Explain to me ball cover stock and hook ratings?

[NewToBowling]

Ok, things finally clicked. I am able to keep my hand behind the ball and can consistently hit my marks on most throws. If I aim for second arrow I am usually there. Over the weekend playing about 10 games total I probably had 4-5 bad throws (meaning totally missed mark).

I had scores of 201, 197, 175 over the weekend mixed with some 140s

I have an Ebonite Cyclone and can get controllable hook. But on heavy oil it just doesn't have the hook or "bite" on the back end.

So what would be the next logical step for a "stronger" ball. Is the Storm Optimus a logical next step up ball for heavy oil?

Thanks

[jab5325]

If you want a heavy oil ball, try/think about Hammer Bad Intentions.

I just got one, and am astounded by how well it does and how it "bites" on heavier patterns.

[NewToBowling]

I was thinking about that ball also. Looks like it's a new release

[RobLV1]

Ok, things finally clicked. I am able to keep my hand behind the ball and can consistently hit my marks on most throws. If I aim for second arrow I am usually there. Over the weekend playing about 10 games total I probably had 4-5 bad throws (meaning totally missed mark).

I had scores of 201, 197, 175 over the weekend mixed with some 140s

I have an Ebonite Cyclone and can get controllable hook. But on heavy oil it just doesn't have the hook or "bite" on the back end.

So what would be the next logical step for a "stronger" ball. Is the Storm Optimus a logical next step up ball for heavy oil?

Thanks

As you are new to bowling, you need to understand that terminologies are very ineffective in communicating lane conditions. What you may consider to be "heavy oil" may in fact be a medium condition either in terms of length or volume. There are many variables, and it can be very confusing. The Ebonite Cyclone is an entry-level reactive resin ball. In going to something more aggressive (stronger and weaker are really relative terms that can be very confusing), it is really important that you don't go to something that is too aggressive. Talk to your proshop operator and ask him to watch you bowl and make a recommendation based on your style and the lane conditions at your bowling center. Just because someone with a different style who bowls at a different center likes a particular ball does not mean that it will work for you.

[Amyers]

I would suggest making a smaller jump to a little more aggressive ball that will handle a little more oil rather than jump all the way to an oil monster like the Bad Intentions. Consider a Storm Hyroad or IQ Fusion Rotogrip has some great deals on the Asylum and Disturbed right now too. Any of these would handle more oil and give you a little more pop than the Cyclone but you will get a lot more use out of them than you likely will the Bad Intentions. I'm not saying they don't exist but most house shots don't put out enough oil to throw that ball for very long into your set. I also feel that symmetrical cores are more forgiving for newer bowlers. It will also help you have more of an even bag instead of having a huge jump between your first ball and your second. A little latter if you still feel you need something that will handle even more oil you can look to add that piece.

[NewToBowling]

How does the Storm Optimus fall into the balls you mentioned?

Thanks

[Amyers]

The Optimus has a pearl cover so it will go farther down the lane and have more backend movement than any of the other balls I mentioned. The Optimus will handle more oil than some other pearl balls but I wouldn't confuse it with a heavy oil ball. From what I have seen of the Optimus it is a love it/hate it type of ball if it fits your game it's great if it doesn't it make a crappy paper weight being round and all. The Optimus is a asymmetrical core. This is just personal opinion but as a newer bowler I think you would be better off with a more even rolling ball like the ones I mentioned below but every ones different.

[NewToBowling]

Thanks. I'll read up on the ones you mentioned and maybe visit my pro shop to see what they think is best. They don't stock Storm products so they'll probably shift me towards the other brands

[bubba809]

The Optimus has a pearl cover so it will go farther down the lane and have more backend movement than any of the other balls I mentioned. The Optimus will handle more oil than some other pearl balls but I wouldn't confuse it with a heavy oil ball. From what I have seen of the Optimus it is a love it/hate it type of ball if it fits your game it's great if it doesn't it make a crappy paper weight being round and all. The Optimus is a asymmetrical core. This is just personal opinion but as a newer bowler I think you would be better off with a more even rolling ball like the ones I mentioned below but every ones different.

Mine sadly sits in the corner like an "Aslan ball".

[NewToBowling]

Mine sadly sits in the corner like an "Aslan ball".

Please explain. Thanks