Expert: - 7/29/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi Warren,
I am in the market to purchase a new ball. I haven't in 4 years. I am a right handed 53 year old female. I am comfortable in using 12lb ball and I usually throw a back-up ball but during summer league I have been throwing a straight ball and actually doing fairly well. Winter league had a 159 average, summer league I have a 173 average. I only bowl on a league once a week, lane conditions are usually medium. Can you suggest a ball for me? Thanks

ANSWER: Cheryl,
Congratulations on the improvement.

Unfortunately, without knowing more about what you throw now and how you throw, I can not pare down your options much.

I'd like to know: ball speed, rev rate (assuming not much), lane conditions and what ball you're rolling (and how its drilled -layout and grip type - could you send a picture?). Is your current ball drilled to facilitate the back-up ball reaction? Is the straight ball helping you with your spares?

Because of the lighter ball, your ball speed will help influence my recommendation. When I evaluate weight for a new customer, we try to use 10% of your body weight as a starting point for the weight of your ball. If you could use a heavier ball, but choose not to, ball fit becomes an issue, as well as confidence. In a more modest ball (fewer performance characteristics) ball weight becomes one of the most important factors making a ball successful.

What more would you like a new ball to do?  I look forward to hearing back from you, so we can figure this out. Thanks for the question.

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

QUESTION: In answer to your questions:
I use a WRATH XP MATT FINISH
Ball speed I would say approx. 12-14
rev rate none because I don't throw a hook ball.
I have conventional fit (cannot do fingertip, tried, don't like it, not changing fit at my age)
Lane conditions are medium.
When I throw the ball, I would like it to go straight and then curve(snap) at the backend.

Answer
Cheryl,
Thanks for getting back so quick.

When players start rolling lighter equipment, slowly, I usually encourage a weaker three piece ball to help store energy and provide some effect downlane. I've had good luck with Ebonite's Tornados, Brunswick's Power Grooves, Columbia's Jazz series and 900 Global's Link. This years weaker product has gotten stronger. Columbia's Freeze line, Brunswick's Slingshots, Hammer's Vibes and Storm's Tropical and Tropical Heats are potentially as much ball as you might need.

Now that you are rolling the ball straighter, it will be up to your driller to work with you on providing the appropriate layout.

The large variance in speed is something you should work on. Consistency is a key to success.

You have a rev rate, it's the rotational rate of the ball traveling down the lane. Your axis rotation is probably zero degrees, thus the straight ball. A very mild ball and mild layout should provide a little help down lane. Some imbalance in a three piece ball might just do the trick (so Columbia's Scout series is an option too).

Do NOT assume that a more expensive ball would be better. Expense is usually tied to performance potential. Something that your speed can't control and your straighter delivery won't utilize. Thanks for the question. Please let me know what you get and how it works. Good luck.