Another new ball story. I just decided to purchase my first Roto-grip and went with the SD-73 Classic. Although, contrary to what I've heard, this ball, in my honest opinion is very easy to control and quite forgiving.

I decided to purchase this ball based on the amount of Sport conditions I've been throwing lately but it has very quickly became my 1st ball choice out of my bag. On my normal Tuesday night league, which I was working my 4th 700 in 4 weeks, I pull out the SD during practice and the shot seems to be there. I didn't really have to move the whole night, first game I start with the front 3, leave a crush ten, which I recover, follow that up with a heavy shot and leave a split 7 which I fail to recover. String all the way to the last ball of the 10th and throw crap in the fill. 9 out of 12 strikes for a 233, boo. (I lost high game jackpot to a 245)

Next game I go up and start with the front 7, throw another slightly heavy ball, for another huge split, fail to recover, string out for a 264, which I lost high game jackpot to a 278)

Last game, first ball, solid 9 pin, it happens I know. But my spare ball fails to hook a single board and I slide past it, im a 99% single pin spare shooter so this really bothers me. I string another 3 in a row and low and behold like the rest of the games. A massive spit in the 5 frame, which I fail to recover, another turkey, a 10 pin the 9th frame which I recover and a punch out in the 10th leave me with another 9 out of 12 strikes for a 220. (which I lose high game jackpot to a 243)

On the day I got 29/36 possible strikes (personal best is 31 for an 817 series) for a pile of crap 717 series. But of course I win high series jackpot by 42 pins, although losing every high game jackpot. Another good but bad day in the books and 4 700's in a row. I better throw 300 or 800 next week. If I do, I'm sure you guys will hear about it.

Well let me start off with a little introduction.  I live and breathe for this sport.  I am on the lanes on a daily basis and love every minute of it.  My game has been up and down over the years and lately I am bowling approximately 50 games + a week.  I am fine tuning my game, equipment, everything, preparing for PBA Regionals as well as collegiate bowling next year.  I am 23 years old from the Greater Grand Rapids area, Michigan.

My league night on Tuesday nights, I actually struggle a lot in, my average is down about 13 pins right now from last season.  I am sitting at a 205, it's just been a rough season.  None of my equipment is drilled the same, spans are different, So i got to league and it seems like a normal league night.  I have 1 bowl that is perfect for my hand (Big Time) which isn't the most aggressive ball, I am a power stroker but still I need something more aggressive for oily conditions.  Around the 4th frame of the first, I walk into the pro shop, tell him I was a 15 lb Black Widow drilled identical to my big time and I want it before the 2nd game.  He drills it up and has it ready for me by the 9th frame of the first game.  I walk out onto the lanes, and try throwing it, go brooklyn and strike out for a terrible 201. 

Time to see what this ball is capable of, with all the practice I've been putting in, I figure that I should be able to make this ball do something.  It only takes 2 frames to find the right line, hand/finger positions and I start with the front 11 (15 in a row for the new ball) and leave a ringing 10 on the 12th ball for a solid 299.

OK, 500 after 2, I've been there.  My team jokes with me a little and says won't you feel like an idiot if you throw a 300 after that 201 first game.  I of course chuckle it up with them a little and we continue on our way.  Well low and behold, I've got the front 8 again.  Sadly enough this story does not end on a 300 note, but I leave another crush 10 in the 9th frame and string out for a 279.  Although I have thrown better than 779 in my career, I'd have to say I've never went 22 out of 24 possible strikes. 

Now a week later, I've thrown about 40 games with the new Black Widow and I am averaging around 230 with it, I am very pleased and my game is back in the right direction.  If any of you ever have a chance to throw one, I'd give it a shot.