Expert: Chip Aki - 8/25/2007

Question
Hello. I bowl in Summer leagues at my local bowling alley with a straight ball & my average just gets lower & lower. I want to try a hook ball but I don't know what kind or weight I should get. What's a good beginner hook ball? And what weight. I'm 24 year old female, about 5'3 and 115 pounds. Thanks!

Answer
For the new bowling ball, I would take a look at the Brunswick Power groove, the Columbia Jazz, the Ebonite Tornado, and the Storm Tropical Storm.  If at all possible, I would not go lighter than a 12 pound ball.
To determine your best ball weight, place a bowling ball in the palm of your bowling hand with the elbow bent at 90 degrees and place against your side.  Whatever the heavist ball weight is that you can hold comfortably for 20 seconds or so should be the ball weight you could use.

Good luck,
Chip