Expert: - 11/11/2008

Question
I am a female bowler and currently have a 14 to 15 yr old Brunswick 300, 10 lb ball (no other info on the ball).  When I purchased it years ago, I only bowled for fun and was a palm-up, straight down the center of the lane bowler.  I recently had it redrilled to better fit my hand and began serious efforts to bowl properly.  I line up on the center dot, aim for the second arrow and have a hand shake position release.  The ball goes straight down the lane and begins a slow hook to the 1-3 pocket.  I have finally gotten some consistency with hitting the pocket.  I feel the ball is too light because it seems I have to crank to get any power/speed which causes me to be inconsistent.  I rarely achieve a strike even when I'm not trying for more speed.  My current avg is 115.  My house lanes are usually dry to medium oil.  I know nothing about the ball I have now, nor do I know my speed or revs.  Should I increase to a 12 lb ball, or a 14?  Is there a specific bowling ball made now that will mimic my Brunswick's performance?  Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Answer
Vikki,
My guess would be your ball is plastic or rubber. The driller who plugged it should be able to verify.

Your ball weight is dictated by your desire to knock down pins. With a well fit bowling ball, the ball lets go of you, so grip pressure is eliminated (thus the strain of gripping). I start bowlers at 10 percent of their body weight up to the maximum of 16 pounds.

Balls, from a bowling store come in one pound increments past 10, usually 6,8,10,11,12,13,14,15,16. Occasionally a brand will include 9 pounds.

Increase your weight to what you feel most comfortable with, but increase it. Throwing a performance ball will be helpful, the urethane base cover (in urethane, reactive resin urethane, or particle urethane and everything in between) will help your hitting power and the surface and core could help your hook potential.

The Brunswick ball is most likely a three piece, pancake weightblock. The Brunswick Groove, Columbia Scouts, Ebonite's old Tornado Warnings, and Storm's old Hit series mimic the core of your ball.

Thanks for the questions. Good luck.