Sep 092010
Talk Bowling – Episode #63
Question from viewer:
Q – Guys your video on the Lane #1 Pink Panther is awesome. It looks like a really good ball for all you guys. I was looking at it on your web site and had a question about the factory finish, what does 6421 mean?
A – Lane #1 bowling balls are currently manufactured by 900 Global. They have a unique finishing technique that allows the ball to be polished while maintaining some grit under the polish. 6421 means the ball is sanded down with 60 micron (230 grit), then 40 micron (320 grit), then 20 micron (500 grit), then 10 micron (1000 grit). Then it is polished with Rough Buff compound for 20 seconds two times.
Good question and keep in mind that the ball reaction can be tweaked by adjusting the surface of the ball both in grit of the sand and in the polish used.
Question from Andy:
Q – This question is for Tony, I was wondering can you hear your ball roll down the lane? I want to know this because I am not 100% sure if I am a tweener or a cranker, thanks!
A – Normally no, I do not hear anything when my ball goes down the lane. If I miss one maybe you will hear a finger hole real quick but not normally. Keep in mind this may not be the best way to figure out where your game fits. Hitting a hole while the ball goes down the lane has to do with your track and how much the ball is flaring. I know strokers and crankers whose ball you hear nothing when they throw it and visa versa.
Question from Kingpin:
Q – Why do bowling balls die, or lose all of their hook?
A – This is something that all ball manufacturers have been working on to find an answer to and figure out how to make the ball reaction last a little longer. As we have explained in previous shows these newer balls are like sponges an as you bowl they absorb oil. Over time the pores in the cover get full and this creates less friction leading to a loss in ball reaction.
The other reason comes from the surface again. The surface is full of peaks and valleys. You can see them if you were to look at it under a microscope. Over time these peaks and valleys smooth out and again create less friction on the lane leading to less ball reaction. The proper maintenance is the best way to ensure you get the most from your ball over the the life cycle of the ball.
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Answer to last weeks question:
Q – Who holds the record for the most gutter balls in one game and how many was it?
A – Richard C of Danielson, CT – 19 straight gutter balls
This weeks question:
Q – What was the highest beginner’s first league score ever bowled?
Question from viewer:
Q – Guys your video on the Lane #1 Pink Panther is awesome. It looks like a really good ball for all you guys. I was looking at it on your web site and had a question about the factory finish, what does 6421 mean?
A – Lane #1 bowling balls are currently manufactured by 900 Global. They have a unique finishing technique that allows the ball to be polished while maintaining some grit under the polish. 6421 means the ball is sanded down with 60 micron (230 grit), then 40 micron (320 grit), then 20 micron (500 grit), then 10 micron (1000 grit). Then it is polished with Rough Buff compound for 20 seconds two times.
Good question and keep in mind that the ball reaction can be tweaked by adjusting the surface of the ball both in grit of the sand and in the polish used.
Question from Andy:
Q – This question is for Tony, I was wondering can you hear your ball roll down the lane? I want to know this because I am not 100% sure if I am a tweener or a cranker, thanks!
A – Normally no, I do not hear anything when my ball goes down the lane. If I miss one maybe you will hear a finger hole real quick but not normally. Keep in mind this may not be the best way to figure out where your game fits. Hitting a hole while the ball goes down the lane has to do with your track and how much the ball is flaring. I know strokers and crankers whose ball you hear nothing when they throw it and visa versa.
Question from Kingpin:
Q – Why do bowling balls die, or lose all of their hook?
A – This is something that all ball manufacturers have been working on to find an answer to and figure out how to make the ball reaction last a little longer. As we have explained in previous shows these newer balls are like sponges an as you bowl they absorb oil. Over time the pores in the cover get full and this creates less friction leading to a loss in ball reaction.
The other reason comes from the surface again. The surface is full of peaks and valleys. You can see them if you were to look at it under a microscope. Over time these peaks and valleys smooth out and again create less friction on the lane leading to less ball reaction. The proper maintenance is the best way to ensure you get the most from your ball over the the life cycle of the ball.
Sponsors:
buyCostumes.com
BuyCostumes.com is your ultimate source of various Halloween costumes, accessories and party supplies for people (and even pets!) of all ages. View over 15,000 items from a wide range of genre and categories. Whether you want to go for scary tactics or cutesy costumes, buycostumes.com has the most complete set of costumes for you.
TalkBowling viewers can save 12% just by visiting www.buycostumes.com/talkbowling
Help support us by supporting our sponsors.
Answer to last weeks question:
Q – Who holds the record for the most gutter balls in one game and how many was it?
A – Richard C of Danielson, CT – 19 straight gutter balls
This weeks question:
Q – What was the highest beginner’s first league score ever bowled?
7 Responses to “Talk Bowling #63 – Pink Panther Finish and Why Bowling Balls Lo”
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Is it better to throw a 15 pound ball or a 14 pound ball? I am a lot more comfortable throwing a 14 pound ball and it seems like i am getting a lot more revs. Does the wieght of the ball effect my pin carry? I can throw the 14 pound faster and the 15 pound slower, so does this effect how good of a bowler i am and should i be embarrassed that I am throwing a 14 pound instead of a 15 pound?
Spencer,
We seem to recall seeing this inquiry before? Let's try and answer simply.
In physics, Force = Mass x Acceleration Squared. The greater the mass, the greater the force a bowling ball will impact the pins.
However, if you roll a 15 lb ball too slowly, less than 18 mph at release, then results may not be as effective as rolling a 14 ball ball at a greater speed? Both will hit the pins hard enough to give you good pin carry if both are delivered at about 18-20 mph at release, which would give the 15 lb ball a slight advantage in carry.
It is a bit easier to rev the 14 lb ball and perhaps see that weight of ball cover more boards (hook more) than the 15 lb ball. Also, please consider which weight ball allows you the most accuracy? Being accurate, releasing the ball between 18-20 mph, and maintaining a consistent delivery throughout each session on the lanes is the ultimate goal. So…. we shall leave the final decision to you, sir. Hope these tips help. Thanks for visiting bowlingball.com.
I use to always use a 16 pound ball and found it that I just threw it too slow, with hardly any revs. I switched down to a 14 pound ball and made a huge difference. I started to to get more revs and threw the ball harder. It felt way more comfortable, it improved my game. I suggest you get a 14 pound ball and see what best fits you. Than you can make your final decision.
Right on, Michael. Experimentation is always the best course of action. There have been National PBA Tour Champions using 13 lbs and 14 lb balls regularly. PBA Hall of Famer Dave Davis used 14 lbs back in the 70's and ended up winning more than 15 tour titles. Bob Benoit used a 13 lb ball to roll a 300 game on an ABC TV Tour telecast. Ron DeGroat won two Senior Megabuck Tournaments in Las Vegas using a 14 lb ball.
Today's bowling balls retain a dynamic integrity of the weight blocks on the high-end equipments more so than in the past. Experimenting with a lighter weight than 15 or 16 lbs. makes sense if you can regulate ball speed in an optimum speed range and control your loft onto the lane and direction to your target.
Michael, thanks for the comments and for visiting bowlingball.com.
I couldn't find out the answer for this weeks question so i'm going to guess a 300!
Thanks to the both of you for answering my questions I really appreciate it.
Lane #1 polishes there equipment at the factory with Rough Buff? Isn't that a Brunswick product?