The one-ball arsenal - B.W. Assassin?

[Osmigo]

The Assassin has been getting rave reviews as a very aggressive ball with lots of hook and punch driving it through the pins. Sounds like a good ball for your arsenal, but would it be good if it were your ONLY ball?

A LOT of new bowlers just have one ball, usually their very first, and they sometimes get balls that are intended to play vital roles in an arsenal, but not as an "only" ball. Would this apply to the Assassin? Say an average 4-step approach, average spin, speed, etc. with scores around 150-190. I think I'm describing an awful lot of players here.

[ALazySavage]

This is a very difficult question to answer without watching the person bowl and there are a few factors that should be taken into consideration. I would recommend talking to a pro shop operator and hopefully having them watch you bowl. I'm assuming that this is your first bowling ball and that you probably have never had a ball drilled to your specific hand. That being said I personally would not go for a ball as aggressive as the Black Widow and would lean towards something that is a little tamer and weaker (others on this board could do a better job naming specific balls, but I will describe the type of ball).

Symmetric vs. Asymmetric: I would go for a symmetric core bowling ball, in my experience these are easier to control and understand what they will do down the lane.

Aggressiveness: While it is fun to create a lot of hook, it typically isn't the best for a beginning bowler. If you were to go onto bowlingball.com I would lean towards a ball described as performance or maybe advanced performance, when using a single ball you want to have a more moderate ball that can allow you to play multiple lane conditions. Another thing about hooking the ball, if this is your first ball the simple fact that the ball is drilled specifically for your hand should improve your ball roll greatly. Also, with a less aggressive ball it will be easier to consistently convert your spares which is crucial to scoring well.

Surface: While you can change the surface of your bowling ball at a pro shop, I suspect as a newer bowler this is not something you are going to want to play around with a lot. What you want to avoid here is really aggressive surfaces (low grit surfaces) and may want to stick with hybrid covers and/or polished (this is something a pro shop operator can help you match up with how and where you expect to bowl).

[Osmigo]

This is a very difficult question to answer without watching the person bowl and there are a few factors that should be taken into consideration. I would recommend talking to a pro shop operator and hopefully having them watch you bowl. I'm assuming that this is your first bowling ball and that you probably have never had a ball drilled to your specific hand. That being said I personally would not go for a ball as aggressive as the Black Widow and would lean towards something that is a little tamer and weaker (others on this board could do a better job naming specific balls, but I will describe the type of ball).

Symmetric vs. Asymmetric: I would go for a symmetric core bowling ball, in my experience these are easier to control and understand what they will do down the lane.

Aggressiveness: While it is fun to create a lot of hook, it typically isn't the best for a beginning bowler. If you were to go onto bowlingball.com I would lean towards a ball described as performance or maybe advanced performance, when using a single ball you want to have a more moderate ball that can allow you to play multiple lane conditions. Another thing about hooking the ball, if this is your first ball the simple fact that the ball is drilled specifically for your hand should improve your ball roll greatly. Also, with a less aggressive ball it will be easier to consistently convert your spares which is crucial to scoring well.

Surface: While you can change the surface of your bowling ball at a pro shop, I suspect as a newer bowler this is not something you are going to want to play around with a lot. What you want to avoid here is really aggressive surfaces (low grit surfaces) and may want to stick with hybrid covers and/or polished (this is something a pro shop operator can help you match up with how and where you expect to bowl).

Thanks.

What I'm doing is getting back into bowling after a 15 year absence. I bowled a lot recreationally back in the 70s and early 80s, when I averaged in the 150s with an old solid rubber AMF 3-dot (remember those?). But I haven't touched a ball in about 10 years, and don't have any equipment. I have a very standard, textbook 4-step approach, with good speed and spin, nothing unique or unusual. I'm 5'11' 220 lbs. and in good shape. I will have a second ball, a plastic for spares. Because of my age (64) and bursitis-prone shoulder, I need a 14.

But things have changed so much, I'm just lost, looking at the "ball review" web sites. Back then they just measured your fingers and drilled your holes and you were good to go. But these days, it seems like you need a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from MIT to figure out all the geometry. But I do take the game seriously, and will be working hard to develop my skill as a player; I won't be some once-a-month hacker.

[ALazySavage]

Ok, the second ball does change things a fair amount. That being said, since you are a past bowler and taking the time frame in which you bowled I would most likely go with a moderately aggressive, symmetrical bowling ball. I think the transition will be easier for you since the symmetrical ball will roll more like what you are used to. As for the AMF 3 dot, I was born in the mid 80's so I haven't had the joy of throwing one.

[John Anderson]

Anything for medium to medium-heavy oil and symmetric should be pretty versatile. You can always play a different line on lighter or heavier oil lanes to get a good score.

Now that I actually own an asymmetric ball, I can tell you that it is still very versatile, and still more predictable than most would have you believe. However, it wouldn't be a good choice for dry lanes. It would be very hard to use.

[Osmigo]

The Roto-Grip Uproar or Wrecker have been recommended....

[RobLV1]

A one-ball arsenal is kind of like going hunting for un-named game. If you bring a submachine gun and a rabbit shows up, you are definitely over-armed. If, on the other hand, you bring a sling shot and a bear shows up, you are in a world of hurt. Something in the middle is the best way to go for for a one-ball arsenal. Being a Brunswick guy, I can highly recommend the Solid Blue Ringer. Whatever the brand, look for something with a low rg in the 2.53-2.55 range, a differential in the 0.035-0.045 range, and a symmetrical core.

[Mike White]

A one-ball arsenal is kind of like going hunting for un-named game. If you bring a submachine gun and a rabbit shows up, you are definitely over-armed. If, on the other hand, you bring a sling shot and a bear shows up, you are in a world of hurt. Something in the middle is the best way to go for for a one-ball arsenal. Being a Brunswick guy, I can highly recommend the Solid Blue Ringer. Whatever the brand, look for something with a low rg in the 2.53-2.55 range, a differential in the 0.035-0.045 range, and a symmetrical core.

Some people with just a sling-shot can take down more bear than others with a chest full of fire-arms.

[Amyers]

Some people with just a sling-shot can take down more bear than others with a chest full of fire-arms.

And some people get eaten. Bring the proper tools for the job. Doesn't mean you need ten. I would start with one medium ball and expand from there.