Expert: - 9/22/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
I am a 52 year old female that bowls in a league once a week. I am currently using Wrath XP (12 lb) for my only ball. I am right handed back-up bowler. My average is about 160-165. I was considering using my Wrath XP as strike ball and would like to know what type of spare ball I should get. Or should I get a totally new strike ball altogether. I'm confused. P.S. The lanes where I bowl are medium oil. Thanks for your help.

ANSWER: C,
Spare balls are typically smooth, shiny, and roll very straight (basic plastic).

Are you having trouble with spares? Which spares? What does the Wrath do that is a problem? Hook too much or too little for spares? Let me know and I can try to figure out what can be done. Thanks for your question. Looking forward to hearing back from you.

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

QUESTION: Not having trouble with spares, unless they are splits. Wrath seems to hook too little for backend (1st frame). For spares, I usually do good. Maybe I just need a new ball, not a spare ball?

ANSWER: C,
Your ball should match up to your speed, rev rate and the lane conditions. If your ball isn't hooking much, it may be rolling out or not drilled to take advantage of the core enough. The XP is dull do you roll on heavily oiled lanes? throw hard?

Thanks for following up. Good luck.

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

QUESTION: Lanes are medium I would say. I was told I throw hard.

Answer
C,
Layout could be the key. Your current ball (Wrath XP) doesn't have much inside in 12 pounds. Your ball path may be using up the balls energy. Do you roll it straight and let the ball hook in from the left side of the lane? or swing it from the right side of the lane?

Your speed should be an asset, but if you are rolling the ball so fast that the modest core can't get the ball to do much it will look like it's laboring, trying to hook but skidding too far. Is your ball laid out as if for a left hander? Your reverse hook or back up needs the proper core positioning to be most effective. Does it take less than 3 seconds for the ball to hit the head pin? Could you roll a heavier ball? It would help you slow down a little and provide more bang at the pins.

Let me know more. Thanks for following up.