How To Build a League Bowling Arsenal!

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[@zephah]

I love that you started adding a slew of options, this is one of the best videos about building an arsenal I’ve seen to date. Great job!

[@fueledbykyle]

I'm starting my first league soon with a Hazmat Solid and a DNA Coil. I'd like to add a weaker pearl like an Xponent or an IQ ruby but money is a limiting factor right now. We'll see how things go, fingers crossed!

[@Gblood13]

The xponent pearl is on sale on bowlers mart the regular xponent is as well.

[@SneakySteevy]

I gave ChatGPT my PAP distance, the ball I use, the layout on each ball and if I am speed or rev dominant or balanced. It was very surprising It gave me the strength of my arsenal, when to use each balls, where to aim and also the gaps in my arsenal.

[@ZVLBowling]

Oh interesting, I might have to try that out!

[@RewindCountry]

Nice video... subbed. 1. DV8 Wicked Collision with the polish off surfaced to 3000. 2. Game Breaker 4.0 Hybrid. 3. Game Breaker Pearl Asym. As a stroker/tweener with these 3 balls and adjustments I can cover any of the league shots I face.

[@dd101dd4]

Nice video! We have 2 patterns Monday Wed same pattern, higher volume flooded in the middle. I throw my BW 3.0, Harsh Reality or my Xcell game 1. I like going to a solid symm for game 2 my GB5 but, I'm gonna try my eternity and effect. Game 3 I like a shinny sym like a TNT infused or a Zen Gold Label. Some nights I go through all 3. Some nights I use 1 ball and some nights I use 2. Never know what the pattern is gonna do. Other pattern on tuesday is a low volume 44 ft pattern. So I throw nothing but Symms. Start out with GB5 or I just ordered the Radical Big Bite, my hustle xray does really well on it as well. Finish it off with a Radical NU.

[@Stylez777]

I've been trying to narrow down my league arsenal and limit what I bring to try and make my decisions easier. Benchmark ball in practice and see if I can roll with that game 1 or if I need to go up to the strong and sharp. The problem I've had is I cannot get a consistent reaction or feel with any of my balls. I own Summit, Xponent, Sublime, Venom Shock, DNA Coil, Track Theorem. I tried to use Summit as my benchmark piece but I just cannot get the right feel with it. Sometimes it great other times it 10 pin city. Adjusted surface all over the place but it never has been the it game 1 ball for me. Interestingly, the Xponent has been very solid for me game 1 nice smooth controlled roll, gets tot he pocket never seems to over react but at times it can be just too clean on certain pairs. By Game 2 I'm trying the Coil or the Theorem. Most my balls are 4.5 pin I think my Sublime is 4 and Theorem is 5". The Theorem I cannot get it to roll right for me. I keep trying it to the avail of my team members groan when I bring it out. The Coil has been better but it can also be just too clean and doesn't make the corner flying past the break point. The Sublime has been the most consistent reacting ball for me game 3. I wanted to reset things a bit and was thinking of trying out the new Lethal Venom that would be more of a benchmark type ball that could handle game 1 into game 2. Thought of trying out something different to move into asym pearl wise like Attention Star, Hammer Effect or the Widow Mania and then just freshen up the surface on the Shock with 4k and use it if the lanes ever get burnt. I know I have a lot of good balls and I could probably just stick with Xponent/Sublime for league but I think it that Strong and Sharp area that is my worst part where I cannot get those big score. I'm avg 194 with roughly a 38% strike rate and 75% spare rate. Spare shooting def should improve but feel like I should be striking more in league than I am. Super long comment here I know but I appreciate your videos and the help to try and simplify these things for us struggling out here.

[@Ceilingfan008]

Top of my bag - mesmerize/ effect tour Middle- vaporize/ physixs blackout Bottom- messenger powercor Pearl/ optimum idol Spare - pitch black

[@texasplumr]

Another banger!

[@michaelepifano9983]

Great video....sounds like the Crimson Jackal or Ghost, Venom Shock and Max Thrill Pearl would be a decent 3 ball league arsenal ?

[@michaelfinley9988]

This is a great channel, very informative. I’m assuming a tournament or sport short arsenal will look a little different. Maybe you can explain the ball choices for league verses tournament or sport shot. Thanks, great content.

[@Mikeygaga1870]

great video Some Hammer effect is my favorite ball killing it w it....is there a spot in my bag for vaporize or too much overlap? track theorm? assuming also very similiar

[@enigmazero8624]

I feel like in league you MUST be matched up to where your good shots strike consistently (and some of your bad shots also strike). What are your thoughts on identifying 3 ball types and bringing 2 of each type just for a little extra option to dial in and make sure you’re striking when you hit the pocket? (I don’t carry a spare ball so I tend to bring 2 triples).

[@DitchD0C_Bowler300]

I have an SPI arsenal and an All Track arsenal. Do you think you could do league arsenal videos for each of the brands?

[@stevenjohnson8965]

Very informative video. Right now my league arsenal looks like this: Exponent is my 1st ball out of the bag, Storm The Road and a Hy-Road Peral. I'm a right handed speed dominance older guy. If I were to purchase another ball what would you suggest.

[@GrumpaBaggins]

Just bowled the last 3 games of our summer league. I used a Perfect Mindset for game one, and it did great, 196. Once it started going through the face, I switched to my Theorem, but it did awful, and started going through the face quickly. For the 3rd game, I switched to my Venom Black polished. It worked decently, too, like the Perfect Mindset. I am very happy with my arsenal, after resurfacing all of them. I'm not sure what was happening with the Theorem, though. I bowled a 98 with it, when I was hitting upper 180s on Friday and Saturday. The other 2 pulled in mid-190s. I'm thinking about a new arsenal for Fall league. Possibly the Track Archetype, Archetype Hybrid, Stealth Solid, Theorem, and Tundra Fire Blue. Otherwise, the Brunswick Mindset, Perfect Mindset, Infinity, Venom Black, and maybe the Theorem and/or Rhino. Either way, I've got to solve the Theorem issue. Lol. Either of those arsenals sound decent? The only other balls I have are the Ebonite Bigtime Special Edition and DV8 Trouble Maker Hybrid. My next purchase will be either the Archetype Hybrid, Stealth Solid, or Hammer Effect.

[@ZVLBowling]

I think the problem with the Theorem is that it's very close in reaction to the Perfect Mindset. I don't think you need both in the same bag, but if you do I'd recommend polishing one and keeping the other a little more dull/lane shined. As for the arsenals, I like the first arsenal better. There's a big gap between the Theorem and Tundra, but I think it still works

[@GrumpaBaggins]

@ZVLBowling thank you for the advice! My Perfect Mindset is 2k and my Theorem is 1500 with compound (I have no idea what final grit that actually makes it, but I did resurface it by hand 500, 1000, 1500, and then Crown compound like it said in the original information). I did 500, 1500, and then 2000 on the PM because 3000 didn't work well for me. I followed the 4k LSS steps for the Venom Black, but then used CTD polish on it. Resurfacing ended up greatly increasing my scores lately, but also learning what speed, hand position, and lane position each ball reacts best in (I've been searching since I started playing in January everywhere for a local coach, but apparently none exist, so I've learned through your videos and others, which I am extremely grateful for.). The first arsenal I listed is my favorite one, too. My PSO drilled both the PM and Theorem at 30 x 4.25 x 35, which I wonder might be a bad layout for the Theorem at least. My PAP was 5 left 1 3/8 up. Another PSO drilled the Venom at 58 x 3.5 x 53 with a PAP of 4.5 left 1 7/8 up. Do you think that the Hammer Effect would fit decently between the Theorem and Tundra, or would it be too close to the Theorem?

[@lucasblodgett6143]

I’m not sure if this is in your wheel house bc i’m not sure how you bowl but if you could do a two handed arsenal and include urethane and plastic that would be awesome. I currently have a ebonite emerge (which i’m struggling to figure out), a radical double cross that i love and a tzone for spares

[@GunStoreViking]

Thanks for this. I am starting league this coming week. GB5 for a benchmark and Hammer effect for my Top of the bag ball Not sure what to get for that 3 ball.

[@Gblood13]

This was great thank you.

[@lewonjames358]

My league arsenal is Exotic Gem 1st out, then Phase 2 or IQ Tour middle of the bag and then a TNT Infused or IQ Ruby. A lot of times I’m still in my Exotic deep into game 2 and then my middle balls don’t perform as well. The TNT is so unpredictable for me from week to week and the lane’s might not be broken down enough for the Ruby. Looking for either a strong 1st ball or a better bridge to game 3 from Storm.

[@BowlingBrian65]

I feel that this is the best of your “arsenal” videos. Question: I’m trying to decide between the Xponent Pearl and the Hy-Road for my combo medium/weak peal ball. Based on some of your other videos the Xponent Pearl seems to be more on the medium side. Not sure I’ve seen you comment on the Hy-Road, but I’m thinking it would be the weaker of the two. Thoughts?

[@ZVLBowling]

You're correct, the HyRoad will be about 4-5 boards weaker and smoother than the Xponent Pearl

[@NWPencrawler]

What about if you have a medium amount of oil and it starts to breakdown during latter part of game 2/3? I usually start out with my TNT but looking to get a ball I can transition to when the lane breaks down. Thanks for the great vids!

[@ZVLBowling]

The next option would be something in the medium/sharp category like the Optimum Idol Pearl, Scorpion Strike, or Hyper Venom

[@Kiyted]

My first league season I went from 120 avg to 177! Current arsenal is Optimum Idol, VEBO, and HRP.

[@CliftonDon74]

Thanks ZVL. My league bag will be Black Widow 3.0, Phaze 2, Motiv Black Venom, and Pitch Black for spares (plus my get out of jail free)

[@CliftonDon74]

My pearl/sharp balls are in the car, but usually don't make it into the bowling alley.

[@CliftonDon74]

10/8 - League night. I decided to start with my medium sharp ball Rotogrip Duo. I grinded out a 215 game. Then went into the BW 3.0 for a couple frames before getting into the Phaze 2. I grinded out a 205 for game 2, then stayed in the Phaze 2 in game 3 for a 266... 24 strikes on the night. I raised my avg 4 points for week 6 of league. 👍 the week before, I stayed with my BW 3 0 for most of the night for a 614 series - 193-224-197. Trying different combinations.

[@daveminorjr9516]

I just seen this post i just bought a ion pro and lightning blackout for leagues would u Recommend anything else for my Arsenal Ty for looking at my comment any helpful tips would be greatly appreciated. Appreciated

[@Nailv]

I have a optimum idol for my benchmark,Journey when the latest transition, virtual energy blackout I use it in the fresh but also great transition ball Paragon solid is My Strong asymmetrical purple Hammer is my urethane, and of course your spare ball

[@haz927]

I have Black Widows 2.0 hybrid, Pink Widow Urethane and the 3.0 I don't think I'm building my arsenal currently but i love all 3 of them 😂

[@Shamarwhitney]

Mine are the hammer effect, absolute power, and the venom exj

[@mhwchar1957]

Magic Gem, TNT & Attention Star. Can swap out the TNT for a Org Zen.

[@seanboogie10]

Hammer 3.0 ➡️Hammer Effect➡️Phase A.I

[@kobemoon896]

My current bag is a summit peak and an electrify pearl. Im about to buy a phase 2 and a vebo then maybe a magic gem

[@jinboden5228]

I'm looking to add a third ball to my arsenal. I currently have a magic gem and the harsh reality pearl. Love them both, what would you recommend as a good addition to this combo? (Possibly adding a fourth later, likely a spare ball)

[@ZVLBowling]

I'd recommend something a little weaker like a Phaze II or Optimum Idol Pearl

[@jinboden5228]

@@ZVLBowling awesome thank you!

[@johnny_1971]

hi. what if you don't know the HS ? should I build a house and tournament, Arsenal if so how would you go by doing it thnks

[@honeygarparm]

which 2 categories should i look towards getting if i just plan on having 3 balls (1 being a spare ball) for league? 1 medium/smooth and strong/sharp?

[@ZVLBowling]

Either strong/sharp and medium/smooth or medium/sharp and weak/smooth (depends on if you’re rev dominant or speed dominant)

[@PabloE933]

Black widow 3.0/C300 Kaboom/ then I want to get a weak ball. I kill the RPM on the kaboom for my spares but I think I could become more consistent with a spare ball.

[@johnny_1971]

So on a less oil HS use strong sharp med sharp n weak shape ?

[@ericthomas8147]

This is a novice question, but do the categories and rankings you outlined change much if you are a stroker compared to a cranker? For example, would the Phaze 2 still function as a benchmark ball if I'm a moderate speed low rev player?

[@lastuberman]

The same principles apply. What applies to a power player on heavy oil would apply to a stroker on medium oil.

[@surfboardshack3327]

What’s the reason for needing a medium smooth ball if the lanes are torched? Wouldn’t it be too early to play right but too smooth to play left?

[@ZVLBowling]

It would act as your strong ball (especially if the carrydown gets extreme)

[@surfboardshack3327]

@@ZVLBowling thank you

[@DitchD0C_Bowler300]

Would you consider an Absolute Power on a 27mL house pattern as too strong to start with? This is a new house for me. Im told that they break down pretty quickly so I'll be prepared for that.

[@ZVLBowling]

I think that's a great option to start with. The Absolute Power is a weaker asymmetrical piece so it's a great first option

[@kuroyusha8656]

Would the X cell, ion and the road be a good 3 ball arsenal for league

[@ZVLBowling]

Absolutely!

[@feastingturkey7118]

What would fit between magic gem and hy road for my league arsenal? I’ve looked at the summit peak and dna coil?

[@ZVLBowling]

Lots of options - anything in the strong/sharp, medium/smooth and medium/sharp categories. So the Summit Peak and DNA Coil would work!

[@ericthomas8147]

I think I need a video where you describe exactly what strong/medium/weak and sharp/smooth means. Do these things refer to core? Cover? Both? And other than watching videos like this, how do you know which category a ball falls into?

[@ZVLBowling]

I actually have a vid explaining this - kzbin.info/www/bejne/i369hqeDrchlos0

[@ericthomas8147]

@@ZVLBowling Okay, cool. Perfect explanation. Thanks!

[@trescallion7963]

Just got my optimum idol. Hammer effect and purple hammer. How’s that for a 3 ball bag?

[@ZVLBowling]

That's a great 3 ball arsenal, both reactive balls are pretty strong so if they're too strong, you'll need a weaker pearl ball

[@trescallion7963]

@@ZVLBowling thanks for the reply! The idol is solid reactive so hopefully my strongest ball when I get it drilled. But you’re right, I should look into a weaker reactive besides using my urethane

[@luckeyboy33]

1st bag: Magic Gem, ExtremeEnvy, BW hybrid 2.0 2nd bag: TroubleMaker pearl Idol Pearl (blue), Gem ... I believe I need to replace a couple of them for something else ... any suggestions???

[@ZVLBowling]

You have a lot of asymmetrical balls, so I would recommend swapping one of those with a symmetrical solid ball (IMO, you only need one of the Magic Gem, Extreme Envy, and Gem)

[@luckeyboy33]

@@ZVLBowling You know what, you are so right! Any recommendations???

[@SockLeft]

Where would a urethane or spare ball play into building a 3 ball arsenal, for me I only want to bring 3 balls total and I own a nu blue, a phase 2, a spare ball, and a radical trailblazer, I also have a have a high rev rate with 13-14 mph ball speed, so how would you go about building an arsenal for me with what I have and only wanting to bring 3 balls with me

[@SockLeft]

I have also been thinking about possibly getting a strong sharp ball, would you recommend that for me or no?

[@robertbillings4464]

Where would a hammer effect fit in?

[@JustIncredibleRob]

Could a Tour Dynamix Could fit for the benchmark? Middle of the bag.

[@ZVLBowling]

Yep!

[@d.ryzner7221]

How well would the tour dynamix take compound or polish to make it a medium sharp? Was looking for a med sharp asym was a plus for variety. I thought i had a keeper in the mantra but its so strong it overlaps my widow hybrid and balls like the theorem reverb etc so it is really a weaker strong sharp rather than the mid sharp it's marketed as. ​@ZVLBowling

[@hazymist2256]

where does the black widow 2.0 hybrid fit?

[@d.ryzner7221]

Strong and sharp at box finish. Stronger than hitter pearl beyond infinity and weaker than the effect and one reverb in that category

[@Rubix123-z4j]

What about the vaporize?

[@ZVLBowling]

It would fit in the strong/sharp category with the Effect!

[@hersheljones9467]

Where does the black venom fit?

[@ZVLBowling]

The Black Venom would fit where I put the Phaze II - in the medium/smooth category

[@zeuslvls468]

Where does the exotic gem fit?

[@ZVLBowling]

In the strong/sharp category with the Effect

[@macksparks7814]

Being back into league bowling after 10 years Columbia 300 High Speed Ebonite Game Breaker 5 Storm Trend

[@MonijaKhatun-d5c]

Harris Donna Lewis John Smith Kevin

[@scottstottsgaming]

"How to build a bowling ball arsenal" 1. Use the manufacturer's website to review what is "heavy oil" vs "low oil." 2. Acknowledge you almost certainly bowl on low oil and MAYBE medium oil. 3. Acknowledge you will not buy a bowling ball that turns your 150 avg into a 250 avg. 4. Acknowledge that you probably need to practice not buy another bowling ball. 5. If you want to have retail therapy, that's OK, but admit it first. Then pick ONE ball that is "heavy oil" and one ball that is "low oil" then get yourself your favorite color plastic ball. 6. Buy more games. Practice better. Take video of yourself. Get coaching from someone IN PERSON who is certified.

[@zephah]

I love that you started adding a slew of options, this is one of the best videos about building an arsenal I’ve seen to date. Great job!