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

Question
QUESTION: What is a good replacement or the equivalent ball for the Ebonite Big Time sanded?


ANSWER: Janet,
The core is duplicated in the Bash Red/Black, but without the flipblock and particle cover. What about the Big Time did you like?

As a mid-priced reactive (Big Bang XL) cover, this Bash has many of the attributes of the Big Time sanded. Let me know more and we can narrow the focus. Thanks for the questions.

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

QUESTION: I like that it goes straight down the lane on third arrow from right then curves into pocket at very end. I also have the ebonite smash time and it works about the same. I'm only using a 10 pound ball and I want to go to 11 pound. I also use a conventional grip. I'm a small senior woman age(66) with a bad wrist and thumb. I bowl only about a 150 average which is fine but I leave 1 pin a lot. and spares are iffy. So if you have any suggestions please let me know.
Thanks Janet

Answer
Janet,
The core in a light ball is the same as a basic entry level ball (have you ever thrown plastic?). Your Ebonite balls are probably identical inside. How invested is your ball driller in you doing better?

Your speed and light ball doesn't allow for much flexibility. A ball that needs to go long down the lane, needs to be shiny, smooth. Does the driller do anything special to the ball to get more out of it? Weight hole? Special top weight? Imbalance?

Leaving a pin is more the over-whelming weight of the pins versus the significantly lighter ball. Your angle to the pocket will help.  A tighter angle, deeper on the lane, roll across the head pin, helps keep the ball's energy where it needs to be. Try a few shots from sixth arrow (third arrow from the other gutter). Adjust back toward your old line slowly to see if a better angle, comfortable shot path, is available to you.

Is there a coach you can get some tips from? Protect your wrist with a basic brace (Robby's or Wristmaster or the like). Why are the spares iffy? Rolling at multiple pins spares too much? or skidding or hooking by single pins?

Thanks for the questions. Let me know more. Good luck.