With the sheer number of bowling balls available today, choosing the right one is becoming a very difficult proposition. With so many ball, surface, and layout combinations possible, the communication between the bowler and his or her pro shop technician is of paramount importance.

I’ve stated in past articles that ball manufacturers no longer produce bad bowling balls. I still believe this to be true. The problem is that a ball is only as good as the bowler throwing it. It is incumbent upon the bowler to make the right ball decisions based on the lane conditions during competition. Before this can take place, however, the bowler must have the right arsenal for his/her style.

The key to creating this arsenal is a solid communication line between the bowler and his ball driller. Most problems that I have encountered as a pro shop technician have been caused by a breakdown in communication. Either I didn’t understand what the bowler really wanted, or the bowler did not have enough experience in "reading" a ball reaction. These situations are unfortunate but very common. They also are easily averted.

The first step in creating a quality line of communication is for the bowler to choose a qualified pro shop technician with a history of quality service. The bowler must also trust his technician to provide knowledge and guidance in the decision-making process.

It is true that most qualified technicians will probably charge more for their services, but with the price of balls today, they are worth it. As the old saying goes, You get what you pay for.

As a side note, being a talented bowler does not make someone a ball technician. Be wary of advice you receive from some of the high average bowlers in your league; chances are they don’t know any more about balls and drill patterns than you do.

A ball is only as good as the bowler throwing it.

The next step is for the bowler to learn as much as possible about his game. Factors such as ball speed, axis rotation, axis tilt, revolutions, and alignment are the most important considerations when creating your arsenal. If you are unsure how to get this information, see a qualified instructor; he can assist you in determining the parameters of your game.

After you record this information, take time to evaluate your current equipment. Make a list of the balls you currently use. Are they high or low Rg? Do they have large or small track flare? What are the surface textures? This information will help you determine the "gaps" in your equipment. Do you need more length, earlier roll, more back-end, etc.?

Once you have compiled this information, it’s time to visit your pro shop. Armed with this valuable information, it now will be possible for your pro shop technician to create or complement an arsenal for the lane conditions on which you will compete. This process may take several months, but in the end, you will have established a learning curve with your technician that will help you make strong purchasing decisions in the years to come.

Scott Bailey operates the Strike Zone Professional Bowling Store in Vienna. His E-mail address is xzone@erols.com.