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Talk Bowling #97 – Building an Arsenal of Bowling Balls

Sep 262011

Talk Bowling – Episode #97
Question from Sean D: Hey guys, first I would like to say that I have recently come across your site and its great to see that there is a place to get the kind of advice you guys are giving to people. With that said I have a question. How do I begin to build an effective arsenal? I have a bunch of bowling balls in my closet, but I’m not really sure if I have any “drivers" in there(stealing the golf bag analogy). I feel like I have an" iron" or two and a few “putters". Most of the balls I wind up with are hand-me-downs but I really want to get a couple of new pieces of my own. Right now I have the first black widow, an ultimate inferno, blue elite alien, virtual gravity, avalanche, c-system 4.5 and a mission. The only balls I got new are the first 3 and I only really use the first two. All the others I have either not thrown or have been unimpressed by them. Some of that may be my fault since I usually just plug the thumb on the hand-me-downs and just bowl over the original layout, but I really feel like I don’t have very many options on some league nights since I only bring and use my widow and inferno. Where do I go from here? Do I invest in redrilling some of those balls I have and get new stuff, or just scrap the stuff in my closet and start fresh? Thanks. Sean D.

A – Well there’s a lot to discuss here. Let’s start with the golf analogy. While it is a very good one, you have to be careful to not take it too literally. Yes, everyone hits their driver further than there 5 iron (hopefully). However, in bowling the “driver” could very different for each person. Actually your “driver” could be different bowling balls depending on the lane conditions. Long story short, there isn’t a single best answer. Many people are going to say your Virtual Gravity is the best “driver” out there.

That being said, unless the people you received the hand-me-downs from have the same Positive Axis Point (PAP) as you, the ball will roll differently than what the drilling was meant for.

Arsenals can vary depending on your goals. Are you just bowling league? Then you may only have one arsenal. Are you going to bowl tournaments? You may have different arsenals based on the expected lane conditions. Or you can just take all of your bowling balls to every tournament, which may be overkill.

My suggestion, make sure the layouts and your bowling balls match to your game. If not, plug and redrill. It looks like all of your bowling balls are very aggressive. You may want to consider some more mid range for when the lanes are drier, or the lanes break down. Consider some of these: Brunswick Slingshot, Roto Grip Bandit, Brunswick Lethal Revolver, Some of the Tropical Storms, DV8 Misfit.

How to contact us
Email us questions@talkbowling.com, Leave a comment on TalkBowling.com, On Twitter we are @TalkBowling

Sponsor:
This episode is brought to you by Elite Bowling. bowlingball.com is proud to now carry Elite, Rev and Yellow Jacket brands offering all of their equipment to our bowlers. Elite offers high quality, high performance equipment and now at some new lower prices. Check out our complete selection of Elite equipment and coming soon we will have ball reaction videos for each ball in their line. Elite is currently running a special and you can receive a free hat and t shirt with the purchase of any high performance bowling ball. See site for details.

Last Week’s Question of the Week:
Q – When did the first syndicated bowling show appear on television?
A – The first syndicated bowling show was “Championship Bowling" which ran for 22 seasons beginning in 1954.

Question of the Week:
Q – Where was the oldest bowling alley in the world discovered and when was it built?
A – Watch the next episode for the answer

Contest reminder:
bowlingball.com gives away a brand new bowling ball every week of the year. 52 weeks, 52 winners. All you have to do is signup for our contest weekly.

Also every month we give away 2 bowling balls on BowlingBoards.com. Come join the community of bowlers there, discuss equipment, lane conditions, tips, techniques, and more. Every post you make is an entry into a drawing for a brand new bowling ball.

Closing:
Please remember that bowlingball.com is free shipping on every item, every day. No hidden handling fees, no packaging fees, no added insurance fees. The price shown is the price you pay at checkout. No Surprises.

Talk Bowling #96 – Can A Wrist Device Help Keep A Wrist Straight?

Episodes 4 Responses »

Aug 252011

Question from Maurice:
Q – Hi John and Tony,

I know that there are many wrist devices available to bowlers these days. Most of them seem to offer support for the wrist/forearm and some also provide assistance with getting the wrist/hand into a cupped position (in varying degrees).

However, I’ve no problem cupping the ball. I find that my difficulty lies in keeping my wrist neutral unless I am really concentrating on doing so. Is there a wrist device out there that will keep my wrist/hand from assuming the cupped position?

Thank you.
Happy Bowling, Maurice

A – Great question. As you know, most bowlers have the opposite problem, keeping their wrist cupped. The adjustable wrist supports usually have a strap that go around the palm of your hand to help hold it to the support. This should help hold your wrist straight when you flatten the device out.

This also helps you find middle ground in your cupping too. You have more than just cupped or flat, but maybe you need something in between. The Brunswick PowerKoil is a great option, and there are many others as well.

For this type of concern, you will definitely need a support that goes up the back of your hand, and not just around the wrist or forearm.

How to contact us
Email us questions@talkbowling.com
Leave a comment on TalkBowling.com
On Twitter we are @TalkBowling

Sponsor: FootAction.com
I am sure everyone has heard of FootAction, it’s a great shoe store with every type of shoe. FootAction has what you need to be first, fast, and best with head-to-toe sport-inspired style.

TalkBowling viewers can save 10% off any order over $50 by using promotion code AFTALKFA. However, you know shoes are expensive and you will more than likely spend over $75 right, so use promotion code AFBOWLFA to save 15% instead.

We are a paid affiliate of FootAction, that means we only get paid when you shop. Help support us by supporting our sponsors.

Last Week’s Question of the Week:
Q – What was the lowest series ever bowled in ABC/USBC Tournament history?
A – Henry Beeny rolled a 204 at the 1902 ABC Tournament in New York.

Question of the Week:
Q – When did the first syndicated bowling show appear on television?
A – Watch the next episode for the answer

Contest reminder:
bowlingball.com gives away a brand new bowling ball every week of the year. 52 weeks, 52 winners. All you have to do is signup for our contest weekly.
Also through the end of the May 2011, there is a separate giveaway just for participating on BowlingBoards.com. Come join the community of bowlers there, discuss equipment, lane conditions, tips, techniques, and more. Every post you make is an entry into a drawing for a brand new bowling ball.

Closing:
Please remember that bowlingball.com is free shipping on every item, every day. No hidden handling fees, no packaging fees, no added insurance fees. The price shown is the price you pay at checkout. No Surprises.

Talk Bowling #95 – Sharing Equipment In League/Tournament Play

Episodes 1 Response »

Aug 102011

Question from Jason:
Q – Hi my brother and I just got the Vise IT in our equipment. The cool thing about it is that we both have the same pitch, span, and fingers. The only thing is that he had a larger thumb than me. My questions is during League or Tournament is it OK that we can use each others bowling balls or even the same one during the competition.

A – I am glad that you are happy with the Vise IT. For those that do now know, IT stands for Interchangeable Thumb, and is Vise’s system to let you have the same thumb hole feel in every ball. It is similar to the Turbo Switch Grip. We are proponents of these systems, as it is very important to have the same feel from ball to ball. And this is one way of achieving that. If you have us drill your new bowling ball, we can install either the Vise IT, or the Turbo Switch Grip for you.

You can also have multiple inserts made so that instead of adding tape, you can just change the insert, especially if your thumb swells and/or shrinks a lot during competition.

The only reason we don’t use one of these systems is because of we would end up wasting quite a bit of the inner pieces. Since we shoot a video for so many different balls, it is cheaper for us to use a thumb mold. Putting the inner pieces in for just a video shoot doesn’t make sense for us.

As for your competition question, there is nothing in the rule book that prohibits multiple people from using the same equipment. You will only annoy the people you are bowling with/against if it ends up causing a delay in the game because you are waiting for the ball to return.

How to contact us
Email us questions@talkbowling.com
Leave a comment on TalkBowling.com
On Twitter we are @TalkBowling

Sponsor: ChampsSports.com
Did you know that ChampsSports.com offers you a winning selection in sportswear and shoes from leading brands in the industry. Whether you are into Basketball, soccer, baseball, or just plain old running, ChampsSports has the shoes for you. With name brands like, Nike, Jordan, Adidas, and more, you are sure to find something that suits you. ChampsSports is for the Ultimate Sports Fan.

TalkBowling viewers can save 10% off any order over $50 by using promotion code AFTALKCH. And if you spend over $75, use promotion code AFBOWLCH to save 15% instead.

Help support us by supporting our sponsors.

Last Week’s Question of the Week:
Q – Where did the term"Brooklyn" originate?
A – This refers to a shot that “crosses over" the 1-3 pocket for right-handers and produces a strike. It originated in New York where people would “cross over" to Brooklyn from Manhattan. A side term “Jersey" references left-handers and refers to people crossing over from Manhattan to New Jersey.

Question of the Week:
Q – What was the lowest series ever bowled in ABC/USBC Tournament history?
A – Watch The Next Episode For The Answer

Contest reminder:
bowlingball.com gives away a brand new bowling ball every week of the year. 52 weeks, 52 winners. All you have to do is signup for our contest weekly.
Also through the end of the May 2011, there is a separate giveaway just for participating on BowlingBoards.com. Come join the community of bowlers there, discuss equipment, lane conditions, tips, techniques, and more. Every post you make is an entry into a drawing for a brand new bowling ball.

Closing:
Please remember that bowlingball.com is free shipping on every item, every day. No hidden handling fees, no packaging fees, no added insurance fees. The price shown is the price you pay at checkout. No Surprises.

Talk Bowling #94 – Aggressive Equipment

Episodes Comments Off

Aug 012011

Question from Rick B:
Q – Hi. I am in somewhat of a dilemma. I bowl in leagues year round and i also have started bowling in tournaments. On a recent trip to my state USBC tourney I found myself in a bad spot. My equipment was too agressive for the drier lane conditions. I have a Brunswick C(system)alpha max, Track 715T, and Track 718A and a plastic. My question is what ball would be a good choice? I have been doing some research online and its looking like maybe a Hammer vibe, Columbia freeze, Track 300C,and Brunswick Slingshot. Could you help me please? I have heard that after the 300C gets a few games on it, it starts to hook more(which i dont want to happen). I love the Track equipment. But, I am not locked into only having Track. If there is any advice you may have it would be very much appreciated.

A – Hi Rick, it does appear that all of your equipment is aggressive, and meant to have some oil underneath it. You are looking in the right area for a bowling ball that will fit into your arsenal. Relating this to golf, your bag has a driver a couple of fairway woods, and a putter. You need some irons and wedges in that bag.

From my (John Congdon) personal experience, I really like the Slingshot and the new Roto Grip Bandit for this spot in the arsenal.

There is nothing more frustrating than dry lanes where all of your equipment is too strong.

How to contact us
Email us questions@talkbowling.com
Leave a comment on TalkBowling.com
On Twitter we are @TalkBowling

Sponsor: Fleurop.com
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TalkBowling viewers can save 20% off any order by using promotion code BOWLPOD1.
Help support us by supporting our sponsors.

Last Week’s Question of the Week:
Q – Who rolled the first 300 game sanctioned by the ABC (Now USBC) and when was it bowled?
A – Ernie Fosberg in 1902.

Question of the Week:
Q – Where did the term"Brooklyn" originate?
A – Watch the next episode for the answer

Contest reminder:
bowlingball.com gives away a brand new bowling ball every week of the year. 52 weeks, 52 winners. All you have to do is signup for our contest weekly.
Also through the end of the May 2011, there is a separate giveaway just for participating on BowlingBoards.com. Come join the community of bowlers there, discuss equipment, lane conditions, tips, techniques, and more. Every post you make is an entry into a drawing for a brand new bowling ball.

Closing:
Please remember that bowlingball.com is free shipping on every item, every day. No hidden handling fees, no packaging fees, no added insurance fees. The price shown is the price you pay at checkout. No Surprises.

Talk Bowling #93 – Baffling Lane Conditions

Episodes Comments Off

Jul 202011

Question from Michael:
Q – I recently bowled on a particularly challenging lane condition that completely baffled me. Any ball (even plastic) left of 10 at around 25-30 feet would check hard left no matter where I released it on the approach. In several games the only look I could find was standing 39 and looking 13 at the arrows with a stronger ball. The lanes were synthetic the first 15 feet or so, and wood the rest of the way, and after several visits I’m wondering if that is why I’m having such a problem. My first question is how would you attack such a lane differently than a lane that is completely synthetic? My second question is if I were to bowl for an extended amount of time (like a tournament or something) on this condition, how the heck would I adjust from that spot with the weird check point just to the left? Just hope to be able to downshell? Thanks for all you do, Michael

A – Interesting challenge. It sounds like you are describing a reverse block type of pattern, where the middle is dry and the outsides a super wet. This would be true if in your scenario of standing 39 and throwing to 13, had you pushed the ball to say 9 and it just continued sliding into the gutter, or hold and say take out just the 10 pin.

These patterns require very accurate shot making. Usually you want to know where the oil is, and it sounds like you knew it to be right of board 10. Now you want to make your delivery straight up boards 9 or 10 taking advantage of the oil there. You will need to continue moving, as you will burn that oil up quickly.

This is where practice comes in. You should not be worrying about striking, or your score. You go to the lanes with the intention of trying a different shot. Pick a board on the lane, say the 1 board at the arrows. That is extreme, but if you can roll a ball straight up the lane along the gutter, you will have the confidence to hit any spot on the lane when you want/need to. And confidence is an important skill to have in any situation (in sports, business, or life).

How to contact us
Email us questions@talkbowling.com
Leave a comment on TalkBowling.com
On Twitter we are @TalkBowling

Sponsor: FootAction.com
I am sure everyone has heard of FootAction, it’s a great shoe store with every type of shoe. FootAction has what you need to be first, fast, and best with head-to-toe sport-inspired style.

TalkBowling viewers can save 10% off any order over $50 by using promotion code AFTALKFA. However, you know shoes are expensive and you will more than likely spend over $75 right, so use promotion code AFBOWLFA to save 15% instead.
We are a paid affiliate of FootAction, that means we only get paid when you shop. Help support us by supporting our sponsors.

Last Week’s Question of the Week:
Q – Where did the term “turkey" originate?
A – Some time in the late 1800′s to early 1900′s bowling proprietors would give out prizes for those people that could bowl 3 strikes in a row. The most common was a free turkey for the first person to bowl 3 consecutive strikes.

Question of the Week:
Q – Who rolled the first 300 game sanctioned by the ABC (Now USBC) and when was it bowled?
A – Watch the next episode for the answer

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