Expert: - 11/2/2008

Question
I recently returned to league bowling after a ten year haitus (had to wait for PA to go non-smoking).  I'm a 170ish stroker and feel that upgrading my equipment could help improve my game.  I have an old Columbia Ultra-Violet Quake and an Ebonite Red Wolf.  There are just so many ball choices out there, I'd really like someone to help me select the best ball for my game.  How can I make sure the shop I go to has the knowledge to do this?  What kind of questions should I ask?  What questions should the pro shop ask?

Answer
Mike,
I'd strongly recommend an International Bowling Pro Shop and Instructors Association (IBPSIA) member/store. Look up your area on the ibpsia.com website and find the nearest member(s).

You are interviewing a sports consultant, to assist in your choices. Any store you go to should be willing to help you improve, unfortunately, some stores just try to sell whatever to whom ever (like the on-line sellers). Your not (just) buying equipment, your buying improvement. Begin with that mindset and see if the local stores are willing to go the extra mile. An OK ball, thrown by a bowler with an improved game should provide the improvement your looking for.

Evaluating what your current equipment provides you, determining how you roll the ball and how you want to attack the lane (target lines, angles), an operator should be able to recommend some choices. Don't be afraid to ask if they will guarantee the recommendation.

Ask the operator to evaluate your game, layouts and current choices. Like the diagnosis from a doctor, you should be willing to pay for the time and attention. Ask if they can provide you a lesson/evaluation to determine what might be best. Your improvement is what you desire. Sometimes bowling lessons are the better investment. The best ball in the world (if there was one), thrown badly will perform badly.

Thanks for the questions.