Looking for my first ball

[sully_51]

Hi all! I am a beginner bowler, started bowling regularly (once a week) about 3 months ago. I've been using a house ball and would like to go ahead and get my own, so I don't have to worry about finding a good fit. The ball I've been using is a 16# Columbia 300 Red Dot, and it is perfect for my style. I throw straight, no curve. Obviously I know I won't be able to find a Red Dot for myself (the alley was unwilling to sell this one to me). I'm just wondering what newer balls I might look at that would be similar? Thanks for any help!

[J Anderson]

Hi all! I am a beginner bowler, started bowling regularly (once a week) about 3 months ago. I've been using a house ball and would like to go ahead and get my own, so I don't have to worry about finding a good fit. The ball I've been using is a 16# Columbia 300 Red Dot, and it is perfect for my style. I throw straight, no curve. Obviously I know I won't be able to find a Red Dot for myself (the alley was unwilling to sell this one to me). I'm just wondering what newer balls I might look at that would be similar? Thanks for any help!

I'm not familiar with the Columbia 300 Red Dot. Given that you're happy throwing straight, any 16# plastic ball should work fine. Can't imagine why they wouldn't sell you the one you've been using, unless they have an interest in the pro shop.

[vgw]

Depending on your price point, you might want to start off with a urethane ball like the Roto Grip Grenade or Brunswick Avalanche Urethane. You can go wiith a plastic ball which will be less expensive and should be fine for beginners as well. The urethane will give you a little more hitting and carrying power over plastic.

[sully_51]

Thanks for the quick response. He said he doesn't sell house balls anymore cause someone threw one through a window some time ago, and it had their name engraved on it, so there was a mess with the local police. But he also owns the only local pro shop, so that's probably more likely, since this ball has no engraving.

I haven't been able to figure out exactly when the Red Dot was sold; the serial is 3P, which I think means April of '73 or '83. I guess I got off easy with liking a plastic ball, saves me some cash. I think I'll stick with Columbia, now I just have to choose a color for the White Dot.

[The Mayor]

I haven't been able to figure out exactly when the Red Dot was sold; the serial is 3P, which I think means April of '73 or '83. I guess I got off easy with liking a plastic ball, saves me some cash. I think I'll stick with Columbia, now I just have to choose a color for the White Dot.

Keep in mind that Columbia is now owned by Ebonite. When the Red Dot was made Columbia was its own company. So it's not exactly the "same".

That shouldn't stop you from buying one, just a little tidbit. All plastic balls are created equal, so if you see a color from another company you like better, go for it.

[StormGirl]

The Brunswick T-zone wouldn't be a bad idea to take a look at. They have a ton of colors to choose from as well. If memory serves me correct, they go for about 65 dollars with drilling.

[Trex]

Hi all! I am a beginner bowler, started bowling regularly (once a week) about 3 months ago. I've been using a house ball and would like to go ahead and get my own, so I don't have to worry about finding a good fit. The ball I've been using is a 16# Columbia 300 Red Dot, and it is perfect for my style. I throw straight, no curve. Obviously I know I won't be able to find a Red Dot for myself (the alley was unwilling to sell this one to me). I'm just wondering what newer balls I might look at that would be similar? Thanks for any help!

If you really want a Red Dot 16lb bowling ball...Here is one for sale:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Columbia-300...item4cfae02be6

[sully_51]

If you really want a Red Dot 16lb bowling ball...Here is one for sale:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Columbia-300...item4cfae02be6

Yeah I saw that, and also saw that it had been plugged twice already... Throw in that it would cost another $35 to plug and drill again, I figured not worth it for a 30 year old ball. I ended up ordering a Scarlet/Gold/Black White Dot, and should have it in hand Tuesday. Woo!