Expert: Warren Friedl, Pro Shop Owner/Operator, - 5/4/2009

Question
QUESTION: I currently throw a strait ball but I'm going to be getting a new ball soon and I'd like to throw a hook. Are there going to be any changes to my release? I stand at the far left, about where the last dot is on the lane, will I have to change where I position myself?

I'm also changing from a 16 pound ball because it's a bit too heavy and causes me to grip it too tight. It's a ball that wasn't specialized for me but fits ok. What can I expect from a lighter ball on the lanes?

I'd like to get a Reactive Resin ball with flexible grips, how much should I expect to pay?

ANSWER: Dan,
Are there going to be any changes to my release? Yes, or the ball won't hook. You will need to make the changes. A ball can influence how you roll, but it's not an automatic thing.

I stand at the far left, about where the last dot is on the lane, will I have to change where I position myself? Depends on what you learn to do.

I'm also changing from a 16 pound ball because it's a bit too heavy and causes me to grip it too tight. If it doesn't fit you will have to grip it. Does the weight compliment your game?

What can I expect from a lighter ball on the lanes? You very likely will throw harder, hopefully a correct fit will have you NOT GRIP.

I'd like to get a Reactive Resin ball with flexible grips, how much should I expect to pay? You want to walk into a place and dictate everything about your purchase. Great idea, but you know (and I know) NOTHING about what you need. Let the ball driller help you.

Why are you getting reactive resin? Why grips?

Some thoughts: Ball weight is dictated by your size (weight and athleticism), surface is dictated by lane conditions and ball speed, how you roll the ball is influenced by your coach or someone with some understanding of the sport and what you want to do.

Cost: a basic (plastic) ball runs around $65-70, entry level performance ball around $90-100, mid price or higher is more but more ball doesn't necessarily help if you can't control it. And since your rolling straight why pay $200-250+ and get a straight ball.

Lastly, the fit is CRUCIALLY IMPORTANT. You pay more to people that know what they're doing. Interview them. Explain what you want and CHALLENGE them to provide it. Don't just get a ball, require the driller to GUARANTEE you get what you want. They will be more invested in making it happen. Cheap drillers and mass merchants (big sports stores) sell to the naive. You buy cheap (typically) you get balls that don't fit WELL, and don't perform WELL.  Thanks for the questions. Good luck and good bowling.

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

QUESTION: The weight doesn't compliment my game, I just got the ball from a family member since he was moving to a new ball he gave me the one I currently use. I feel the weight is an issue because in order to keep it from dropping I have to grip tightly. I'm about 165 pounds and pretty thin, throwing a 16 pound ball is a workout for me.

I'm thinking of getting Reacitve Resin because I'd like more explosiveness and from what I've seen and read that's what it can give me. I'm not sure about the grips, I thought they'd give me a better feeling but that may be something I have to try out for myself.  

Answer
Dan,
Fit will help, but a 15 probably will work fine.

Resin provides some tackiness and friction, it does help with the explosiveness, but you need to create the reaction with your delivery.

Grips can make the feel more comfortable, but the potential help (for lift) wears out in 60-75 games (and they should be changed periodically).

Thanks for the follow up.