Your Source for Everything Bowling

Jeff Carter Wins First Career PBA Title

2009-02-23T14:56:00.003-05:00

Congratulations is in order for Jeff Carter, who was able to bring home his first career PBA title yesterday at the Geico Plastic Ball Championship. The tournament was unique in the sense that every bowler was on a level playing field, since they were only aloud to use plastic balls, rather than high performance, reactive equipment. After defeating Michael Fagan, Carter went on to face his childhood idol, Pete Weber, whom he ended up defeating in the finals. Great job Jeff, and congrats on your very first PBA win.

Interesting Practice Session

2009-02-16T21:09:00.000-05:00

So I went bowling on Sunday morning to practice, as I usually do, since there are many good bowlers there that I can talk bowling with. The lanes are always freshly dressed at 8 a.m., and I usually arrive around 9. The bowling alley is usually packed on Sunday mornings, so I found myself waiting for a lane, along with another guy. After a pair finished about 15 min later, we got those two lanes, with me taking the right one (I didn't want to cross because I just wanted to focus on some aspects of my game).

I knew only about 5 games were bowled on each lane judging by the time used on the overhead display, and the two guys did not have high rev rates AT ALL, so I knew the lanes were pretty much fresh oil. First game, I played around 20 at the arrows to 5 at the breakpoint with my Cell, shooting 259, while I watched the guy next to me play straight up the first arrow with a Black Widow, and barely get to the hole.

Midway through the second game, I find myself right up against the ball return already, which is odd because NOBODY else in the house is hooking the ball whatsoever. I ended up shooting 202, with my last few shots coming up high in the pocket.I knew I had to still move left, so I ended up moving in front of the ball return, and using a 1 step approach (basically just swing my arm, stride out, and let it rip). I switched to my Cherry Vibe since I knew it would recover from such a deep angle, played with my right heel in the middle of the ball return, with a slight loft to clear the gutter. Dead flush in the pocket.

Meanwhile, the guy next to me is complaining to his friend that there is so much oil out there, while I am almost on his lane trying to get the ball to the hole.Does it make any sense that there could be THAT much of a difference, where I would have to make such a drastic move, whereas someone else can't get the ball to move AT ALL?

New Site to Check Out

2009-02-14T10:14:00.004-05:00

Hey Guys, I have found a new bowling website, located at http://www.bowlingboards.com. It is a very interactive, forum based website, and it has a lot to offer in terms of bowling related information. Be sure to check it out, and sign up to become a part of it's growing community.

If you do sign up, please put The Bowling Guru in the referrer/referral box, just so I know that you were directed to the site from here.

Thank you, and be sure to have a look at the site, you will not be disappointed.

The Guide to Surface Adjustments by Using Abralon Pads

2009-02-11T18:29:00.003-05:00

Abralon pads are something that every bowler should carry in their bowling bag. They are small, compact, and can provide you with the opportunity to make minor surface adjustments to your equipment, even if the pro shop is closed. They usually come in a set, with grits ranging from very fine (ex. 4000 grit), to very rough (180 grit). But how do you know what grit works best with each bowling ball you have in your arsenal?

Lets take for example, Hammer's Black Widow, which comes at 4000 grit from the factory. You are intrigued by the ball, but worry that it might be too strong for your bowling style, so you decide to put a weaker drill on it. However, when you go and toss it for the first time, you realize that it is actually TOO weak, and you are having trouble getting the ball to face the pocket. Here's where the abralon pads come in. With 4000 grit being very smooth, which promotes length, you have the ability to take the ball down to say, 2000 or even 1000 grit, which will make it roll a bit earlier, allowing it to get to the pocket.

The opposite can be said for a ball that comes very rough from the factory, like say, a Total Inferno. You may find the ball to be reacting too early for your taste, so you can use a higher grit abralon pad to smooth out the surface and give you some added length. Just remember, the higher the grit, the smoother the pad, and the more length you are going to get.

Now lets say you like the reaction you are getting from your Black Widow at say, 2000 grit, but it is just reacting the slightest bit early for your taste. By taking the surface to 4000 grit, it might go a bit too long, which leaves you between a rock and a hard place. Here's where polish can take center stage. Adding a bit of polish to a dulled ball will give you some length, but you will be able to control how long the ball will go by the amount of polish you apply. A very light coat on a dull ball will add maybe 1-2 more feet in length, which might be just what you are looking for. Looking at it the other way around, if a ball comes out of the box at 4000 grit POLISHED, and it is going a bit long for you, you can simply knock the polish off to reduce the added length.

Now I am going to use an example that has been brought to my attention. Storm's Gravity Shift comes OOB at 1500 grit polished, and it was brought down to 1000 grit, which smoothed out the reaction. It was easier to control because the ball became more rolly, and reacted a bit earlier at 1000 grit, than it would at a slightly higher grit with the addition of polish. If you were to bring the ball up to 3000 grit and polish it, the ball would go super long compared to how it is now. 3000 grit is very fine as it is, so it is going to promote length, and with polish added on top of that, you may have trouble getting the ball to the pocket, especially if you have a lower rev rate. The person who recommend changing it to 3000 grit polished may have found that it worked better for them, but it might not necessarily work for you because everyone bowls in their own unique way. There is nothing wrong with experimenting with different surface adjustments, but just remember that if it is brought up to 3000 grit polished, you might be better off playing straighter than trying to swing it.

Update . . .

2009-02-10T23:18:00.003-05:00

Sorry guys for not posting any entries for a few weeks. I have been extremely busy and just have not found the time to do so. However, I will be posting regularly again, starting with a post on the Differences Between Abralon Pads, and How Different Surfaces React Polished and Unpolished. It will be up sometime tomorrow, so check it out.

Earl Anthony Medford Classic Results

2009-01-19T10:32:00.006-05:00

The "Big Nasty" West Malott was successful in defending his title on Sunday at the Earl Anthony Medford Classic broadcasted from Lava Lanes in Medford, OR. He defeated Tommy Jones in the title match, moving him into sole possession of first place in the Player of the Year points rankings, ahead of Norm Duke. Here are the results of the telecast:

#3 Wes Malott defeats #4 Patrick Allen, 234-195 (Allen did make his 4th consecutive show)

#3 Wes Malott defeats #2 Bill O'Neill, 255-246 (Malott had front 6)

#3 Wes Malott defeats #1 Tommy Jones, 239-201 (Jones struggled from the get-go)

Women's Series: #1 Wendy Macpherson defeats #2 Stefanie Nation, 199-184

Equipment Used

Patrick Allen - Blue and Cherry Vibe

Wes Malott - Cell Pearl, Grand Illusion

Bill O'Neill - T-Road Pearl

Tommy Jones - One Pearl

Wendy Macpherson - Arch Rival

Stefanie Nation - Wild Ride

1/13/09 Practice Session

2009-01-14T08:30:00.003-05:00

Since Tuesday at my local bowling center is 99 cents a game day, I decided it would be best for me to get some practice in. I wanted to work on getting my old release back, since I seemed to have lost it after taking a few months off a short time ago. Lately, I have been coming more up the back of the ball, allowing me to play straight, but I have found much more success in the past opening up the lane. To do this, I changed my release to add more sideroll to my ball, allowing for me to get deeper on the lane, while allowing the ball to still recover.

Game 1 - Took a short time for me to get my line down; left 2 baby splits but converted them do to pins bouncing out of the pit. Finished with a clean 199.

Game 2 - Settled into a groove with my Cherry Vibe playing around 28-5. Went clean again for a 235.

Game 3 - My Vibe started to come up high on the head pin, so I decided to switch to my Cell, which would give me a slightly smoother look off the spot. Worked to perfection. Threw a 217 with a missed 10 pin.

Game 4 - Stuck with the Cell for the first half of the game, and then switched to my Bite when I needed a little more snap on the backend. I split twice but got the wood, salvaging a 204 game out of it. It should have been more around 180 but hey, I'll take it.

Just a side note, I have added a new poll, so check it out and cast your vote.

Poll Results and Update

2009-01-13T18:55:00.002-05:00

So another poll has concluded, and it seems as if the 10 pin is the most irritable pin of all, followed by the 7 and 9 pins. I for one, think a stone 8 is the worst break possible in bowling, but the 10 pin does bother me tremendously as well.

Also, for a more in depth look at the final match of the National Bowling Stadium Championship, check out http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1384277/pba_bowler_falls_victim_to_terrible.html

National Bowling Stadium Championship Results - Allen Triumphs Walter Ray

2009-01-11T14:19:00.008-05:00

The National Bowling Stadium Championship was one like no other. It featured the Shark pattern on the left lane, and the Cheetah on the right, causing the bowlers to have to make constant adjustments from lane to lane.

Patrick Allen defeats Bill O'Neill 218-200

---Allen won despite leaving a pocket 7-10---

Patrick Allen defeats Chris Barnes 267-236

---Barnes whiffs the 7 pin in the 9th frame, opening the door for Allen---

Patrick Allen defeats Wes Malott 268-215

---Allen starts off with the front 7---

Patrick Allen defeats Walter Ray Williams Jr. 225-223

---Walter Ray leaves pocket 8-10 in 10th to lose by 2 pins---

Equpiment Used

Bill O'Neill - Hot Sauce Pearl, Magic, One Pearl

Chris Barnes - Power Swing, Arch Rival

Wes Malott - Cell, Silver Streak

Patrick Allen - Blue Vibe, Rayzr, T-Road Solid, Rapid Fire

Walter Ray Williams Jr. - N'sane LevRG, LevRG Response

Also for the first time in long time they actually mentioned the bowling balls being thrown on the telecast, which was nice for the viewer to hear. The PBA is starting the New Year off on a good note.

My Personal List of Things That Bother Me While Bowling

2009-01-06T14:38:00.003-05:00

I have compiled a list of the top 5 things that just bother me to death while I am bowling. Feel free to comment with anything that bothers you as well, so we can see if other people feel the same way about things as I do.

1) When I have to bowl next to little kids whose parents are lost in space and have no clue about lane courtesy.
2) Pocket 7-10 and 8-10 splits. They are unnecessary and undeserving. And I can't forget about the wonderful pocket 5-7-10 I left yesterday. Just wow.
3) When I know the ball is good off my hand, I hit my mark, and wrap a 10 pin.
4) Opening in the 9th frame.
5) Cosmic bowling when I need to practice. I don't might the dark, but those flashing lights always seem to hit my lane as I release the ball.

Poll Results - How Many Steps Do You Take In Your Approach?

2009-01-05T19:02:00.002-05:00

This week's poll has indicated that the majority of the bowler's who cast their vote use 5 steps in their approach, with the others taking 4 steps. These were the only two choices that gained votes, so not many people use 3, 6, or 7 step approaches. Keep a look out for the next poll, as I have not decided on a topic for it yet.

Do You Want a Taste of the Sauce?

2009-01-04T11:35:00.005-05:00

Introducing the newest bowling ball release from Hammer: The Sauce. The Sauce features Hammer's all new asymmetric Contrusion core, wrapped in Aggressive Edge coverstock. Out of box, the ball comes at 4000 grit abralon, which is going to make this core/cover combo a beast on the heavy stuff. The ball will have good midlane roll, which will help to combat heavier conditions, but will also have a nice, but controllable, pop on the backend. Look for this ball to make its way into every Hammerhead's bag.

Tech Specs:

RG/Differential

14 lb. - 2.46/.048

15 lb. - 2.45/.050

16 lb. - 2.45/.050

(Tech Specs. and Pic from http://www.ballreviews.com)

A How-To Guide to Resurfacing Your Bowling Ball

2009-01-03T09:17:00.002-05:00

Have you ever experienced a decrease in reaction from your favorite bowling ball? If you have, it might be due to the fact that you have put many games on it, which began to burn up the coverstock of the ball. When this happens, you might want to put in the effort to try to revive it. Although this process might not bring the ball back to its out of box condition, it will bring most of the life back to it.

In order to resurface your ball, you are going to need a set of abralon pads. They can be purchased for relatively cheap for a website such as bowlingball.com, but if you don't want to purchase them, a pro shop will definately have them and can resurface your ball for you. A ball spinner is also beneficial (although most people don't own one), but doing it by hand will get the job done.

To start, take the lowest grit abralon pad you have, and slightly dampen it to reduce the amount of dust that will be released into the air. Work by rubbing the pad in small circles, until you have worked your way around the entire ball. It should look very dull at this moment. Now, you are going to want to do the same thing with the next grit abralon pad you have in your set. Continue this process with every pad until you have worked your way to the grit that you want your bowling ball to have. For example, if you are looking to restore your Black Widow to out of box condition, you will work all the way up to 4000 grit abralon. After you have done all of your sanding, you can apply some ball cleaner to the surface of the ball to remove any dust and to clean it up a bit. That's it, you're done!

Now it is going to take a few games to start to get a track back on your ball, so you may have a spotty reaction at first. It will be as if you are throwing a new ball for the first time, and it needs to be broken in a bit. Once it's broken in, enjoy the reaction you thought you had lost forever.

New Year's Day Practice Session

2009-01-02T12:36:00.003-05:00

So I decided I was going to go bowling yesterday, mainly to work on how to play the lanes when they are fried. I knew they were going to be beat up from the night before, mainly because my local center packs the house on New Years due to a rent-a-lane special.

1st game: First ball I threw with my Bite took off on me, showing the outside of the lane was completely fried, as I expected. Immediately switched to my Link and played straight up the 8 board, giving me the reaction I was looking for. Finished with a clean 237.

2nd game: Continued using my Link. Shot a clean 225. Towards the end of the game, the lanes were transitioning causing more oil to move towards the backend of the lane. This was making my Link push past the breakpoint, and therefore, go light on the pocket.

3rd game: Switched to my Bite again and jumped left. Played around 15 out to 5, but this line burned up extremely fast. Around the 8th or 9th frame, I was going through the nose, leaving 4 pins and 6-10's. Finished with a 191 despite this.

4th game: My carry went down the tubes, like I've never even seen before. I switched to my Cell since it is just slightly less agressive off the spot than my Bite. First ball, crush the pocket, only to leave a pocket 5-10 split. Wow. Second ball, same result, a 5-10 split. My Cell was hitting the pins like a pillow. I moved a few boards right, hoping to go high flush, and I left a whopping 8-10 this time. It was absolutely unbelievable. After that, I just decided to have some fun by lofting the ball over the gutter cap. Finished with a nice 160 game.

The Bowler's Ultimate Website Guide

2009-01-01T09:57:00.004-05:00

Here is a list of websites that every bowler should check out at some point in time. I will be adding to this list periodically, so keep tabs on it, and I will also post it along the sidebar so it will always be available for reference.

Bowling Ball Companies
www.900global.com ---------------- www.hammerbowling.com
www.amf300.com ------------------ www.kineticbowling.com
www.bangerbowling.com ----------- www.lane1bowling.com
www.brunswickbowling.com ------- www.lanemastersbowling.com
www.columbia300.com ------------ www.morichbowling.com
www.ebonite.com ------------------ www.rotogrip.com
www.elitebowling.com ------------- www.stormbowling.com
www.trackbowling.com ------------ www.visionarybowling.com

Online Pro Shops
www.buddiesproshop.com --------- www.bowling.com
www.bowlingball.com ------------- www.bowlersparadise.com

Forums
www.ballreviews.com ------------- www.bowlingballexchange.com
www.bowlingcommunity.com ----- www.bowlspace.com

Other
www.bowl.com -------------------- www.jeffcarterbowling.com

Bowling Ball Maintenance: The Ins and Outs of Cleaning Your Balls

2008-12-31T08:59:00.004-05:00

After every bowling session, you should take the extra time to clean your bowling balls in order to remove lane dirt and oil, in order to prevent it from sinking into the core of the ball. Without proper cleaning, over time, a ball's core will become flooded with oil, resulting in it a drastic loss of performance. The actual cleaning process only takes a short period of time, and ball cleaner can be purchased at any pro shop for just a few dollars.

There are many of cleaners on the market; some that foam, cleaners for dull balls, ones for shiny balls, ones that promote hook, the choices are endless. Everyone has a cleaner that they prefer to use, mine being Powerhouse Energizer Cleaner made by Ebonite. I find that it does a superior job in cleaning the coverstock of a ball, even if you don't do it right after you finish bowling, as you should.

Now cleaning your bowling balls is actually a very simple process. Spray some of your favorite cleaner on the balls surface, and spread it around with your towel or even your hand. Next, apply some pressure and rub the ball down using very short, circular motions, until you have covered the entire ball. That's it! You're done! In those few minutes you have essentially prolonged the life of your bowling ball, since you didn't let the lane oil and dirt just continue to cake onto the ball. Make this a habit in your bowling routine, and you will get continuous and consistant performance out of your bowling ball arsenal.

New Bowling Ball Company on the Block

2008-12-30T08:49:00.003-05:00

In the bowling world, when most people hear the word "Kinetic", they usually think of the series of bowling balls manufactured by Track (i.e. the Kinetic and Kinetic Energy). But now, there is actually a new company emerging, calling itself Kinetic. Word has been spread about a new ball release, called the Kinetic Solaris.

The Solaris is the first in the line of balls being manufactured by Kinetic. It is a very strong pearl ball, which is designed to provide length through the oil, but make a very strong move at the breakpoint after it hits the dry boards. It is designed to handle medium to heavy oil, due to the very strong nature of it's coverstock. Look for this ball to cause quite a stir amongst the bowling world, mainly due to speculation many will have regarding this new company.

Tech Specs:

Coverstock: Advanced Vector Control - Polished
RG 2.48/ Diff. 0.048
Lane Conditions - Medium to Heavy

(Tech. Specs and Picture Courtesy of http://www.ballreviews.com)

Poll Results: How Many Bowling Balls Do You Currently Have?

2008-12-29T17:44:00.002-05:00

Here are the results from last weeks poll:

1-2 balls (5 votes)

3-5 balls (1 vote)

6-8 balls (4 votes)

****9 or more balls (6 votes)****

Next Poll Topic: How many steps do you take in your approach?

Shrinking and Swelling: The Ever-Changing Thumb Hole

2008-12-29T08:23:00.005-05:00

One aspect of bowling that many people combat on a regular basis is the constant changing of the size of the thumb. Weather conditions, humidity, and bowling itself can all contribute to the thumb either swelling or shrinking, causing the ball to fit differently every time you bowl. I am one of these people, since my thumb tends to swell as I bowl, causing the thumb hole to get tighter and tighter.

One way to overcome this is by drilling your thumb holes much bigger than they actually have to be. This will allow you to add multiple pieces of tape into your thumb hole, resulting in the fit you want. Now when your thumb starts to swell, you can remove the tape, a piece at a time, allowing extra room for your larger thumb. If you drill your thumb hole to the exact size of your thumb, you won't be able to compensate for this, causing your thumb to stick in the ball during your release.

Another option, which ends up costing slightly more money, is to invest in the Turbo Switch Grip system for your bowling balls. This system consists of custom molded thumbs, which can be removed from one ball and inserted into another, causing you to have the same thumb in every ball you throw. This allows for a consistant feel all the time, without having to alter each individual ball to fit your needs. Now the way you can put this system to use is by molding one thumb that is on the smaller side (for when your thumb isn't swelling), and then molding a second thumb that is much larger (which will allow for swelling). When your thumb starts to swell, you can just change your thumb to the larger slug, and you will be ready to go.

Now some people don't have to deal with the factor of their thumb swelling, but they might experience their thumb shrinking instead. Tape is the most common way to account for this, since it will snug up the hole, while also providing you a textured surface to grip. Black tape can also be used, which will provide a smoother feel off the hand, since it isn't textured like white tape.

I hope this has provided you with some insight on how to deal with the ever-changing size of your thumb. A good tip to know is that if you know your thumb is prone to swelling, try to anticipate when it is going to happen, rather than seeing it happen on the lanes by you launching the ball 15 ft. because you stuck in it. If you know you can get through one game before swelling starts, try removing some tape before you start the next game. This will allow you to keep shooting as you were during the first game.

PBA Bowlers Get a New Look

2008-12-28T11:21:00.005-05:00

A typical PBA bowler's attire used to consist of simply a pair of dress pants, along with a polo shirt that displayed their name on the back, along with a few patches advertising the bowling companies they use. As of late, those simple polo shirts have turned into canvases for advertising. Sure they are much more colorful and eye catching, but the simple polo shirt has evolved into a shirt with a bowling companies name plastered across the entire front of it.

Take for example, the shirt Rhino Page wore for the Shark Championship, on route to his second career title. His shirt was a very nice mix of blacks, whites, and grays, simulating a storm, since that is the ball company he throws. Sounds nice, doesn't it? It was, until you got to the word "Storm" spread across the entire chest. Call it overkill, but it would have looked much better with a small Storm patch displayed on the upper chest, similar to the Vise one he adorned. All in all the jerseys are a huge improvement over what they used to be, but I believe they are just based around the idea of advertising, not entertaining the fans.

(Rhino Page and Jodi Woessner - Picture taken from http://www.pba.com)

A Bowler's Dream - The 900 Series

2008-12-27T12:39:00.002-05:00

Many bowlers long for the dream of bowling a 300 game at some point in time and some even hope to get past that ever so evasive first one, and go on too shoot one, two, or many more. But how about shooting three 300 games . . . in a row? A man by the name of Rich Jerome Jr. accomplished such an outstanding feat at Brunswick Perry Hall Lanes, located in Maryland. During league play, he began to cause a stir amongst fellow league bowlers, as every shot off his hand resulted in all ten pins in the pit. After throwing his last and 36th consecutive strike on the night, the bowling alley exploded, praising such a feat.

Congratulations Rich, and fantastic bowling!

Full Article Located at http://wjz.com/local/row.bowl.baltimore.2.894556.html

What's in Your Bag?

2008-12-26T09:12:00.003-05:00

It is pretty common knowledge that all you need to bowl is a bowling ball and a pair of bowling shoes, but what about all of the other little trinkets that can benefit more serious bowlers? For this post, we are going inside my bowling bag to see what I always have on me when I go to the local center.

First of all, a serious bowler will always have their own pair of bowling shoes. Having your own pair will allow you to get the same feel and comfort at the line each and every time you go bowling, rather than having to adjust to the uncomfortable, unusable shoes bowling alleys tend to give. I currently use Dexter SST shoes, simply for the comfort they provide me while I bowl.
Second is a rosin bag or grip sack. These are made for bowler's to hold or bounce around in their hand to absorb any moisture. I prefer to use Hammer's Black Widow 5X7 grip sack, since I have naturally sweaty hands. I find that this grip sack absorbs the moisture beautifully, but doesn't leave the sticky residue that a rosin bag might. Sticky hand=fingers stuck in ball=ugly release
Third is a microfiber towel. Pretty self-explanatory here. A towel is used to wipe the oil off your ball after each shot so that it isn't absorbed into the ball. Some bowlers prefer not to wipe off their ball each shot; it is just a matter of personal preference.
Fourth is Ultra Grip Hand Conditioner, manufactured by Ebonite. Now this is not a necessity by any means, but I find that it also helps to combat moisture, particularly on my thumb. If the thumb feels slightly loose, adding a bit to your thumb will allow you to gain the grip you need for your next shot.
Fifth is tape. Tape is crucial to altering the way your ball feels in your hand, mainly due to shrinking and swelling of the thumb during play. I drill all my thumbholes bigger than they have to be, and compensate for that by adding multiple pieces of tape until it feels snug. When my thumb swells, I simply remove pieces of tape, one by one. For this type of application, I prefer to use Brunswick 1" white tape, because it is textured, allowing me to feel as if I have a good grip on the ball. White tape is made by many companies, and they really don't vary much.
Sixth is Nu-Skin. Have you ever opened up a blister while you were bowling, leaving yourself to bowl the rest of the night with your finger stinging you like crazy? Nu-Skin is the answer. Do youself a favor and purchase a small bottle of it to keep in your bag. If you happen to get a blister, paint some of it over the top of it, and the Nu-Skin will form a protective layer over it, preventing it from bothering you. Just give it a few minutes to adequately dry.
Seventh is a pair of scissors. Yes, I do bring scissors with me to the bowling alley. They are a great tool to have to cut pieces of tape into different shapes, since I might not need to use the entire piece.
Last, and one of the most important items on the list is ball cleaner. I use Powerhouse Energizer Cleaner, made by Ebonite, but the sky is the limit when it comes to the different types of cleaners out there. There are ones made for dull balls, shiny balls, ones that are liquids, foams, etc. It all comes down to what you prefer to use, and what you think does the best job on removing dirt from your bowling ball.

Now these are just the main things that I bring to the center with me all the time. Other things such as black tape, which is very smooth, Turbo fitting tape, abralon pads, bowling ball polish, and bevel, tape removal, and workout tools can commonly used by bowlers during a regular bowling session.

Now I am opening up this post to the readers. Feel free to comment on this post with what YOU bring with you when you go bowling, so we can compare the similarities and differences between what each bowler brings. Don't be afraid to elaborate or give reasons for bringing certain items, but a simple list will do just fine.

My Current Bowling Ball Arsenal

2008-12-25T09:10:00.005-05:00

After doing some bowling ball reviews, as well as giving some insight into some new releases, I figured I would show everyone my current arsenal. I am listing them in the order that the pictures are displayed along the left side, so you can match the description with each picture.

Note: CG=center of gravity, MB=mass bias, OOB=out of box condition

900 Global Link

Pin above bridge, CG 1/2" right of grip center, MB 1.5" right of thumb, OOB

Roto Grip Cell

Pin above and right of ring finger, CG 2" from grip center, MB 2" right of thumb, OOB

Black Widow Bite

Pin above bridge, CG 1/2" right of grip center, MB 1.5" right of thumb, OOB

Raw Hammer Anger

Pin under ring, CG 1/2" right of grip center, OOB

Ebonite Maxim

Pin and CG in palm, OOB

Hammer No Mercy Beat'n

Pin 2" right of ring, CG in palm, heart left of thumb, 2000 grit abralon

Hammer Cherry Vibe

Pin above bridge, CG in palm, OOB

Hammer Black Widow Solid

Pin above bridge, CG under ring, MB next to thumb, 2000 grit abralon

I hope everyone has a safe and Merry Christmas.

Can You Cash In on the Bounty?

2008-12-23T08:44:00.004-05:00

The Bounty, one of the newest releases from breakthrough company 900 Global, not only provides bowlers with the opportunity to put up huge scores, but it allows them to cash in as they do it. If you can manage to shoot a sanctioned 300 game with the Bounty, you, along with the pro shop you purchased the ball from, will win part of a $25,000 prize pool.

Out of the box, the Bounty is made for the heavy stuff, with its 1000 grit abralon finish and asymmetric coverstock. With the addition of polish, the Bounty will push longer down the lane, promoting more backend reaction, rather than earlier roll. If you are looking for a strong, heavy oil ball, don't look past the Bounty. You could miss out on your shot at the prize.

Tech Specs.

Coverstock - S77 BASF Reactive

Core - Double Cross Asymmetric

RG/Differential

14 lb. - 2.505/0.051

15 lb. - 2.487/0.054

16 lb. - 2.473/0.054

(Photo and Tech. Specs Courtesy of http://www.900global.com/)

The Coverstock: A Significant Factor in a Bowling Ball’s Reaction

2008-12-22T08:39:00.004-05:00

The coverstock, or the visible part of the bowling ball, is something to take into account when determining how a bowling ball is going to react on the lanes. Bowling balls today fall into two categories based on their coverstock; solids and pearls. For the most part, solids will appear dull to the eye, and pearls will appear to be shined, but there are a few exceptions to this rule (some balls can be dull but have some pearl in them). Balls that are dull will have different characteristics when compared to those that come shined from the factory.

Duller balls are made to combat heavier volumes of oil, since the dullness of the ball will cut through the oil in order to react. On a drier pattern, a dull ball may not be the answer since it may react earlier than desired (if you have a high ball speed or a low rev rate, it could work). On the other hand, a shiny ball will glide through the oil, which makes them better suitable for medium to drier lane conditions. A pearl ball is designed to react off of the dry part of the lane, not react in oil.

In a nutshell:
Shiny ball = Ball will get down the lane when there is less oil, but will glide in the heavy stuff.
Dull ball = Ball will react too soon when there isn’t enough oil, but when there is, the early rolling nature of the coverstock will allow it to grip the lane, despite the oil.

There are also plastic balls, which are designed to go straight, rather than react on the lane. Plastic balls are found in every bowling alley, and are commonly used by bowlers to pick up spares. Most of them will have a high gloss finish, which will prevent it from hooking, even if it is thrown with quite a few revolutions.

Now it is very easy to fine tune a coverstock based on the reaction you are getting from a ball. This can be done by hitting the ball with abralon pads, or by polishing it. Abralon pads come in different grits, usually ranging from around 180 to 4000 grit. The lower the grit, the rougher the surface will be on the ball, causing it to grip the lane earlier. Higher grits are used to smooth the cover, promoting length. Polish can also be used on a dull ball, since this will allow it to push a few more feet down the lane before it reacts. Remember, the coverstock is just as important as the drilling layout you use for your ball. It is important to maintain it, since over time you can see a ball’s reaction decrease (also known as ball death). All it might take is a little bit of polish or a slight change in the surface of the ball to bring it back to life.

I hope I have enlightened you when it comes to the role the coverstock of a bowling ball plays in its reaction. Although these are some basic guidelines to follow, each and every bowler will benefit from different bowling balls, and will make different adjustments than others will. These are just my thoughts on some basic knowledge every bowler should have when it comes to excelling on a variety of lane conditions.

A Bowler's Guide to Laying Out a Bowling Ball for Drilling

2008-12-20T12:17:00.001-05:00

When it comes to purchasing a new ball, it is very important to drill it in a way that is going to benefit your bowling style, as well as better your scores on the conditions you bowl on. Bowling balls have either symmetric or asymmetric cores, each of which requires different layouts to maximize their reaction potential.

First we will examine the reactions of a bowling ball with a symmetric core. When first glancing at the ball, you will notice a small, colored circle, also known as the pin. The pin is generally used as a guide for where the finger holes will be drilled in the ball. In terms of reaction, placing the pin above the fingers will encourage length and more backend, or down lane hook, and placing it below the fingers will result in an earlier, more smooth reaction. Layouts designed for length are beneficial on lanes that have dry-medium oil, since you want the ball to retain its energy before it reacts, and earlier rolling layouts excel on the heavy stuff, since an earlier rolling ball will cut through the oil and still have enough pop to strike. Another marker to take into account is the center of gravity, usually marked with a symbol (depending on the company, they vary), a few inches below the location of the pin. The CG also plays a role in determining how your ball will react down the lane. For a right hander, moving the CG to the right of your grip center will also promote length and more overall hook, whereas moving it to the left will allow it to roll a bit earlier, and not make as drastic of a move down lane. The same can be said for a lefty, just the other way around. Also, moving the CG closer to where the finger holes were placed will add more backend, whereas moving it closer to the thumb will result in a more even reaction overall.

All of this information is the same for balls that have asymmetric cores, but there is one more factor that needs to be accounted for; the mass bias. The mass bias, usually marked somewhere below the CG, can also be used to dictate length in a ball’s reaction. For a righty, placing the mass bias to the left of the thumb will result in a milder reaction, whereas moving it to the right of the thumb will result in a ball with more length and backend.

Now these are just very general guidelines as to how to layout a bowling ball for drilling, but every bowler should take into account how they throw the ball, their track, and their PAP (positive axis point), since they are unique to everybody. Somebody who has a high track, or tracks closer to the finger and thumb holes, will benefit from a different layout than someone with a low track. Rev rate can also be a factor as well. Someone who has a high rev rate may not want to use a layout that places the pin below the fingers, since it will hook incredibly earlier for them. Finally, ball speed can dictate how you are going to want your ball to roll. High ball speeds can be overcome by using earlier rolling layouts, since they will almost cancel each other out, whereas bowlers with slower ball speeds want the ball to go long before it reacts.

I hope I have provided some insight into the tricky game of making your bowling ball work for you. The goal is to find the balance between how you bowl, and what you want the ball to do. Once this is achieved, take the pin, CG, and mass bias and place them in spots that are most likely going to result in your desired reaction. All that is left to do after that is taking your ball to the lanes put it to good use.

A Classic . . . Re-Invented

2008-12-19T14:09:00.008-05:00

Introducing Ebonite's The One Pearl, a pearlized version of the classic ball that was a favorite of many bowlers. It features a symmetrical core, wrapped in GB 10.7 coverstock, the same as the original. However, it has a new face, with it being violet and red, as opposed to the bluish-green color of the original. The ball has yet to be released, but look for it to be a big hit for this upcoming bowling season. (Photo taken from http://www.bowlingball.com/)

Tech Specs.

Color - Purple/Black/Red Pearl

Coverstock - GB 10.7

Core - Centrex Symmetrical Mass Bias

Weight - 12-16 lbs.

RG/Differential

14 lb. - 2.49/.053

15 lb. - 2.46/.056

16 lb. - 2.51/.037

(Tech Specs. Courtesy of http://www.ebonite.com)

Practice Session - December 18, 2008

2008-12-19T09:11:00.005-05:00

So I didn't have much to do yesterday, so I decided why not take a trip to the bowling center for a few games. I got there early in the morning, so there was a fresh shot out there. Most times when I usually go in the afternoon, the lanes are usually fried, so it was nice to have an undisturbed shot out there for me to use.

I decided to start the first game off with my Bite, playing straight up the 2nd arrow. Had the front 7 strikes, just to leave a stone 9 in the 8th frame, as the bowler next to me goes through the nose and strikes. Don't you hate this sport? I struck till the 2nd ball in the 10th, where I left a nasty split. Finished with a 254.

Second game I played the same line as I had the first game, but just with my Cell (review coming). The ball was reading the lane smoother, and not jumping off the spot like the Bite was towards the end of the 1st game. Finished the second game with a 230 after a mid-game split.

Third game, I had a Chris Barnes mental breakdown. Missed two 10 pins, played the spare game, finished with a 191.

Fourth and fifth games, I switched over to the Link, and played straight up the 4th board, right on the dry. The ball was money; didn't overreact and crushed the 1-3. Left a few 10 pins on lighter hits, but overall, was very impressed with the ball's reaction. Finished with a 213 and 210 respectively.

Overall, it was a good day bowling, and I think I have finally figured out a solid three ball arsenal for me to use when I bowl.

The Answer for Fried Lanes

2008-12-18T10:48:00.007-05:00

Many bowlers wonder what to do when they experience completely burnt out lanes, where their high performance equipment proves to be just too much. The answer lies in the 900 Global Link. I just recently purchased this ball for these types of conditions, and boy does it excel on the dry stuff. Throw the ball on fresh oil, and it will just skate down the lane.

I took the Link with me on a Saturday afternoon to the local center, and bowled on lanes that a huge birthday party just finished bowling on. I started with my usual line, 20-5, with my Bite, and I swear I almost chopped the 7 pin off a full rack. Talk about fried lanes. I immediately went to the Link, and jumped to the right. I played straight up the 2nd arrow and crushed the pocket. Reaction wise, the Link goes very long, and makes a slight turn when it hits the dry. It doesn't snap or jump off the spot by any means, but it is very controllable and easy to get to the hole. It carries very well for an entry level priced ball, and carries the corner pins very well. If you are looking for a piece to combat the dry stuff, the Link made by 900 Global sure fits the bill.

The Newest Releases

2008-12-18T08:47:00.003-05:00

Here is a list of the newest bowling balls that have been released from the major bowling ball companies.

Brunswick

Maxx Zone
Twisted Fury Destruction

Ebonite

Striking Motion

Hammer

The Sauce

900 Global

Bounty
Maniac

Storm

Hy-Road
Virtual Gravity

Lane #1

Chainsaw

Columbia 300

Momentum Swing
Loud Noize

Visionary

New Breed Solid
New Breed Pearl

MoRich

Lev RG Response

Roto Grip

Cell Pearl

Black Widow Bite Review

2008-12-17T17:26:00.006-05:00

My Specs
Right Handed
PAP: 4" over, 1/2" up
Ball Speed: 16 MPH
Rev Rate: Average (250-300)
Layout: Pin Above Bridge, CG kicked right, MB next to thumb

The third ball in the Black Widow series, the Black Widow Bite, is an absolute backend monster. I punched it up with Hammer's skid/flip layout, which puts the pin above the bridge, The ball is nothing short of long and strong. Miss your target right, it will recover. Miss left, the ball will hold its line.

I started playing around 15 out to 5 on medium-dry lanes, and couldn't even keep the ball on the right side of the lane. I then moved left, playing around 25 out to 5, and the ball came alive. As soon as it hit the dry, it was as if someone kicked the ball left, destroying the 1-3 in the process. The ball carries light hits EXTREMELY WELL, inducing great pin action.

When comparing it to the original Black Widow Solid, the Bite overall is 5-7 boards stronger in total hook, and it has slightly more midlane than the original. The original goes a tad bit longer, and will have more of a hockey stick type of reaction. Overall, the Bite is a fantastic ball that should be in anyone's bag. It excels on medium to medium heavy oil, and in my opinion, is one of the best balls for such conditions. Do not hesitate to purchase this ball.