higher vs. lower end balls

[rv driver]

Here's an interesting question that I've not seen addressed in all my lurking here:

My pro shop guy suggested I buy an "entry-level" reactive ball as my first reactive ball. So... I've been looking at stuff like the Tropical Breeze, Path Rising, Scout, Ascent, Spike, etc. I've not looked at the higher-end stuff at all.

Why did he suggest that? is it because the lower end balls are easier to control? Because he didn't want me dropping a lot of $$$ and getting frustrated with the equipment? Is there any real reason why I should avoid the more upper end stuff? Did anyone here buy a higher end ball for their first ball? What more "mid-level" stuff might someone suggest to an aging, returning bowler who's never used reactive equipment or synthetic lanes?

[Blacksox1]

Everyone needs a 1500 grit polished symmetric in their arsenal. Path Rising would be a great option that will match up with many lane conditions. A great price and this ball can be drilled with a layout that can really hook, if desired, not necessary. Why do I know this ? Many bowlers in my league, even a team member, have this ball. For a first ball you will not go wrong !

[mc_runner]

Generally the entry-level stuff is easier to control and more flexible for more situations. When I moved into the higher end stuff, I noticed that it was really "finicky" - when the ball was on, it was ON but when it was off you'd get over/under reactions, roll out, etc. It takes some practice to be able to tell why a ball isn't working the way it should optimally - outside of simply oil (which btw I'm still learning 7 years in).

My first ball was a Storm Tropical Storm and frankly, it was the most predictable rolling ball I've ever owned. I'd agree with your pro guy - the tropical breeze is a solid ball to start out with and get a feel for what the reactive balls will do.

[rv driver]

Generally the entry-level stuff is easier to control and more flexible for more situations. When I moved into the higher end stuff, I noticed that it was really "finicky" - when the ball was on, it was ON but when it was off you'd get over/under reactions, roll out, etc. It takes some practice to be able to tell why a ball isn't working the way it should optimally - outside of simply oil (which btw I'm still learning 7 years in).

My first ball was a Storm Tropical Storm and frankly, it was the most predictable rolling ball I've ever owned. I'd agree with your pro guy - the tropical breeze is a solid ball to start out with and get a feel for what the reactive balls will do.

I keep coming back to 3 balls: The Path Rising, the Tropical Storm, and the Columbia Freeze (even though it's technically not an "entry level" ball, I like what I see and read about it). My first ball will doubtless be one of these three. And probably fairly soon. Getting tired of throwing ill-fitting house balls. So what do you think of the Columbia as opposed to the Tropical Storm?

[Blacksox1]

rv driver the included link is the comparison chart for the 3 balls. http://www.bowlingball.com/ComparePr...emsInCompare=3

[rv driver]

rv driver the included link is the comparison chart for the 3 balls. http://www.bowlingball.com/ComparePr...emsInCompare=3

Thanks!

[RobLV1]

I think that your pro shop guy probably suggested an entry-level ball to keep you from going into total bowling culture shock when you first try it out. While entry-level balls have reactive covers, they are usually not over-reactive, and while they do have cores, they are symmetrical, simply shaped "engines" which will also not over-react. Whichever ball you decide on, I would suggest that you choose something with a solid cover, rather than a pearl or hybrid. Good luck to you, and welcome to the wonderful world of modern bowling.

[Sourtower]

Here's an interesting question that I've not seen addressed in all my lurking here:

My pro shop guy suggested I buy an "entry-level" reactive ball as my first reactive ball. So... I've been looking at stuff like the Tropical Breeze, Path Rising, Scout, Ascent, Spike, etc. I've not looked at the higher-end stuff at all.

Why did he suggest that? is it because the lower end balls are easier to control? Because he didn't want me dropping a lot of $$$ and getting frustrated with the equipment? Is there any real reason why I should avoid the more upper end stuff? Did anyone here buy a higher end ball for their first ball? What more "mid-level" stuff might someone suggest to an aging, returning bowler who's never used reactive equipment or synthetic lanes?

I went into the pro shop in February with the same exact dilemma. I had been throwing a ball with a conventional grip for the good part of 7-8 years as a casual bowler. When I walked in, I immediately saw the Storm Zero Gravity and wanted it. My pro shop guy flat out refused to sell it to me, but he at least explained why. He told me that just because a bowling ball has the highest price tag doesn't mean its going to do exactly what I expect it to do. He explained that I was better off choosing a mid to entry level ball in order to learn to not only throw a finger tip drilled ball since I was used to throwing with a conventional drilled ball, but to also get a bowling ball with a more controlled roll. He said that people come into the pro shop all the time with no experience and want the highest end bowling ball because they think its going to make them throw 300s every time, when realistically, each person will find that no bowling ball works the same for everyone. He wanted to keep me as a returning customer as opposed to somebody who buys one item, then never comes back because they think he was just trying to take their money. He then pointed me in the direction of a few of his medium-heavy oil bowling balls and said that whichever one I chose, would probably get the most mileage and use. I ended up going with a Hammer Black Widow Assassin, and have never looked back. Just 3 weeks ago I ended up going back for that Storm Zero Gravity, but I was more appreciative because he took the time to teach me about a lot of bowling things I didn't know or pay attention to.

I will say something though. Unless you know the pro shop guy firsthand, I would definitely shop around. My pro shop guy suggested that I mull over a few bowling balls and also shop around to make sure I was getting the best deal possible. Not only did my pro shop guy have the best price, but every bowling ball he drills up includes drilling, 2 inserts, a thumb slug, a free microfiber towel, and a free bowling lesson. The best part is that with all those things he offers, his prices were still at least $30 to $40 better than all the other pro shops in my area.

[rv driver]

I went into the pro shop in February with the same exact dilemma. I had been throwing a ball with a conventional grip for the good part of 7-8 years as a casual bowler. When I walked in, I immediately saw the Storm Zero Gravity and wanted it. My pro shop guy flat out refused to sell it to me, but he at least explained why. He told me that just because a bowling ball has the highest price tag doesn't mean its going to do exactly what I expect it to do. He explained that I was better off choosing a mid to entry level ball in order to learn to not only throw a finger tip drilled ball since I was used to throwing with a conventional drilled ball, but to also get a bowling ball with a more controlled roll. He said that people come into the pro shop all the time with no experience and want the highest end bowling ball because they think its going to make them throw 300s every time, when realistically, each person will find that no bowling ball works the same for everyone. He wanted to keep me as a returning customer as opposed to somebody who buys one item, then never comes back because they think he was just trying to take their money. He then pointed me in the direction of a few of his medium-heavy oil bowling balls and said that whichever one I chose, would probably get the most mileage and use. I ended up going with a Hammer Black Widow Assassin, and have never looked back. Just 3 weeks ago I ended up going back for that Storm Zero Gravity, but I was more appreciative because he took the time to teach me about a lot of bowling things I didn't know or pay attention to.

I will say something though. Unless you know the pro shop guy firsthand, I would definitely shop around. My pro shop guy suggested that I mull over a few bowling balls and also shop around to make sure I was getting the best deal possible. Not only did my pro shop guy have the best price, but every bowling ball he drills up includes drilling, 2 inserts, a thumb slug, a free microfiber towel, and a free bowling lesson. The best part is that with all those things he offers, his prices were still at least $30 to $40 better than all the other pro shops in my area.

My shop sells for about the same price as stuff on here. For example, I can get a Tropical Breeze for $110 including the measuring and drilling, plugs and grips thrown in -- about what I'd pay here (but without the forum...)

[Bunny]

Pull the trigger!! Go with the Breeze. Seriously, you cannot go wrong with that ball. I've seen all types of bowlers from full-roller beginners to two-handed crankers have success with the Breeze. I'm thinking of adding one to my bag. A guy was throwing one Sunday and told me that they have some new colors. I'm heading over to Bowlingball.com right now to check it out.

Go for it! The sooner you do the sooner you be enjoying it!!