Expert: - 2/7/2009

Question
I recently had to go to an 11 lb ball because of arthritus in my knuckles...i dont throw the ball hard..and i like to go as straight as i can...plastic doesnt carry...i was suggested these balls

the hammer pure or vibe..which ball goes longest and which carries better..lenth is my main concern

or the columbia trooper or dr. Jekyll..these are urethane..which is the better for length...ive tried the bash and other reactives but they hook too much as the lane conditions here are pretty dry..any help would be appreciate...thanks..BIll

Answer
Bill,
Light bowling balls don't have much inside. They are a basic pancake weightblock (typically) at or near the top of the core (under the label). A high performance or mid priced performance light ball is not significantly better than a lower priced entry level ball.

You are buying what the cover will do. Plastic is smooth enough (and hard and shiny) but doesn't hit, so if you can get a smooth enough ball with better hit your problem is solved.

You might want to consider a urethane ball (like a Brunswick Groove) or reactive (like the Columbia300 Scout). The entry level Ebonite Tornado's, Brunswick Power Grooves, 900Global Link, and Columbia300 Jazz series balls are a little more ball (possibly too much).

Without knowing your ball speed, rev rate, axis tilt and rotation, I can't know exactly what will work best. BUT, I'd suggest if you compare any of the balls you mentioned, IN THE WEIGHT YOU WANT, you'd find no significant difference INSIDE, than a ball significantly cheaper.

Your axis rotation and speed could significantly undermine any ball. But consider the couple I mentioned above (Brunswick Groove, Columbia300 Scout) if you don't plan any further research. Thanks for the question.