BallBeat gives fans access to exactly which bowling balls the pros were throwing and how the equipment was drilled and prepared for the telecasts.
Ball manufacturer representatives and pro bowlers: click here.
Brunswick - Rick Benoit wrote:
Brunswick was represented by two staffers, Chris Barnes and Walter Ray Williams Jr. Revolutions was represented by it staffer Danny Wiseman.
Chris used an HPD with a 5 X 3 1/2 layout with an x-hole 2 1/2 inches directly beneath his axis point. The idea of this ball was to control the middle of the lane. Chris had a great look during practice and strategy to combat oil carry down if he experienced it. Unfortunately for Chris the previous game went into extra frames. Because of that neither Chris or Walter were allowed enough practice to deal with the change they experienced in lane conditions. Chris was largely effected because he was going to hook the ball. There was an excess of oil down lane due to the heat generated by the TV lights.
Walter Ray Williams Jr., a Monster fresh out of the box with a 5 by 3 inch layout with a large x-hole directly below his axis. The fresh surface allowed Walter enough surface to deal with the amount of oil on the lane. The ball Walter used all week would not wrinkle. It was a Monster as well with a 5 3/4 inch pin and no hole. The fresh surface was the key that allowed Walter such a good look. Walter won two matches to allow him the opportunity to make history. A victory in Erie would have given Walter three straight victories. Unfortunately a slow start by Walter and a fast start by Robert Smith who was magnificent in throwing the first 5 strikes to take a lead on Walter that he could not overcome. Congratulations go out to Robert for a very impressive performance.
Danny was using a Revolution IST Plum. It is a particle ball with a 5 1/4 inch pin and no x hole. Danny had a good look in practice both outside and inside. In his practice shots before going on air it was quite obvious that he was going to need to figure out how to make the outside angle work. Danny was also effected by the oil downlane. It was neccessary to get the ball to pick up earlier which was no problem because there was plenty of friction to the right . The problem was the only obvious friction was in the front part of the lane and it was very sensitive down lane. With more practice I am sure Danny would have been able to line up with a stronger cover stock with less hand much the same way Walter did.
This week we are in Indianapolis, Indiana. I hope to see you on the show!
Storm - Hank Boomershine wrote: Robert Smith was throwing a Super Power with a 5 3/4 inch pin and a 4 1/2" cg. It was wet sanded to a 1000, and shine Storm Extra shine. It also had an extra 4 1/2" from the center of grip and down 1 3/4". His spare ball was a Storm Firepower
Track - Billy Yinger wrote: Steve Hoskins used our new Stomp Black Gold, it was drilled to go long, as the pin was 6 inches from his axis and just above his middle finger, the cg was 1/2 inch to the positive side with no extra hole. I polished it with Track Magic Reaction Plus. Steve usually doesnt play that straight, but we have learned that to carry well on the Gold Pins, you either have to go real straight or really hook it, and the lanes were not condusive to crossing a lot of boards. Did that ball hit great or what ?!
Flagship Open: