Need some direction/help for a new ball

[Barr]

Hey guys, new to the forum here. Found this place while researching into getting a new ball and you guys seem very knowledgeable and helpful so I thought I'd see if you could help me out deciding on a new ball.

I'm just getting back into to bowling regularly and my old ball (Brunswick Scorchin Inferno) seems just about dead and has little to no reaction left in it. I'm a little iffy on a lot on my terminology and I don't currently have a video of myself (I'm going to try to get one soon if possible), but I'll do my best to give you guys as much info as I can.

I'm right handed and the old ball is 14 lbs and I'd probably like to stick to that. I'd say when I first got the ball I was more of a cranker type bowler, especially with how the reaction on this ball was when I first got it. I use to bowl from far left arrow, pretty far out to say 4/5 board, into the pocket which I got pretty consistent at (took a little bit to get control of it, was my first ball). Now since starting back, I'd say it barely moves half that many boards so I bowl more of a tweener style. I can't say which I really like better but either are an option for me...I'd lean towards a cranker style because I definitely had higher/more consistent average back then.

I'm more of a balanced and leaning towards rev controlled bowler rather than speed. The lanes I typically bowl on I'd say are Medium to Medium-heavy oil.

As for how I have my current ball drilled...I can't say I really know the terminology or specs on how to describe it but I can post pictures of it if that would possibly help.

I'm pretty open on brand of ball...was looking into Brunswick nexus/versa/ulti max, some Track balls, hammer brick/taboo, but I'm not too up to speed on what's out there right now and what's good/good for me. If there is any other info you guys want to know that could help you out helping me out, lemme know and I'll do my best. Thanks a lot!

[resstealth]

If you're wanting to be a cranker, you need a strong ball. Some options are the Storm VG nano, Hammer arson, Roto Grip defiant, etc. Storm, Hammer, and Roto all make a strong line of bowling balls. Your best bet would be to go to your local pro shop and have them watch you bowl and make a recommendation.

[Barr]

Cool thanks for the reply. I'm looking into all three those right now... I'd say of those three the arson has my attention the most. I'm afraid the other two might be too much in terms of hooking early on me/made for heavier oil conditions than what I'll mostly be playing.

I was familiar with the pro shop guy where I used to live a couple years ago but I'm not with the ones around here...looks like I'll have to start chatting them up a bit! Thanks again.

[resstealth]

The Nano is very strong for sure. The arson is a great choice in my book, but again, talking with your shop guy will help alot.

[billf]

I have DV8 balls having switched recently from Storm and Roto-Grip. They are a little easier on the price and out perform the rest, in my opinion. The Hell Raiser Revenge is great in heavy oil, the Too Reckless in medium-heavy and the Misfit in medium to medium-light. I also keep my ball speed low (not over 16mph at the pins) to ensure control. I have not thrown the Nexxus yet but do like the way it reacts for others. The pro shop I use watches you bowl a few frames then discusses what you want to do as far as area of play, lane conditions, etc then makes recommendations. Hopefully there is a pro shop near you that is as good.

[Barr]

Thanks, I'll look into some DV8 balls...maybe the Too Reckless or Misfit because I very rarely play on very heavy oil conditions. I'm kind of leaning away from the Brunswick balls the more I research to be honest...kind of have been looking at the Hammer Arson a bit and the Storm Crossroad.

I'm still probably two weeks or so away from making an actual purchase so thanks for the response! I plan to talk to a local pro shop guy later this week/early next week and hopefully he'll also help me out.

[The Mayor]

The Storm Crossroad is probably the most versatile ball on the market and one that everyone should have in their bag!

[DanielMareina]

I agree with the Mayor on the Crossroad. I wouldn't go with an asymetrical, top of the line ball as your only ball. They are great for some things, but if you are looking for a ball that will be your only option, you need something more versitile. The Crossroad has the hybrid coverstock, is plenty aggressive, and works for most people's style. I have drilled enough of them to see that is a great ball, and I know that I love mine.

As a side note, your balls reaction doesn't necesarily define your style. The lanes you bowled on before may have been on less oil, or a drier outside pattern. You would to have had a good amount of revs to play that big of a hook, but you may have the same amount of revs now, but due to an older ball and a oilier condition, it may not look the same.

I would definately talk to the pro shop person at your bowling center. And watch out for some advice on this site. As all forums, there are a lot of people that like to tell you that what they have is the best out there. Mix info from here, videos online, and what your pro shop guy says with whatever your wallet size is and go with what comes out of that equation.
Best of luck to you!

[travkoiboi]

Storm all the way

[Barr]

Thanks guys! I kind of got that feeling about the Crossroad when I was reading some stuff and watching some videos on it that it was a pretty versatile ball. Anyways, I'll run this stuff by the pro shop guy around here see what he thinks, let him watch me, and then I'll make a decision but as of right now, the Crossroad is sounding pretty appealing.

I'll stop back with what I end up getting!