New member, ball advice?

[Grande]

First post greetings from a newly arrived member from VT.

I’ve recently rediscovered the game after about a 50 year gap, with a few games played back in the 90s. My first ball was a 10 lb. Manhattan Rubber that only went straight out of my 12 yr. old left hand in the early 60s.

Part of the new appeal is the equipment available today and the evolution of the game. With the ability to control the ball, the game is much more interesting. And, it’s something old guys can do.

My search begins:

In my location, there are some fine lanes but a deficient pro shop and little advice or instruction available (part-time “pro” two nights per week for 3 hours. Drills balls, no lessons, nice guy). I'm self-taught with help from the internet although too much info. is overwhelming.

At their advice, I purchased a first ball, an Ebonite Cyclone (15 lbs). On our typical conditions, I can get it to hook a little but not as much as I’d like. When it’s oily, it’s a real struggle.

I don’t know how much is my technique, the ball or how it’s drilled (yes, fingertip).

At 63, I don’t generate a huge amount of revs or ball speed. Although athletic, lots of chronically sore body parts are impairing as well.

Conventional wisdom says use this ball for a while and get to know what you can do with it and what it does. BUT, I want another ball to learn the differences, variety and the simple fun of it.

So please, any advice as to a good next ball compliment to a Cyclone would be greatly appreciated. Something different. A step up. Should I drop to 14 lbs.?

Have considered (not only) but don’t know why:

Hammer Arson high/low flare
Roto Grip Unhginged
Ebonite Gamebreaker2 MVP/Pearl
Brunswick ???
No Storm, don’t like the “fragrance!”

I’m open to anything…Thanks

[AlexNC]

That Cyclone should be a good ball to start. You could drop to 14 if you feel the weight is an issue as far as your body is concerned - and a lighter weight ball could perhaps increase your revs. What part of the lane are you playing?

[Grande]

Not even sure of the correct terminology, being a lefty, I start with the middle dot between my feet and aim between the 2nd and 3rd arrow from the left. Then, move a board or 2 to the right as needed.

That Cyclone should be a good ball to start. You could drop to 14 if you feel the weight is an issue as far as your body is concerned - and a lighter weight ball could perhaps increase your revs. What part of the lane are you playing?

[AlexNC]

Being a lefty, playing farther to the left would allow you to find the friction earlier, getting the motion you desire. When you mention lining up on the center dot etc you may be encountering too much oil for your ball and rev rate. Move father left with your feet and your target.

[Grande]

Ah! Makes sense. Will report back tomorrow after I try it. Thanks.

Being a lefty, playing farther to the left would allow you to find the friction earlier, getting the motion you desire. When you mention lining up on the center dot etc you may be encountering too much oil for your ball and rev rate. Move father left with your feet and your target.

[Jessiewoodard57]

I'm surprised the PSO started you out with a 15#. At 59 I started with a 16# but quickly dropped to a 14# ball speed and rev rates increased a lot for me. welcome back to bowling and enjoy yourself.

[RobLV1]

Before you even think about getting a new ball, find a qualified coach and take a lesson or three. While you are not technically new to bowling, you are totally new to modern bowling, and, believe me, the rules have changed. Much of what you were taught fifty years ago is a detriment to bowling today. Be careful not to fall into the trap of believing that a new ball is the be all and end all for great bowling. It's not.

[Grande]

I totally get it. There's nothing I'd rather do than find a good coach and take a few lessons. Non-qualified fellow bowlers all keep telling me something different, most of which I'm sure is incorrect. But finding a coach anywhere near me (rural VT) is like looking for a bowling ball in Victoria's Secrets (that means I'm willing to try but it's unlikely I'll succeed!).

The new ball idea is just for the fun of getting one and seeing how they act differently first hand. And now, for dropping to 14 lbs.

Thanks for all the advice.

QUOTE=RobLV1;138620]Before you even think about getting a new ball, find a qualified coach and take a lesson or three. While you are not technically new to bowling, you are totally new to modern bowling, and, believe me, the rules have changed. Much of what you were taught fifty years ago is a detriment to bowling today. Be careful not to fall into the trap of believing that a new ball is the be all and end all for great bowling. It's not.[/QUOTE]

[RobLV1]

Check out the USBC website: bowl.com, and go to "find a..." coach. It will give you a list of Certified Coaches within the area you specify. Finding a good coach is well worth an hour's drive.

[jab5325]

Agree with Rob--get lessons. It's totally worth it--it's best to invest $100-$200 in lessons when starting out than the same price on the latest equipment.

As for a step up ball, if you want to stick to Ebonite, check out the Gamebreaker line. Putting some surface on your current ball should also help it grip the lane.