Expert: Warren Friedl, Pro Shop Owner/Operator, - 6/9/2009

Question
QUESTION: I would like to know what do you recommand to be a dry/med lane ball and spare ball.

I currently use Rouge Cell with Black Widow Pearl as my 2nd ball once the lane starts to break down, and I also use the BW as my spare ball.  It works fine when the lanes are fresh, but after it break down, I have problem consistantly pick the the 10 pin.

One of my local pro suggest the Groove Urethane, but I am not sure if that is what I need.

P.S. By the way my bowling style is cross between PDW and Steve Jaros

Thanks

James

ANSWER: James,
The Brunswick Groove is a VERY basic three piece weightblock, and some cover. So, listen to your local guy, it will make a good dry lane ball. Same weight as your current stuff.

Your swing will need to be consistent, because the core will NOT help much when lanes are not dry. If your swing needs the help of one of your performance balls, getting used to the much straighter path of the spare ball will take a little time.

Good luck and good bowling. Thanks for the question.

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

QUESTION: Thank you, on the same subject, besides the Groove Unethane, would balls like Avalanche pearl, Power Groove Pearl, Columbia 300 Scout, on some thing in that line?

ANSWER: James,
The balls you mention have more core (Avalanche pearl), or more cover and core (Power Groove Pearl(s)), or just more cover (Columbia 300 Scout(s)) than the Groove.

The rougher Groove, non-reactive resin, urethane surface (polished) and basic core allow for minimal interaction with the lane/oil/pattern, shy of a plastic spare ball, the Groove will go where you throw it. For some, that's exactly what they need. For others, it exposes flaws in their swing or spare game or both.

Why are you looking for something else? The balls you mention have a place. But, on the wrong condition, may be too violent to be an effective spare ball. Good luck.

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

QUESTION: I mention those other balls because, they are about the same price, and looks better, I thought there design are also simular.

It is hard for me to buy a ball just for one purpose, that is why I have not got a plastic spare ball.  I had use the BW for spare shots also, but when the lanes get dry, the BW's back end is too strong and the margine for error is too small.  I need to have ball between 1-3 board or else I will miss just left of pin, but on fresh shots, I can have the ball between 3-8 and still make the shot.

But since all these balls I mention above are price about the same, I would like it to do 2 thing and do them well.  Pick up the 10 pin/spare ball, and let me shoot straight down 7-8 board and hook into the pock with lanes are dry.

Answer
James,
Similar, but differences may cause the ball be too violent to be an effective spare ball.

Do you golf? Do you have three clubs?

If the spare ball is your first priority, get the Groove. If you want another ball, buy it and if it's too much for some 10 pins on some conditions, deal with the occasional problem (And it may ONLY be occasional!#.

The balls you mention are not designed to be spare balls, but they can be for some on some conditions.

If the new ball doesn't work, as I suggested it might not, as a spare ball, get a spare ball.

The closest thing to the ball you want is the Groove. Petey and Steve roll the ball imparting the necessary effect. A core can cause a ball to react to the surface reading dry and hooking #like the BW does, creating this dilemma for you#. Get less and learn to roll it stronger on dry lanes #two for one#.

I have no information #about your game, your skills, your center/conditions) to be more help one way or the other, sorry.