Expert: - 9/26/2008

Question
I just started bowling for our company tournament last Feb. 2008, and being a beginner in this sport is a real challenge for me to choose the right ball to use to improved my game consistently. I have an avg. of 124 (no hcp) as of now from 24 games i have played since Feb. 2008. I have 3 bowling balls, 2 of which i have recently bought from different shops.

1. 11 lbs. Hammer Lite (urethane, my old ball)
2. 15 lbs. Ebonite XXXcel (recently bought 2nd-hand ball)
3. 13 lbs. Storm Hot Rod Hybrid (just bought another 2nd-hand ball)
4. still thinking to buy a Lane#1 Cobalt Bomb

My question is this, consider the conditions below what is the right ball for me? Or should i buy a different ball?

- Lane condition: Medium-Light
- ball speed: medium
- ball revs: medium
- right-handed stroker

Answer
Don,
As a new bowler, I'd suggest you start with a basic plastic ball. The challenge of plastic is it doesn't do much (both core and cover). You will find it goes where you throw it, and right now you need to learn to control your approach, swing and delivery to control the ball.

Decide on what weight you want to throw and get rid of the other weights.

Your performance compliment of balls, will stress you with their different weights and surfaces and core characteristics.

Rather than to try to control the different weights and characteristics (and they will mess you up), learn to bowl. Being able to duplicate your approach will allow you to deliver the ball more consistently. When throwing on a 40 inch wide playing field (a bowling lane), your consistency is crucial. With a 14 or 15 pound ball, you'll average way more than 120, just getting control of what your body is trying to do.

Learn the hook. When you can hook plastic, you can hook anything. Learning with performance equipment, demands you learn to control the ball. Better you use the ball like a tool to help you control the lane and it's oil(condition).

I am amazed a pro shop would be all right with all the different balls and different weights. You can't execute identically with different weight pulling on you as you attempt to learn the sport.
Thanks for the question. I realize it probably isn't what you expected.

One of my favorite sayings is "You can't out execute bad ball reaction." Your starting out with equipment that is doing things you aren't aware of. Oil, heat, humidity, your skills, types of lanes, all effect what a ball will do. You've got enough to worry about with learning the sport, than to pile on a bunch of added influences that with minor execution mistakes will frustrate you mightily. Good luck.