Expert: Chip Aki - 11/27/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi there, I've been bowling on league for a few years now and have had my first ball for about 5 years (Ebonite Predator). I used to bowl straight at first and gradually developed a reverse hook. I had my ball redrilled for a left-handed person and it does hook better than it did before. Anyway, I had a couple questions. I'm not trying to ever become anywhere close to pro, but is the way I bowl bad? I read often that it's the wrong way to bowl. I average 150 and I've had my 200 games here and there and I've maintained a consistent release being able to pinpoint within 5-6 boards at worst. Also, I'm looking to buy a new ball, and I want to get something that would be the most beneficial to my style of throwing. The Ebonite Predator is a nice ball, but I get the feeling there's something even better for me, and I'd like to stay with Ebonite but I am willing to get another brand if it's the ball that fits. I bowl with conventional fingers with a 13 pound ball (when you're 5'5 135 lbs, 15 or 16 pound balls aren't fun). I am willing to go to a 14, for probably the first 2 games. Thank you so much for your help.

ANSWER: You will be limited a little bit with the backup ball, but not enough to worry about making any changes to your release.  I have a bowler here that throws a backup ball and shot back to back 300s.
As far as the ball goes, you would need to decide what kind of different reaction you would be looking for.  Do you want a ball that goes longer and has a sharper breakpoint than your predator or do you want a ball that hooks sooner than your predator?  Ebonite, as well as other manufacturers make balls that would do that for you.

Good luck,
Chip

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

QUESTION: Well right now my ball breaks late, and tends to leave the 7-pin up...my least favorite pin. I'm thinking I want something that hooks earlier, that way I can put a little more power for better pin action....if I'm wrong at all with what I said please correct me. Let me know what ball you think would be good, money is not an issue. Thanks again.

Answer
Before you take the step to get a new ball, I would suggest you sand your Predator that you have now with a green scotch brite pad.  This will get your ball to move earlier on the lane.  If that is the reaction you really like, you can get a brunswick mammoth or a storm jolt particle.

Chip