Expert: Chip Aki - 10/17/2006

Question
The balls I have tried are Ebonite Vortex V2, Predator, Turbo/A Acryllium,and an older Columbia Shadow. Everyone in the house are throwing off of the right corner almost straight toward the pocket. There is only one, maybe two bowlers even over a 180 average besides myself. Last week I threw my worst series ever. The balls I have slide way too much and I missed a dozen easy spares. I am not used to throwing a straight ball and I really do not want to. So I am desparate need of some advice. Mnay thanks
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Followup To

Question -
I have recently starting bowling in an older house which still has wood lanes and still oils with the older type of oils. I have several newer balls(reactive resin and particle: all ebonites) and have averaged close to 200 on synthetic lanes. These balls do not work in this house though.They pretty much slide all the way to the head pin. I relied on how the balls were drilled to help give me my hook of about 8 to 10 boards.What newer ball should I purchase that would give the same hook potential on the older lanes . Years ago I used a grey urethane Rhino with a very dull finish or Ebonite Red urethane Gyro 1. Any suggestions and which ball and drill pattern. The person I have drill used to sponsored by Ebonite so be as technical and he can decipher. many thanks jd

Answer -
Do any of the balls you use now have a dull surface?  That may help.  
Most of the time the difference is not just the wood or synthetic, but the pattern they use when applying the oil.  Try to watch other bowlers and see where they are playing the lane.  Is it the same part of the lane that people play at your synthetic center?  
I just think you probably have balls that might work, but may not have the right surface of you need to try another part of the lane.  Let me know what you see and what ball(s) you have tried.

Good luck,
Chip

Answer
Are any of the balls you are using now dull?  If not, sand either the Predator or the V2 and see what reaction you get.  If you have tried that already, then you will want to go with a ball that has a low RG number and drill it with what would be considered a rev-leverage layout.  This will give you a ball that will get into a roll, but it may not give you hook.  If the lanes are really slick, then the best you can hope for is to get the ball into a roll, just dont expect a lot of backend movement.  It would be much easier if I could see the ball roll down the lane.  See if your pro shop can come out and watch you throw what you have, especially if you change the surface on them.

Good luck,
Chip