Expert: Chip Aki - 10/9/2008

Question
QUESTION: I'm just not sure which new ball to get.Presently throw a 14 pound Icon II, semi roller, almost always at 15 mph. Its 4 yrs old and I'm ready for some thing new. By the way my shot is down and in, I throw long out over the 9 board and always bowl leagues at the same house, medium oil conditions.I'm 67 yrs old, bowling for 50 yrs, avg 200.Your recommendation would be greatly appreciated regarding the ball, layout and coverstock,its starting to get to detailed for me.
Thanks Much


ANSWER: With the slower ball speed, I would look at a pearl coverstock for the new ball.  Depending your budget, I would look at the T-Road Pearl by Storm, the Pshyco by Hammer, the Clash and Bash by Ebonite, and the Pearl Avalanche by Brunswick.  There are comparable balls by Columbia, Track, and Roto Grip.  Your local pro shop could help with the final choice based on watching you bowl.

As far as the layout goes, just a label drill with the pin in the ring finger area should work.  The more exotic layout you could choose would make the ball more one dimensional.

Good luck,
Chip

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Chip,
Thanks for your help.I went to a local pro shop and he is recommending the Ebonite playmaker. Can you give me your opinion of this ball based upon the above info.He also watched me bowl a full game.
Thanks.

Answer
Thank you for the kind words, I hope I have been of some help.

The Playmaker is a very good ball.  Without watching you bowl, I thought that might be a bit too strong, but it may be best for the condition you bowl on.  I am sure the local pro shop would verify that ball choice based on that condition.  Medium oil where you are may be considred heavy here.

The Playmaker can be adjusted via surface prep to probably handle everything you would see and should give you more length and better backend than your Icon.

Good luck,
Chip