi Sanctioned Scratch Series - 822(3)
2016/17 Book Average=221, 2017/18 Composite Average=223
Equipment in the bag - Storm Crux Prime, Storm Physix, Roto Grip Idol, Roto Grip Idol Pearl, Roto Grip Hyper Cell Fused, Storm Sure Lock, Storm Drive, Roto Grip Winner Solid, Roto Grip Haywire, Storm Fever Pitch, Roto Grip Red ball spare.
Rev Rate 400. Speed 18 at heads, 16.5-17 at pins. Axis tilt 10, Axis Rotation 55. PAP 5 5/8 x 5/8 up
Don't let it give you pause.
My advice for your first ball is to focus on getting your timing, release, swing, slide, etc. right before you think about buying another ball. Depending on how often you're able to practice, this process might take a month, 3 months, 6 months, or a year or so.
Once you've got all of that sorted out, then start thinking about other balls. It's never too early to learn about ball technology (i.e. what types work with what lane condition, PAP, etc.)....but to me, in your situation, it's way too early to worry about when it's a good time to buy a new ball.
Like VDub said...thats an extreme...and Stormed1 isn't stopping using a ball because it wore out after 50 games...it's still got a lot of life at 50 games.
I could never switch out a ball after 50 games. I bowl about 64 games a month on average. And the downside to switching balls...is it can interrupt the progress you are making in improving your game. All the sudden you have a ball that is doing "weird" things...and then you're messing with your release or changing something to adjust.
Like jab mentioned...it's better to start out with something mid-range (Tropical Breeze, Forza, Wrecker, Outcry) or low end (Cyclone, Strike King, Freeze) and get your GAME consistent...before introducing stronger equipment. This is especially true with balls that have assymetric cores...where the consensus opinion is that a small variation in technique can be magnified.
I am struggling with that myself. I have two Encounters, my only assymetric balls in my arsenal; and honestly I struggle a great deal throwing them. I "believe" this is because my release is just too inconsistent to really take advantage of that technology.
Symmetric Core Balls: Average = 166.55, 32% strike rate.
Assymetric Core Balls: Average = 163.84, 30% strike rate.
In Bag: (: .) Zen Master Solid; (: .) Perfect Mindset; (: .) Brunswick Endeavor; (: .) Outer Limits Pearl; (: .) Ebonite Maxim
USBC#: 8259-59071; USBC Sanctioned Average = 192; Lifetime Average = 172;
Ball Speed: 14.7mph; Rev. Rate: 240rpm || High Game (sanc.) = 300 (268); High Series (sanc.) = 725 (720); Clean Games: 198
Smokey this is not 'Nam', this is bowling. There are rules. Proud two-time winner of a bowlingboards.com weekly ball give-away!
Yep, I'm very raw so no intention of getting new ball. My wrist strength is a lot better now. I don't struggle to keep my hand behind the ball anymore
I take care of mine religiously. Cleaning at the lanes before they go in the bag with monster tac in in my little spray bottle, then AT LEAST once a week by hand with Powerhouse energizer and most of the time Powerhouse Factory Finish. On the ball spinner at the PS once every two weeks or so with the same and a sanding about once a month-ish. Really extends the life. So on the original question I buy bowling balls like I buy fishing lures. When I go to bowlingball.com and see one that makes me go "ohhhhhh", I usually end up buying it and then trying to figure out how to drill it to fit in my bag someway or another. My name is Ryan, and I'm an addict.
Sounds like you're making really good progress.
It's never too early to start learning about ball technology. The equipment used today is so vastly improved over that of 10 years ago. There a lot of posters on this board (RobLV1, etc.) who are phenomenal resources about today's equipment. Continue to work on your game while learning more about lane conditions, and ball technology.
Once you get comfortable with what you're currently working with, you'll then have enough knowledge to make well-informed purchases about your first true arsenal. Make sure you find a good pro shop who will take the time to watch you throw and recommend a ball to fit "you". Don't get your heart set on one brand or ball at first--keep your mind open, and then find other "weapons" to complement each other in your arsenal.
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