Expert: - 3/4/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi Warren and thanks for taking my question..

I'm using a 15# Ogre Solid Ball, also an Ogre ss pearl. went bowling last night on the Friday night league. I usually bowl with a moderate hook. My thumb starts out at 3 o'clock and at release to 12. last night, no matter where I was standing, started out at center dot targeting the second arrow, and moved in left, that ball would not hook to pocket. I tried slowing down, backing up, fwd.

I watched the other team, and basically they were letting that ball slide to pocket. I shot 133, 155, and 160. I'm looking for HELP?!
Thanks, have a great weekend

ANSWER: Sandy,
What difference does the SS Ogre Pearl offer than the Ogre?

Your rolling a very aggressive (rough) cover. Unless there's oil everywhere and you throw hard, the ball may be burning up to soon. When the cover contacts the lane long before the pins, the rotational energy and forward momentum are lessened. How hard do you throw the ball?

If the oil is that heavy, moving right would be your first move (most centers put less on the lane as you move outside, toward the gutters).

Refreshing the surface of the ball is also suggested, some shine may have built up from use.

Is the target line you described, your go to attack path? Does your ball go long then flip? or is it more rolly? (normally)

Sometimes when a heavy oiled lane is encountered, a pearl ball, that conserves lots of energy can be used, with a tight line and all the reaction is concentrated in a short path from the end of the oil line to the pins. Have you every tried that?

Thanks for the questions. Let me know how you do?

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

QUESTION: Warren,
The difference, is that the Ogre ss, is SUPPOSED to be for medium to light oil. They say its a true skid flip. I'm usually down and in. As for how hard I throw, someones always saying slow down.
However, when I 1st started using the ogre solid 600 matte cover, thats how I threw it and it went fine. does a solid require that much maintaining? Thanks again..

Answer
Sandy,
Not usually much maintenence, but wiping the ball off after every session, or better after every shot lessens the need for anything major.

Is the target line you described, your prefered line? Does your ball go long then flip? or is it more rolly?

Next time it doesn't work well (in prctice), head to the pro shop and have them skuff it up/freshen the surface a little and see what you think.

Thanks for the question.