New Leagues = New Balls
How to decide what new equipment is right for you
The fall (actually late summer) leagues are starting - we are drawn to all the new balls out there - but just buying the newest and most aggressive stuff often causes frustration. Here's how to think about what fits your game and your conditions.
1. Are you speed- or rev-dominant?
Those of you with higher ball speed may need a more aggressive ball or one with a rougher solid surface and a stronger asymmetrical core. Look for balls with a lower radius of gyration (RG) and higher differentials. Those with lower ball speeds often favor milder coverstocks, polished surfaces and symmetrical, smooth-rolling cores.
2. What are the lanes like?
Do you bowl on fresh oil in leagues or tournaments, or do you bowl casually, during the afternoons or on weekends on drier oil lanes where the oil has been used up? Do you bowl in one bowling center, or in several? Are the lanes synthetic, wood, or wood with an overlay?
Beat-up, worn-out oil patterns can cause aggressive balls to over-react, either hooking way too much or so early that they lose energy before they hit the pins; weaker balls are a better bet for these conditions. Fresher oil patterns can be too much for weaker balls; think stronger cores and coverstocks for "the fresh". Synthetic lanes are harder than wood, wood with overlays are generally softer than wood without. Think about stronger balls on the harder lanes and weaker for the softer ones. Oil conditions described as "wet-dry" often cause overreactions in late-hooking, angular balls. Consider some of the newer "old" technology - urethane. Look for smoother-rolling layouts to control the jumpiness.
3. What's your experience/average level?
Are you new or recently returned to the game, fairly experienced, or a really seasoned "pro"?
Is your average 120-150, 150-180, 180-210, or above that? Is this to be your only ball, or to fill a gap in your arsenal? Do you practice regularly (really practice, not just warm up before league)?
Stronger balls are harder to control, especially if your fundamentals are not too consistent. Consider a moderate hook with an arcing reaction (rather than a hard, sharp break) to keep from leaving designer spares to pick up. Don't buy another "goes-long-and-hits-hard" ball if you've already got three of them.
If some of the above is a little hazy to you, or your performance, conditions, or experience has changed recently, get with a coach to find out where you are. Don't waste your money on a ball without knowing why you want it.
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