Expert: Warren Friedl, Pro Shop Owner/Operator, - 4/26/2009

Question
I am planning to begin bowling again after a 25-year layoff. Things have changed. My initial goal is to get into summer league and try out some new equipment. In the 1980s I carried 207 composite average in 3 leagues in Tulsa. I have open bowled using my black Hammer and average near 200 and haven't hurt myself yet. I am basically a stroker, used to get about 14 revs over the length of the lane, low track. The Hammer doesn't finish a strong as I would like, I can play different lines I think.
The language describing the new balls is rather foreign to me, apparently simple terms undefined (e.g., medium vs. medium oil), how do I know how the standard league pattern relates to ball reaction?
I like a very slick sliding shoe, don't need much braking. I have worn a wrist brace in the past, now I note adjustable wrist braces. Are these useful or hype?
My guess at a ball type is like the Hot Sauce Pearl or Second Dimension, but that could be wildly off.
We have only two certified ball drillers in the state, well away from my home. Who is a good pro in the Arkansas area?
I see balls for sale on line, will drillers just drill or do they expect the ball to be purchased to reimburse them for their expertise? I would expect to pay a pro for drilling.
Thanks.

Answer
Jerry,
Check out the standard league pattern by talking with the local center and ask about what nights still contain league play (most leagues are winding down this time of year). See if you can throw a little on a newly conditioned lane, just before league starts or on an unused lane.

Lanes are pretty easy these days. You shouldn't find it hard to hit the head pin. Typically, you should find more oil in the middle of the lane, the further to the outside of the lane you play (or swing the ball out) the more friction you will find (so the more hook you get).

What kind of wrist brace did you use? Newer, more complicated braces are not necessarily better. Wrist braces can help with cupping the ball and hitting it/rolling it consistently. I'm more a fan of the brace for practice, to help create muscle memory. But, lots of people use it for the benefits during play. I only suggest a brace if you have a problem they address. Braces can restrict your options.

Any top line shoe, should provide multiple soles that can be changed to provide the needed amount of slide.

Your Black Hammer would be considered a very basic performance ball these days. The Hammer and Storm balls you mentioned are very specific high performance bowling balls. I'd need to know your ball speed, axis tilt and rotation and more about the lane condition and surface to recommend anything.

You can get balls off the net, but you want some input from the driller, and if you buy from your driller, they are more invested in you doing well. Talk to them, have them watch you bowl, let them know what you want the ball to do, and ask for it!

Internet sellers could care less if you ever bowl with something they sell you. You want an opportunity to be successful, seek out the business that benefits from you being successful.  Thanks for the questions. Let me know more and we can better address what you need.