Expert: - 9/30/2008

Question
I am currently on a collegiate bowling team. I have recently purchased a Storm Attitude Shift and a Track Up-Rising. I also have a Track Thrash that is about three years old and a Columbia White Dot for my spare shooting. I have heard a lot about having at least a 6 ball arsenal and I was wondering if I am on the right track? Could you possibly recommend some other bowling balls to add to my bag?

Thanks,

Nigel Shemanski

Answer
Nigel,
Your arsenal should allow you to play where you want. If your "A" game works best and you're most comfortable at third arrow (for example), build around third arrow (your favorite target line).

Getting equipment that you never use, because it's too strong or too weak from where you like to play, doesn't make much sense.

Get a weaker ball, weaker (longer later) layout and use it when your "go to" ball is too strong, finishing to hard.  Same line, just less ball, to play the change in lane friction.

Get another of your favorite balls and drill it stronger (if possible) and/or alter the surface to allow you to play in from your favorite (benchmark) ball (or to play your favorite line when it's oilier). Try to create at least five boards stronger reaction (downlane recovery). When you have to move in, you may only adjust your target line slightly but will need a stronger recovery downlane because of the angle/belly created by the move.

Build off your favorite ball (core and cover). If you use shiny pearl reactives all the time in competition, drilling a strong, dull, particle ball is a waste. Often, something that rough and early rolling won't fit your game and would be so condition specific it isn't an arsenal ball (equipment you use actively) for example.

Lastly, to many bowlers try whatever is new. If a new ball (core, cover, surface prep) doesn't give you an option, off a line you are comfortable playing, it isn't a good addition. Trying to find a line with something completely different, is like trying to drive a golf ball with a baseball bat. Why make the job harder, you don't have a lot of time (frames to burn) trying to figure out if a ball could work (matches up).

Bowling This Month sponsors a website: buildanarsenal.com. which might help. I'd need much more information, about your game and your preferences to just start to examine some options for you.

Thanks for the question. Good luck in college. Good bowling.