Arsenal? Here Are 4 Options If there’s a “hole”in your game, there are four new bowling balls now on the market that may help fill it. As always, the key to success is matching up the ball to the bowler, and that can be achieved most successfully by digesting these reviews and then working with your IBPSIA-certified ball technician. Two of the four new balls come from DV8, and employ new
coverstock formulas with proven core designs. Another new release is a Columbia 300 entry, which is part of that brand’s Encounter lineup. And the fourth ball is from Ebonite, featuring an all-new core shape and new cover veneer that’s sure to intrigue many. Here’s hoping one of these “fab four” can help you achieve greatness... or at least get an extra strike per game.
Each month, bowlers journal interactive will reprint the bj ball review by joe cerar. Future issues will include video demonstrations featuring one or more of the tested balls.
TIPS AND TRICKS TO MAKE YOU A BETTER BOWLER
THE TESTING: This month, ball testing was performed at Classic Lanes and Olympic Lanes in Milwaukee. We were able to test on both AMF SPL and Brunswick Anvilane synthetic lane surfaces. Our test patterns included the USBC White and the PBA Viper. We also bowled on fresh and broken-down typical house shots at both centers. My test staff included Scott Stolz and Matt Duty. Our rev rates range from 300 to 450, with ball speeds between 16- and 19- mph. All three of us can change our tilts and axis rotations to modify roll characteristics.
HOOK POTENTIAL 35-45: Balls with lower total hook ranges, best suited for lighter oil concentrations. Players with slower speeds or higher rev rates may also prefer balls in this range for medium oil ap- plications. 45-51: Balls with medium hook ability, best suited for the vast majority of “typical house
shots” and some lower-volume Sport patterns. This hook range should be represented by the “centerpiece” ball in most arsenals. 51-60+: Balls with greater total hook, designed for heavier oil volumes. Players with higher speeds or lower rev rates, who need added lane traction, may also prefer balls in this range.
LENGTH RATINGS 8-12: Earlier rolling balls that read the lane sooner. These products generally come factory- sanded with lower grit surfaces, and match up well with speed-dominant styles and those bowling on longer patterns. 12-15: Medium-length balls that produce easier length through the midlane. Good for most house shots and medium-volume Sport patterns. 15-19+: Balls offering extra length for those bowling on lighter oil concentrations. Also ben- eficial for slower speed players, or those with higher rev rates needing added push downlane.
BREAKPOINT SHAPE 10-13: Slower-response balls that read the friction areas more gradually. This range may in- clude balls with a urethane or mild reactive cover, designed for a smooth arc to the pocket. Can also help those with higher rev rates control motion and match up well from outside angles of attack. 13-15: Balls rated for slightly stronger and quicker reactions when encountering friction ar- eas (as when the ball leaves the oil pattern). This range offers a balance of control and back- end angularity. 15-18+: Balls that respond more quickly and aggressively to friction areas. This range can help those with less hand action create more angularity near the pocket. Also preferred when playing deeper inside angles, which generally require more entry angle for above-average pin carry.
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