Expert: Chip Aki - 6/24/2007

Question
Hi Chip,
I met you several times while in Kenner Louisiana, at the former Don Carter Lanes.  I'm looking for some tips on ball selection.  My average has been in the mid 190's for a couple of years, participating in only one league, and only three out of four weeks a month due to my night shift schedule.  Problem I'm running into is all the web sites I check are pushing their own lines, and not giving an unbiased comparison across the board.  The last two selections were heavily weighted on the recommendation of the pro-shop driller.  Is this the best way, or is there a truly unbiased comparison for all lines?  I'm looking for a bigger backend ball than the Big Bully I have now.  It's three years old and about ready for replacement.

Chip, looks like things are going very well for you, congratulations.  
Richard Lauffer

Answer
The reason I like using a local pro shop for info is the fact they know the lane conditions at the local centers.  However, they will tend to push the lines they are familiar with or on staff with.  Since I am a Storm staffer, I will sell a lot more Storm balls than I used to, but I do keep up with all of the lines so I can sell all of them.
If you want something with more backend than the Big Bully, I would look for a higher RG number and a pearl coverstock.  Hammer, Ebonite, Brunswick and Storm make some really good balls that would fit.  Hmmers new Black Widow Pearl looks really good.

Chip