I am a beginner bowler in the process of learning the hook. Recently on a trip to the local alley I met with an experienced bowler. I was simply using a house ball and the gentlemen commented on my form and how my technique and hook was probably as good as it could be using a house ball. He recommended the company Storm and suggested their bowling balls were quite nice. I don’t want to spent too much considering this is just a hobby of mine and something I do in my spare time with friends. BTW, I am left-handed in case that matters. The guy at the alley mentioned something about certain balls only allow the tips of your fingers rather than the entire finger in the holes and getting a ball with the proper core so that the weight is shifted to one side allowing the ball to hook better. I know I’m probably not describing it very well, again novice, but I hope you get the gist of it. I’d appreciate suggestions on what type of ball would be good for me. Thanks!

I would go with these tips for beginners and people taking up bowling as an occasional hobby. The bowler you met probably may have been advanced, but does not sound like he knows what he’s talking about. Beginners don’t need to spend outragious amounts of money, they are not real technical about bowling equipment and probably wanted to "impress" someone with misguided knowledge just so he would look good.

I’d start here…..

1. Take lessons from "certified" USBC coaches and take their technical and "bowling basics" advice to heart because if you listen to "advanced" bowlers, they may teach you their bad habits as well.

2. Don’t spend too much money on bowling equipment unless you are considering taking comprehensive lessons and joining a league for the long haul. Storm, Brunswick, AMF, MoRich, Hammer, Track, Elite, etc….. These manufacturer’s equipment basically work the same, and come in various types of Bowling Balls, coverstocks, core shapes and prices. Do some shopping and homework about what to purchase.

3. Misinformation about "technical" and equipment stuff when "advanced bowlers" tell you so, basically is what the pro shop should worry about when fitting bowlers with Bowling balls. Just tell the pro shop operator that you’re a beginner, which "house" (bowling center) you’re bowling at, type of bowling ball that most beginners purchase and what your budget is.

4. Beginners and recreational bowlers tend to purchase plastic, polyester bowling balls or even reactive urethane equipment. They are on the low end of price but will definitely last you a couple of seasons as long as you take care of it by cleaning or polishing right after bowling and not exposing them to the elements like in a car trunk.

5. Be your self on the lanes and just enjoy the sport. Don’t try to copy people’s style and don’t try to impress people on the lanes. It’s all for fun and if you get better at it, it can be rewarding.

Good luck!