Expert: Chip Aki - 9/19/2006

Question
I have read that the full roller style went out of style in the 1960s.  I have just returned to the bowling scene after a 30 year absence and that is the only style I know.  I've tried the semi roller with no luck so I feel more comfortable with the full roller.  I don't ever intend to be as competitive as I once was but I'd like to bowl consistent.  I just invested in an Action ball and am having it drilled for a full roller.  I have also always played the outside lane and I'm a stroker.  Any suggestions other than to switch styles?  Thanks,  

Answer
Having the Action drilled for a full roller will give you best reaction possible.  I would imagine you will have to have it polished unless you throw it really hard or the lanes are extremely oily.
This ball might give you more hitting power provided it stores its energly long enough.  The reason why full rollers were popular at the time was the ability to get the ball to roll on the longer oil patterns with the harder balls.  That is no longer needed with the aggressiveness of the bowling balls and the shorter oil patterns.

I still drill balls for some full rollers and if the coverstock is matched to the lane condition, they perform very well.

Good luck,
Chip