I was thinking of trying Lane Masters too, but I like Roto-Grip because it sounds and looks like all of their balls deliver. Also I think Lane Masters would be a little too strong to use in any of the houses here in San Diego. I think I'll keep my BW solid because after 400-some games it still works like it did when I got it out of the box. Also a lot of the Roto-Grip balls look like they are cheaper, at least on the internet, i.e. my Cell cost me 104 dollars on the internet.

Brandon, I can't recommend the Terminator too much. I have recommended it to quite a few friends, and all are happy. You can cut through oil, or tame it for medium. It's my first out tournament ball, and my reliable house league ball. When I have carrydown trouble with another ball, the Terminator goes right through it.

I can play outside, have success on the outside, and a variety of shots. It was the best ball I had at Nationals.

Doesn't hold oil, cleans easily. I have used a couple of different finishes for different lane conditions. Hits hard, and splashes light.

Best ball in my bag. And, I have quite a few.

You can't really go wrong with Lane Masters. I want to say the same about Visionary but I haven't thrown a bowl from them yet and I'm dying to. If you have moderately drier lanes than what you would consider medium oil, something like a Hornet or a Sure Strike would probably be awesome for you.

As far as Lane Masters go, I'm going off what I've heard. I've never used any of the balls so I wouldn't know what to expect from them. Yeah I like both of those balls as well as the Counter Strike and the Sting. Good suggestion, maybe I'll go with them instead. How are their ball prices? I think I'm torn between Lane Masters and Roto-Grip now. What do you guys think?

Demo, Lane Masters balls typically will have a higher RG and a lower diff. They will not flare as much as some. So, if that fits your game, go for it. Price wise, they may be a buck or two higher than average, but they hold their price longer, as they last longer. I have paid more for other balls from MoRich and Storm. But, when you drill it and find how thick their coverstock is, it sort of justifies the price.

You just don't find these balls discounted on the internet. My Pro Shop has the Terminator selling for the same price as I paid 2 years ago. And, they are still selling a fair amount of them. Leagues at the same house will find more Terminators than any other ball on the rack.

im in the same pickel. leaning toward Track but i love my twisted but they seem to have the balls im looking for. so i agree with ya on trying to find something to stay with. i want to try everything though. but i want to try Roto-Grip and lane #1 next but i think i'm just going to go with Track. its just hard to decide

180fury, you will hear all sorts of recommendations here. The key is to match the ball, its intended reaction, the coverstock to your style. Settle on that, and the decision narrows.

I know I cannot use a Storm ball as I don't have the revs they require. I know I will not go back to a dull finish as they require a lot of maintenance and I see them die through the night as they absorb oil. I know I want a harder coverstock, and they last longer. I have learned what drill patterns work for me and how to use them. I look for a specific internal weight shape as it works with my release.

This was through lessons and practice, trial and error, and 11 balls in 3 years. It takes time. A ball decision should be personalized as your style is particular to you. We are not all cut out from the same cookie cutter.

Learn who you are, and the decision is easier.

I think the Counter Strike is $220 or something because after tax I almost paid $240 for mine. The Sting is probably in the same range, but I can't imagine the Sure strike or Hornet being as expensive since they're lower-performance balls, although they are definitely worth it like Dennis said.

Dennis, I was wondering since the Strike line and XS Power line use filler in those(of the few in the LM line) balls, do they require as much maintenence as any other ball like Storm's? I hear the 2-piece balls are more durable so they don't need as much attention for some reason. If you know anything about this that'd be great.

I have a BigRBang, which has a filler. And, the answer is no. I use cleaner every use, and that's it. The coverstock is still hard although not throughout the whole ball. It is probably no more then 3/4" thick.

Pricing is up to the individual Pro Shop. I get a discount at mine, mostly because of all the extra customers I have brought in. I paid $189 for the Terminator, $179 for the World Class, $179 for the Conqueror, and $149 for the BigRBang. A couple of friends just bought L/M balls and paid $198 for the Terminator, and $179 for the Sting. These prices are drilled, with grips.

The middle L/M balls no longer come with the ball tote, cleaner, polish or scuff pads. The Terminator still does.

Lane Masters is another company that intrigues me. I have heard that the coverstocks on thier balls are thicker and they use higher quality resins. They don't soak up as much oil, and because of that they last longer. Specifically the Buzz, and the Sting have caught my eye. They cost a little more though. But you get what you pay for,..and if they last longer and don't die off as fast I don't mind shelling out a few more bucks.

I may get one before the new season starts. I wanted a Cell, but I noticed just yesterday that my Roto-Grip Saturn has several hairline cracks in the coverstock. They spread out like a bolt of lightning..kinda going every which way. I never seen a ball crack like that.