Hello All,

I am an amateur/recreational bowler and I am getting an average bowling score of 150 for the past 3 months, using the house balls. My friends have encouraged me to purchase an intermediate level bowling ball with some hooking potential. I do not try to hook at all since I am comfy with throwing straight. However lately (1 month) I notice that the ball has been hooking slightly and it gives better results (I scored a fluke 194 and a 206). I wish to spend about $110 on bowling ball, drilling expenses and bag. Which bowling ball do you guys suggest? I like the Scout from Columbia, but I did not find that in the Pro Shop here in Lafayette. Any other that you know of. Please indicate what difference can it make to my game. If I can improve my average to over 200 that would be excellent.

Thanks
Abhijit

Welcome Abhijit,
A ball alone is'nt going to allow you to reach that 200 average, there are a few other things to consider. Such as your delivery, timing, release, ball choice for the lane condition etc...it does sounds like you are off to a pretty good start though. Just make sure you get a ball drilled to fit you. A good fit is imperative to better scores.

The Scout is an entry level ball, but you may grow out of very quickly. Its pretty mild. I would look at balls such as Ebonite Clash, Storm Jolt, Roto-Grip Saturn, maybe the Columbia Wrath High Flush. There are a few others out there too.
Or you could check with your Pro-Shop, sometimes they have used balls with a few miles left on them that they offer at a cheaper price. They can be drilled to fit you, and you can get a "feel" how these balls react, without breaking the bank.

I would also take a lesson or two if you can. A good coach is a valuable asset if you want to improve your game a little quicker.
Good Luck!!

Welcome Abhijit, all of the things that Eraser mentioned are things you should definately listen to, especially the part about it getting drilled to fit you. As far as, the Scout Reactive by Columbia goes, it was my first reactive ball and I still use it. The nice thing about the Scout is that you can throw it relatively straight and it will hook into the pocket (I throw it slow). I usually throw mine between the 5-8 boards, sometimes on the 1 and 2 boards if there is a lot of oil on the lanes and sometimes as far inside as the 11 and 12 boards if the lanes are fried. Now I use it as my spare bowl and it works just as well. I would have to agree with Eraser's choice of balls to also check into, I might add any of the Brunswick Infernos, or any of Hammer Widows. They are all good balls to graduate up to using.

That budget is a bit hopefull in my neck of the woods. We sell the Clash, Bash, Vibe and Avalanche at $139 drilled. Then add a bag $22. What you sould get instead of a bag, is shoes. then you can carry the ball in a "seesaw" instead for $10. But having your own shoes is nearly as big an improvement as having your own ball.

We offer the Tropical Storm and Tornadoes at $119 drilled but most people that buy them grow out of them very quickly and then you are looking for another ball.

Erin

The 200 level will not be achieved by simply having your own ball. That goal is going to take a lot of practice and some lessons.

Erin

Gee, Thank you all for your thoughts. Yes a coach at the bowling alley we go to every thursday always talks to us about joining his bowling program in the summer. I might look into it, since I like bowling and want to improve my average. I bought the shoes, and now need a ball and bag and I should be set.

I am a right-handed bowler and my approach is on the 16-17 boards and I throw the ball on the 15th right on the 3rd arrow. If thrown properly with no hook... Bam!! a strike. Slight hook 50-50. Its great to watch since I have no training and I am an unorthodox bowler. Maybe if I started on the 10th and put some spin into it I will have a better score. Also my friends and I have a few pitchers during the game.... probably thats why my average is down.

The Jazz, Power Groove, and Wrath bowling ball sells for $90 (includes drilling). I heard that the Jazz is a good one. Your thoughts?

The "Jazz" is also a pretty mild ball. Out of the three you mentioned, I would choose the Wrath. I am a little biased on the Wrath though, I bowled a 300 with one.

The Jazz isn't as mild as a ball as most people think. I bought it for a lightish oil ball for a particular house and I can rarely throw it there. Its very skid/snap with a good bit of hook. I got it not long after my Purple Ogre and it covers as many boards if not more than the Ogre. If it wasn't for a few fit issues with it I would possibly use it more. I've changed the surface to 4000 abralon plus a couple coats of polish and the thing is still a beast on the 38 ft medium oil of the one center I bowl.

I would look into the Jazz, or if you could find one a Hammer Raw Doom or maybe the Toxic, the Ebonite Bash/Clash, Brunswick Avalanche Pearl, and a couple of the others Eraser mentioned such as the Storm Jolt and Roto-Grip Saturn.