Need help picking a new ball

[David21]

Well first off, hello I'm David, I'm 21 been bowling since forever. Recently getting back into it after tearing tendon in my right middle finger playin basketball. Lol

I just played in a league for fun this summer and now I'm looking to bowl in a competitive/sport/pba experience league.

I recently picked up a used Columbia 300 full swing, 15lbs, had it drilled above the middle and ring finger kinda close to the middle, and was really disappointed when I first threw it. So I took it and let it sit in the oven for a bit and barely any oil came out so it wasn't oil soaked, so I wet sanded it and took it down to 500 then 1000 then 2000 and left it.

It hooks once it hits dry but will not hook in heavy oil. I change angles and release and such and it either comes in light or just doesn't carry. Also have a new freeze drilled the same for dry oil.

So basically I'm looking for a heavy oil ball for the type of leagues I plan to bowl in, if anyone may suggest what a good league type would be over another would be great. I also plan to bowl in a few tournaments.

I'm open to suggestions.

As for me, I have a medium rev rate, 16-17mph, tweener/stroker and crank if I need to.

[David21]

Oh and sorry for the novel lol

[Chris2game]

Welcome back to bowling!

For a heavy oil ball I would recommend the new Prodigy from Storm, or the Plague from Hammer. They have both been performing very well. I own a prodigy and have similar speed/rev rate. This is my go to ball when im battling lots of oil. Its symmetrical which I tend to like. And since you are going to use it for heavy oil could probably get it drilled leverage and see something similar to what you are looking for.

As for leagues, I really enjoy my PBA experience league and scratch leagues. The head to head competition is a lot of fun and makes you bowl better. You could also get into a mens handicap league, they aren't bad either.

Hope this helps!
-Chris

[David21]

Welcome back to bowling!

For a heavy oil ball I would recommend the new Prodigy from Storm, or the Plague from Hammer. They have both been performing very well. I own a prodigy and have similar speed/rev rate. This is my go to ball when im battling lots of oil. Its symmetrical which I tend to like. And since you are going to use it for heavy oil could probably get it drilled leverage and see something similar to what you are looking for.

As for leagues, I really enjoy my PBA experience league and scratch leagues. The head to head competition is a lot of fun and makes you bowl better. You could also get into a mens handicap league, they aren't bad either.

Hope this helps!
-Chris

Thanks for the great advice and good reply! I'll definitely check into it.

I just picked up a storm invasion and reign of fire yesterday, got an offer to pick them up brand new for $90 a piece, guy won them in a tournament and didn't want them.

The invasion has a 3-3.5 pin and the top is 2.90, while the reign of fire has a 2.5-3 pin and 2.84oz top.

Whats your opinion on those balls? My dad plans to use the reign of fire while I use the invasion

[Chris2game]

They are both solid bowling balls. The Invasion is more for something you are looking for. Its made for heavy oil. I haven't seen anyone throw this ball but from what I hear its a decent ball.

The Reign of Fire is a medium to heavy oil ball. With its rough finish it hooks sooner then the RG value says it should, but it rolls great. My friend has one and I throw it from time to time. It rolls really well. Predictable but strong.

-Chris

[DanielMareina]

The invasion is a very good ball. The Asymetrical core will take some getting used to for you. The Reign of Fire on the other hand is the easiest ball to strike with I own. I have thrown that ball on everything from the PBA Scorpion pattern, USBC open pattern, to typical house shots. It is smooth, arcing, and hits the pins pretty hard. The Prodigy is similiar, but a little more hook, and a lot more power into the pins. When you get the Invasion under control, it hits the pins like a mac truck. I advise sanding the invasion down to 1000 grit if you give it a long pin location. The asymetrical core relys on reading the mid-lane to come in the pocket hard, so either have a pin below the fingers, or sand it a bit if you are using it on really heavy oil. Good luck, and welcome back!

[Jord_84]

I love my invasion. I bowled my high series and high game within 2 weeks of getting that ball.

[Stormed1]

The Invasion handles heavy oil and is a smooth heavy rolling ball. It will not give you the go 45 feet and kick left look but is a very strong oil ball. The ROF will give you the long and angular look on med-heavy to heavy patterns. They make a good 1-2 pinch