June 2010

What Ball Should I Buy?

The first question to ask yourself is: “Do I want the ball to go straight or do I want it to curve/hook?”

Let’s think about bowling balls like we think about the tires on our cars.  Tires have different amounts of traction, the more traction they have the more they are able to grip the road.  The more traction your ball has, the more hook potential it will have.  Normally the more hook potential the ball has the more it expensive it will be.

Let’s talk about factors that affect whether your ball has curve or hook.  The speed at which you roll your ball is important.  Medium speed is the goal.  The faster you roll your ball the less time it has to react on the lane.  Rolling the ball too slow may allow the ball to curve too much.  Also, medium speed shots are the easiest to repeat.  Remember to use a weight that feels comfortable and which you can maintain medium speed.  The next factor to consider is the lane conditioner.   The conditioner is a fine oil and oil is a lubricant which will make your ball slide or reduce its ability to hook. The last factor to consider when purchasing a new ball is the coverstock (outer layer of the ball) this is the most important part of your ball.  The cover determines how much traction your ball has.  The core of your ball is secondary to the cover yet it will aid with ball performance.

Bowling balls are made of a few materials: polyester (plastic), urethane and reactive resin. 

If you are a recreational or social bowler and want the ball to go straight, then I recommend you purchase a polyester or plastic ball.  This is the same material that house balls are made of.  They are available in weights from 6 to 16 pounds in a variety of colors.  This product is relatively inexpensive and definitely a good idea so you have your own ball that fits you!  Remember house balls are one size fits NONE!

For the bowler that wants to learn to curve/hook the ball then urethane or reactive resin urethane is a better choice.  This product has more traction than a plastic ball.  There is a wide range of choices in the balls that are designed to help you get curve/hook.  Let’s classify these bowling balls based on their amount of traction we have mild, medium, and strong traction.

When learning to get a hook/curve on your ball a medium hooking ball is what I would recommend.  I want you to have a ball in your hand that when you roll it properly that you get rewarded for your effort and it actually hooks!  Yet, not so much that you cannot control it.  This product is the closest thing you can have to an all around ball that has the most versatility.  This product works best if you have medium speed and you are on medium amount of oil.

When these factors are not in the optimum range we need to look at using a ball with either more or less traction depending on the circumstances.  Please consult a proshop professional with experience to help you get the correct product in your hand for the best performance and the most fun!

December 2010

What Weight Bowling Ball Should I Use?

     The most important thing to remember about ball weight is that you need to be comfortable. Do not go to a heavier ball to get more hitting power unless you can maintain medium speed (14-15 mph). If you are struggling to roll the ball down the lane, then you are not going to benefit from throwing a heavier ball. It is not going to do you any good if you can’t hit the head pin!

     To test yourself for proper weight, place a ball in the palm of your hand without your fingers in the holes and hold your arm at a 90o angle with your elbow next to your side. A few seconds will do. If you can hold it without shaking and quivering, you should be ok with that weight. Test different weights. Also, first impression is important. IF you pick up a ball and grown, it’s probably too heavy. Selecting a ball that is too light is not good either. If the ball is too light you will roll the ball too fast. Also your swing will tend to be unstable. Having a little more weight keeps your swing consistent.

     For people that don’t have their own ball, try rolling different weights of house balls. Try to achieve medium speed. Keep in mind that when you have a ball properly fit at Bowling Dynamics you might be able to use a little heavier weight than you are able to with a house ball because you won’t need to pinch and squeeze as much.

     Many bowlers are concerned about loss of hitting power when dropping in weight. The technology in today’s bowling balls is much better than in the past. The only time you will loss power is if you throw the ball too fast, the ball has less time to grab the lane and hook so the ball will enter the pocket at a shallow angle causing the ball to deflect more.

     If you would like further assistance please stop by Bowling Dynamics in Phoenix on 27th Ave and Bethany Home Road or in Chandler at Kyrene Lanes.

To get your questions answered by Dave himself please write to us on our contact page.