Expert: Warren Friedl, Pro Shop Owner/Operator, - 5/17/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hello I am looking at buying a new ball on the internet and was wondering how do I know what top weight and pin that I would need. My local alley owner has snubbed me off the last month when I have been trying to buy a new ball, so I am taking matters into my own hands. I throw a 15 lb ball lots of speed little rotation.  Not sure about the particulars when it comes to balls. Thank You.

ANSWER: Casey,
Where will you get it drilled? What center are you referring to? Where is the center located?

What ball do you have now? Getting more rotation could happen with some coaching. I expect there's none available from the center?

Balls are more complicated then 15 years ago, so we need to get more info about what you might need. Please give me as much info as you can. If you can get a stop watch and time your ball speed. From when it hits the lane to when it hits the pins. Average? What does the ball layout look like? Sample attached.

The more info the better, thanks. Look forward to hearing back from you.

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

QUESTION: At my local center I get the impression that I get overlooked because I don't carry a 200 average. I am a righty and I throw a hammer vibe pearl very little hook, from everyone I have talked to I'm interested in a storm second dimension. My lay out is very similar to you photo the pin is right of my ring finger at an angle. Next time I bowl I will time my ball speed and get back to you with that. I have worked on slowing it down because Ive been told there isnt a ball strong enough to react soon enough with my speed but I have been moving closer to the line to shorten my steps and slow my speed. I guess when I show up with a new ball he will have to drill it or I will go to another center with my balls and throw some shots and get it drilled there. Thanks for all your help.

ANSWER: Casey,
If you throw that hard why are you looking at the smoother Second Dimension, look at the Dimension? And ball speed can be controlled with a strong layout and some surface adjustments (make the ball rougher).

Depending on how you roll the ball, the standard label drill that is shown in my graphic is going to get the ball to go too long down the lane.

Shiny bowling balls typically work better for slower players or on lanes that are dry (drier). The faster the ball is thrown the quicker it gets down the lane, so usually a rougher cover, or an adjusted cover (roughed up) works to help slow the ball down so it can begin to grab the lane and hook.

Ball speed is a great asset to have, your ball driller isn't helping you or doesn't know how to help you utilize your more natural faster ball speed. Do you know your positive axis? Did the driller determine it for you?

Good luck but think about a Dimension, original Cell, Columbia Resurgence, Brunswick Twisted Fury Solid, Track Rising SE or something along theses lines (more surface).

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

QUESTION: I do not know my positive axis the driller watched me bowl and then drilled my ball.  My speed is much slower than It used to be and my uncle that has bowled for years is telling me to buy a pearl because the coverstock will last longer, so that kinda pushed me away from a dull ball.

Answer
Casey,
If you buy a pearl that doesn't work well (like the Vibe), why would you want it to last longer? so you can be unhappy with it for years? You HAVE a pearl ball?

Balls don't last longer because their dull or shiny. A dull ball might need a little maintenance, have the pro shop/center ball driller dull it back down (if they don't know how, contact me, I'll help them), after some games cause it to pick up some shine/oil.

Get something that is more likely to work for your speed and rev rate. I'd like you to bowl better, but with the input you're getting from others, it's going to be rough.

Storm Bowling is rolling out a bowlers clinic, featuring their ball reps and some neat video technology.

Give me the center managers name and I can get Storm to give him a call and schedule a Clinic. On site, you get a lesson and recommendation for what might work well for you. Let me know: revbowl@revbowl.com. Or make your reponse Private.

What caused you to slow down? Without knowing how you bowl or what you do, it's like your asking me to guess for you.

My job is to have bowling balls work, if I can't be sure they will, I won't drill it. Knowing nothing other than you throw hard or used to, can you see my dilemma?

Thanks for the question. Good luck, you'll need it.