I bought three balls in 2003 (one was a spare) and I am averaging in 170s. I suddenly had the urge to check out new balls.

Besides the deterring costs, how often does everyone decide, "it's time for a new ball"?

Well I bowl 200 to 400 games a month, so equipment tends to last around 8 weeks on the average. However my equipment with BASF coverstocks is out lasting everything I have ever owned except my old Columbia Bluedot.

Wow, that's a lot of games! Coach04 you must be in great shape. I have a question for you. Bowling as many games as you do how do you keep your body conditioned ~arms, legs, hands, wrists, ankles? Do you jog or strengh condition? I have a routine of stretching for 5-10 minutes before bowling but I'm not loose and warmed up until after my third practice game. My best games are always 4-7. I wish I could narrow this down to at least my 2nd game but it takes me a while to warm up. In the past I used to bowl daily and was in great bowling shape but it still took me a few games to warm up. Won't be able to get that much practice on tournament days. Any suggestions?

emperor,
It really depends on how many games you bowl a week/month/year. Coach04 is right about the BASF coverstock balls ~they'll last longer. If you are bowling 3-6 games a week the balls should last a long time. When you start noticing changes in your balls' reactions ~not reacting like they used to~ and making sure it is not from a new change in the bowling center's oil layouts then I say it's time. It could take between 80-200 games on them. The number will probably be higher if you are maintaining them well like using bowling cleaner to wipe off the excess oil and dirt. When you are not getting the same breaking reaction and pin carry from them anymore and making sure the center hasn't changed their oil conditioner or oil pattern layouts it is probably time. You will notice the change. Then go ahead with something new. Sometimes a ball with newer technology coverstocks and/or cores comes along that totally changes the game and that could be a reason to purchase ~but I'd wait until they were tested and proven. I remember how hesitant people were when reactive resin balls arrived on the market. Many bowlers didn't want to give up their urethane balls. If you are consistent and happy with your bowling balls and game though I wouldn't change anything. For me I may buy one or two a year from here on out ~if I have the money. It may be my yearly Christmas present ~beats the Chia Pet gags etc. I've been getting!!

No I'm not in really great shape. I am 50 years old and have suffered with Arthritis since age 12. I have just always been that darn stubborn to not let a physical disability spoil my fun.

Bowling is really a very relaxing sport for me, there isn't much stress on the body. As long as you keep your swing free and loose, it takes little effort. I have to admit though, after 15 or 16 games in a row, if I sit down then stand back up I notice how tired I am getting. I generally stand all the time I'm bowling, then I notice the shot deteriorate before I realize I am getting tired.

A lot of the tournaments, or competitions, require a lot of bowling, so stamina is important. Having the ability to throw a great 3 game series, and bowling good for 12 games in a row, 2 days in a row, are quite different. So learning to pace yourself, and stay with the less physical game, can really be a benefit.