Expert: Chip Aki - 2/12/2010

Question
73 years old got back into bowling after a 45 year break,rolled a fullroller then and things have not changed. for 2 years I have been rolling a 16 lb Storm XFactor drilled for a full roller I think to the Hammer pattern #5. My ball track is 1" above the thumb hole so its not quite the full dia of the ball. I am Bowling 2 days per week and I have started to have some arthritus probs in my fingers and think I am tiring out before my 3 games are up and although I am still in the mid 170's I am getting much more erratic If I don't strike I am in trouble. I want to go to a 14 lb ball and am thinking of the Storm fast although the dicision is still up for grabs. My question is, with the info I have given you what ball do you suggest and how should it be drilled?? thank you in advance

Answer
The ball choice and ball weight are a good idea.  I would also stay with the full roller layout for the new ball.
The Fast will get the ball down the lane better than the Xfactor.  One thing  you will have to get used to is it will also have a sharper breakpoint.
Dropping down to 14 LB will help your stamina.

Good luck,
Chip