How to Start a Basic Arsenal of Bowling Balls

How to Start a Basic Arsenal of Bowling Balls.

This is not for the beginner. It's for the person who already has some knowledge of the game and needs some advice as to what bowling balls he should have available in his bag (his arsenal). I also recommend it for 90% of house shots and for bowlers that only bowl on a house shot. In other words, the once or twice a week average bowler. Just about any house bowler needs to have 4 bowling balls with different cover stocks. They should all be drilled the same way. The surface and balance is the key.

THE 4 BOWLING BALL ARSENAL

The Surface:

1. You’ll need a particle bowling ball to use on longer oil that doesn't have much backend. For example, a Brunswick Mammoth, an Ebonite Smash Time, or a Hammer Hawg if you can find one. Just make sure it’s a solid particle ball.

2. You’ll need a solid reactive bowling ball to use on a medium oily lane condition with medium long length that has some backend. Examples would be a Columbia Resurgence, an Ebonite Game Breaker, or a Hammer Black Widow Solid.

3. Use a pearlized bowling ball for fresh back ends, or late night after the shot has broken down. A Hammer Blue Vibe or a Hammer Black Widow Pearl are two good examples.

4. For a spare ball, mainly the 10 pin, you’ll need a plastic ball. It doesn't have to be an expensive one. For example, a Brunswick T Zone, an Ebonite Maxim, or a Columbia White Dot.

The Balance:

1. Try to get bowling balls with 2 to 3 inch pins, or 1 to 2 inch pins with about 3 oz. top weight. When the ball is drilled put the pin 4.5 inches from your positive axis point (pap) or under your ring finger.

2. On a symmetrical ball the center of gravity (cg) should be in line with the pin angling toward your thumb. On an asymmetrical ball the mass bias should be in line with the pin and directly underneath your thumb. This is the Ebonite's 90% layout.

Drill all Bowling Balls like this!

THIS IS YOUR STARTING ARSENAL!