You should do an informative video for us non pro league casual bowlers explaining in detail what you mean exactly by throwing to the friction and the diff reference and how that translates to the lanes and what we should watch for in the ball movement. Now that would be a must watch video. Keep up the awesome videos
11:24 yes Darren I love my supernova I am a relatively inexperienced bowler and I shot my first 200+ game for 241 with an 8 bagger with this ball. It might not be for everybody but it definitely works for me and where I bowl.
I'd love to see a D tier bowling vid! And kind of another thing. You've got a lot of balls in the S tier. What if you had to narrow it down to just 3? One for rev dominant players, one for in-betweeners, and one for speed dominant players? Because at the end of the day, I'm kind of looking for one, and there's a bit of decision paralysis because there's so many options.
Phaze 2 is always a good option. But really, it depends a lot on the house as well. The house pattern/lane surfaces could play as much of a role as the rev/speed dominant aspect. It all depends.
If you want to get a good recommendation I would say to ask a coach or your local pro shop because they probably know your shot and how you bowl the best
I'm confident to say every bowling ball I buy is because of the review that you make on them everytime. I have a Phaze 5, Eternity, Reality, Reality check, and Zen U. Nothing makes me buy a new bowling ball till you I see your video on it and you love love love it. I'm ready for a new ball for the future if you know what I mean...
I agree with everything that you said, there are some houses that some work well and some houses that some dont, but I had been throwing TNT and DNA before leauges ended and I will have these in the bag for a couple of tournaments I have coming up. Love the channel love your knowledge keep up the good work, I learn alot watching
Super Nova was/still is my only "big hook" ball, and has given me my biggest scores since i learned 2 handed, highest 289 with it, I think its good, but if its a dry day and you just happen to forget something else and thats your only option, good luck, you better have a strong arm.
Not two handed. I’m a lefty and it hurt me when he put it in the C tier. That ball has been money all year but if the shot seems to have a bit more friction or burns up, I drop to the Night Road. Shot 806 earlier this year using Super Nova all night.
My league arsenal right now is a revenant, hyped pearl and hy-road. My bowling center is on the higher friction side of things so I don't really have a need for a super strong ball like a gem. I am kicking around swapping out my hy-road (it's old, from 2009) and grabbing an eternity or something along those lines.
Super nova. I loved it when it released. What I have learned since, is it is not a fan of oil. I find the most success when there is low volume, no matter the length. When there's too much oil it never truly rounds the corner and flat corners often. Medium-weaker layout and let it be your strong ball on lighter conditions is 👌
Excellent video Darren. I bowl in 3 different houses on their house shot and carry a 4 ball roller but swap out for the difference. An infinite physix saved me in the Thunderbowl arena. I was suffering with ringing 7s until I got it. Being more angular. I'll carry that, an IQ tour, IQ ruby, and Revenant. One house is flooded so I swap out the IQ tour for a hyped solid at 2000. One house I always carry a Rubicon to that has been detoxed twice and still makes me money.
I've thrown a plastic ball in league for 11 years. Always had trouble keeping reactive balls from overhooking with the way I throw it. But I got an Idol Cosmos, and I'm averaging 230+ with it in league. Fantastic ball and completely agree with it being in S-tier. I can count on one hand the number of times that I felt like I threw it well and didn't get a strike. Every time I've left pins, I know exactly what I did wrong.
The Hustle Camo was my favorite league ball this year, followed by the Hyped Solid and Phaze II. They are excellent compliment balls. Super smooth, inexpensive, and predictable. I'm speed rev balanced and a 210 average.
I love my UC3 in league even though some people get upset about it 😂 I also throw a Phaze 2, Zen and a physix depending on the lanes I’m on and the condition. I’m new to bowling and have only been in 2 leagues so far so I really appreciate the input you give us from a professionals standpoint
Love my Super Nova when there's enough volume to throw it. I'm throwing it around 18 mph with 350-375 rpm. It's a 45 x 4-1/2 x 30 layout out of box, works best with some lane shine for me on 20-year old pro-anvilane and 28 mils on a 43ft pattern. It's my game one ball and depending on who we're crossing with it can last up to two games. I had 2-300s with it this year. Definitely the strongest ball I own right now.
As a lefty. The SPEC cover has been the best for me. Got the Pro-Motion and Crux Prime in my bag and just got a Sun Storm. My 3rd ball though is a Honey Badger Revival to give me a different look if the solid's are puking on the backend.
Love my super nova! It's my go to for heavier oil conditions. I really strong but a smooth hooking ball that's starts mid lane. I got this ball in December and threw 3 300's already. It's my favorite ball
The SuperNova is insanely good, imo. (Was an amateur-professional for a while, so I’m not just saying that for no reason) It reads really early like any solid, yet at the same time it stores plenty of energy while managing to make it pretty far downlane. I think for this reason alone it’s pretty unique, but definitely worth a second look or drilling if you weren’t originally a fan!
I hated my SuperNova out of the box. After seeing a video on it, i tried taking it to 4k. It's been my favorite ball since. I use it in both house and sport. 3 finger, tweener.
Just started bowling , have been watching all your stuff,working my way through the older ones…clearly , one let me get that white storm ball! Second hope the elbow heals up quick!!!!
The DNA and Gem are pretty killer on the fresh on a typical 42' house shot, if they're drilled pin down. The IQ Ruby is killer in the 3rd game. Tropical Surge decent spare ball if you throw it straight.
With the pitch black, used quite a bit in league. Has definitely saved my skin when I've not been able to throw my reactive well. Absolutely love it for league.
I use my IQ Ruby and Phaze 5 every night for league. The P5 if I need to play more direct and my Ruby when I need to play a bit more inside. I honestly think it should be in S tier. The bowl is just too good.
I got my setup let’s say years ago when I played and took a lot of time off. I just got back into bowling. Joined a league last not and got a 180 avg I use roto grip Sinister and ebonite tornado. For house and league I can get them to do what I need. I will upgrade later but these older balls are working great.
My last Storm ball i threw was the Storm Shift. Was an amazing ball for me! since then i've been out of the game for a long time and now that ive recently came back i went with Motiv. So all of these newer Storm i havent tried yet.
Bought the Night Road recently for league play, great ball, absolutely no regrets! Just using my urethane for 7 and 10 pin spare shots now. This kind of content is very useful for us league players Darren. Thanks
What are the lane conditions you bowl on. I bought the night road, and I've only used it in a 2nd shift, 43 foot pattern. It's a good ball down from my old Idol. Problem is I never really need it that much. Would like to try it in drier houses.
@@machinethesun9243 I'm playing on a fresh 42' house shot, 4 person teams, 3 game series. Playing pretty straight up the right side between 1 and 2nd arrow and finding the pocket pretty consistently. I'm not a high rev player. The ball is very controllable and predictable. Making some small 2-3 board left adjustments with my feet as the conditions change through the series.
Hey Darren. Really appreciate this video. I'm 40 years old and I've been out of the bowling game for a good 5 or 6 years. I'm about a mid rev player and the last time I was in league I was playing with the DV8 Thug line. Honestly didn't like it that much, found the reactions way too unpredictable for me. But this helps me see what's out there these days. Anyway, I subbed for future vids, thanks again.
only been bowling seriously since november. before that only used house balls, one hand no thumb and high game was 135. since getting my own ball and now in my second league, i am a two hander and set my high game of 211 last week at league. my arsenal is a tropical surge and a columbia white dot
At my house it's pretty high friction so generally the cleaner stuff works well in league. The HR was set by a Zen, and I have my two highest series with an IQTS and a Zen myself. Stuff that you can throw in the friction and have energy at the pins.
I throw ~17.5-18, high rev. Phaze 2 has been my go to game 1 ball, Hyped Solid comes in Game 2, but man oh man do I love the Tropical Surge in game 3. I've been flirting with 300 ever since I picked it up ~4 months ago. Best streak with it so far is 15. It works well in the dry outside in the later games, but if you miss left and throw it into the soup it holds, giving me a solid 5+ boards of miss room either direction.
in my six ball bag are black golden widow zen master rack attack fate mix and volatility but i got a jackal ambush to replace my global 900 volatility to replace it once it burns out
Thanks Darren Bought the hyped solid 2 months ago. OMG. I love it. I’m 70 and increased my average to 195. Took it to Laughlin for sweeps and won big bucks Thank you
U know I’m have problems with the TNT I drilled it pin up to go long and hook late and it’s alright but it’s not that good and I feel like it’s to strong for how I had it drilled what do u think? Darren
I take Super Nova, Phaze II, and Eternity to league. If I have another bag with me I’ve bring my Revenant too although it would never come out of the oil pattern is put down correctly. I usually have to stick with solid covers because for some reason my house shot is 43 feet and I can play up between 10-12 at the arrows most of the time. But when I practice you never know if you’re going to get a really burnt up pair or something with a ton of carry down so it’s a lot harder to pick which balls to bring when it’s not league
Dude my house is the same way exactly 43 ft heavier house shot so most of the night I’m in stronger solid stuff….game 1 typically Proton Physics at some point in game 2 usually go with something along the lines of my Crux Prime or Axiom solid game 3 is usually Code Red maybe Code Black or Intense Fire 🔥
Awesome video! I got a sneak peek of the next video today! But I think the supernova is a great league ball! Shot my first 300 with it in league. Atleast belongs in the A tier and the gem belongs in the S tier. Also just bought a phase 2 cause of your reviews and “must have balls” keep killing it 🤙🏼
I don't like my super nova for league and go back to my reign supreme as a benchmark ball. What ball is similar to the reign supreme? Mine is very beat-up. I'm a low/mid rev lefty stroker
I absolutely love the Super Nova, i tried an Rst x3 and a Gem before it and would always choose the Super Nova over them and had multiple 250+ games with it last season so you might wanna give it another try ;)
I feel like most people sleep on the Hyped Hybrid. That is my go-to ball no matter where I bowl. It has some lane shine now, which makes it a little squirrely game one, but game two and three its money!
Hi - I’m in a Junior League. Currently I use the Storm Tropical Surge bowling ball. I’m planning to upgrade. I’ve thinking of buying either the Roto Grip Hustle M & M or the Storm Ruby or the Emerald color IQ bowling ball. My question is which of these 3 bowling balls would you suggest to be my next step up? Many thanks
I've just started back about 3 months ago after a 12 year hiatus have right now have a katana assault, attitude and an explosion any suggestions for a weaker ball that would allow me a more up and in ball. I'm lefty high rev rate
Did I miss the Harsh Reality? I threw a new personal best game and series during the first week of owning mine. I just started bowling again this season after a 35+ year gap due to injury, and I had only bowled two years in league way back then, so I’m sort of starting over and had a 155 average at the beginning of this league season. Now I’m at about 167, and the personal best I mentioned was a 252 game followed up by a new personal best series a few days later of 691 (230, 232, & 229), so I was really happy with my Harsh Reality ball that first couple weeks of using it. I cooled off a bit after that and had to learn how to properly clean and maintain the surface of my Harsh Reality ball, but I still love it. I also bought a new Hammer Black Widow 3.0 about the same time, but I waited until after I had taken a couple lessons, before I got it drilled, and about ten days ago, while practicing, I bowled another personal best game of 280, with the Black Widow 3.0. The only spare was in the second frame, and I started the next game with two more strikes, which totaled twelve strikes in a row, so now I’m dreaming of the day where I bowl a 300. Not bad for an almost 68 year old, with a bad back.
Thank you Darren for this review. I’ve been using the Roto Grip Hyped Pearl for about a year now in league but not too happy with it. Thinking about going to a Phase two. Your thoughts would be awesome. Thanks.
My Proton PhysiX is my go-to ball for league. That ball is just so smooth and forgiving (miss right a little, not a problem, miss left, not a problem). I use my Fate mainly as a spare ball, but may use it if the lanes are drier than usual. The Fate is just not forgiving, but it's nice when I'm locked in.
So I bought a Wolverine Dark Moss back in the fall for league when the lanes got a little drier. I despised it. It just didn't do anything I wanted. So I ended up gifting it to my dad. He LOVES it. And he typically only throws Hammer, so I think he might change companies. He has a lower ball speed than me so he can get it to shape better. But to fill that spot in my bag, I bought a Hyped Pearl.... and MAN DO I LOVE THAT THING! I have been throwing it for about a month and a half now and have yet to get less than 8 strikes in a game with it. That includes bowling 3 279 games with it. I just love how it moves. It starts to lightly pick up as it gets to the end of the pattern and then it just grabs and gets through the pins at the perfect angle.
recommendations on weight? I used to bowl in a league in my late teens, averaged 180 using a 15 pounder. Now I'm just starting to get back in at 47, fat and out of shape, lol, and after not playing for 30 years, I played two strings for the first time yesterday and Just broke 100 using a 15 lb house ball. Today, I was able to pull a 168, 177, 180, and 190 using a 10 lb house ball and trying the two-finger method just for kicks. Will I get laughed off the lanes if I settle back in with a 10 pounder? Even if I bring my average up to 180 or better? I do want to get my own ball again.
For a long time I thought the super nova was also C tier. It was the first ball i bought in 7 yrs and man did I feel like i made a huge mistakes for months. Fairly inexperienced bowler 189 avg. But after doing some work on my form and trying to find its line on my house, I've found a really nice place with it bowled a 257 high game and a 615 series this first night of summer league. Still only a B tier maybe A tier.
Seems about right! I think the Zen Soul is incredibly versatile depending on what grit you sand it at! I love it freshly baked at 4000 grit. 10 bagger for sure!
I would like to see you throw every tier throughout the season. In my current bag I have the X3 and Hyped solid. I just picked up an Eternity too. But the Hyped Solid has been my favorite to throw this past season.
Made me feel a lot better when I seen 3 of my 4 ball are in the S tier :D and the 1 ball that wasn't a lot of people are saying it should (iQ Ruby). Im currently in the process of finishing out a 6 ball tournament arsenal, but I can't make up my mind with what I want to do with my last 2 balls. Current arsenal is RST X-3 , Phaze 2, iQ Ruby, and a Phaze 5. I was thinking a Gem, DNA, or SuperNova for the very top of my bag. Other side I was thinking of throwing a urethane in the bag but have never thrown one before.
Hi Darren, I have the Eternity-- I love it, my average is up 20 pins from last year after getting it. That said, we're mid season in my league and it's starting to really struggle to hook. What do you recommend to do surface wise to bring it back to stock performance?
Darren, I'd love to see a HOUSE Tier video. Which house do you like least, best and why. Even down to setting and what's behind the lanes on the walls =)
I prefer to play down and in, so over the years I've mainly used Tropical Breeze, but this year, my avg is way down (normally around 210, but sitting just under 200 now).. back in November, I shot 780 series (3 games) and but that was an anomaly this year. Found out that the Kegel oil machine was 'broken'... it was laying oil 2L to 2R, like a sport shot. So, I struggled in all 3 leagues, until I decided about 2 months ago to just drop my ball speed by a couple MPH, and started shooting 600's again, but that only lasted 3 weeks. Something else changed on the lanes, so I broke out the ball I rarely use due to how much it hooks for me. Hyroad pearl to the rescue! I went from low to mid 500's to destroying pins again and getting mid 600's and some 700's. If I could put together a decent 3rd game, I would be getting near 800 (256, 258, 200, then 256, 267, 204 this past week alone). I gotta say, I love the Hyroad Pearl right now!
Hey Darren- when you say "brighter pigments hook more", can you expand on that? I've heard other's say red and pink balls are "better" in sort of a IYKYK kind of way. What don't I know?!
I throw a supernova, I do really good with it, I think you should drill another. I normally need to slow down just a little if it isn't hitting the way I want it to.
I recently got a super nova and I'm not sure how to feel. There is a very limited window to throw it especially in tournaments. I haven't bowled enough with it to fully know
Can't complain as I throw an Rstx3 Night Road and Hyped solid in league but the tropical surge is my most dominant house shot ball and even on short sport patterns but it is at 500 grit
Been rolling my absolute. Super versatile. As they break down...just slight moves left and i can generally get 3 games out of it...depending on my opponents lines
I bowl down-and-in and I’m generally speed-dominant so I often have problems getting enough angle into the pocket. The Hammer Effect pretty much solved that for me, it’s an asym pearl so it pushes though oil and snaps late and hard. Only problem is that you can’t stand too far right because it’ll hook hard when it hits friction; it you get it into friction too early, it’s gone. If you’re really bowling up the gutter, you might consider a urethane pearl or a pearl that’s a bit less aggressive than the Effect?
Right now I have the zen and a motive pride and deciding to get a new ball but can’t decide which one do you have any recommendations. So far I’ve looked at absolute and the summit and have favored towards those better but if you have any others to hear me towards that would be good. P.S I am a two handed bowler.
Hey Darren, just wondering if you, for a video idea, you and some of the guys on tour did opposite day? Where you would shoot a weak-mid ball for a first ball and a super strong ball for a spare ball? Thoughts???
For my competitive league that I’m in I only have a 190 avg first 2 games I usually use the dna then the last 2 I use the exotic gem usually the last 2 games are my highest games but I only own A-sym balls (other then the purple hammer) would it be worth trying to get a sym solid as a benchmark ball as I find the dna sometimes gets off line way to early, I am a rev dominant player as I’m 2 handed and only throw about 25-26 km on average
What weight do you typically stick to? I’m just getting into it and I don’t really have a good sense of how to gauge what weight to use. I’m a bigger/stronger guy, and I tend to lean towards 15/16 on everything but I’m not sure.
It felt like Darren read my mind when he said he was sure we wanted a video of him throwing D tier bowling balls 😂 Also, bought myself a Gem last year or the year before so I had something super strong in the bag and, perhaps it was the 5” pin but, I just don’t like it. Too smooth and if I throw it too hard it’s going right through the breakpoint. Thought about throwing some compound or polish on it just to see if it would look something similar to my brutal Collision.
I’ve purchased a DNA & it’s tough lol. I really want either an Eternity, Phaze 5 or IQ Ruby or Fate. Low rev, speed 15-19. What would you consider for league?
My houses are always dry, so I'll stay in like a Revenant, or a Ruby. Once in a while I'll be able to swing the whole lane with a Fate, maybe sometimes I can use a Nova game three to grab a bit sooner and be smooth. But usually in my bag I'll take a Revenant, Ruby, GO, Trend, Zen U, and a spare ball
Hey Darren! My arsenal consists of Proton Physix, Idol Cosmos, Absolute, IQ Ruby, and Hyped Solid. What would you say I'm missing? I know urethane I don't have but what else? Thanks for the insight bradda!
You should do an informative video for us non pro league casual bowlers explaining in detail what you mean exactly by throwing to the friction and the diff reference and how that translates to the lanes and what we should watch for in the ball movement. Now that would be a must watch video. Keep up the awesome videos
"throwing to the friction" is throwing to the hook, or where there is less oil. On house that is just throwing it out right.
11:24 yes Darren I love my supernova I am a relatively inexperienced bowler and I shot my first 200+ game for 241 with an 8 bagger with this ball. It might not be for everybody but it definitely works for me and where I bowl.
I'd love to see a D tier bowling vid! And kind of another thing. You've got a lot of balls in the S tier. What if you had to narrow it down to just 3? One for rev dominant players, one for in-betweeners, and one for speed dominant players? Because at the end of the day, I'm kind of looking for one, and there's a bit of decision paralysis because there's so many options.
Phaze 2 is always a good option. But really, it depends a lot on the house as well. The house pattern/lane surfaces could play as much of a role as the rev/speed dominant aspect. It all depends.
If you want to get a good recommendation I would say to ask a coach or your local pro shop because they probably know your shot and how you bowl the best
I'm confident to say every bowling ball I buy is because of the review that you make on them everytime. I have a Phaze 5, Eternity, Reality, Reality check, and Zen U. Nothing makes me buy a new bowling ball till you I see your video on it and you love love love it. I'm ready for a new ball for the future if you know what I mean...
0:23 love the tier lists Darren the best most interesting content you have can’t wait for the next one
I agree with everything that you said, there are some houses that some work well and some houses that some dont, but I had been throwing TNT and DNA before leauges ended and I will have these in the bag for a couple of tournaments I have coming up. Love the channel love your knowledge keep up the good work, I learn alot watching
Super Nova was/still is my only "big hook" ball, and has given me my biggest scores since i learned 2 handed, highest 289 with it, I think its good, but if its a dry day and you just happen to forget something else and thats your only option, good luck, you better have a strong arm.
Not two handed. I’m a lefty and it hurt me when he put it in the C tier. That ball has been money all year but if the shot seems to have a bit more friction or burns up, I drop to the Night Road. Shot 806 earlier this year using Super Nova all night.
Tossing the super nova also. Taking some time to get it dialed in but given me some good games. Need to find another ball when lanes transition.
My league arsenal right now is a revenant, hyped pearl and hy-road. My bowling center is on the higher friction side of things so I don't really have a need for a super strong ball like a gem. I am kicking around swapping out my hy-road (it's old, from 2009) and grabbing an eternity or something along those lines.
LOVE MY HYROAD!
Super nova. I loved it when it released. What I have learned since, is it is not a fan of oil. I find the most success when there is low volume, no matter the length. When there's too much oil it never truly rounds the corner and flat corners often. Medium-weaker layout and let it be your strong ball on lighter conditions is 👌
Excellent video Darren. I bowl in 3 different houses on their house shot and carry a 4 ball roller but swap out for the difference. An infinite physix saved me in the Thunderbowl arena. I was suffering with ringing 7s until I got it. Being more angular. I'll carry that, an IQ tour, IQ ruby, and Revenant. One house is flooded so I swap out the IQ tour for a hyped solid at 2000. One house I always carry a Rubicon to that has been detoxed twice and still makes me money.
I've thrown a plastic ball in league for 11 years. Always had trouble keeping reactive balls from overhooking with the way I throw it. But I got an Idol Cosmos, and I'm averaging 230+ with it in league. Fantastic ball and completely agree with it being in S-tier. I can count on one hand the number of times that I felt like I threw it well and didn't get a strike. Every time I've left pins, I know exactly what I did wrong.
So awesome to see another tier list! Gem and Reality Check are good in league for me.
NIGHT ROAD 💰💰💰💰
If still available where would you place ufo alert ?
The Hustle Camo was my favorite league ball this year, followed by the Hyped Solid and Phaze II. They are excellent compliment balls. Super smooth, inexpensive, and predictable. I'm speed rev balanced and a 210 average.
I love my UC3 in league even though some people get upset about it 😂 I also throw a Phaze 2, Zen and a physix depending on the lanes I’m on and the condition. I’m new to bowling and have only been in 2 leagues so far so I really appreciate the input you give us from a professionals standpoint
Love my Super Nova when there's enough volume to throw it. I'm throwing it around 18 mph with 350-375 rpm. It's a 45 x 4-1/2 x 30 layout out of box, works best with some lane shine for me on 20-year old pro-anvilane and 28 mils on a 43ft pattern. It's my game one ball and depending on who we're crossing with it can last up to two games. I had 2-300s with it this year. Definitely the strongest ball I own right now.
I just polished the Super Nova and I finally feel comfortable throwing it.
As a lefty. The SPEC cover has been the best for me. Got the Pro-Motion and Crux Prime in my bag and just got a Sun Storm. My 3rd ball though is a Honey Badger Revival to give me a different look if the solid's are puking on the backend.
Iove my Crux prime. I've had the whole line and wish they would continue it
Love my super nova! It's my go to for heavier oil conditions. I really strong but a smooth hooking ball that's starts mid lane. I got this ball in December and threw 3 300's already. It's my favorite ball
Great news. What’s your speed and rev rate?
The SuperNova is insanely good, imo. (Was an amateur-professional for a while, so I’m not just saying that for no reason) It reads really early like any solid, yet at the same time it stores plenty of energy while managing to make it pretty far downlane. I think for this reason alone it’s pretty unique, but definitely worth a second look or drilling if you weren’t originally a fan!
I hated my SuperNova out of the box. After seeing a video on it, i tried taking it to 4k. It's been my favorite ball since. I use it in both house and sport. 3 finger, tweener.
My god league arsenal is: Zen Master, Zen U, and Marvel Pearl/OG Hy-road. Shot back to back over 700 series with this.
Just started bowling , have been watching all your stuff,working my way through the older ones…clearly , one let me get that white storm ball! Second hope the elbow heals up quick!!!!
I love my super nova in league. Personally i shined mine to 4k and it helped tame it down a ton
The DNA and Gem are pretty killer on the fresh on a typical 42' house shot, if they're drilled pin down. The IQ Ruby is killer in the 3rd game. Tropical Surge decent spare ball if you throw it straight.
With the pitch black, used quite a bit in league. Has definitely saved my skin when I've not been able to throw my reactive well. Absolutely love it for league.
I use my IQ Ruby and Phaze 5 every night for league. The P5 if I need to play more direct and my Ruby when I need to play a bit more inside. I honestly think it should be in S tier. The bowl is just too good.
I got my setup let’s say years ago when I played and took a lot of time off. I just got back into bowling. Joined a league last not and got a 180 avg I use roto grip Sinister and ebonite tornado. For house and league I can get them to do what I need. I will upgrade later but these older balls are working great.
My last Storm ball i threw was the Storm Shift. Was an amazing ball for me! since then i've been out of the game for a long time and now that ive recently came back i went with Motiv. So all of these newer Storm i havent tried yet.
Bought the Night Road recently for league play, great ball, absolutely no regrets! Just using my urethane for 7 and 10 pin spare shots now. This kind of content is very useful for us league players Darren. Thanks
What are the lane conditions you bowl on. I bought the night road, and I've only used it in a 2nd shift, 43 foot pattern. It's a good ball down from my old Idol. Problem is I never really need it that much. Would like to try it in drier houses.
@@machinethesun9243 I'm playing on a fresh 42' house shot, 4 person teams, 3 game series. Playing pretty straight up the right side between 1 and 2nd arrow and finding the pocket pretty consistently. I'm not a high rev player. The ball is very controllable and predictable. Making some small 2-3 board left adjustments with my feet as the conditions change through the series.
Where would you put the Zen Gold label on this list? and what grit would you suggest the Exotic Gem?
Hey Darren. Really appreciate this video. I'm 40 years old and I've been out of the bowling game for a good 5 or 6 years. I'm about a mid rev player and the last time I was in league I was playing with the DV8 Thug line. Honestly didn't like it that much, found the reactions way too unpredictable for me. But this helps me see what's out there these days. Anyway, I subbed for future vids, thanks again.
only been bowling seriously since november. before that only used house balls, one hand no thumb and high game was 135. since getting my own ball and now in my second league, i am a two hander and set my high game of 211 last week at league. my arsenal is a tropical surge and a columbia white dot
I have been using the Omega Crux, The OG Phaze and a Pro-motion with my Mix as a spare. What do you think?
At my house it's pretty high friction so generally the cleaner stuff works well in league. The HR was set by a Zen, and I have my two highest series with an IQTS and a Zen myself. Stuff that you can throw in the friction and have energy at the pins.
I throw ~17.5-18, high rev. Phaze 2 has been my go to game 1 ball, Hyped Solid comes in Game 2, but man oh man do I love the Tropical Surge in game 3. I've been flirting with 300 ever since I picked it up ~4 months ago. Best streak with it so far is 15. It works well in the dry outside in the later games, but if you miss left and throw it into the soup it holds, giving me a solid 5+ boards of miss room either direction.
Spot on in my opinion. My league balls are in your S list so I feel great! Great video. Love these vids.
Yesssss‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️ LOVE THESE TIER LISTS 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Keep these going Darren ‼️💯✊🏾
I am a hammer man I use the hammer ghost hammer 2.0 and the hammer raw thank you Floyd
in my six ball bag are black golden widow zen master rack attack fate mix and volatility but i got a jackal ambush to replace my global 900 volatility to replace it once it burns out
Thanks Darren Bought the hyped solid 2 months ago. OMG. I love it. I’m 70 and increased my average to 195. Took it to Laughlin for sweeps and won big bucks Thank you
What core ABS COMPE URETHANE USE? Cnt find any information, about it .please help😢
Got an exotic gem towards the end of my season, ended with a 201 average which is my highest ever!
U know I’m have problems with the TNT I drilled it pin up to go long and hook late and it’s alright but it’s not that good and I feel like it’s to strong for how I had it drilled what do u think? Darren
I take Super Nova, Phaze II, and Eternity to league. If I have another bag with me I’ve bring my Revenant too although it would never come out of the oil pattern is put down correctly. I usually have to stick with solid covers because for some reason my house shot is 43 feet and I can play up between 10-12 at the arrows most of the time. But when I practice you never know if you’re going to get a really burnt up pair or something with a ton of carry down so it’s a lot harder to pick which balls to bring when it’s not league
Dude my house is the same way exactly 43 ft heavier house shot so most of the night I’m in stronger solid stuff….game 1 typically Proton Physics at some point in game 2 usually go with something along the lines of my Crux Prime or Axiom solid game 3 is usually Code Red maybe Code Black or Intense Fire 🔥
Awesome video! I got a sneak peek of the next video today!
But I think the supernova is a great league ball! Shot my first 300 with it in league. Atleast belongs in the A tier and the gem belongs in the S tier.
Also just bought a phase 2 cause of your reviews and “must have balls” keep killing it 🤙🏼
What’s up D-tang been loving your tour videos keep it up my dude
What is that white storm ball behind you?
I don't like my super nova for league and go back to my reign supreme as a benchmark ball. What ball is similar to the reign supreme? Mine is very beat-up. I'm a low/mid rev lefty stroker
I absolutely love the Super Nova, i tried an Rst x3 and a Gem before it and would always choose the Super Nova over them and had multiple 250+ games with it last season so you might wanna give it another try ;)
i love my IQ ruby and dark code they seem too work well together in my league atm, my 2 favorite pearls since the marvel pearl.
I throw an electrify go on house shots. I love it.
I feel like most people sleep on the Hyped Hybrid. That is my go-to ball no matter where I bowl. It has some lane shine now, which makes it a little squirrely game one, but game two and three its money!
I like the super nova in league, just not at box finish. Shine it up a bit and it really comes alive on house.
Shine it up ?
@@yankeesrule587
Shine it up means polish it.
Hi - I’m in a Junior League. Currently I use the Storm Tropical Surge bowling ball. I’m planning to upgrade. I’ve thinking of buying either the Roto Grip Hustle M & M or the Storm Ruby or the Emerald color IQ bowling ball. My question is which of these 3 bowling balls would you suggest to be my next step up?
Many thanks
I've just started back about 3 months ago after a 12 year hiatus have right now have a katana assault, attitude and an explosion any suggestions for a weaker ball that would allow me a more up and in ball. I'm lefty high rev rate
idol darren what is the best ball on 38ft, 40ft and 42ft oil pattern?
I enjoyed watching this! I liked listening about where u rank these balls
Did I miss the Harsh Reality? I threw a new personal best game and series during the first week of owning mine. I just started bowling again this season after a 35+ year gap due to injury, and I had only bowled two years in league way back then, so I’m sort of starting over and had a 155 average at the beginning of this league season. Now I’m at about 167, and the personal best I mentioned was a 252 game followed up by a new personal best series a few days later of 691 (230, 232, & 229), so I was really happy with my Harsh Reality ball that first couple weeks of using it. I cooled off a bit after that and had to learn how to properly clean and maintain the surface of my Harsh Reality ball, but I still love it. I also bought a new Hammer Black Widow 3.0 about the same time, but I waited until after I had taken a couple lessons, before I got it drilled, and about ten days ago, while practicing, I bowled another personal best game of 280, with the Black Widow 3.0. The only spare was in the second frame, and I started the next game with two more strikes, which totaled twelve strikes in a row, so now I’m dreaming of the day where I bowl a 300. Not bad for an almost 68 year old, with a bad back.
I love the Storm Absolute and the Infinite Physix. Both cruise right through front/mid and have nice, predictable end lane motion.
Zen ball good is one of my go to balls in league
Thank you Darren for this review. I’ve been using the Roto Grip Hyped Pearl for about a year now in league but not too happy with it. Thinking about going to a Phase two. Your thoughts would be awesome. Thanks.
Where do you list the Nova
My Proton PhysiX is my go-to ball for league. That ball is just so smooth and forgiving (miss right a little, not a problem, miss left, not a problem). I use my Fate mainly as a spare ball, but may use it if the lanes are drier than usual. The Fate is just not forgiving, but it's nice when I'm locked in.
So I bought a Wolverine Dark Moss back in the fall for league when the lanes got a little drier. I despised it. It just didn't do anything I wanted. So I ended up gifting it to my dad. He LOVES it. And he typically only throws Hammer, so I think he might change companies. He has a lower ball speed than me so he can get it to shape better. But to fill that spot in my bag, I bought a Hyped Pearl.... and MAN DO I LOVE THAT THING! I have been throwing it for about a month and a half now and have yet to get less than 8 strikes in a game with it. That includes bowling 3 279 games with it. I just love how it moves. It starts to lightly pick up as it gets to the end of the pattern and then it just grabs and gets through the pins at the perfect angle.
Where would you place zen master? Thank you for the videos.
recommendations on weight? I used to bowl in a league in my late teens, averaged 180 using a 15 pounder. Now I'm just starting to get back in at 47, fat and out of shape, lol, and after not playing for 30 years, I played two strings for the first time yesterday and Just broke 100 using a 15 lb house ball. Today, I was able to pull a 168, 177, 180, and 190 using a 10 lb house ball and trying the two-finger method just for kicks. Will I get laughed off the lanes if I settle back in with a 10 pounder? Even if I bring my average up to 180 or better? I do want to get my own ball again.
Agreed glad this is back
Any chance you have a link to the List you have names for the balls that I don't recognize.
For a long time I thought the super nova was also C tier. It was the first ball i bought in 7 yrs and man did I feel like i made a huge mistakes for months. Fairly inexperienced bowler 189 avg. But after doing some work on my form and trying to find its line on my house, I've found a really nice place with it bowled a 257 high game and a 615 series this first night of summer league. Still only a B tier maybe A tier.
Seems about right! I think the Zen Soul is incredibly versatile depending on what grit you sand it at! I love it freshly baked at 4000 grit. 10 bagger for sure!
I would like to see you throw every tier throughout the season. In my current bag I have the X3 and Hyped solid. I just picked up an Eternity too. But the Hyped Solid has been my favorite to throw this past season.
love your videos! Thanks for the info on all the bowling balls!
Amazing video about bowling balls
Made me feel a lot better when I seen 3 of my 4 ball are in the S tier :D and the 1 ball that wasn't a lot of people are saying it should (iQ Ruby). Im currently in the process of finishing out a 6 ball tournament arsenal, but I can't make up my mind with what I want to do with my last 2 balls. Current arsenal is RST X-3 , Phaze 2, iQ Ruby, and a Phaze 5. I was thinking a Gem, DNA, or SuperNova for the very top of my bag. Other side I was thinking of throwing a urethane in the bag but have never thrown one before.
highly recommond uc3 yes it is urethane but the reaction on the back end is so different hard to explain
Hi Darren, I have the Eternity-- I love it, my average is up 20 pins from last year after getting it. That said, we're mid season in my league and it's starting to really struggle to hook. What do you recommend to do surface wise to bring it back to stock performance?
As someone who is about to start a new league next month and wants to get a new ball for it, perfectly timed upload!
The nova and supernova are my favorites to use in league honestly 😢
Darren, I'd love to see a HOUSE Tier video. Which house do you like least, best and why. Even down to setting and what's behind the lanes on the walls =)
What do recommend for the 50 year old novice ready to move out of the house ball?
I prefer to play down and in, so over the years I've mainly used Tropical Breeze, but this year, my avg is way down (normally around 210, but sitting just under 200 now).. back in November, I shot 780 series (3 games) and but that was an anomaly this year. Found out that the Kegel oil machine was 'broken'... it was laying oil 2L to 2R, like a sport shot. So, I struggled in all 3 leagues, until I decided about 2 months ago to just drop my ball speed by a couple MPH, and started shooting 600's again, but that only lasted 3 weeks. Something else changed on the lanes, so I broke out the ball I rarely use due to how much it hooks for me. Hyroad pearl to the rescue! I went from low to mid 500's to destroying pins again and getting mid 600's and some 700's. If I could put together a decent 3rd game, I would be getting near 800 (256, 258, 200, then 256, 267, 204 this past week alone). I gotta say, I love the Hyroad Pearl right now!
I was hoping to see you in Wisconsin this past tournament
Hey Darren- when you say "brighter pigments hook more", can you expand on that? I've heard other's say red and pink balls are "better" in sort of a IYKYK kind of way. What don't I know?!
I throw a supernova, I do really good with it, I think you should drill another. I normally need to slow down just a little if it isn't hitting the way I want it to.
Could you try out Motiv balls like Venom Shock and Fatal Venom?
I recently got a super nova and I'm not sure how to feel. There is a very limited window to throw it especially in tournaments. I haven't bowled enough with it to fully know
Absolutely right about HP Lanes! When those lanes get dry...they're toasted.
Can't complain as I throw an Rstx3 Night Road and Hyped solid in league but the tropical surge is my most dominant house shot ball and even on short sport patterns but it is at 500 grit
Been rolling my absolute. Super versatile. As they break down...just slight moves left and i can generally get 3 games out of it...depending on my opponents lines
What’s a good ball to keep right and straight for league that snaps at the end?
I bowl down-and-in and I’m generally speed-dominant so I often have problems getting enough angle into the pocket. The Hammer Effect pretty much solved that for me, it’s an asym pearl so it pushes though oil and snaps late and hard. Only problem is that you can’t stand too far right because it’ll hook hard when it hits friction; it you get it into friction too early, it’s gone.
If you’re really bowling up the gutter, you might consider a urethane pearl or a pearl that’s a bit less aggressive than the Effect?
@@DS-qz2gu thank you I appreciate it!
When you doing a tier for flat patterns? Thanks
That Exotic Gem, man. Knocked the polish off it and that ball is nuts on the fresh.
What's the best pearl for a high rev bowler
Right now I have the zen and a motive pride and deciding to get a new ball but can’t decide which one do you have any recommendations. So far I’ve looked at absolute and the summit and have favored towards those better but if you have any others to hear me towards that would be good.
P.S I am a two handed bowler.
Hey Darren, just wondering if you, for a video idea, you and some of the guys on tour did opposite day? Where you would shoot a weak-mid ball for a first ball and a super strong ball for a spare ball? Thoughts???
Thanks for giving hp Columbus Ohio a shout out! If you come back let's get some games in!
Didn't see it in this video what is your opinion on the Jackel ambush
For my competitive league that I’m in I only have a 190 avg first 2 games I usually use the dna then the last 2 I use the exotic gem usually the last 2 games are my highest games but I only own A-sym balls (other then the purple hammer) would it be worth trying to get a sym solid as a benchmark ball as I find the dna sometimes gets off line way to early, I am a rev dominant player as I’m 2 handed and only throw about 25-26 km on average
What weight do you typically stick to? I’m just getting into it and I don’t really have a good sense of how to gauge what weight to use. I’m a bigger/stronger guy, and I tend to lean towards 15/16 on everything but I’m not sure.
It felt like Darren read my mind when he said he was sure we wanted a video of him throwing D tier bowling balls 😂
Also, bought myself a Gem last year or the year before so I had something super strong in the bag and, perhaps it was the 5” pin but, I just don’t like it. Too smooth and if I throw it too hard it’s going right through the breakpoint. Thought about throwing some compound or polish on it just to see if it would look something similar to my brutal Collision.
I’ve purchased a DNA & it’s tough lol. I really want either an Eternity, Phaze 5 or IQ Ruby or Fate. Low rev, speed 15-19. What would you consider for league?
My houses are always dry, so I'll stay in like a Revenant, or a Ruby. Once in a while I'll be able to swing the whole lane with a Fate, maybe sometimes I can use a Nova game three to grab a bit sooner and be smooth. But usually in my bag I'll take a Revenant, Ruby, GO, Trend, Zen U, and a spare ball
Hey Darren! My arsenal consists of Proton Physix, Idol Cosmos, Absolute, IQ Ruby, and Hyped Solid. What would you say I'm missing? I know urethane I don't have but what else? Thanks for the insight bradda!