need some help

[joshua_gray63]

hey guys i'm a new bowler and a new member to the site. i just picked up bowling last week and i really enjoy it. i rolled a 155 yesterday using a 11 pound house ball and have been rolling around 130 on average. i would really like to buy my own ball but i have no idea were to start.

[tumblebug1949]

Hi joshua,

Welcome to the forum. I am fairly new my self so I will leave you question for the more experienced bowlers. I have read where several have mentioned the Brunswick Slingshot as a good entry level ball. It will give you the capability of applying some curve to the ball path and hit more in the pocket as it is called. I am sure there are others that are similar. You should also discuss ball weight and type of grip that would be best for you.

Good luck
Tom

[Drano]

I'd recommend talking to your pro shop operator, he can tell you everything you need to know, plus he can watch you bowl to make better recommendations. If you can handle throwing a heavier ball, do it. You'll carry more strikes the heavier you go up until 15 pounds. If you just throw a straight ball, buy a plastic ball, save some money. If you throw a hook, or want to learn how to, get a reactive ball. Not something top of the line high end.. just something like a Brunswick Karma is fairly reactive for its price range, only a few dollars more than a Slingshot yet much more reactive.

[littlelegs]

Just wanted to add another vote for the pro shop operator. Too reactive until you've settled into a style can create problems and plastic to start may not be what you decide you want if you decide to hook early on (although it can be re-drilled for a great spare ball). Have a chat, let him/her watch you play if possible and go from there.

[tumblebug1949]

So, there is some good information Joshua,

If you want to bowl a straight ball, get a plastic ball. It does not grip the lane so will roll straight. It is also less expensive.

If you want to learn to roll a curve which can maybe make you more competitive, get a ball with a reactive cover. There are many out there to choose from. Don't get too aggressive a ball at first. The two mentioned above are in the area you should probably start with.

Ball weight is important. One should use the heaviest ball he/she can control. Don't over do it but don't under do it either. A well fitted ball will seem lighter than one that is loose fitting.

Best tip was to see a local Pro-Shop. I hope you have a good one close by somewhere. The discussions here are helpful but a Pro-Shop can assist you much more by maybe watching you bowl. Just seeing your build and getting a ballpark on your age and weight will let him give you better information on what would be best for you at this time.

Good luck,
Tom

[J Anderson]

Don't forget the shoes, not having to rent shoes pays them off pretty fast.

[littlelegs]

On the subject of shoes I so wish I had a pro shop locally with a good shoe selection to try them on. I'm guessing though you'd have to have huge business to make that truly viable. True, bowlingball.com has an insurance available for fit but it's still hassle returning stuff and waiting and if you don't like the first 2-3 pairs...

Here's hoping I get on well with my new ones when I finally order them. Probably SST6's.

A quick edit to add - that said almost any purchased shoe will probably be better than 5 year old house shoes worn by a gazillion different people and as you say certainly cheaper in the long run

[tumblebug1949]

Returning items is a pain littlelegs. If you have a store around close that carries bowling shoes, like Dick"s, maybe you could try some on made by Dexter if not the exact model you want. If their price is good, purchase there. If there price is high or they don't have the shoe you want, order it on line. I know Dick's carries several models of Dexter shoes.

If I get another pair of bowling shoes any time soon, the SST6 will be what I will be looking for. Good Choice.

Happy Holidays

[littlelegs]

Unfortunately our local Dicks carries nothing like that. As long as the width works out I think the Dexters will be fine but we'll see once I have the spare cash to order them.

[tumblebug1949]

I didn't check at the store here but looked them up on line. They probably do not have the shoes in stock either. Just for online orders. Oh well, it was a thought.

Happy Holidays