Expert: Chip Aki - 12/30/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hello!  My old ball cracked (Columbia 300 Scout Reac.) and need a new one.  I
bowl ave. 160 league but want to up that.  I live in a rural town so my ball
driller is not an expert on either drilling or balls...  I am right handed and use
a 14-15 lb ball.  Ideas?  Drilling ideas as well?  I am a tweener I think, and
throw around the 2nd/3rd arrow on the right side arrow counting from right
gutter (so a slight hook is needed)..  Small rev rate as well.  Huge thanks!

Michael M.

ANSWER: If you want something with a bit more hook potential, I would look at the Tropical Storms by Storm.  It would do more of what your scout did for you.  If you make the move up to the next core level, which would gain some hitting power, you may lose some control.  That next step would take you to the Storm Street Rod series, the Brunswick Avalanche series, or the Clash/Bash series by Ebonite.

As far as the layout goes, just place the pin to the right of the ring finger, either above or below will be fine.  Keep the CG near the center of the grip.  The more exotic the layout, the more sensitive the ball will be and no need to go that way when you only have one ball.  Down the road, if you get new equipment, then you can try some of the different layouts.

Stay basic for now and let the ball work with you.

Good luck,
Chip

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

QUESTION: Thanks for the advice!  As far as weight, will I lose some action with a 14 over a
15 lb ball?  My wrist gets tired early in the 2nd game with a heavy ball so I am
not sure if I go with a 15 or 14... Thoughts?

Answer
Sorry, I forgot to answer that part.

You will lose a little hitting power by dropping down to 14, but you may gain some control as well.  Using a 14 pound ball will still let you be very competitive, especially if you go up to the Street Rod series or similar.  Those types of balls will still have enough core to provide ample hitting power in the 14.

I think you will be fine with the 14.

Good luck,
Chip