Episodes » Talk Bowling

Talk Bowling #102 – Choosing a Bowling Ball With More Back End Hook

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Jan 212012

Question from Anonymous:
Q – I bowl with an ebonite cyclone but i am looking for a bowling ball with more hook on the back end. what ball will be good? My average is a 150, I bowl on Medium oiled lanes, and my speed is medium. I also bowl with a Brunswick Slingshot

A – I’m sorry I could not give you credit. I know your email address is SeeNoEvil… but there was no name for me to put in our show.
As for your question, I would like to talk about our Perfect Scale®. The Perfect Scale® can be used to compare the hook ratings of several bowling balls from all manufacturers. For example, the Cyclone is listed at 167.20, so you are going to want something a little higher. The slingshot is also a great bowling ball, and rates 157.60.

You can sort the bowling balls on bowlingball.com, by perfect scale. For example, from high to low, or low to high. And then start to decide how much hook you want. There are many other factors, do you prefer asymmetric, or symmetric cores? Solid, Pearl, or Hybrid coverstocks?
My (John Congdon) personal suggestions would be any of these. Roto Grip Critical Theory, Brunswick Nexus f(P) Pearl, or the soon to be released DV8 Hell Raiser Revenge.

Question from James Swanson:
Q – How do I adjust to longer and shorter oil patterns. I know the difference between them but I would like your thoughts on how to adjust.
A – James thank you for your question and your support of our show, we really appreciate it.
Outside of the obvious answer of making sure the ball you are throwing matches up to the condition you are bowling on, you can try any of the following on these oil patterns:

1. Adjust where you are looking on the lane. For a shorter oil pattern where your ball will want to start to hook sooner adjust your target further down the lane. This will create more projection and usually a little more ball speed. For the longer patterns, do the opposite, bring your target closer to you to assist in getting the ball down on the lane quicker and giving the ball more time to read the oil pattern.
2. Adjust your hand/wrist position. Flattening your hand out on the shorter pattern will create less hook and assist in getting the ball down the lane. On the longer pattern try and cup your wrist more and get the ball rolling mor off your hand to create more roll and hopefully turning into more movement on that pattern.
3. You can also play around with adjusting your starting position on the approach. Moving up for some people causes them to slow down their approach and that translates into slower ball speed giving your ball more time to hook. Moving back on the shorter pattern can adjust your approach and ball speed upwards creating moe length.

Hope these suggestions help.

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

Last Week’s Question of the Week:
Q – How many 300 games have been bowled on tv, and when was the last?
A – 21, most recently by Jason Belmonte on 1/8/2012

Question of the Week:
Q – On January 8, 2012, two jaw dropping events happened on the PBA telecast. One was Jason Belmonte’s 300, the other was Josh Blanchard’s sticking in his thumb hole and ending up in the gutter. What are your thoughts on how the media covered this event?
We would like to commend Josh’s professional handling of this event and we are also happy to say that he was not seriously injured.

Facebook Contest:

Pyramid Bowling is giving away an entire bowling arsenal. Win a Pyramid Path ball, Pyramid Path single or double roller ball bag, your choice, and your choice of Men’s Ram, Youth Skull or Women’s Rise shoes.

All you have to do is help get them to 1000 likes and they will randomly pick a winner. The quicker they get to 1000 likes the sooner the drawing will be.

Like Talk Bowling or bowlingball.com for an additional entry into the Choose Your Path giveaway.

Answer the question of the week on Talk Bowling’s Facebook page and we will randomly choose a winner for a bowlinball.com T Shirt.

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 2012, 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 #101 – Is The a Difference When Bowling With a 15 Pound Ball vs 16 Pounds?

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Jan 122012

Talk Bowling – Episode #101

Question from Terry:
Q – I use a 16lbs bowling ball when i bowl. what is the different between a 15lbs and a 16lbs bowling ball when it comes to bowling?

A – We receive questions like this quite often. The truth of the matter is back in the day (say pre 2000), you wanted a heavier bowling ball that could provide more driving power into the pin deck. However, with today’s technology, they are finding out that it is not the complete story. You still want the heaviest bowling ball you can control, but you don’t have to have a 16# bowling ball to succeed.

Nowadays, you can change your bowling ball weight to also help you change your speed. I don’t know how advisable this is, but it may work for some bowlers.

Winners:
For our 100th episode, we gave away a bunch of t-shirts and a Pyramid Double Roller Bowling Bag. We want to thank everyone for participating and making our 100th episode such a success. We have brought on some new viewers that had not heard of our podcast before.

For a complete list of winners, go to talkbowling.com, episode 100. We put the list of winners in the comments.

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

Last Week’s Question of the Week:
Q – Who holds the PBA record for longest winning streak on television? How many matches?
A – 16, Jim Pencak (1989-91)

Question of the Week:
Q – How many 300 games have been bowled on tv, and when was the last?
A – Watch the next episode

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 2012, 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 #100 – Milestone Achieved and We’re Giving Away Stuff

Episodes 2 Responses »

Dec 302011

Talk Bowling – Episode #100

WANT TO WIN STUFF? We have shirts, jackets, and more to give away.
Watch this entire episode, we will discuss multiple ways of winning stuff.

Question from Jesse :
Q – Why does bowlingball.com not stock Track bowling balls (or many of Ebonite International’s products)?

A – Jesse, thanks for your question. We are very happy to say that as of early November we are carrying a full line of Ebonite International products including all four of their ball brands, Ebonite, Hammer, Columbia 300 and Track. We are sorry for the time period that we did not carry their brands but we are very excited to offer a full line to our customers again.

Question from Pizza:

Q – hello. my name is Zack. i throw 14 &15 pounds, about 16 mph with higher revs. i have a 5 step approach and start at the very back dots of the approach. i average 182, i was wondering if i could get more accuracy my moving up. or maybe going to a 4 step approach? Or do you have any other tips on becoming more accurate?

A – Accuracy will not be judged by where you are starting on the lane per se. Accuracy is mainly influenced by consistency and balance at the foul line. As long as you are walking the same way consistently, aren’t too jerky in your movements, follow through, and stay balanced at the line, you should have good accuracy.

Going from a 182 average up to 200’s is not an easy task. I stayed in the 180’s for a few years, which was a bummer because I work for bowlingball.com. I “should” be a better bowler.

The true secret in moving above a 180 average bowler is to make your spares. I bet you are leaving at least one open frame every game, causing your average to be in the 180’s. That was my problem. Practice your spare shooting and watch your average increase.

Don’t worry too heavily about a 4 or 5 step approach. Be comfortable with one for now. Changing from one to the other can have negative side effects.

The first way to win stuff – For a Complete List Visit http://www.bowlingball.com/talkbowling100

Find this podcast (TalkBowling episode 100) on the bowlingball.com facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/bowlingballcom) and like it.You will be entered for a random drawing for a Turbo “Got Grips” t-shirt. We will be drawing 5 names.Answer the question of the week correctly on facebook, and you will be entered into a drawing for a Brunswick Rain JacketRandom comments on this episode will be entered into a random drawing for a Roto Grip T-Shirt. We will draw 2 names.

Question from James Swanson:
Q – I am wonder what happens to your bowling balls if you leave it in your truck in cold weather and hot weather. Thank you very much for your time.

A- You’re welcome for our time. 🙂
The worst case scenario is that your bowling ball will crack in half. Bowling balls are made of multiple pieces, from the inner core and/or outer core to the coverstock. As these pieces heat and cool, they may expand and contract. Because these materials have different coefficients of expansion they could cause the ball to crack.

This is limited to being outside in extreme environments. I have had this happen to a bowling ball that was just sitting in a closet of an unused bedroom. However, outside temperatures can fluctuate more easily, causing cracking to happen.

The other scenario is that ball may “leak” oil from the coverstock if it is a reactive type material ball. In this case the pores on the cover open up from the heat and the oil that has soaked into the shell starts to bleed out.

The second way to win stuff – For a Complete List Visit http://www.bowlingball.com/talkbowling100 We didn’t forget about our viewers on YouTube. Find this podcast on YouTube, and leave a comment to be entered into a random drawing for:Turbo “Got Grips” t-shirt, 5 winnersBrunswick Polo, 2 winnersSubscribe to our YouTube Channel to be entered into a random drawing for a Roto Grip T-Shirt, 2 winners

Question from Daniel Crawford:

Q – What’s the importance of releasing the ball at or around the foul line over lofting?

A – There is no importance of it really. The importance is only in your consistency in doing either of them. Or using each method when necessary. Lofting will help you overcome hooking too early. While a smooth release onto the surface may be more repeatable. In the end, consistency always wins. If you can repeat shots, and make minor adjustments, your game will improve.

The third way to win stuff – For a Complete List Visit http://www.bowlingball.com/talkbowling100 For those on twitter, simply tweet the following message for a chance at a Storm Polo, 2 names drawn.I watched episode 100 of @TalkBowling and I want to win a #StormPolo from @BowlingBall

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

Last Week’s Question of the Week:
Q – What is the highest sanctioned series by a female bowling and who rolled it?
A – 878 – Karen Rosenburg – Rolla, MO, Dec. 12, 2001

Question of the Week:
Q – Who holds the PBA record for longest winning streak on television? How many matches?
A – Watch Next Episode For Answer

New Path Products

The grand prize and how to win – For a Complete List Visit http://www.bowlingball.com/talkbowling100 The big prize is the new Pyramid Path Double Roller. We are giving one away to a random person that does any of the above. You will have your choice of colors.

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 2012, 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 #99 – Should I Insert My Thumb All The Way Into The Bowling Ball?

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Oct 122011

Question from Aaron:
Q – Hi,
I just started bowling a couple months ago and I got my own fingertip ball around 3 weeks ago. I was just wondering if the thumb should be inserted all the way in the hole or should it be around halfway past your first knuckle? Also, I think if you guys posted a slow motion of a correct release it would really help people that are started to learn how to hook like me. Thanks for all the help and keep up the good work!

A – Welcome to our sport. We hope you are enjoying it so far. Bowling is so much different when you switch from it being a fun date night or family event to bowling competitively. Most people that go just for fun want to break 100. That is a great goal for beginners, but once you start taking it seriously, your goals become higher.

To address your question, your thumb should be inserted all the way into the thumb hole. You risk injuring yourself if you don’t. You said you got your first fingertip ball, so I am hoping you got it drilled for yourself, and not just a used fingertip ball. The ball needs to fit your hand so that your thumb fits snugly and comfortably.

We may try to find a slow motion camera at some point. But for now, the way we describe the release to new bowlers is to vision yourself throwing a football underhand to a friend with a good spiral. Go get a football and try it. On the backswing, you keep your hand under and behind the ball, during release you slightly rotate your hand, and you follow through. At no point in time, does your hand get on top of the ball, nor does the back of your hand see the sky.

Hope these tips help.

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

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Last Week’s Question of the Week:
Q – What is the highest average held by a woman over and an entire league season and who did it?
A – 244.4 – Liz Johnson – Buffalo, NY in 2004-05

Question of the Week:
Q – What is the highest sanctioned series by a female bowling and who rolled it?
A – Watch episode #100 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 #98 – Thumb Slug or Insert?

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Sep 302011

Question from Myles:
Q – Hi, i had a question regarding thumb slugs and thumb inserts. would u recommend a thumb slug or a insert. i have used both of them i like the insert a little better. My main problem is that on my backswing is i bend my knuckle on my thumb and it tends to stay in the ball a little longer than needed. So i just was wondering if u would recommend a slug or a insert, and also if u had any other recommendations that could help this problem i would appricaite it thanks.

A – Actually there should be little difference between the two. We should actually address your thumb problem. Bending the knuckle of your thumb is a sign that you are squeezing the ball and your thumb hole is too big or you could have too much reverse pitch. You are afraid the ball is going to come off your hand if you relax your grip.

You need to work on this. What helped me was using protecting tape. For me, this helps my thumb slide out of the bowling ball easier, but also allows me to have the thumb hole tighter. It sounds contradictory, but on the back swing there isn’t enough force for the ball to come off my thumb. During release, there is plenty of it to let your thumb come out cleanly without the need to squeeze.

I would have your thumb hole size checked along with your pitch. Pitches can be changed easily with a thumb slug so you can play around with this until you find something you like and something the solves your squeezing issue. Keeping your thumb tighter and using some kind of tape is another really good solution.

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 DV8 bowling. DV8 is the newest brand in bowling bringing you 4 awesome looking and awesome performing balls. The Hell Raiser, Reckless and 2 Misfits are sure to prove that DV8 is here to stay. If you have no already looked at their line up of performance balls do so today. DV8, Tonight We Bowl.
bowlingball.com has ball reaction video for each of the balls in the DV8 line including ball reviews for each.

Last Week’s Question of the Week:
Q – Where was the oldest bowling alley in the world discovered and when was it built?
A – Madi City in Al-Fayyum, Egypt built in the Ptolemaic Era (Between 332 and 30BC)

Question of the Week:
Q – What is the highest average held by a woman over and an entire league season and who did it?
A – Watch the next episode

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.

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