Expert: Chip Aki - 2/28/2005

Question
hey chip.  I've been bowling for years, but i've always had to suffer with using bowling alley balls.  I have wide fingers but small hands, making it virtually impossible to find a ball that didn't give me blisters or bone bruise on my inner thumb.  I've decided to put in the extra money for a custom drilled ball to fit my hand comfortably.  I'm certainly no professional, averaging about 160 per game, but i like to bowl a lot and blisters are making it hard to be consistant.  I bowl at average local bowling alleys, which all seem to be moderately oiled.  I'd like an inexpensive ball that can benefit my size of hand, as well as give me some benefit towards my bowl. I do not throw with any curve or side spin on the ball.  (sorry for lack of knowlegs in bowling terms) I throw straight on.  thanx much, hope you can help me find a ball.

Answer
Are you a competitive person?  If so, you will want to go with a ball with some performance characteristics instead of just a plastic ball.  I would suggest a Big Hit from Storm or the Scout Reactive from Columbia.  Both of these balls have some hook potential in case you want to work on that, but they will not hook by themselves.  The benefit from these types of balls is the extra hitting power and pin action.  Both balls are probalby around 100.00 or less.

Good luck,
Chip

If you go to a local pro shop, they should be able to fit and drill the ball to take care of your pain and blisters.