2022 USBC Open Championships - How To Build Your SIX Ball Arsenal

[@hussanhussan2067]

Shammy Pad is the ultimate in removing oil from a bowling ball. The leather material on both sides restores the tackiness to the bowling ball that creates a strong backend motion. This pad can be used on all types of bowling balls

[@stevenwestfall9127]

Nice content...any chance you could do a revised video now that a couple of the balls you suggested are no longer allowed at Nationals?

[@Kerz300]

Good info. We bowl in a few Days bringing Quantum Evo solid, Motiv Iron Forge and Venom Shock.

[@erichess6300]

Great video! 2nd year at the open. I am going with Hammer Scorpion, Obsession and Ghost Pearl. Any suggestions for alternates?

[@thebeardedgoat_2780]

Could the RST-1 fit where the phaze 2 is?

[@dantu5377]

So start off with strong asym, then go weaker as the lane breaks down?

[@DownLaneBowling]

Definitely seems to be what works. Also, surface is very important based on your game.

[@blueyed_gemini6420]

Where would you all place hybrids in this list?

[@DownLaneBowling]

I would say it depends on how many choices you have and the type of hybrid. For example, this year I had two hybrids that were completely different; a nova and a gb4. The gb4 was my weakest/snappiest option out there and my nova was one of my stronger options.

[@muuks]

(lefty) pink, purple, pitch black, match up black, crux prime and a halo

[@jeremygrigg8320]

Nice video! I am either looking at a 6 or 7 ball arsenal this year. Paragon, Strata, Payback, Quantum EVO Pearl, Prism Warp Hybrid, Melee Jab Midnight Blue, Spare Ball (Double Cross)

[@DownLaneBowling]

Thanks Jeremy! Looks like a great Arsenal! 6 or 7 depends on how you like to travel 🤣.

[@jeremygrigg8320]

@@DownLaneBowling ship 6 with bowling ball express and split a 2 ball tote with a teammate to take on the plane. Good luck to you guys this year. We bowl 4/20, 4/21.

[@DownLaneBowling]

@@jeremygrigg8320 good luck my man!!

[@jaredshearsgolf]

Where would the Helios fit in? I’m looking at GEM Altered PhaseII IQ Tour Pearl Ink Spare. Thinking Helios and UC3.

[@DownLaneBowling]

THE HELIOS WILL BE VERY SIMILAR TO THE PHAZE 2 SO IT MAY OVERLAP IN BALL REACTION WHEN YOU'RE OUT THERE. IT MAY BE WORTH IT TO LOOK AT A ZEN OR PHAZE 4 TO GIVE YOURSELF MORE *DOWNLANE* MOTION FOR WHEN THE LANES BREAK DOWN. WE THINK THAT THE UC3 WOULD BE A GREAT ADDITION AS IT WILL GIVE YOU A DIFFERENT REACTION BASED OFF THE OTHER BALLS YOU LISTED. -ANTHONY P.S. I JUST LIKE TO TYPE IN ALL CAPS, I AM NOT IN ANYWAY YELLING.

[@jaredshearsgolf]

@@DownLaneBowling oh you can yell at me all you want. UC3 is definitely stronger and earlier which I think will be good. Always hard to judge balls off of house shots or even slightly harder patterns like the league I bowl in. Trend2 seems to be putting up some scores at Nationals this year. Leave in two days excited to see what I can do this year.

[@jaredshearsgolf]

@@DownLaneBowling just finished. Average 177 at nationals. Started with 503 (team doesn’t work to condition the lane) missed 5 makeable spares. 579 missing 3 makeable spares and finished with 640. GEM UC3 Altered and Ink all looked good. From what I could see clean covered sym balls where needed to finish all sets. Definitely could have used a ZEN.

[@DownLaneBowling]

@@jaredshearsgolf Thanks for the info! We can’t wait to get out there! Looks like they’re tougher than last year based on the scores we’re seeing. But also agree that pearl covers are definitely needed as well!

[@jaredshearsgolf]

@@DownLaneBowling definitely. Both the altered and ink where great however both didn’t have the recover energy when missing a few boards right. You guys will do great!

[@earthwormjim7310]

Any of these pieces go with a pin down?(larger Val angle)?? All pin up?

[@DownLaneBowling]

ABSOLUTLEY, TYPICALLY, ON THE FRESH WE LIKE TO USE EQUIPMENT WITH A LARGER VAL ANGLE TO CONTROL THE FREE HOOK DURING THE TEAM EVENT (QUANTUM EVO SOLID, DEFENDER, REALITY, PARAGON, PROTON PHSYIX) AS THE LANES TRANSITION WE LIKE TO USE LOWER VAL ANGLES TO HELP CREATE A BETTER ENTRY ANGLE AS THE LANES BURN UP.

[@jesslloydjansen]

Im a lefty and im thinking about a surface change on my pink widow, but i have no idea what to do. I would like it to go a bit longer, just seems to read a bit too early for me, being a rev dominant 2 hander. I welcome any advice.

[@DownLaneBowling]

Just clarify for us, original pink widow or urethane?

[@jesslloydjansen]

@@DownLaneBowling its the pink widow urethane. Thank you for responding. What do you feel the best surface would be?

[@DownLaneBowling]

@@jesslloydjansen you could do a couple of test runs in practice. Since the box finish is 800, you could hand sand the ball using abralon or tru cut pads to bring it up to 1500. If that doesn’t add enough length, 2000, then 3000 if 2000 is not enough. If you have access to a ball spinner at your local shop, you can have them do it or show you how. Also, stay tuned for our ball surfacing video coming very soon! Thanks for watching!

[@jesslloydjansen]

@@DownLaneBowling For sure. I do have access to a ball spinner. Thats a great idea to just step it up one step at time and see how that looks. Thanks for the reply. Just subscribed.

[@jesslloydjansen]

@@DownLaneBowling im new to bowling so im trying to learn as much as i can. Only been playing seriously for a few months. Friday i shot my first clean game for a 225 and Saturday i shot a 243 with nine strikes and 2 nine opens (ring sevens) and 7 fill shot. Both personal bests.

[@pianoman1015]

Great video... New to Nationals tourney I'm bringing 4 balls with me but need suggestions or possible substitutes? I'm brining the proton physix, venom shock, venom coral (hopefully) and storm ice (spare ball) is that adequate or what do you suggest adding

[@DownLaneBowling]

DEPENDING ON YOUR PLAY STYLE IT LOOKS LIKE IT CAN WORK, JUST REMEMBER YOU HAVE THE VENOM LINE, WHICH HAS WEAKER CORES AND YOU'RE TYPICALLY ON A HEAVIER VOLUME OIL PATTERN, SO THEY MAY NOT MATCH UP PERFECTLY ON THE FRESH. THE GOOD THING IS YOUR PHYSIX WILL WORK WELL ON THE FRESH AND THE OTHER TWO WOULD BE BETTER TRANSITION BALLS. IF WE COULD RECOMMEND ANYTHING IT WOULD BE TO ADD A PHAZE 2/KNOCKOUT BLACK BLUE/OR An IRON FORGE TO THE LINEUP INSTEAD OF ONE OF THE VENOM BALLS TO HELP BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN SUPER STRONG EQUIPMENT TO THE WEAKER EQUIPMENT.

[@shawnstovall7052]

I bowl with a Rubicon but also have the Rubicon uc3. I think the gem could be a good add-on to my arsenal?? what do you think?

[@DownLaneBowling]

The Gem is a super strong, very early rolling ball. If you run into high volume lane conditions it could work well for you.

[@richardwolfejr6712]

Travelling from east of the Mississippi so only bringing three on the flight; looking at a Strata, Strata Hybrid or Kinetic Platinum, and the spare ball. Thoughts?

[@DownLaneBowling]

If you’re happy without a spare ball that looks nice. The strata line is incredible for some of our players. However you don’t have any symmetrical pieces. It’s good to try to get a mix of cores, but if you’re only bringing three then surface is the best way to change your look.

[@richardwolfejr6712]

@@DownLaneBowling Gave some thought to something symmetrical and I do have a Web Tour with low games on it, and a Triton Elite with moderate use. Could take either of those, or, maybe pick up a Hammer Infamous?

[@DownLaneBowling]

@@richardwolfejr6712 TRITON ELITE WILL BE A BETTER PIECE THAN THE WEB TOUR IN THIS CASE LOOKING AT YOUR BAG!

[@jameshigginbotham2079]

How do you get into bowling in this?

[@DownLaneBowling]

Check it out here: www.bowl.com/openchamp/ You may still be able to find spots for 2022 as well.

[@peterthebowler]

What kind of surfaces would you recommend for transition balls, phase II and such?

[@DownLaneBowling]

I’m (Kyle) personally around 1000 or 1500 on my phazeII. Thanks for watching!

[@peterthebowler]

Thanks much. I subscribed because I thought your bid was clear and very logical. We appreciate you for sharing.

[@DownLaneBowling]

@@peterthebowler thanks so much!!

[@cmoney8153]

What do you guys think about have something your thing like a pitch black in your bag?

[@DownLaneBowling]

You’re asking two guys that LOVE urethane! We’ll always tell you yes.

[@cmoney8153]

@@DownLaneBowling don’t people frown upon using Urethane at big events like nationals?

[@DownLaneBowling]

@@cmoney8153 depends on who you ask. You definitely want to limit it because of blowing up the lanes. Last year Anthony and I (Kyle) used it but Anthony’s on the left. We found it Worked really well to creat a hold spot for the rest of the righties. But we don’t think it would be good for a lot of players to use it together. For two teams working together, at most two righties should use it for a limited time.

[@cmoney8153]

@@DownLaneBowling well I was just going to use it during practice to create a slight line.

[@DownLaneBowling]

@@cmoney8153 our strategy is to burn the outside with a lot of big resin. Everyone has their own way. That’s for sure!

[@mfunderburk52]

Can't use phase 4 im Nationals

[@martezbanks5313]

Great video. I though the Altered Reality was banned from USBC competition as is the UFO Alert. What would you suggest to use in place of these balls?

[@DownLaneBowling]

That’s right they are banned from the tournament. This video was made before the decision. That being said, the best alternate for the altered reality would be the Dark Code which is also in the Storm lineup, if the brand doesn’t matter the Hammer Black Widow Ghost could be similar. The UFO Alert replacement is tricky because there are not many shine hybrids out there currently, but balls that are similar are a DV8 Collision and Radical Trailblazer are the 2 that come to mind. If you want to stay with a storm ball try the Nova BUT shine it up the cover is stronger but it should give you the length once it’s shined.

[@martezbanks5313]

@@DownLaneBowling thank you so much.

[@wvuong82]

This will be my 1st Nationals and I have in mind of 6 ball arsenal but want to check with you guys. Right handed, 15 mph speed, about 300 revs 1. Quantum Evo Solid 2. Quantum Evo Pearl 3. Radical Payback 4. Raw Hammer Pearl (Blue/Silver) 5. Hammer Web Pearl/Brunswick Melee Jab MB (Can't decide which one) 6. T-Zone Also have Prism Solid & Prism Hybrid in my lineup. Thoughts?

[@DownLaneBowling]

They all seem like solid choices. The raw will be a better ball choice for the later games it’s probably the most different ball you have but given your rev rate and ball speed it may come in handy, between the melee blue and the web pearl I would choose the one you have more confidence in as both balls are very similar (I do think that the melee blue is a little more skid flip than the web pear) if there was anything to add it would be a knock out black blue or a power torq (solid symmetric) as the higher diff and lower RG will help control the friction as the lane developes and will be a more rounded shape than the asymmetrical pieces (quantum’s) Remember not to be fooled with how much hook there is make sure you use a stronger ball if you can’t control the backends. Thanks for watching and chatting with us!!

[@douglasbuck8986]

I used a Storm Nova, and a track Cyborg ........ you can open up the right side - for ME urethane was useless ON THIS SHOT (EXCEPT for 10 pins)................

[@DownLaneBowling]

@@douglasbuck8986 for me (Kyle) the purple worked great for controlling the lane. It also gave our team hold after game one.

[@douglasbuck8986]

​@@DownLaneBowling the people I bowled with had NO idea about NOT destroying the lane...... That was team - the Team shot was easier from my angle around the 10 board out slightly.... I just used the Storm NOVA. HOWEVER on singles and doubles there was MORE oil. One bowler was bowling the ball straight up with no hook, so we did open the lane a little by accident. For me I was able to visualize where I needed to throw the ball, I used a Storm NOVA, a Hammer Scandal S and a track Cyborg at the end...... ALL WITH HIGH NUMBER SURFACES 3000 + - I just bowled between 5 and 10 straight up - then pivoted left off that. I'm 64 and only get to bowl once a week on account of COVID .... I ran out of gas, BUT bowled my best Nationals ever - but only averaged 180 about 10pins below average.

[@scottlope4680]

here is my so call plan for my 6 balls. gem, nova, altered reality, extreme reeker, phaze 4 , pink hammer. also bowling bowlers journal right handed 16.5speed 16 tilt 375revs

[@DownLaneBowling]

Looks like a great line up! We’re almost identical in our game and ball (style) choices. -Kyle

[@scottlope4680]

@@DownLaneBowling just channged my symmetrical pearl from phaze 4 to iron forge. Something with a lower rg.

[@edgarbones2503]

Only bringing a ufo pitch black and spare ball

[@cmoney8153]

I had a friend bowl this past weekend and he said it was a ton of friction. He said everyone was using pearl ball do to the large amount of friction.

[@DownLaneBowling]

Thanks for the info!!

[@cmoney8153]

Scores are also up from last year so far as well. I’m headed down Memorial Day weekend. Still not sure what I’m taking just yet. We have 5 teams going over the next few weeks will update with more information as I get it.

[@DownLaneBowling]

@@cmoney8153 thank you! Yeah unfortunately it seems scores are up. Last year was slightly easier and we thought they might go back to more difficult.

[@cmoney8153]

@@DownLaneBowling from my understanding this year is a little easier with a lot more friction. It would make sense with better scores will create a larger turnout. Unfortunately that’s what I think they have in mind. In the past a 590 might get you into some cash. However I’m thinking that number might climb a little to around 630. I could be wrong but already have an 800 in the first two weeks.

[@DownLaneBowling]

@@cmoney8153 sadly that’s what this sport has been believing for fifty years. The result has been a wild decrease in sanctioned bowlers and a serious lack of integrity.

[@arthurthecartoon]

Looks like you guys might have to update this video now due to the 6 storm balls being banned

[@DownLaneBowling]

Seriously 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@russellgilbert3453]

I'm only taking three. 1.UFO at a 1000 2.UFO Alert at 4000 3.Columbia 300 Tyrant Pearl

[@DownLaneBowling]

That sounds pretty good for the three ball! I would make sure you’re comfortable not having a spare ball. Thanks for watching!

[@russellgilbert3453]

@@DownLaneBowling I'm debating on whether to take a spare ball.

[@DownLaneBowling]

@@russellgilbert3453 always highly recommended!!

[@benh1356]

Where would the UC3 fit in

[@DownLaneBowling]

Great question! For me (Kyle) I find it to be a great transition ball. Once I start moving in off my initial traction ball or two, it’s perfect. When I have to move further in, I have trouble making this ball turn the corner. So I guess I would say middle of the pack.

[@calvinmessick9406]

Crux Prime saved my butt

[@mrbrianc]

Revision 1: Don't have any storm balls

[@DownLaneBowling]

🤭

[@monkeycircus509]

Well, this aged like milk.

[@DownLaneBowling]

Who knew 🤷🏻‍♂️. Still, the idea is the TYPE of ball.

[@sooner300]

Come on, just throw purple... you won't bring home an eagle, but you'll succeed in the brackets and leave Vegas a happy bowler.

[@DownLaneBowling]

🤣

[@leftyMOTIVguy]

And for us lefties the arsenal approach is WAAAAY different.

[@DownLaneBowling]

Yes indeed! That’s why Anthony brings his bags of urethane and sanded solid equipment.