Entry-Level Bowling Ball Advice

[djnativus]

Hi all. I've been bowling off and on for 15 years, but I've never gotten into it for more than a few months at a time. Recently, I've joined a league and really loving bowling again. I've always used house balls, but now I want to invest in my own bowling ball. I've talked to a guy in a proshop, but he spent more time talking about how great he is at bowling and kept trying to upsell me. I don't want something that will not perform how I want or that's too expensive for my needs. I've been told it's best to get a "reactive" ball. I don't play with much of a curve and basically aim for the second arrow to the right of the middle for the ball to hit the middle pin and the one to the left of it.

I found a great deal on a new 14 lb Brunswick Damage ball. However, it has what looks like lots of hook potential and it might be too much for someone with an average of about 125-130. The ball looks nice, I can afford it, and I've read good reviews about it. But those are written by pro-bowlers... this is not me. So should I go for this ball or get another type/model?

The next part of this question is I've been using 12 lb house balls. I weigh about 135 lbs. I heard I should get a ball 2 lbs above the houseball I use, and since I'll probably go with fingertip holes, apparently that'd help me handle the weight.

Any advice would be great! I really want to improve for my team.

[tlk4ever]

If you can afford the price on the Brunswick Damage ball, then go for it. If you have a proshop that you trust, they can drill the ball in such a way that it will take a lot of the big hook potential out of it. But I would really recommend finding someone you trust, and have them look at your game and make a recommendation on what to do, i.e. drilling pattern, or even a less aggressive ball that is within your price range. I understand about the proshop guys that only talk about how good they are and not what you need. But if you find someone that listens, and has good recommendations, you will find a ball driller for the rest of your bowling life. It is great to have an awesome ball, but if it isn't drilled right, it might as well be a door stop in your house. Hope this helps!

[djnativus]

Thank you so much for your detailed reply. I ended up getting that ball since it was only $75 (including shipping) and I got it drilled for $50 + $10 for the grips. I went when the guy's father was there who was much more about what I need than how good he is at bowling. He got me into a fingertip grip and at my next league the team we were playing against gave me lots of pointers. Basically the ball just curves left. I'd rather hook it but don't think I'm ready to learn how to do that yet. My first game was a 68 and then I bowled a 130. So I think I'm getting the hang of it since my average is currently 114 with a houseball. I'm sure with practice, this ball will be great for me. Plus.. it's pretty going down the lane lol.