Hey all. I had a few questions for this community I wanted to ask.

I'm a regular bowler at my main house (where I bowl Sat. morning junior leagues) as well as frequenting other houses (no leagues, just open bowling) and compete in local/state tournaments and am thinking of taking up traveling tournaments.

I'm averaging a 206 on Saturday mornings after I averaged 199 for the whole year last year. I averaged 189 in a summer sport league.

I've only got a 3 (4) ball arsenal right now that I really need to improve and expand. With the new Cell pearl coming out, I'm not sure if its a ball I want to add or not.

My bag:
Roto-Grip Cell (whatever the online drill is, honestly not sure on the PAP/specifics, I'm not an expert or have much knowledge)
Ebonite Total NV (again, no clue on specs)
Ebonite Black Ice (again, no specs)

Rather obviously, my Cell is my main strike ball. I use it on just about every pattern there is, and find a line. Usually, on heavier oil, I can't get the Cell to really drive (I'm thinking because of online pin) and I go to the NV, which gives me a sharp arc around midlane, enough to let me play deep and inside or float it out and let it come back. I use the black ice mostly for spares (straight) and have used it in a few tournaments in such heavy oil, I can get nothing to work, I just use that straight at the lane and get it to snap in the pocket. Basically my last resort.

So, what should my next bowling ball(s) be? I'm looking to add anywhere from 1 to 3 to my bag, but really want to get them drilled specifically for what I need. And basically what I need is something I can float out, from standing around 25 to float out to around 5 or even a bit further and snap (not arc) back towards the pocket. Likewise, I could use a ball I can play right in the middle of the lane (say stand 15, out to about 10) and let it come back. I have a gap there with both my NV and Cell that I can't get a consistent reaction out of either.

Thanks so much.

The Cell Pearl is more for medium oil, which you may not need because of your Total NV. Although it is always nice to have a Pearl ball at your disposal. You also might want to look into something for drier lanes and shorter patterns. I guess where you bowl you don't get too much exposure to them, but you'll wish you had them when you get on dry lanes or shorter patterns.

There is one house that I have just that, although I've been able the some 10-20 times I've bowled at that house since getting the Cell to adjust for it with hand position and toning my hook down.

What ball would you recommend for the short and/or dry oil patterns? Could I get something like a black widow with a weak drill, something that hooks, but with a weak drill accompanied, be able to "tame" the lane itself?

Me personally, I'm kind of biased towards balls with pancake blocks in them and strong coverstocks. Balls like the Hammer Rayzr or the Columbia Scout Reactive.

But if you like weight-blocks, then Roto-Grip has the Mercury and the Saturn I believe, for drier patterns as well as the SuperSonic. The Street Rod Solid and Pearl balls by Storm are also good ones to go with. Avalanche Solid or Pearl from Brunswick would also be good choices.

You could do what you suggested and get a ball with a pin-in setup. That is the Pin is 1 inch or less from the cg and that would certainly limit the reaction. Then it is a matter of adjusting the surface to get the reaction right.

I must apoligize though. You already have balls that will take care of short patterns and if you adjust the surface accordingly (like I'm sure you do) than they can handle longer patterns as well.

You should also get a benchmark ball. Something that is a middle ground. Your Total NV seems like that could (and I'm assuming) is your benchmark ball. Something other than your Cell if you can. Unless, the lanes are absolutely flooded at the houses you bowl at.

Also checking out the Building an Arsenal thread on this site would probably help answer any additional questions you have about building an arsenal.