Expert: Gary L. Oatis, PBA Coach and USBC Silver Level Coach, PBA Member, Pro Shop Staff Member - 2/1/2012

Question
I haven't bowled since about 1988 due to medical condition but I am now in remission and able to use my arms and legs once again and would like to get back into bowling. Like everything else, lane conditions, equipment has changed since I last bowled.

What should I look at for new equipment. ie bowling balls

When I last bowled, I averaged 190+ in 3 or 4 leagues, used a Columbia yellow dot, Hammer, and a could of others. I use a finger tip 16 pound ball, stand on 2nd dot and throw a small hook.

I adapted well to dry and oily lanes

Answer
Hello John, Great to have you back! Considering its been 24 years since you've bowled, we have to start from scratch! The yellow dot was a low flaring ball. If you still want the look that a low flaring ball will give you, your pro shop professional can help you decide on a modest entry level reactive ball, geared towards your local bowling center.
  The pro shop professionals in your area should know the lane conditions you will be bowling on. Their recommendation can get you off to a great start. Knowing whether the conditions are long oiled, or short oiled, often requires different equipment.
  One bowling ball nowadays may hook too soon on a short oiled condition, while the long oiled condition may cause your ball to hook, but hook too late, leaving you 10pin after 10pin, after 10pin.
  The first priority in bowling is to get the right ball for the lane oil condition. Only your local pro shop can tell you what they would recommend.
  When they tell you what ball to get for your local conditions, you may want to consider going down from a 16lb to a 15lb ball. 15 lb balls cover a wide variety of core differentials that can help you get the look you want when your ball travels down lane. Your yellow dot was symmetrical and curved smoothly down the lane to the inside. Today we have a lot more of "an engine" inside the balls, so they will arc, smooth curve or late skid flip for you.
  The majority of bowlers swear by the 15 lb balls produced today, regardless of which company you try. Physically you may even want to downsize to 14 lbs. Its all about your speed, release, and clearing out the cob webs in your delivery. You mentioned using finger tips before and having a 190+ average, that is great.
  Confidence is the main ingredient when taking on a sport that millions love and that you have enjoyed before. I love that you are willing to give it another chance.
  In summary John, I recommend an entry level ball. This will allow you to have a maximum distance and recovery. This recommendation is made provided your local pro shop professionals agree that the lane conditions, your speed and delivery will match up. I also, recommend that you may want to drop in weight from 16 to 15 lbs, do to the powerful nature of the modern bowling balls.
  Since you are a veteran of the game, ease back into play. Some aspects of the game may pop up such as, the need to bevel the thumbhole, rolling over the thumb holes, and other fit issues that may have to be sorted out over time. Establishing a rapport with your local pro shop staffers is your first move. Thanks for your question, and God's Blessings to you! Let me know how it goes from time to time.

-Coach Gary
Las Vegas, NV.
www.TrueBowlerAdjustments.com (It's A Great Bowling Book!)