Expert: - 1/2/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello Sir.
I have a Tomahawk High Torque Bomb from about 97 98. I don't know that I really ever learned to use the ball to its full potential seeing as I am not sure what it is supposed to do. It is drilled as following... 15 and change lbs, looking at the white dot my right hand ring finger is level and to the left.  center of the finger hole to center of white dot is 1 1/2 inches.  3 1/4 inches center to center and down slightly to left is a hole drilled 1 3/4 inches deep.  looking at the little bomb graphic my thumb hole is drilled next to it 1 3/4 center to center.  I throw with a good amount of power and I shoot usually 2nd arrow from right edge straight and come in most of the times Brooklyn for the strike. Medium revs. my approach is ball in hand flat and my release and follow through is like holding a can of soda.  I cannot hold the weight of the ball past 1 game any more and my pinky finger is 1/4 inch shorter than normal from my surgery.  I need a new ball  and was thinking the 12 13 lbs range but don't know what to get.  My tomahawk  is kinda dull finish i guess to soak up the oil better?  Before my injury my average was about 180.  Help me please as i love this sport. What was the tomahawk supposed to do and what do i need now? im not one of those left lane bowlers who throw across and ride the edge and then POW they come back in for the strike. I don't have that much revs but i do have power.  Thank you for your valuable time, Sir.

ANSWER: Happy New Year Randy,
Your Tomahawk was a strong mid to high end ball in the day. It sounds like it's drilled with a strong layout, pin close to your Positive Axis to get the ball rolling early and strong. The weight hole sounds like it could be on your axis.

When you roll the ball, does the hole seem to be static, then it begins to move in a circular motion?

When you say power are you referring to ball speed? Does it take less than 2 seconds for the ball to hit the pins after you release it? How long does it take?

The dull surface helps slow the ball down and gains friction quicker because it is rougher.

Ball fit should allow a ball to just hang in your hand. If you are struggling with the weight, the Tomahawk may not fit well anymore (you had hand surgery!). If you throw hard, a lighter ball will slide too easily down the lane and may not perform very well. Lighter bowling balls do not contain the Core weight and thereby the same influence that a heavier ball does.

The dilemma: Will hand surgery cause you to throw significantly slower? If not, and you feel you can throw just as hard (faster ball speed is an asset in the modern game), then the fatigue you feel may just be a fit issue. If the ball doesn't just hang from your hand and you are experiencing discomfort from having to grip the ball, then a new fit is mandatory. Consult your favorite pro shop operator and explain the situation, explain what was done and ask how they might change your grip as a result of the surgery.

The ball should "let go of You." The concept while not new to the industry, is extremely hard to get your head around if you have been gripping a ball your whole life (or drilling balls that way).

If the local guy can't provide you an appropriate fit write back. Thanks for the questions.

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

QUESTION: Happy new year to you as well and thank you so very much for your attention and knowledge.
When I roll the ball it will slide a little then catch and then the revolutions start along with the start of the hook...picks up speed as it approaches the pins on the constant hook pattern and plows through the pins..pretty much your house stroker and to the right a few boards , as the lane changes.
Maybe 2.5 seconds, I'm no cranker for such but I'm no sally either.
The grip: everything feels well until I'm coming down on the swing, i have to clench the ball or ill drop it from the weight. the clenching sends a shock through my hand and gives me one game and I'm done.
Now that I am remembering a little better, used to I would have to use chap stick to get my thumb out, now there is a lot of room in there.  could my tips just be worn and that be the reason I need to grip the ball?
Also, the ball does not have a lot of miles on it and I really like it but Its a little shineyer than it used to be and a ball return really nicked it up a bit.  I read about sanding...do I do that my self to get my dull back? what do I need?  Can the nicks be filled? does it affect my game if they are in the ball? Can I drill more holes to take a lbs or two off?
I know this is a lot of questioning but I just need some help.
I do not think its the wieght of the ball that bothers me..its the gripping.  When I got the ball I wanted a 14 but all they had was this almost 16, so I always wanted a little lighter any way, ya know.
Im 6 foot @ 230 lbs.  A 12 lbs ball i used to have was like a missile and this one was not like that at all...before my surgery 2 years ago. I could never throw this one like the other any way. Bottom line...my spirit is willing, my flesh (muscle) is strong but my grip is weak.LOL
When you say (just hang from your hand) is that mean i hold the ball like i would palm a basket ball (fingers in obviously) with the ball down and hand on top? If so than I definitely have to grip it or it will fall.(fingers loose in plugs.)
I want to say that I really appreciate this service you are providing here. One more question if I may ...wife is a righty 125 lbs 5 foot 7 releases the house balls like i release my hook ball. she can not release flat.  thought she would do well bowling hook. Got any suggestions on a first hook ball for her?
Thanks a million, Pal!!
Randy

Answer
Randy,
SINGLE BIGGEST PROBLEM. Your ball doesn't fit well. You understand the concept, if you have to grip with the ball hanging straight down your span is too short or holes are to big or pitches are off (or a combo of the above). Have the ball checked out in addition to the finger grips.

You need new grips. They last between 60 and 100 games. Any change in your hands (bigger or smaller) change them.

A shop can sand the ball for a minimal price (a couple bucks). They do it well with the proper equipment. The nicks on the ball are probably mostly a cosmetic thing. Anything major in the ball track could effect your ball, but it doesn't sound like it's too bad.

You can NOT drill a big enough hole to reduce the weight of the ball significantly, legally. If your hand couldn't handle the weight chances are you couldn't handle it one time much less for a game. What did your doctor say?

For your wife, fit is crucial, and she can use something heavier than the houseball. A shiny entry performance ball similar in construction to the houseball might work well (Columbia Scout or Jazz, Ebonite Tornado Warning or Tornado, The Groove or Power Grooves are excellent at Brunswick, The Angles at AMF300 are reminiscent of the original first urethane balls). Thanks for the questions, hope I covered all the bases. Happy NY.