Fashion or function is always up for discussion. In bowling, you need it all. There are times you need toshow off the fashion and let everyone know who you are. Other times, you need equipment that functions and delivers the ball exactly where you need it, time and time again.

When it comes to a bowlingball, you need a little bit of both fashion and function. When you need to turn heads, clear bowling balls are the best. They’re mesmerizing as they glide and glow down the bowling alley, turning heads with their hypnotic magic. people will never forget it.

Of course, nobody will ever forget your score if you play the entire game with a clear bowling ball, either. In fact, they might even suggest you bowl with the lane bumpers they put up for the kids. Because clear bowling balls have no core, they can suffer in performance. Play the entire game with a clear bowlingball, and you’ll pretty much look like an idiot.

Form does suffer from the fashion of a clear bowling ball. Without a core, the ball’s tougher to handle, even if you’re an experienced bowler. It handles the lane a little unpredictably, which can cause your game to suffer if you use it for the entire night.

But the fashion is hard to resist. You can get a variety of things embedded in a clear ball. Imagine a rose, a skull and crossbones, a lucky die or even a favorite shot glass flashing deep in the center of your ball as you roll it down the lane.

A clear ball is best when played at the critical moment, when you’re picking up the spare to knock down the last pin that makes you a hero. That’s when you want the eyes of the crowd following your every motion. Set up the game with a typical ball; knock it down with a clear bowling ball. When you’re looking to make an impression, clear balls shine like diamonds, lighting up the lane with the sparkle of jewels.

I bought a new ball at the beginning of fall season, 2008, and the pro at the shop where I had it drilled put just the smallest of adjustments into the drilling of that part of the hole, and I am actually able to release the ball with somewhat better accuracy.

Now this didn’t turn me into a great bowler overnight but my average seems to be improving and I am attributing it to the adjustment in the drilling of this hole. Now maybe the other members of my team in league bowling won’t throw me off the team.

Now if I can just figure out something for the other aches and pains, maybe I will be a “not too bad” bowler.

ROLLING A STRIKE IN BOWLING IS MUCH EASIER than hitting a home run, and does not require big muscle prowess. Unlike baseball, what is required of a skilled bowler is a much higher percentage in realizing the ultimate result.

Most professional bowlers today exceed the average of seven strikes per game. Doing so requires repetition; i.e., being able to repeat positive technique at a high percentage. This pertains to all aspects of the game, but where it is most often overlooked by the average bowler concerns the ball grip.

The weight of the ball in the stance should be supported predominantly by the bowling hand. This is automatically accomplished by positioning the ball slightly right of center (right-handers), with the gripping hand supporting the ball from underneath, thus transferring approximately two-thirds of the weight of the ball onto the bowling hand.

Only when lack of strength is a factor would it be in the bowler’s best interest to distribute the weight equally between the hands.

Although there are several pro bowlers who are exceptions, I recommend you assume your grip by putting your fingers into the ball first, then your thumb. This makes it much easier to regulate proper finger and thumb depth.

If you put the thumb in first, there is more probability it will be inserted too deeply, or not deep enough; consequently, the depth of the fingers also will be affected negatively. An exception to this rule is made when a bowler wishes to kill the amount of hook.

By burying the thumb first, the effect of the fingers can be weakened, reducing the torque effect of the release.

A regimen I recommend for assuming the grip would involve the following:

1) insert the fingers first;

2) shift more of the ball’s weight onto the fingers and the right side of the palm;

3) adjust the fingers until they feel comfortable; and

4) insert the thumb.

Regarding the ideal grip, the variation in the size of the digits is of great concern to bowlers, especially the thumb. Changes in temperature, humidity, the use of the hands in the bowling process, and more, all serve to cause swelling or shrinking.

Therefore, determining what size to drill a hole is a “narrowing- down” process which considers several guidelines with regard to what is tight and what is loose. For starters, the fingers should fit more snugly into the ball, while, relatively speaking, the thumb should be looser.

Because it has the task of initiating a right-hander’s release by coming out of the ball first in a left-to-right direction, and because it moves out of the hole more off the backside than off its pad in the release, the thumb cannot afford the luxury of being inserted too securely in the hole.

As a rule, the thumb should be loose enough so it can be turned in the hole without turning the ball itself. Once the thumb clears, the hand’s grasp of the ball is eliminated.

At this point, the snugly-fit fingers are able to apply the bowling torque.

Obviously, hole sizes can be taken to extremes. If the fingers have to be squeezed into the ball, for instance, this could provide resistance when they exit, negatively affecting the release. Indeed, fingers that “hang up” in the release make a repetitive release unlikely.

Likewise, the thumb must exit unimpeded, balanced with the vital need for that digit to provide a secure grip throughout the swing without “crimping” or bending. Between these two extremes lies the happy medium.

The distance between the nearest edge of each fingerhole to the nearest edge of the thumbhole represents the span measurements.

As you might suspect, the span decision is absolutely critical to the grip feel. Basically, there are three span categories: fingertip, semi-fingertip and conventional. A span allowing the fingers to be placed only to the first knuckle is referred to as a fingertip grip.

The use of such a grip normally enhances ball action by allowing more turn and better extension. The extra contact of the hand with the ball surface allows the palm to exert more extension than would normally be applied by the swing alone.

The conventional grip is the most basic, the most secure and most effective in terms of accuracy. In the conventional grip, the fingers are inserted down to the second joint. Having a good portion of the fingers grasping the ball leads to a more secure grip, relaxing the hand throughout the swing.

It’s a subjective decision when a bowler is ready to tackle a wider (fingertip) span. Before attempting its use, the bowler should have developed enough accuracy so that hitting the pocket isn’t a major challenge.

Beyond that, the player should be able to demonstrate the ability to repeat similar ball roll from shot to shot; otherwise, the more effective ball roll derived from a wider span will prove to be of little value, and could leave you worse off than before.

Also, because today’s lane conditions require much more ball speed than before, many bowlers who found it difficult to generate this speed have gone back to the conventional fit with much success because they cut down on an uncontrollable hook, thus enhancing their ability to repeat effective shots.

As one gets further into pitch and offset grip concepts, the artistic nature of ball-drilling becomes more apparent. There are no infallible systems and automatic answers. An advanced grip is a unique creation, attained by utilizing and compromising grip principles to create various effects.

Yet, a ball grip that is a panacea for one bowler could be a nemesis for another. The final judgment on whether a grip is highly effective or something less is dependent on the specific hand that it was created for, and its ability to repetitively deliver effective shots.

WHILE CLINTON AND OBAMA ARE STILL BUSY TRYING TO GET THE UPPER HAND in their primary campaigns, we here at the Bowlers Journal have the final results of our own meaningful voting that you’re sure to be more interested in.

These results are from our bowling ball ballots to determine the sport’s best products for 2007. We know you can’t stand the suspense, so without any further preamble, the top vote-getter for the coveted Ball of the Year award is the Storm T Road solid.

The T Road was chosen for its user and lane versatility, overall hitting and carry power and its longevity. The T Road encapsulates a medium-high RG symmetric core (2.57) and a Diff (.046) which produces about 5” of track flare potential. Surrounding this core is Storm’s highly successful R2S coverstock.

Runner-up to this year’s choice was the Hammer Black Widow pearl, sister of last year’s winner, the Black Widow solid. Obviously, that lineage helped.

Other winners include the Hammer Cherry Vibe, which was voted Best Value. The Ebonite Gamebreaker was chosen as Most Underrated, while the Ebonite NVS was voted Most Overrated. The Most Attractive choice was Lane Masters’ World Class Particle Pearl.

In the other areas of voting, Storm’s Shift emerged as the head of the class in the pearl particle category. The Quest, produced by Roto Grip, was the voters’ pick for top solid particle. Top choice in the pearl reactive category was the above-mentioned Black Widow pearl, which emerged as a narrow pick over the Brunswick Twisted Fury. The top solid reactive was the Ball of the Year winner, T Road from Storm. Runners-up in this crowded category were the Morich LevRG and the Brunswick Fury.

This month’s latest and greatest ball releases are sure to be in the running for honors in the 2008 voting in their respective categories. Our feature ball, the 900 Global Break pearl, is the first orb to garner a 17 Breakpoint Shape, the highest rating in my two-plus years of testing.

The 17 rating signifies an extremely strong and angular move at the breakpoint. Naturally, this aggressive move is dependent upon the bowler’s release, lane condition and layout choice. The Lane #1 BuzzBomb sets a new standard in total hook as it earned a 58.5 rating.

This ball will give bowlers a strong midlane move with a hard continuous arc in the final 20 feet. Next up is the Counter Strike from Lane Masters. This particle pearl entry is all about control and exceptional pin carry. Last up is the Brunswick Ultra Zone. The Ultra uses a strong Hybrid cover, which surrounds an asymmetric power plant. The Ultra Zone can be the centerpiece of many a ball arsenal.

The setting of these firsts at this time is appropriate, considering we just heard from several readers who were asking for a “key” so they could better understand all the numbers, new and old. We have printed that “legend” in conjunction with our annual Ball Guide, but we hereby comply with that request as part of our regular column, when space permits, to better allow a handy reference point for all the “real world” and other numbers that accompany each month’s reviewed balls. Enjoy.

900 GLOBAL: BREAK PEARL 48 Hook 15.5 Length 17 Breakpoint Shape
	Core Design: The BP (Break Pearl) utilizes the exact same asymmetric core found in the original Break. The RG is moderately low at 2.48, the Diff a hefty .055, and the intermediate mass bias is strong at .024. Testing displayed an average of 5-plus inches of track flare, with the majority occurring downlane. This asymmetric core can definitely create the breakpoint shape you’re looking for. Ask your pro shop professional for help with layout and weight hole location. Dual angle drillings work very well with this core design.
	Coverstock: The BP’s S-70 pearlized cover will surely attract everyone’s attention. Coloring is a wild combo of auburn (orangecopper) and silver pearl, a striking mixture. The finishing process includes an initial sanding with 600 grit followed by a high gloss polishing. This S-70 coverstock will handle most light to medium-heavy oil volumes with ease. We preferred the box finish for a strong back-end move. Abralon surfaces at 1000, 2000 or 4000 muted the angularity noticeably. Response time off friction is quick with box finish.
Manufacturer’s Intent: 900 Global has introduced a fine line-up of products since its inception less than a year ago. Its newest entry is designed to be later and stronger than the original solid reactive Break (black). Is a light load particle sure to follow?
Test Results: Making a skid flip pearl is not extremely difficult, in theory. You just need a coverstock which “hates” oil and “loves” dry. Sounds simple enough, but the tricky part is producing an effective and versatile skid-flip reaction which plays well for varying release types and on a wide spectrum of lane conditions. The BP is one such ball. We had exceptional results on five of our six test patterns with both area and release forgiveness. Pin carry is also an important criterion, and the BP passed with flying colors. The BP was not overly sensitive in the oil, which can cause unpredictability or squirtiness. When encountering friction, the BP gave us a quick and strong response with an admirable continuation through the pin deck. Two of the more surprising attributes of the BP were its ability to read oil transition and handle carry-down. I believe this is a result of the sum of its complete design: cover strength, core design and surface finish.
When to Use: The BP was a striking machine on fresh house or PBA patterns (Viper, Chameleon and Scorpion are the three we bowled on). The BP was also very effective after midlane breakdown. We were able to move inside the pattern and see ample recovery even after relatively heavy carrydown was present. This is not always the case with a pearlized reactive. Our favorite layouts positioned the pin 4.5” to 5.5” from our PAP, either above or below the fingers. Mass bias placement will have an effect on length as well as on breakpoint shape, so see a qualified IBPSIA-certified ball-driller to insure satisfaction.

LANE #1: BUZZBOMB 58.5 Hook 11 Length 15 Breakpoint Shape
	Core Design: The powerhouse inside this hook monster is an all new double-sided Doomsday Bomb-2 symmetric core. The RG is medium at 2.50 and the Diff strong at .054. Testing showed up to 6-plus inches of track flare with our 4” pin and CG drilling with a 1” weight hole below our PAP.
	Coverstock: You want hook? We got hook. Traction abounds with a factory 1000-grit dull surface. The BuzzBomb’s Pure Grip solid reactive cover is an attractive blend of black and purple with neon yellow lettering. Response time off friction is quick with factory finish or polish applied.
Manufacturer’s Intent: Lane #1 President Richie Sposato had this to say: “We tried to come up with a ball that out-hooks all others because that’s what sells the best. I didn’t want a ball that hooked at your feet and just curved to the pocket. I was looking to make a ball for oil that rolled early and heavy in the midlane, and hooked strong and continuous on the backend.” Richie is confident that’s what this ball does. He also confirmed the fact that balls with thinner shell thickness do not become oil saturated more quickly. He stated that the outer core wrap aids in wicking away oil from the coverstock, thereby keeping the shell less saturated.
Test Results: The Buzzbomb has set a new total hook threshold for all others to achieve. The 58.5 total hook was compiled as an average hook rating over six different test patterns, and is reflective of the BuzzBomb with box finish. Sanding the surface with 360 and 500 grits added an additional 3-5 boards of hook. With a polished finish, the BuzzBomb’s Real World numbers would be 54.5 hook, 14.5 length and 15.5 breakpoint shape. Performance was exceptional on all medium to heavy volumes. Longer test patterns, such as the PBA Shark (44’), offered little resistance for the BuzzBomb. Pin carry was above average, and the blurring “rev visual” was vintage Lane #1. This rev look was present for even our lower and medium rev rate testers.
When to Use: The BuzzBomb needs oil in the fronts and midlane to perform appropriately due to the cover and core strength. The core/cover combo gave us a strong arcing motion from all angles on the lane. We saw no skid/flip on any of our patterns. Bowlers with higher rev rates or slower speeds may need to smooth the surface or apply polish to lessen friction in the oil and add length. This ball should match up very well at the USBC Open, as this pattern will play much slicker than most typically see in league play.

LANE MASTERS: COUNTER STRIKE 53 Hook 14 Length 14.5 Breakpoint Shape
	Core Design: The Counter Strike utilizes the same core as the Sure Strike blue pearl. This tall symmetric core boasts an RG of 2.58 and a Diff of .040. The core shape and higher RG help create added length and enliven the downlane move. The differences in motion between the Sure Strike and this entry are quite apparent, though, because of the coverstocks. The Sure Strike is all about an aggressive backend, while the Counter Strike is all about usability and control.
	Coverstock: The Counter Strike’s coloring blend of olive green and white pearl is unique, to say the least. Some will love it and some will hate it, but don’t judge this book by its cover. Judge it by its performance. The base resin is 1000-sanded with a sheen finish applied. The cover has a light amount of particle added, which eliminates over-skid in oil and over-reaction off dry. Response time is moderate off friction.
Manufacturer’s Intent: Lane Masters has produced some fine products, and also offers four distinct pricing categories from which to choose. The Counter Strike is the second entry in the Plus-Performance category. This is its third tier pricing group, following the more expensive Max-Performance and High-Performance categories. Regardless of pricing category, all Lane Masters products perform like premium grade products.
Test Results: Even though the Counter Strike and the earlier reviewed Sure Strike share the same core, the reaction differences are diametrically opposed. The Sure Strike was awarded a 50 hook, 15 length and 16.5 breakpoint shape in real world numbers. It is an excellent aggressive skid-flip ball. Comparatively, the new Counter Strike hooks a few boards more, about a foot or longer sooner, and makes a slower and smoother move off friction. This slower response off friction should not be looked upon as a negative. It simply rolls more evenly, yet still delivers lots of power and carry. Bowlers looking for a urethane-like roll — but with more hook and carry-power — should seriously consider the Counter Strike.
When to Use: The Counter Strike displayed a wider range of use than one would expect from a particle coverstock. The higher RG (2.58) provides later revs and adds some length. The .040 Diff regulates the flare down to 4” or less, thus conserving energy. The 1000-sheen finish also complements the core specs by providing ease through the front 25’ and supplying just enough midlane traction. Bowlers trying to close their angles and go more direct toward their breakpoint should use longer pin distance layouts such as 5” or so. This lessens the track flare even more and also reduces the total hook a few boards. The Counter Strike displayed impressive breakpoint continuation, and pin carry was most impressive. This ball is a sleeper, and those fortunate enough to throw one will know what I mean.

BRUNSWICK: ULTRA ZONE 50 Hook 13.5 Length 15 Breakpoint Shape
	Core Design: The Ultra Zone core is an ultra-low RG (2.45) asymmetric design. The Diff is rated at .048 with a mass bias of .020. Testing showed an average 5” of track flare. This core revs very easily and can be layout-adjusted to create many different reaction looks.
	Coverstock: Blue solid, black solid and silver pearl comprise the Hybrid EnMotion reactive cover of this new Zone. The surface is finished with Brunswick’s rough buff medium gloss polish. Response time off friction is moderately quick. Overall cover strength is designed for medium to heavier volumes.
Manufacturer’s Intent: Brunswick wanted to produce a reaction fit between the Twisted Fury and Blast Zone. The Ultra reacts earlier, hooks more and reads friction slightly slower when compared to the Twisted Fury. Compared to a Blast Zone, the Ultra hooks less, has slightly more length and is slightly more angular during the breakpoint phase.
Test Results: The Ultra Zone has many faces depending on layout and surface choice. The 6” pin above the fingers gave us effortless length, with a smooth move off the friction and great carry. This layout also had a 5.5” mass bias distance and no weight hole. With this layout, the stronger your release, the longer you’ll be able to stay with it as the lanes go through transition. Lower rev rates usually have to put 6” pin distances away once carrydown rears its ugly head. The 3.5 and 4.5” pins reacted much more aggressively off the friction and hooked on average 4-5 boards more. They also recover with more angularity as lanes go through transitional phases of midlane oil depletion and oil carrydown.
When to Use: The cover strength and versatile asymmetric core design will afford many options for all styles of bowlers. This core/cover combo will work on all but the driest or oiliest of conditions. That leaves lots of usability. The real world ratings of 50 hook, 13.5 length and 15 breakpoint shape reinforce the versatility of this product. The Ultra also performed very well on our wet/dry oil patterns as it blended the over/under associated with this pattern, and this was with all three layouts (3.5, 4.5 and 6” pins). As stated above, the longer pin and mass bias distances will create added length and reduce total hook a bit. Bowlers attempting to open up the lane can lay this Zone out with strong pin distances (3.5 to 4.5”) and complement the breakpoint shape with an appropriate mass bias distance and weight hole location. Visit a qualified (IPBSIA certified) pro shop to help insure everything is done properly.

MARCH TEST PARAMETERS:

My guest tester this month was Steve Grabowski of Milwaukee. Steve is an accomplished area bowler with dozens of 300 games and a few 800 series. Steve has a 390 rev rate, 34 degree axis rotation, 12 degree axis tilt and average ball speed of 17 mph. Steve’s axis coordinates are 4 5/8 by 1/2 up. We began testing this month on our wood surface at Classic Lanes in Oak Creek, Wis. We initially bowled on the house pattern, which is a 7-to-1 ratio oiled to 41’. Classic Lanes was our choice for the videotaping segment. Next, we bowled on three PBA patterns: the Chameleon, the Viper and the Shark. From there, we went to Olympic Lanes in Milwaukee, where we bowled on their house pattern and the PBA Chameleon, both oiled to 39’. The surface is Brunswick Anvilane, an older synthetic surface.

LEGEND:

• Hook: 38-45 for light-to-medium oil; 45-50 for med.-to-med./hvy. oil; 50-56 for heavier oil/longer patterns
• Length: 7-11, earlier roll; 11-14, medium length; 14-17, extra length, later roll
• Breakpoint Shape: 10-13 = smooth and arcing; 13-15 = strong arcing; 15-17 = strong arc and/or flip

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