Expert: - 11/19/2008

Question
Hi..im 77 years old, i love to bowl...been bowling for years. In the last couple of years developed arthritus in my knuckles nearest the ends of my fingers...I went to a 11 lb ball..tried urethane and the brunswick dry ball but couldnt get any impact at 11 lbs..tried conventional grip..that didnt work..someone suggested a miled reactive with a slightly shorter span than full finger tip..the lanes around here are pretty dry..here are the balls that were suggested..can you tell me which might be better at 11 lbs:

l..ebonite tornado
2..brunswick avalanche pearl
2..scout reactive
3..amf angle pearl
4..hammer vibe
5..storm tropical

id really appreciate it if you could give me your opinion..thanks so much..Bill

Answer
Bill,
None. Your losing effect because the ball is 11lbs. Without knowing your ball speed, rev rate, lane surface, conditions (dry - whole lane, outsides, middle?), path to the pocket, axis tilt and axis rotation, it is difficult to just pick a ball. How consistent are you hitting your target?

If the lane is dry (and you don't have much ball speed) all the balls you mentioned will hook, possibly too much and probably too early. Scout and Angle Pearls will go longest, you'll pay more for a Vibe or Tropical getting strong covers but with out more info, I don't know what the ball needs to do to help you.

How much is the ball (what ball are you throwing now?) hooking on the dry lanes? What do you average and what do you need the ball to do? Are you looking for improved control or length and some finish?

What happened with the conventional grip? What about it "didn't work?"

When you go in to buy a ball, rather than picking your poison, have you ever asked the operator what they'd recommend? If they are putting all these balls you chose in your hands, they are not invested in if they will work. Put the onus on the driller.

Thanks for the question, please let me know more so I can offer some suggestions.