Expert: Chip Aki - 1/31/2010

Question
Chip,
I just started to re-take up bowling after over 7 years off & need an opinion on my older equipment.  I am now 59 years old and of small stature, always have been a fingertip bowler, however I am not as strong as I once was.  I have 3 balls from when I bowled regularly & would like your opinion.  (Ball #1) 15lb,2oz Ebonite Earl Anthony Magnum 10, satin/sanded dull finish.  (Ball #2)  14lb,15oz AMF Strikeline, polished surface that I used primarily for spare pick-up or very dry conditions & (Ball #3) 15lb,4oz Ebonite Crush (Not Crush-R), satin/sanded dull finish.  When I bowled regularly last I had a ball speed of roughly 16-17mph, but with my age pushing 60 now I'm sure that will be down some & I may need a lighter ball as well.  Let me know what you think.. Thanks, Gary

Answer
If you want to go down in weight due to some physical issues, 14# would be fine.  If you dont really have any issues, I would stay with the 15# as long as you can.  By staying with the 15s, you can keep your spare ball, the Crush, and add a pearl reactive resin ball.  I would suggest a ball like the Storm Tropical Storm line as your first reactive ball.  Other ball companies make similar equipment.
If you were going to drop to 14#, I think you would have to get at least 2 balls.  I can give you suggestions for that if you make that decision.

Chip