Expert: Susie Minshew - 2/1/2010

Question
hello  I have recently started bowling again I carry a 177 average but the ball I'm using is an old ball I got from my dad but would like to know the specs on the ball.  Its an AMF sumo ball with an id# of 21c8402. Any info would be great. Drew

Answer
Hi, Drew!

Ahh, the Sumo. Quite the ball in its day. The technology of the Sumo is quite old and I can't imagine that the ball is not 'tired'. Resin coverstocks debuted in 1991 and are still the coverstock of choice today.

I suspect that what you like about the Sumo is how it rolls and behaves for you. Getting a new ball that reacts similarly to your Sumo won't be difficult. In fact, a new ball will behave on the lane like your Sumo but hit the pins in such a way that your carry will improve. That's a good thing! Your local pro shop operator will be able to tell you what core configuration and coverstock in a modern ball will give you that same look on the lane as your Sumo.

Also, Drew, you didn't say that your Dad's ball had been fitted to your hand. I hope it has. That's really an important thing. When you see your pro shop operator, be sure and have her measure your hand rather than take measurements from the Sumo.