Whats The Difference Between A Solid, Pearl & A Hybrid Bowling Ball?! Featuring The Zens!

[@bgoggin88]

Luis you have a lot of bowling knowledge and we can tell your understanding is quite a bit deeper than others making videos. Thanks for putting your time into these for us

[@LuisNapoles]

I really appreciate that so much!

[@thepresidentslab]

We need a Luis masterclass or something. Always love watching you videos. Very educational and digestible.

[@brianwaterman8185]

i need a reminder to rewatch this video when my coverstock is my weakest link. Thanks for demonstrating and explaining the difference!

[@LuisNapoles]

Any time!

[@johnyarbrough9280]

Can't wait to see this video about difference between this bowling balls

[@LuisNapoles]

Soon!

[@forceoflegend3965]

Thank you Luis for all of the good videos! These have been helpful since I recently got back into bowling. I hope you're having a great day!

[@LuisNapoles]

Thanks, you too!

[@forceoflegend3965]

@@LuisNapoles I do have a question. I currently have both the Zen Master at 3000, and the Zen at 1500. I am going to buy the Zen Soul to complete the trilogy. Would you recommend getting all three at the same finish?

[@marksmith768]

I have 2 zens and a zen master. Can't wait to add the soul next week.

[@LuisNapoles]

You’re gonna love it!

[@ronburt-y4q]

Fantastic vid. Very well explained!

[@LuisNapoles]

Thank you kindly!

[@clintharris8818]

Nice breakdown 👍🏾

[@LuisNapoles]

Thank you!

[@johnyarbrough9280]

Thank you for making this video

[@LuisNapoles]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sashascapes7145]

you’re a legend Luis

[@LuisNapoles]

Thanks! Why? lol

[@johnsunn1256]

I needed this video! I have a hybrid and a beginner pearl for a spare ball. I have been thinking I need a pearl for when the lanes break down. This helped with my understanding alot!

[@LuisNapoles]

Glad I could help!

[@larryhudson1963]

Thank you Luis, for you videos and your replies

[@LuisNapoles]

You’re welcome

[@larryhudson1963]

Questions: What bowling style are you considered to be. What is your ball speed, ball weight, rev rate, axis, tilt, all that info. Are you restricted to certain ball manufacturers. I'm trying to learn, to better understand ball reactions. I'm working on getting back to my old self in the late 90s. Like from 1996-1999. Back then i bowled (with a 15lb ball) alot, I'm talking about 15 games everyday. I stopped for about 19 years. Now, I'm a 59yo, 5' 1". I'm still trying to use 15lb ball. I'm a stroker to power stroker style, my ball speed is between 14-16 mph. I can roll it straight or turn it up a bit and swing it. I guess I'm balanced with rev rate to ball speed, sometimes I feel I don't have enough revs, or enough ball speed. I trying to get new equipment & replace some old. A BIG QUESTION i have is should I drop to a 14.0 lb or heavy 14lb. How will that effect my pin carry. I went to a ball expo and I had to throw 14lb equipment because of span fittings. I actually felt/bowled pretty good with the weight. I'm right handed, PAP is: 4 1/4 right and 1" up. My ball driller is Tony Warren & Joe. I have some ball layouts that they did for the equipment that I was bowling with if needed for info. I have been watching your videos, and J R Raymond, mostly for ball/bowling info. I would like your advice. Here is my email: [e-mail]

[@LuisNapoles]

Ball weight will not affect carry. I think I would be a tweener? And yes I’m on staff with 900 Global so I can only throw Global Storm and Roto

[@martinauriada6084]

Thanks for the great vid. Trying to get into bowling and it was so helpful

[@LuisNapoles]

No problem! Join the discord (its free) we talk bowling on there all the time!

[@johnyarbrough9280]

This video is awesome

[@LuisNapoles]

Thanks!

[@TNJRSFFS]

Check back in, the line has been great, threw 700 last night with hybrid then pearl then eternity last game, hated this solid so usually go with this hybrid on the fresh. Getting new arsenal rounded up this month, here comes the new hotness 😆 🤣

[@marcx9176]

Great subject for a video and good explanation. Would be cool if you could overlay shots in post and highlight where you observe the differences in motion occurring between different balls.

[@LuisNapoles]

Oh man that’s a great idea!

[@willjames6437]

Great video...

[@LuisNapoles]

Thanks!

[@HippieP629]

Luis, huge thank you!! I've got flaring balls already. Eternity pi. But I NEED a low flare ball. Any suggs? I've been looking at the hammer nu and motiv black venom

[@joehoenig7596]

Luis--great vid, but I have a few questions please: 1. You touched on this a little bit, but if there are different kinds of hybrid formulas, how does a bowler decide which hybrid to put in their bag? It's already confusing to decide when to move from solid to pearl versus solid to hybrid, versus hybrid to pearl. If a bowler now has to decide which formula type of hybrid to have in their bag, or even whether to have more than one kind of hybrid to have in their bag, it will really make things murky and confusing, when the bowler needs to make quick, good arsenal sequencing decisions. 2. If the point of adding a hybrid to your bag, is to deal with the bowling equivalent of Goldilocks and the Three Bears (solid is too early and smooth, but pearl is too late and "boomy"), it sure sounds that the hybrid is a very niche-y type of ball. If so, does a bowler need more than one hybrid in the bag? To me, it sounds like a mechanic having a very specialized tool in their shop.....they have it for the one time they need it, but they only need one of this specialized tool..... 3. Again, you briefly touched on this: surface can change the fundamental characteristic of a ball. This can either help or confuse a bowler. If I shine a solid or dull down a pearl, doesn't that blur the line between these two kinds of balls? And if you add or remove surface to a hybrid, which is already a mix between the two groups, then what are you really ending up with? Could you please do a video about the proper or smart way to use surface, in a way that helps the bowler, rather than causing unnecessary confusion? Thank you, Joe Hoenig

[@LuisNapoles]

Hi Joe! So the big thing here is don’t get caught up so much on the labels of pearl solid hybrid. See what the ball does on the lanes! As far as surface goes I have several surface review videos on the channel from back in the day!

[@joehoenig7596]

@@LuisNapoles Thanks Lou and understood. But even if it's more about seeing what the ball does for you on the lanes, are you saying that if a solid is checking up too soon, or if a solid forces you inside and then doesn't climb the hill/turn the corner, that choosing to then go to a pearl versus a hybrid, is just random, and if one doesn't work, you just go to the other? If so, that seems to say that "arsenal sequencing" is more about when to get out of a solid, rather than which ball to go to after you get out of the solid, no?

[@LuisNapoles]

@@joehoenig7596 as an example. The Idol Cosmos and Infinite Physix are both pearls but they don’t have characteristics of a typical “pearl” both of those balls are on the smoother end of things and better suited for the fresh

[@joehoenig7596]

@@LuisNapoles Great point, Lou! But then again, doesn't this prove the need for a skilled PSO to help a bowler create an arsenal and give the bowler a basic idea--not carved in stone--of sequencing? Because like you just pointed out, all pearls are not created equally, which I'm sure is probably the case for solids and hybrids too! So it's not necessarily that you need one of each kind of coverstock in your bag, as much as you need different shapes in your bag--regardless of what sort of cover gives you those shapes.

[@johnyarbrough9280]

I really love it this video

[@LuisNapoles]

Thanks!

[@SageEnder]

Hey Luis, i saw your video with Luke, and I'm another Miami guy who just got into bowling. Can you possibly start adding where you think each ball would fit in a bag like 1-6 or what arrow you think each ball you review would play best on, when you discuss it after

[@LuisNapoles]

Yea!

[@williamforbes9644]

Did you ever do a video on the use of pads to modify ball surface? what level of grit pad to use on different surfaces, how much pressure to apply when using the pad?

[@LuisNapoles]

I did make a video on that

[@myronromero7071]

Question I am starting bowling again I basically throw a straight ball I don’t have that big arch as most people do. I currently use a hustle ball but I think it’s time for upgrade . I only have about 160 avg. so I am not a superstar. Suggestions please

[@LuisNapoles]

Look into the 900 Global Zen or the Storm !Q Tour Solid

[@myronromero7071]

Ok I will

[@michaelkoch603]

Would this be a good options for a 2 handed lefty looking for a straighter reactive option? I prefer a straighter game and would like something reactive to complement my purple hammer. Thank you

[@joshlynd3961]

Hey Luis saw you today at Suncoast walked up said hello and I watch the vids super cool meeting you forgot to let you know I shot 698 scratch for 3 games for sweepers have 12 pins handicap so shot 734 very cool too meet you tho 💯🙌

[@LuisNapoles]

Great meeting you!!

[@DZIndistries]

Do you think having the zen and zen soul would fit in a bag together? If so what 3rd ball would you use?

[@LuisNapoles]

The definitely could depending on the volume. Something like a hyroad pearl or even a burner pearl/hyped pearl would be a good step down!

[@alexanderbreen4010]

The Zen series is the best Solid Pearl Hybrid combo in all of bowling

[@LuisNapoles]

Agreed

[@paulmardis1512]

@@LuisNapoles I think my IQ Tour Nano which is a Hybrid from 2015 is better. Much snappier down lane than the Zen Hybrid. I am looking to a pearl to compliment it. Right now my step down ball is a Hustle Camo. Your Thoughts? Great Video. PM

[@jvmiller1995]

Do you happen to know what percentage the hybrid is? Meaning is it more solid or more pearl or 50/50. Thanks for the review as always

[@LuisNapoles]

The Soul is 2 parts Pearl and 1 part solid

[@jvmiller1995]

@@LuisNapoles Thank you so much.

[@michaelpetrella1513]

hi luis, am lefty and full roller bowling 45 yrs / from wood lanes and rubber balls to present / nobody talks about full rollers /when i am striking mine are just as good as 3/4 rollers / and they tell us we only have one way to drill and no pap how do we select balls for us /i aveged 195 to 205 in my career need your input

[@LuisNapoles]

I'm not to familiar with Full rollers unfortunately

[@twohandedbeast]

The only thing I would say would be get the Camera a tick more left so you get a little more straighter look

[@LuisNapoles]

What do you mean?

[@DT-ev7me]

Used your code on coolwick for my league jersey!

[@LuisNapoles]

Thanks so much!

[@quinnbostic2603]

How are your 4 Zens drilled? Are they Strong, weak, or in the middle?

[@LuisNapoles]

Mixture of all then

[@Whysoserious-kl5sh]

Can they all fit in the same bag?

[@deryccoulson4901]

"What you need to succeed." Make that a shirt!

[@LuisNapoles]

FACTS!

[@Bradleyoutdoorsman]

I’m really not sure I hear a lot of great things about the Zen master I’m really leaning to get one but unsure right now I have the Brunswick black and blue I like it it’s great in the beginning but later on in the games attends the fall out what would be better good for later in the game when the lanes start messing up I generally bowl during league I was thinking about getting an asymmetric I guess I want a different ball to have different options that is not close to the current ball I have can you give me some advice thank you

[@LuisNapoles]

What’s the black and blue?

[@Bradleyoutdoorsman]

@@LuisNapoles The Brunswick knockout black and blue but that being said I just got the exotic gem instead

[@feddyvonwigglestein3481]

I think the philosophies of 'ignore the coverstock type' and 'I need a pearl in my bag!' are the two extremes and both are incorrect. Somewhere in between (shocker) lies where our philosophies should be. There's nuance to it. Like you point out with the IQs, different formulas entirely can react in the inverse to what traditional thinking says. But in the context of the same formula but different designations, like the three zens here, you CAN get an idea of how each one will react and maybe which one you should get based on the rest of your arsenal.

[@LuisNapoles]

Agreed!

[@jctank01]

Makes sense

[@CoachScott61]

Zen is still King. But I do like the motion of the Soul over the Master. A definite add to the arsenal.

[@LuisNapoles]

Agreed! Zen, soul then master

[@johnyarbrough9280]

Good morning friend

[@LuisNapoles]

Good morning!

[@benjaminjackson2659]

Hey Luis I know you put 4000 grit w/ polish or lane shine on your Zen Master.

[@LuisNapoles]

Never polish

[@benjaminjackson2659]

@@LuisNapoles thanks I just go myself one and noticed yours looked polished or shiny.

[@Dwdsh]

U should do videos on the bowling by belmo game

[@LuisNapoles]

Let Belmo reach out to me and I will !

[@Dwdsh]

@@LuisNapoles yeah that would be great content bc I’ve been grinding that game lately lol

[@scottythompson940]

Cool video talk to tech bowling ball Luis

[@LuisNapoles]

Thanks!

[@scottythompson940]

@@LuisNapoles your very welcome

[@johnyarbrough9280]

How about a video to help to get your average high

[@LuisNapoles]

I’ll try!

[@SirJoelsuf1]

Not Luis, and the bowling content on my channel is really just a 200 average bowler for the last decade or so talking out of his ass lol (I call it "Stupid Bowling Opinions" for a reason) but I'm gonna make a MASSIVE video on my channel about this very topic in about a month or so. Short version = Average is not determined by pinfall. It's determined by how many opens per game you have. The less opens per game you have, the higher your average will be all things being equal. Long version = Increasing average isn't about knocking more pins down, at least not in the abstract. It's by improving in four specific bowling statistics: Strike rate, opens per game, single pin conversion rate, and your average pinfall for the 9th and 10th frames.

[@relic9795]

Your my #1 fav bowing channel. I just bowled a 275 with a phaze 2. Just bought my second ball a Hyroad! I think my next ball is going to be a weaker ball so I can play around 10, any suggestions?

[@willjames6437]

Hustle Camo..

[@LuisNapoles]

Hyped pearl or burner pearl

[@jakester4022]

I love hybrids. Has my highest 800 with hybrid. I need a new hybrid.

[@LuisNapoles]

Nice!

[@rickdavis8410]

Unfortunately, the camera doesn’t show difference in ball motion. You need to bring back the tracer lines like you used in the past.

[@LuisNapoles]

That won’t be happening any time soon unfortunately!

[@larryhudson1963]

I live in Jacksonville Florida

[@LuisNapoles]

Nice!

[@drwisdom1]

I don't view the solid/pearl/hybrid issue as a choice of balls based on the lane conditions. Rather, I view it as a choice based on your bowling style. I started bowling in league in 1979, so I am not a young bowler. I have revs, but not that many, and play a straighter shot than many bowlers and Mr. Napoles. I am only 155 pounds and always throw 16 pound balls because they strike more. What I have found in the last 20 years is that when I throw solid balls they lose too much power hooking and are weak when they get to the pocket. So I quit throwing solid balls years ago. Instead, I always throw pearl balls because they store energy and are accelerating when they hit the pocket. So as the conditions change I don't choose between solid and pearl balls, I choose between pearl and pearl balls. I throw my Axiom Pearl (basically the Storm version of the Zen) until it hooks too much and then move to my AstroPhysix which is longer and hooks even more at the end. That gets my average into the 220s and keeps me competitive with the younger strongest bowlers in our big city. I believe pearl covers are great technology for us weaker bowlers.

[@LuisNapoles]

There’s a lot to take in here. 16 pound do not strike more. If that was true then all the pba players would be throwing 16 when in fact they are most at 15 also pearls do not accelerate at any point. In order for a bowling ball to change directions it must slow down that’s just science! I am impressed with your average in league! See bowling balls are just tools we just need to use them in the correct situations.

[@drwisdom1]

@@LuisNapoles It is a myth based on the belief you get more revs with lighter balls and that makes up for lower mass. But I throw the same revs for both weights making 15 pounds weaker for me. The same is true for bowlers and football players - the bigger they are the more power they got. Look at Wes Malott.

[@LuisNapoles]

@@drwisdom1 look at Ej Tackett though. WAY more power than Wes Mallot and significantly smaller. If there was a true advantage “carry” wise to throwing 16 pounds then the people who bowl for a living would be throwing that weight and that’s just not the case my friend

[@drwisdom1]

@@LuisNapoles That is the extreme case. There are very few bowlers that can crank it Mr. Tackett. I am a fan of his because I love power bowling. But he throws a dangerously big hook that at times results in difficult leaves costing him the match. I also believe it is easier to be more accurate and repeat with the extra pound.

[@LuisNapoles]

@@drwisdom1 okay sounds good. We won’t see eye to eye on this so have a good one

[@SirJoelsuf1]

Are ANY of the Zen balls Asymmetrical? I don't trust symmetrical stuff at all outside of stuff that you can ball down to when the lanes turn into sandpaper. I mean I have my eyes on the solid ones, but only if they're asyms.

[@LuisNapoles]

The zens are all symmetrical

[@larryhudson1963]

Back in the 1990s I lived in North Carolina, I bowled 3 or 4 leagues a week plus the 15 games bowled everyday, I bowled tournaments and for money only. Back then I carried a 220 tournament average for 60 game rotation. Big thing is back then I was in much better physical shape than now. Also back then I used an AMF Nighthawk the original, I had 5 Nighthawks, 1-for heavy oil,1-for medium (medium leverage drilling) this was my benchmark, 1-for light oil. 1-that was a little stronger than my medium leverage more like a skid flip and 1-for very light to dry,dry,dry !!! And of course a Columbia Blue Dot. SO WHY ALL THIS INFO=== I'm bowling leagues now, but I want to get back to tournaments & action bowling. I don't want more than 6 balls total. I would like to make it less if possible. I'm trying to get friends to sponsor me. The big thing is money is limited. Any help is appreciated!!!!

[@LuisNapoles]

If I was you I would work with Tony Warren since he drillls your stuff to see what he suggests!

[@larryhudson1963]

Thank You

[@kimlanglewis152]

And when the Solid, Pearl, and Hybrids give too much over and under reaction, then Urethane can definitely blend it out.

[@FredSoDak]

I wish they produced the "light load" pearls (where all colors had a 50% pearl additive) of years gone bye.

[@LuisNapoles]

Wow I have never heard of that before

[@FredSoDak]

@@LuisNapoles The Storm X-Factor was an example; it is difficult to find info on these types of balls... COVERSTOCK Using 33% less MICA than other pearlized reactive coverstocks, the ACCU-Tread™ Mystic Pearl contains a balanced uniformity... is from a description.

[@johnyarbrough9280]

How to come a pba bowler

[@LuisNapoles]

Oh I like that.

[@OldManGroucH]

Boom-ier = Angular 😂

[@LuisNapoles]

Facts 😂😂😂

[@brandonpeel3148]

I think that Zen Master is still mad at you and wanted to prove you wrong...lol

[@LuisNapoles]

😂😂😂😂 facts!

[@LoganPeters-je8nu]

4/5 shots fouled

[@LuisNapoles]

I believe you LOL

[@douglasbuck8986]

SAME FORMULA.............SAME COVERSTOCK ????????????? THEN ...............THE ONLY THING DIFFERENT IS THE WEIGHT BLOCK?????? YOU are assuming we know too much............... OR you know something we don't........... TRY AGAIN............

[@LuisNapoles]

What are you talking about?

[@douglasbuck8986]

@@LuisNapoles @ 1:36 SAME FORMULA.............SAME COVERSTOCK.................SAME LAYOUT ..............

[@LoganPeters-je8nu]

you fouled every shot on the solid ball

[@LuisNapoles]

every single one!

[@LoganPeters-je8nu]

@@LuisNapoles thats what it looked like

[@ThomasMason-go1eq]

This is easily your worst look over the years. Keep your beard short.

[@1lastry344]

Sorry to be negative but that lil thing you do with your hand when the ball hits the pins is comedy. like its not even a natural continuation of your throw. quit it.

[@LuisNapoles]

😂😂😂 you also 1000000% don’t have to watch…