Beginner troubles

[jrmc114064]

I have recently acquired some money and was hopping to launch my bowling hobby by buying a ball. I have chosen the ball and hopefully a local pro shop to get it drilled.
Some things that i do need to know are: What bag would be the best for a single ball? (rolling or tote due to the weight or if the bags are even worth the money), Secondly, Do you have to be a well experienced bowler to get use a Brunswick Slingshot, and start working on hook shots?, And finally, What sort of upkeep be involved in this ball and what equipment is necessarily opposed to the ball and bag?

Please answer my inquiry for it is my only chance for a good beginning in the sport. Thank you

[tumblebug1949]

Hi jrmc114064,

Hope you had a good Christmas.

Several things in bowling become personal opinion but most will agree on the need for a bowling bag. The reason I say that is because in addition to the ball, you will want a couple of towels, maybe some powder and a grip sack. Then there are little things like tape and finger nail clippers. You will want to carry your shoes eventually and what about a second ball? The question will arise, WHICH ONE. Here is my thought. I purchased a Brunswick Single Flash Tote. I wrote a review in the category for reviews of such items. My opinion is it is very good with plenty of pockets for most anything you will need including shoes. The cost was minimal.

Now, for me, the scenario has changed. I have a second spare ball and have some thoughts about a second strike ball in the future. This leaves me thinking I will be looking for a good three ball, rolling bag. Carrying one ball is not a problem. I could manage two but I would prefer wheels. A bag for three balls would be wheels only.

So, after that, I guess I am saying yes, you will want a good bag with plenty of pockets but first, to save a little money and some time in the long run, you need to make some decisions. Will you want a second or maybe third ball shortly? If so, plan for it now. A three ball sack with one ball in it works fine. A single tote with three balls on the floor at the house won't work.

If you decide on a single ball bag, a tote will do fine and I like the Brunswick Flash single. Others are maybe as good but That one has good reviews.

As far as having a Brunswick SlingShot for your first ball to work on learning a hook with. I think you got one of the best for that purpose, not that there aren't others but the Slingshot should work well for you.

Getting it drilled to fit right is also very important.

Good luck

[jrmc114064]

Thanks for the advice on a bag and also the praise of the ball i hope to acquire as my first training ball for hook shots. Is this ball in need of any maintaining components. Please provide a list of the things that also could prove useful in a "pros" bowling bag. And lastly, i found a local pro shop that offers 30 dollar drilling and if with grips 40. Is this a good price.

[tumblebug1949]

Hi again jrmc114064,

I think $30.00 is about standard when you don't buy the ball there. As far as the grips go, that is what I have and I think they are great. I believe 10 or 15 more for grips is usual also. You should maybe price a ball there. If they don't have it they can get it. Often the drilling is free when the ball is purchased there. You will be fitted so you get just the right size. The thumb grip is probably the most important and it is very important to have it right for a good release. I think my thumb is about the same as most and will swell and shrink a little with the weather. I have my ball drilled to where I only need one or two pieces of tape at most for minor adjustments. If it is the exact right size when drilled, if your thumb swells in the least, it is too tight.

There are some youtube videos about the proper use of the different tape that are good to watch.

Keep in mind that the Pro will fit you to find the right size. Then, he will adjust the thumb hole by sanding it so it will fit you just right. Go real slow during this process. Adjust it in small steps. Once it gets too big, there is no going back a step. The drilling process and maybe the epoxy curing will cause a little heat. Mine seemed to get a slight bit larger/looser when it had cooled. It turned out the way I wanted it to where it needed two pieces of tape.

As far as maintenance items for the ball. All I have right now are some microfiber towels and some 91% rubbing alcohol. I wipe the ball good before each role. The less oil on the ball the less that can soak in. I spray it with the rubbing alcohol and wipe it good with a clean towel at the end of the night before I put it away. And because alcohol does not change the surface of the ball, only takes oil off, it can be cleaned during a game. The microfiber towels are fairly cheap at a auto supply store. I just got (3), 16" x 16" towels for about $6.00 and they works great. Just the right size.

I am sure others could recommend a good commercial ball cleaner but I have not decided on that yet.

Good Luck
Tom

[jrmc114064]

I considered buying it from the pro shop but it would be 115 dollars for the Slingshot but if I were to order it from bowlingball.com it would be 59.99 and went ahead to find a Single ball Flash bag and a micro fiber cloth coming in at a cost of 133 dollars. I figure that I would rather get the ball at a discounted price opposed to paying extra just for free drilling. Are there any disadvantages to ordering a ball.

[got_a_300]

Hi jrmc114064,
I'll chime in with my thoughts on your questions as for (Are there any disadvantages to ordering a ball) the
only thing I can think of is if it busts/cracks during drilling then you are out of luck unless you pay for the
Drilling Protection which is something like $4.99 I believe it is on bowlingball.com so if it cracks or busts during
drilling you are covered. The only other thing I can think of is having to wait for the ball to arive before you
can have it drilled and use it.

I also agree about using a microfiber towel during league play after each roll and I also use one of these fantastic
little microfiber cleaning pads Monster Pad Microfiber Sponge after league or practice to do a deep cleaning on the
ball to help keep the ball clean and as for what to use I always use this on all of my bowling balls to get them clean
Brunswick Remove All Ball Cleaner it does a great job of getting the dirt and belt rash off of the ball and draws the oil
out of it and it also restores the tacky feeling back to the ball.

[jrmc114064]

Now that the basics of maintenance are covered i would like to confirm the weight of the ball and haw it changes once drilled. When on a website the weight of the ball is posted as 12 pounds. Is this an estimate of the weight after drilling or is it simply the weight of the ball stock?

[tumblebug1949]

jrmc114064,

I think you are correct, it is the estimated weight after drilling. I think the standard is for the ball to be a couple of ounces over the advertised ball weight before drilling. In other words, a 12 pound ball will be something like 12 pound 3 ounces before drilling.

[The Mayor]

Actually, the weight listed can be anywhere from 12.0 to 12.5 or so. So if you'd like to be over 12 after drilling, request a 12.3 or 12.4 to ensure this.

The Slingshot is a great entry level reactive so you'll be able to work on throwing a hook. And the price on bowlingball.com can't be beat.

As for what you should carry in your bag. The most important things are ball cleaner and a towel so you can clean your ball after each session. Rubbing alcohol isn't a good choice for ball cleaner as it is too aggressive for modern coverstocks. It rounds off the sharp peaks which are what make modern covers so aggressive. A grip sack is always good to have in case your center is warmer than normal. White thumb tape, skin patch (Brunswick Defense Skin Protector) as well.

[tumblebug1949]

Well, I didn't know that about the alcohol. Thanks for the info Mayor, I will be doing some shopping for something better.

Tom