Expert: - 12/9/2008

Question
QUESTION: I'm 63 in excellent health, slight build and started bowling after many years. I'm left handed and used to use a finger tip ball with a nice hook near the pocket. Any recommendations for balls to begin with? Should I get left handed shoes or that's not important now?

ANSWER: Jim,
If stability is important, and you have a strong slide, sport style shoes don't provide some of what performance shoes do. Did you have them before?

What kind of ball did you use before and how much did it hook? What did you average? Knowing more will be better.

Thanks for the question. Let me know.

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

QUESTION: Warren,

I bowled over thirty yers ago. My average was about 140. My high game was 236. I think my shoes were for a left hander. I do slide somewhat. I don't know what kind of ball I used. The ball hooked about one-quarter the width of the alley, maybe a little more. I guess I'm looking for a good beginners ball. I like to buy quality products that will last a while as I improve. I hope this helps. Jim Smith

Answer
Jim,
The stability as you deliver the ball is always important. An entry level performance shoe in leather should last you more than a decade. They're very comfortable too.

An entry level ball could be urethane or reactive resin urethane, drilled fairly basic (not sure what you'll do as far as delivery after so many years). I'd suspect your not throwing too hard, so on most Typical House Shots (THS) the closer your ball path is to the gutter (on either side) the more the ball may hook.

The driller you choose may want to see you throw, to gage what might be done to improve the potential for the ball to work well. Unfortunately, I've encountered operators that don't spend much time with new/entry level customers. Entry balls cost less and the more time you spend the less you make for the time. But, if you enjoy the results you'll potentially impact others positively. So, talk with the operator get his opinion of the entry level category, and see what they says.

Basic plastic (polyester - like the BAM, White Dot, Target Zone and Maxim) is smooth hard and shiny. Entry level performance (reactive resin urethane)like the Columbia Scout, and Hammer Razr have similar cores then plastic. Next step, Brunswick Power Grooves, Columbia Jazz, Ebonite Tornado, Storm Tropicals contain stronger cores. Brunswick has a promotion going on for the Power Grooves till Dec. 31.

Thanks for the questions.

Did you expect without knowing your ball speed, amount of hook, lane condition bowled on, what you've used previously, for me to pick a ball for you? You didn't even mention what weight you throw. There are no magic bowling balls. They are complicated sports equipment. All I know from your question is you are left handed and don't hit what you shoot at very often (average 140). No ball will work if you can't hit a target. Sorry I wasn't helpful enough.