With some many bowling balls to choose from, it’s nice to have some tips on how to find the right one. Team USA Head Coach Rod Ross and professional bowler Chris Barnes discuss the various options that you can choose from when purchasing your ball. This includes a look at the difference between symmetrical and asymmetrical cores as well as polished and dull coverstocks. The way you bowl will dictate the specifications that you should look for in a bowling ball.
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Great videos guys. I bowled when i was younger, never got the hang of it. But now im on a league with the old lady and her brother and really looking to step my game up. Your videos have helped me a lot. I plan on purchasing a ball soon and this video was very helpful, although id like to know the difference between ball shell material i.e. urethane plastic etc.
Hi Ray. Bowling ball cover stock material has evolved for many, many years and has come a long way from those made of wood in the late 1800’s. Here’s a current list of cover stock materials with information and characteristics.Rubber· Introduced in 1905· Some model names: AMF 3 Dot, LT-48, Black Diamond· No longer manufactured· Least amount of friction so very straight ball motion· Used primarily as a “spare ball” todayPlastic· Introduced in 1959· Some model names: T-Zone, Maxim, White Dot· Minimal amount of friction so straighter ball motion· Can be used for dry lanes or short distance oil patterns· Used primarily as a “spare ball” in todayUrethane· Introduced in 1981· Some model names: Pitch Black, Blue Hammer, Karma,· Low friction on lane surfaces but can be all purpose ball,· Minimal ball motion but can be used for strikes or spares· Sanding the surface increases hook potential & polishing it decreases hook potentialResin· Introduced in 1991· Some model names: Absolute Nirvana, Snap Lock, Game Breaker· Skids in oil, highest overall friction on dry part of the lane· Bowlers use larger pocket entry angles, and these balls soak up oil off the lane· Bowlers typically need to make larger angle adjustments to compensate for strong reactionParticle· Introduced in 1998· Some model names: Mammoth, Tombstone, Eraser· Highest amount of friction in oil· Ball motion is aggressive in the front part of the lane and smoother in the back of the lane· Very good for heavy oil lanesCongratulations on getting back into a league and good luck on the lanes.
Many thanks, I have been researching “what is the best speed to throw a bowling ball?” for a while now, and I think this has helped. You ever tried – Piylivern Remarkable Predominance – (search on google ) ? It is a smashing one of a kind product for discovering how to up your bowling game quickly minus the hard work. Ive heard some pretty good things about it and my partner got great results with it.
What is considered fast mph and what is considered slow? I average about 10-11 mph average about 150. My ball has a tendency go straight and then break left closer to the pins. Of course, the lanes are oily for Tuesday nights and fry for Thursday morning leagues. Not sure which ball to purchase Reactive or Pearl Reactive. Currently, I am using a reactive and doing fine. Just looking to buy a new ball and didn’t know their were so many choices.
Kevin Corcoran fast is usually around the 20 mph; slow is 12 to 15 mph
Hi,
If you’re measuring ball speeds from the bowling centers
scoring monitors (which is most often the case) it’s measured down lane
close to the pins and the ball has already lost speed before it’s
measured. We’ve assessed that you can add about 1.5 to 2 mph to the
reading to get an approximate speed for your speed at release. 10-11mph
translates into slower ball speed and a “pearl’ ball would be
recommended to go longer down lane before hooking.
Extreme ball speed 20+mph at release
High ball speed = 17-20mph at release
Medium ball speed = 13-16mph at release
Slow ball speed = 10-12mph at release
The “Find A Coach” feature of Bowl.com is one of the best ways to locate a certified coach in your area. Visit http://www.bowl.com use the “Find a…” tab to locate Find A Coach, enter your zip code and a radius then click “search.”
To locate a certified pro shop operator in your area, use
the IBPSIA website and search by using your zip code. Here’s their web
address http://www.ibpsia.com/go/find_shop/type/shop/by_state.
Thanks for continuing with the Bowling Academy,
Stephen Padilla
I just got my first bowling ball and i had to make sure that i could hold it and swing it and that i could move it and had to measure grips and hand motion and finger spots
I got a new ball yesterday and I had to roll a 150 to get it
My friend said that a sure lock would be good for me, I throw between 13-15.5 mph, I play the outside part of the lane, and I have a low to medium rev rate, would this ball be good for me?
I need to order in the next 4 hours. For bone dry lanes should I get a brunswick Tzone or Storm Mix. I need something I can keep on the right hand side with a tiny bit of movement. Imagine they haven’t oiled in 3 weeks. I throw 17mph 450revs.
Hammer has a Black Widow Spare. Plastic coverstock, but with the Black Widow core.
You mentioned being able to shine the surface of a ball. What’s the best way to do this?
Hi,
The best way to shine the surface of a ball is to have a
pro shop professional use their equipment to apply polish and buff it
into the ball. There are many techniques and tools and an experiences
pro shop professional will be able to restore the finish to factory
specifications if needed.
To locate a certified pro shop operator in your area, use
the IBPSIA website and search by using your zip code. Here’s their web
address http://www.ibpsia.com/go/find_shop/type/shop/by_state
for a quick search. Look for a USBC certified coach and IBPSIA Pro Shop
professional in your area and work with them to increase your average.
Thanks for continuing with the Bowling Academy.
thank you for finally answering my question i love the program keep doing new videos like working oon sliding to the finish
This is glorious, I have been researching “how many steps do you take in bowling?” for a while now, and I think this has helped. You ever tried – Piylivern Remarkable Predominance – (just google it ) ? It is a great one off guide for discovering how to up your bowling game quickly minus the hard work. Ive heard some amazing things about it and my colleague got amazing success with it.
So much info here! Thanks.
I’m an amateur straight bowler, my highest score ever is 173 and my average is about 125. I got a turkey and hambone for the first time ever in the same game last week, four straight strikes. I had only ever had 2 straight strikes before. My score in that game was still only 166 though.
ok
Learn how to spin it
BPAA… great. My sister in law is the executive of BCAW. I love to support all BPAA locations. Thanks for the video
every time i throw the ball, it slowly rolls into the side gutter. sometimes it even stops about 3/4 way down the lane. i quit.
As a professional bowler, I suggest you get a 8lb. ball and practice swinging your arm before you release, please do not roll the ball with 2 hands, this knocks off your direction.
Well that was too short. I would have liked to hear about the effects of symmetrical vs asymmetrical core on the lane as it goes thru the skid, hook, and roll …and the type of bowler each is best suited for such as a tweener, cranker, etc. When you see a ball wobble as it skids down the lane, I assume that is the imbalance weight of an asymmetrical core in effect.
Great reference about the skater with the arms in and out when describing the effect of the core size. So I would think the smaller weight block be more dense than a large size core so as to achieve the overall same ball weight. So with the skater in mind I assume that the ball with the smaller weight block (weight closer to center) would spin faster than the larger core, given both the same about of release energy by the bowler. That would mean faster rev rate but the ball would lose energy faster with a smaller core.
Accumulator1 I’m tryna learn how to bowl but this sh^t is difficult
@Tyler Pendergrass look at the arrows on the lane, and look where you stand. Once you find a good strike ball and throw a strike keep the pattern and keep consistency. 👍🏻
Great video and you’re really good at explaining it in terms people can easily understand. Well done
Many thanks, I been tryin to find out about “how to throw a bowling ball straight” for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you ever come across – Piylivern Remarkable Predominance – (should be on google have a look ) ? It is a smashing one off guide for discovering how to up your bowling game quickly minus the hard work. Ive heard some amazing things about it and my partner got excellent success with it.
Many thanks, I been tryin to find out about “how to throw a bowling ball straight” for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you ever come across – Piylivern Remarkable Predominance – (should be on google have a look ) ? It is a smashing one off guide for discovering how to up your bowling game quickly minus the hard work. Ive heard some amazing things about it and my partner got excellent success with it.
But what kind of ball do i get if im a two finger two handed bowler with low ball speed but high rev rate
I just got the phaze 2. For some reason keep hitting it through the head head pin no matter how much angle I get. I throw the ball slow at round 13-14mph. 2 handed by the way. I feel like the phaze 2 has to much grip on the lane and I cant get enough on it to get it down the lane before it wants to grip/hook. Should I consider a pearl ball instead of the phaze 2? thanks love the content.
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I wanted to getting into bowling and Im glad I came across this video. Great information. Now I can figure out what kind of ball and size that will work for me.
Glad it was helpful!
Got it. So basically match whatever bowling ball I get to my needs… so I have to figure out myself before I figure out the right bowling ball. But I can’t figure out myself unless I use different types of bowling balls to figure out the exact bowling ball I need. 🤯 I’m more lost than ever.
Go to a bowling ball demonstration day. They get you the right size thumb insert. You can try any ball there and find the right one for you.
I bowl right handed but. I don’t use the thumb hole, only my pinky and ring finger.
looking for a medium hook ball any ideas? I’m currently using a 14 lb hammer.
I like it but sometimes it is inconsistent on the break.
Great question! The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members of our online community. I would be happy to send your question off to the experts. To get started, please send the email associated with your paid membership account. Thanks!
Your videos are always very helpful. Keep up the great work. Thanks
This was so helpful. Thank you my man. Definitely bowling a 250 average now 🙏🏼