Don't ever buy another bowling ball!!
(Buy a BALL REACTION instead!)
But what kind of reaction? How do you know? At least a dozen manufacturers make a ball (reaction) that would be perfect for you. Here are only a three of the many questions you need to answer before you can make the decision:
1. How do you bowl?
Do you hook the ball a lot or roll it straighter? Do you slow-roll it, or fire it at the pins? Do you use your thumb or put only your fingers in the ball?
Those of you with lower ball speed may need a less aggressive ball or one with a polished surface and a milder-reacting symmetrical core. Those with higher ball speeds often favor stronger coverstocks, rougher surfaces and asymmetrical, hard-revving cores.
2. On what conditions do you bowl?
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.
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.
Above all, don't just buy the ball "Hooker O'Reilly" won with on the PBA tour last week (the maker may pay him more to use the ball than the prize money) or that your friend shot a ton with last night (what works for him may be the worst thing in the world for you). Don't simply rely on the advice from your bowling buddy. Let the guys in your favorite pro shop help you figure out the best way to better your game. And don't hesitate to get some coaching (the Pro's do it).
