The Classroom #7: Arsenal Building Concepts (Bowling Instruction)

[@mikniks19]

I think you touched on a very important concept that often goes overlooked - building an arsenal for what you bowl on. If I were building a six-club golf bag for a normal round, I might go driver, 3-hybrid, 5-iron, 8-iron, SW, putter (or something like that). But if I only play on par 3 courses, 3-4 of those clubs are essentially irrelevant; though that bag has a lot of diversity, it isn't useful diversity. Great video as always!

[@Jqwerty38]

After carrying around a big solid asym to league at a house that always has a ton of friction for over 2 years, I finally learned this lesson.

[@Mikey-1990]

@@Jqwerty38 Exactly me with my Proton Physix. The past year I've had it, I've used it maybe six or seven games at best. My sport shot league, combined with a slightly higher friction house, there's absolutely no way I can use it effectively on that pattern, even taming down the surface. The ball is just way too strong. Not saying it isn't a good ball, but I've encountered very few patterns I can use it on. A few longer tournament patterns it performs great, but that's it. I cleared a space in my bag not bringing it to league anymore.

[@donkeydiehard879]

I do blame you for the amount of bowling balls I currently have.😆 Man I wish I could get that mix off white. This was perfect video for where I'm at. Trying to nail down an arsenal for my 20+ balls lol.

[@CurtisL8.3066]

You know I’ll take one of those off your hands as soon as you’re ready lol

[@dylanfry7978]

Lol know how you fell I honestly need to get rid of some. There like trophies in my closet that i never use.

[@terryjenkins8151]

🤣

[@briannichols2371]

This has been such a great collection of videos. I can't wait to watch these over and over again. I'm a newer two handed lefty and this helped a ton on building an arsenal from the left.

[@hackprefect]

I really like the focus on the difference between theory and practicality. I typically throw older Brunswick stuff, so I'm not going to start listing ball names, but I frequently find myself dragging around stuff in case I need it, but never use it. I tell myself I like to have that variety of shapes because I never want to be caught unawares. But honestly, in my area, most 1 or 2 balls are usually out of play on house shots, and there are few instances where I get to bowl on sport or even challenge patterns. So now I'm once again back to the drawing board trying to find a one size fits all arsenal, but this video has me thinking that I really do need to tailor my pieces for the places I bowl, because the differences really are that significant.

[@AverageJosh769]

Heres where we differ luke. Our 1 and 2 slot is the same, however i see 3-5 different. I see my 3 as the benchmark ball, the middle of the road. Hate to say in front of a bunch of storm guys, but lately i had to swap the axiom out of the 3 and bump my rst x1 out of the arsenal and the axiom to the one and now a venom shock has found its home at number 3. I can also throw in my volt solid there depending on what laneplay concept im going for. My 4 slot is my lower end pearl, either my mvp pearl or hyroad pearl, even though my hyroad is getting as much motion as my uc2 which baffles me. Slot 5 is my wild card slot and is my get right at all costs slot. You can find a natural, pitch black, badger infused, or burner solid there depending how i want to play the lanes. With the uc3 coming out, im hoping that will be able to slot into my 4 slot better than the hyroad with less hook overall which is what i wanted out of the hyroad

[@scottsmail369]

Another great video Luke! Very informative filled with common sense. Appreciate your time and effort on all your videos! Keep doing it your way!!

[@TonySnider69]

I am starting to bowl again. Still have my 15 lb balls but, I am switching it up some. Going with 16 lb drilled left handed. I am actually left eye dominant. Starting with the staples of Phaze II, IQ Tour, Hyroad Pearl, and Mix.

[@justsmoothbowling]

Love this video. I’ve been watching your videos for quite some time and this one summarizes your thoughts and process perfectly. I’ve constantly tried to pass on the same sentiment when helping others and myself build an arsenal. This one will be one to watch a couple times over, and glean a little more info each time, but I’m definitely going to need a La croix as I watch it. Thanks Luke 👌🏽

[@jdpastor666]

Very funny! Clean. Love it.

[@thebigeasy8609]

Most of the time I don't have a clue what you're saying, I just like tone of your voice! lol Seriously though, being a lefty I really do appreciate these because of my similar ball motion.

[@shadesXL1220]

I gotta totally agree with you. Luke's voice is like butter. Lefty too, but I'm a typical 10 to 5 matched roller and part of Luke's genius is getting us to understand our motion and equipment. I was throwing monster solid asyms with super aggressive layouts and couldnt figure why my pin down Zing! Solid wasn't "hooking." Luke helped me to understand that my ball was hooking for 60 feet and couldn't stick the landing. On Luke's review, I put a Burner solid in my hand, buried the pin in my ring, and hit it with a 3000 pad. I'll string 6 or 7 before wrapping a 7 pin but then I'm back at the string again. I'm so much consistent with the tips from this channel. I wish there was someone this smart and thoughtful on the B. O. B. side this.

[@CurtisL8.3066]

My main two: Sure Lock AxSolid Pro Motion Zing Hybrid Web MB Spare Oh Heck Bag Purple Urethane Pitch black or short pin PBR Shiny PBR

[@annebeavers3002]

Good video, short and too the point.

[@iamnickt]

Great video! Laphroig is one of my favs too! 🥃

[@brettate7776]

My tournament bag, when condition is unknown, is Crux Prime, RST X2, Hy Road Nano (sanded 5500), Trend 2, spare. Left out are Pro Motion (long pin), Wild Streak (short pin), Nuclear Cell (box), Nuclear Cell (sanded 1000). If I take 6 instead of five, I add the box Nuclear Cell.

[@donreinholz8121]

Great advice as always.

[@zmstorm1]

Another ace! Thank you!

[@DT-bx8lc]

“I do choose to spend all my free time making bowling videos tho so I can’t be that smart” 🤣🤣🤣, I love that! Now… tell me exactly how I should layout my Idol Synergy for crying out loud!!! Lol, you are awesome, thanks and keep up the good work.

[@sb632]

As a lefty for me I think the parallax effect would be the biggest ball I'd use. As it pertains to most of the house shots I play in where I am. I would 100% have a phaze II and zen in my back first and foremost. 3rd ball probably a IQ tour. 4th hyped hybrid. 5th I personally love urethane so I'd want a uc3 or fast pitch. but could easily do a hustle camo. 6th ball is spare ball for me.

[@ASUWoody]

Thank you! Another great video

[@dejabowler873]

Ngl now that youre a free agent i would love to see a sports essentials collection on all the stuff especially the non storm stuff Even if its like a blurb in the reviews like this ball in my opinion is a _ ball that would be amazing

[@LukeRosdahl]

Yeah I was getting ready to do another ranking thing here before long with leagues getting ready to start again. The problem is that I need to just get back to what I intended for it to be in the first place. Just picking balls I think are great sport options, rather than ranking every single ball out there. Sure, everything on the market could have some kind of use at some point on some conditions, but the whole point of the series to begin with was to pick out just certain balls that I thought were "essential" for sport conditions. I kept getting so many questions about every other ball on the market that I just thought I'd rate or rank them all, and that's way too much work and kind of defeats the purpose, but just doing a livestream and ranking them all and talking a little about them works ok I suppose. Adding a sentence or two of my thoughts, or like ranking the ball for house and sport in a review is a good idea tho.

[@Jqwerty38]

My current strategy is to have three 3-ball bags. 1 bag I take everywhere, 1 bag exclusively for league, and another bag for sport conditions. I bring my "bail out" bag everywhere, my more versatile bag to tournaments or centers where I don't know what to expect, and targeted bag to league. I like this approach because it doesn't force me into building a single 6-ball arsenal strategy for every condition or require a massive amount of closet space.

[@dylanfry7978]

Just out of curiosity whats you league bag look like? And what your bail-out ball?

[@Jqwerty38]

@@dylanfry7978 Current setup is… Everywhere: Gamebreaker 3, Supra, Trend 2 Tournament: Paradox Red, Astro Physix, Fast Pitch League: Black Widow Gold, Gamebreaker 2, plastic Essentially the Astro Physix I have at 4K so it is a smoother asym Pearl for tournaments and I use the paradox red that has a little more bite than the gamebreaker 2 when on higher volumes. I also swap a urethane ball for my spare ball when I bowl on hard stuff and use plastic at league.

[@wabbit1699]

Mine is currently Nova/P-Effect/Phaze 2/Zen/PBR/Spare.

[@winsleypelayo4022]

im a two hander and right now i only have the hustle wine and a spare ball, but im thinking the next ball up will be og hyroad as my benchmark and the next ball above that will be axiom

[@TheVicsinner]

Perfect I'm at a crossroads getting a fit adjustment because my pap changed a little. My IT thumbs are too big and loose, bowling in a different state and improving. Readjusting to the new area, houses, and discovering how to use my hand better. Which of these 15 balls to a redrill?🤔🤔🤔🤔 That's the fun part. So far it's down to a results pin in ring, bonus pin down, Alert pin up, and hustle wine with a nice fluid layout for the dry to mid house which here is 38-40 foot of water 😂

[@DJTajhay]

My bag 1. incite, 2. Parallax Effect, 3. Trend 2, 4. IQ Tour Solid, 5. Hy Road, 6. Off white mix

[@zcornholio420]

Awesome, that helped. Teach a man to fish don't give him the fish. Thanks keep these coming!!!

[@CJamison300]

Two Hander, 500 revs, 18 Mph League Bag- Typically I only bring 3 Honey Badger Intensity Rubicon UC2 Phaze 2 Electrify solid Pitch Black / purple hammer Storm ice Specialty conditions specific balls Timeless Rocket Phaze 3 Roto Granade Haywire Alpha crux

[@braydendillard336]

My current Arsenal is Rstx1 Rubicon uc2 Phaze 2 Idol pearl Fast pitch Spare ball/mix

[@josephemory6635]

Thanks for your videos. We’re going to order bowling shirts for Xmas through Coolwick using your discount. I’m tossing 14lbs now and RG seems to be my nemesis. The original Idol is my favorite ball but I want something that spools up quicker. I was leaning toward the Reality because of its 2.50 RG. Lots of variables amongst you and your fans. Can’t wait for the Idol Helios review.

[@brandoncampos6409]

With what you said at the end, I think a video comparison of RG would be a cool video. Like starting with a ball that's 2.46(idk what the lowest RG is) and then a 2.47, then 2.48 and so on until however high you want, to show how much of a difference there is or even possibly the lack of difference. You could also show how RG values aren't the deciding factors on length and how two balls with the same RG are very different. Maybe I'm dumb and sorry if you already have a video on this I tried searching beforehand.

[@LukeRosdahl]

Nah this is a good idea but it’s hard to find certain core numbers with the same cover or similar enough to make an accurate comparison. Depending on the combination, could be earlier despite a higher RG. It’s like the Trend and Trend 2. Trend 2 has a higher RG but it’s earlier than the Trend because the cover is quite a bit stronger. So many different details contribute, so it’s hard to make videos like this and try to lock things down.

[@brandoncampos6409]

@@LukeRosdahl Yeah that's what I was thinking

[@CurtisL8.3066]

What I’m more interested in is not how a ball compares to a certain other ball, but how that ball compliments the other ball. Like what’s the move when the iq solid stands up and stops finishing when you still need a ball that strength? Or what happens when your reality is too early and you ball down to an axiom and it’s not enough? What do you do when you’re in between urethane and resin? That would be something I’d be intensely interested to see, how a more accomplished bowler thinks moves in his arsenal and more importantly, why

[@bobstone6764]

I have the Reality, the Obsession, the Knockout, the Web Pearl , the IQ tour and the DV8 Intimidator, Plastic Ball for spares......Left Hander

[@chinnobi]

This is a great video. Can you do an updated one with all the new stuff you've reviewed in the last 6-8 months?

[@LukeRosdahl]

That's more for like my sport essentials collection, for this one it's the general concept I was going after, doesn't necessarily have anything to do with the actual balls, or talking about the specific balls wasn't the point

[@chinnobi]

@@LukeRosdahl Got it, I've just started to get into bowling more over the last 6 months. This is a great video, the request was more because I'm still learning which current bowling balls are options for the parts of the bag. [i.e. Reality => Infinite Physix | Gem, Trend 2 => ?? | Hustle => ??] Thank you for your content!

[@LukeRosdahl]

@@chinnobi All good, yeah it's definitely a steep learning curve!

[@carlostrujillo2718]

I know you can't really name a ball for me. Currently have a Dark Code, Phaze II, and a Mix for spares. Right hand no thumb. What ball do you think would be a good compliment/stepdown to those two balls to fill out a 4 ball arsenal? Bowling on typical house shots but looking to branch into more sport shot tourneys.

[@LukeRosdahl]

I think a Hyped Pearl or Hyped Hybrid would fit really well there. Not quite as long and flippy as a Hyroad, but not as weakish as an Electrify Pearl or Hustle.

[@davidreiter3370]

Currently rst, uc2, zen, P2, iq tour, hyroad and spare.

[@Tenpinmaster]

i had league yesterday and i was completely lost.. dont know what oil it was.. felt like the outside had quite a bit though.. Nothing worked.. Motiv Trident Abyss too strong and early, kept leaving flat tenpins.. Hy Road Gold Pearl (R2X) didnt have enough teeth and wouldnt grab.. electrify pearl and hy road pearl were both too late and sharp.. tried multiple angles.. straight and fast, from left to right with slower ball speed.. nothing worked... averaged 156 on 5 games.. lowest game was 111 because every ball hooked past the single pins that ive left.. normaly i average around 190-200 in training.. somehow league just doesnt work that well for me.. on tournaments i bowl much higher scores somehow...

[@spankreasy18]

Hey guys I’m going back to 15lbs. I’m honestly good with 4. My old setup was -Reality -Zen -Phaze 2 -spare. Thinking about this new setup. -Proton/epic crux -Zen/rst2/dark code -Hustle camo/Electrify pearl -spare The other thing was if I needed 5 I could try to bring one symmetrical pearl and one asymmetrical. Thanks for any help! My average is 195

[@cedricwright4122]

PBR Hustle is ball of the year

[@michaelfinley9988]

I’ve learned arsenal building is so complex. I have bought balls I absolutely do not match up with ( I tried different surfaces and turns out nothing works). My goal is to have a 4-5 ball arsenal for different patterns from 1 ball down to 5. So far this is my arsenal. 1: Proton Physix ( I do not match up with this ball, so I will replace it) 2: Altered Reality ( I love this ball) 3: Phase 2 ( I like this ball, it’s ok) 4: Hustle Camo ( I absolutely love this ball, it may be my all time favorite ball of all time when conditions are right) Balls I am considering to replace or add to fill my arsenal, but I don’t want any redundancy. It seems I prefer polished surfaces or pearl cover-stocks. Gem, RST X-1 Zen Hyroad Hyroad Pearl IQ Tour UC2 Luke, would love to hear any input. Your vids and content is so informative. It is very much appreciated.

[@LukeRosdahl]

I'll have to let all this banning stuff get sorted out before I answer lol . .

[@michaelfinley9988]

@@LukeRosdahl thanks Luke, I also seem to match up better to higher RG symmetrical balls.

[@DakuuGreen]

I’m looking to add another ball but not sure what to really add. Right now I currently use 1. Track Paragon 2. BigFoot 3. Tenacity Grit 4. Nasty Rumor (first ball) 5. Radical Astro (spare ball) I’ve been looking at the RST X-3, Defender Hybrid when that comes out. I’m fairly new to bowling so it’s hard to know what spots I need to fill.

[@LukeRosdahl]

Yeah there's a pretty steep learning curve with the equipment. Do you think you need another ball or just want another one? If you do get one, do you need it stronger or weaker than what you have? Or do you need something sharper or smoother? I'd figure out what you think you need first and then try to find that reaction.

[@DakuuGreen]

@@LukeRosdahl both to be honest, something with a strong backend to get through the fresh oil. Thanks for the reply as well, I appreciate it!!

[@LukeRosdahl]

RST X-3 comes to mind, if you can't get that one to both hook AND be strong on the backend, you need more help than I can give you lol

[@DakuuGreen]

@@LukeRosdahl No definitely lol. That honestly could be the issue. Mechanics and fundamentals are all over the place.

[@dondricke]

Does the burner pearl and the hyroad pearl belong in the same slot in my bag or just the same bag in general?

[@LukeRosdahl]

Kind of in the same slot, but they are a little different, Hyroad Pearl is a little longer, stronger, and sharper, so probably too much overlap UNLESS you generally use a lot of weaker stuff, then they would be important to have together to offer you some variation within the same general window

[@dondricke]

@@LukeRosdahl yea I was just looking for a step down to my Phaze 2. Just getting back into bowling after a 12 year hiatus and almost 10 years prior to that so I’m trying to build my league arsenal and hopefully I can compete in tournaments later on. So I really wanted reliable balls that I can use on multiple patterns. Thank you for your videos. You and Luis have helped me a lot.

[@DaMunsta99]

I know there is many videos but I would love to hear your take on a 3 ball arsenal for a bowler who can’t afford 6. I feel like having 6 slots vs 3+spare there are huge gaps is many gaps in power scaling. A video on this would be amazing!

[@shadesXL1220]

Super agree with you. I'm not on a 6 ball budget. I'm on a 3+spare budget. My current line up is Hy-Road Max, Burner Solid, Authority Pearl and Mix.

[@ObjectiveEthics]

I am finishing my first year bowling and recently hit my high game 279 with a 705 series (first 700 series for me). I use a 2 ball plus + spare rotation. I am currently starting with a Scorpion Hybrid fairly straight and that ball is so versatile that I can move up to 10 boards left before I need to really open up my angles which puts me up against the ball return with the Scorpion Sting. I throw a White Dot for spares. My other lineup is to start with a UC3 fairly straight then move 15 boards left with a Web Pearl and the same White Dot for spares. With this second lineup my high game was 267 with a 670 series.

[@cooperbaldwin7207]

My 6 ball arsenal is Proton Axiom Zen Intel Pearl SE Camo PD Purple Hammer

[@cccornel7722]

My current arsenal Halo Vison Nuclear Cell Code Red Incite Pro Motion Hustle PBR Idol Pearl Hy Road Pearl Storm Ice If I could only take 6 the PBR, Code Red and Incite or Pro Motion would be out Also my Ball speed has increased to the point where I’m using my Halo Vision a bit so I’m might be looking for a new 1 slot. Either the Proton or the Reality… although my concern with the Proton is it wouldn’t shape enough.

[@djsully8071]

I noticed your rev-rate went up towards the end of the video…looking good lefty!

[@McCollum2009]

I'm relatively rev dominate no thumb bowler. Here's my thought for my next sport shot arsenal. 1. Axiom 2. Phaze 3 3. Hy-road MAX 4. Hy-road 5. Electrify Pearl 6. Plastic

[@jeremybrillhart5870]

Where is your big asymmetric ball?

[@McCollum2009]

@@jeremybrillhart5870 as someone with a rev rate >500rpm I don't exactly have a need for an assym. The Axiom as well as the Phaze II are strong enough for me. Most "big" assym ball are very finicky for me, the dull balls burn up too soon to be affective and the shiny ball over react for me to control

[@saulparker8181]

Hi great video I bought the motiv supra enzo And bowled my first 300 . I think I like angular action. Sometimes the enzo doesn't turn the corner. I need a ball similar but a tad stronger. Could that be the ripcord launch?

[@LukeRosdahl]

I would think so, it's a good step up from the Enzo

[@benh1356]

What would be my most versatile 6 ball arsenal without overlap for a unknown house condition tournament as a 2 hander listed from most aggressive to least I was thinking about leaving out the Crux prime hoping the HB intensity can cover its area thanks 1 Crux Prime 2 Dark Code 3 HB Intensity 4 Hy Road Max 5 Wild streak 6 UC3 7 Trend 8 Hustle Hsb

[@LukeRosdahl]

Oddly enough, the UC3 occupies a similar spot to the Prime, there's overlap with the Wild Streak, Intensity, and Max though, so one of those at least can go, so Dark Code, one of those 3, UC3, Trend, and HSB are 5 easy ones to go, and I assume you use plastic for spares?

[@benh1356]

@@LukeRosdahl thanks alot for the reply I do use plastic for spares but was leaning towards taking 7 total with my 4 ball and 2 ball bag for strike balls and then putting my spare ball in a 1 ball bag that I have possibly but 6 is what I have normally took in the past if I do take 7 which 2 of my 3 in the middle that are close would have the most range or have different angles if I took 2 of them of 3 thanks again. I havent used the UC3 or max yet i will try them tonight but I kindof know what to expect from the UC3 now atleast Layouts MAX 2LS Wildstreak pin down HB intensity pin up

[@jvalthedon8953]

What is the difference between the IQ vs (OG) Hyroad ? Looking to fill the bottom of my bag

[@LukeRosdahl]

IQ is a lot earlier and smoother ball with a sanded solid cover, Hyroad is a longer and sharper ball with a polished hybrid cover, so virtually everything aside from sharing the same cover formula. Hyroad would probably be the better pick for the bottom of the bag.

[@drewagardy]

I'm 2 handed: Zen Master Dark Code IQ Emerald Hustle Wine Pitch Black Spare Ball

[@LukeRosdahl]

That looks pretty amazing for a two hander . .

[@garybotkin5983]

Current arsenal: Proton Physics rarely used, Rubicon, idol synergy bench mark favorite, IQ tour solid (4000 polished) Hustle pbr cracked today. will replace with Hustle Camo or Wine. Mix spare ball. I don't have much success using pearl type balls. Working on game to make them usable when needed.. Any suggestions to handle transition? With 10 bowlers on a pair it happens quickly and sometimes is very drastic..

[@LukeRosdahl]

You have a bunch of really smooth controllable stuff that's going to be good with blending, but will be a nightmare when you have to significantly adjust to transition, you're going to need some stuff like an RST X2, Hyroad, etc.

[@squidly2112]

I built my current arsenal as a complete nube to this sport. I have been playing with these balls for the past year, I would say pretty successfully (when I read the lanes and transition correctly .. something I am still trying to learn). I am wondering if I could get any comments on my ball lineup to see what others think, if I have made good choices for a nube to bowling and a first attempt at building an arsenal. I am a 60yr old man, bowling for 1 1/2 years, currently have a 186 USBC average. All of my balls are currently drilled the same layout (versatile) at I believe 45x5x35 (or close, can't remember exactly at the moment). I am very curious what others might think for a first stab at creating an arsenal. I am wondering how well I have done. Thoughts? .. thanks!!! My arsenal consists of :: - Storm Proton Physix - 900 Global Zen Master - Radical Innovator - 900 Global Zen Pearl - Motiv Blue Coral Venom - T-Zone Spare Ball - Columbia 300 Beast (12lb practice ball)

[@LukeRosdahl]

Sounds pretty good to me on paper anyway, which balls do you use the most?

[@squidly2112]

@@LukeRosdahl - well, in a league night I usually start with Proton Physix or Zen Master, depending upon how the front is playing. Then I can usually settle in to either the Innovator (asym pearl) or Zen (sym pearl). As of late however, I have been absolutely HORRIBLE at reading the transition. A couple of weeks ago I moved too quickly, this past week I didn't move nearly quickly enough. I'm still just not good enough or knowledgeable enough to manage transition properly. This week I am going to take a step back and only taking my spare ball, Zen Master (for the fresh) and Innovator (for transition) and see if I can play a little bit better. My swing and release are feeling (and looking, according to video) the best I have been, so far. I have really been working hard at keeping my arm, hand, wrist, etc, as relaxed as I can and getting as consistent with hitting my marks as I can (using 3 point targeting, very focused). That is all improving greatly, and my rev rate has also climbed significantly, but I am also fighting over hooking the ball, and I mean a LOT! .. so, for my last ball of the night (because we didn't need the pins) I threw from 42 board (on left) out to the 3-4 board and hooked back into the pocket for a strike with my Zen Pearl (maybe I should have been doing that all night). And I had just spun all of my balls back to factory surface earlier that day (maybe I shouldn't have done that, they all seemed to be hooking way too much). I have been trying to learn how to control my axis rotation better but my recent release practice (hand much more inside) is kind of counter acting that and I can't seem to get up the back of the ball quite as easily to reduce my axis rotation (at least not consistently). Anyway, all stuff in the works. But, I will say this, if I had to go to the lanes with just one ball, it would be my Radical Innovator, for sure. That seems to be by far the most versatile ball I have, at least for me.

[@squidly2112]

@@LukeRosdahl - Oh, and thank you very much for the reply .. I appreciate it!

[@LukeRosdahl]

Part of the issue might be that the stronger of balls you start with, the faster the transition is going to happen, so if you can get away with using something weaker to begin with, it won't transition the lanes as fast as a Proton PhysiX. A lot of things come with experience, bowling is exceptionally experience heavy because there are very few absolutes, and because you have to figure out how all those things affect your game. The same transition could create wildly difference scenarios for you vs someone else if you do things differently.

[@squidly2112]

@@LukeRosdahl - I am definitely learning with much yet to learn about how transition can be dealt with. This is one of the things I find interesting about this game. It's the puzzle of it all that I find fascinating. Thank you for the information and advice! .. always welcomed .. I am a bowler in training 🙂

[@Mpuls3gmail]

Your videos are so helpful, thank you for making them! I have been bowling with house balls for the past year, but for christmas my parents got me an electrify solid and an electrify pearl. In this video you mention the pearl would be a 5 ball and the solid a 4 ball. Do you think they are both worth keeping? I figured I'd need to choose one, sell the other to get something different. Thanks for any help!

[@LukeRosdahl]

I think they both work together if you scuff the E Solid, if both are polished they're a little too close together, but if you take the Solid to 2000 or 3000, they'd work REALLY well together.

[@Mpuls3gmail]

@@LukeRosdahl Thank you for the reply! I am glad I did not sell one of them now!

[@HollowFaith666]

Luke what would you chose for wood lanes with a good amount of oil and super high friction back ends, most stuff I have won't pick up in the Midland and ends up way to sharp on the back end

[@LukeRosdahl]

Wood is tough because most people don't bowl on it anymore and they don't really design balls for it. I'd actually try something like an IQ Tour Solid and keep it at 2000 or 3000. It's rolly and smooth, the cover formula isn't super strong so it's not going to be crazy, it should get some dig early and then blend the backend better.

[@igoramaral95]

There's no running away. Arsenal building is complex and is pretty particular for each bowler. I throw urethane a lot. I bowl mostly on very tough and too often on completely flat stuff and despite being a two hander, I hate having my angles open. I grab a few urethane looks and then a few reactives for when urethane definitely doesn't work. I've many times been called dumb for carrying more than 1 urethane and a few times for "not having a clean asymmetric". Why wouldn't I when urethane looks perfect for me 90% of the time and clean asymms always feel uncomfortable? Blind arsenal building videos that tell how you need this and that ball are just sad so thanks for this insight.

[@LukeRosdahl]

That's why it's so tough to make videos like this, everyone wants them, but there's no "right" answer, it could be all over the place depending on a bunch of different things.

[@DRealScubaSteve]

Speaking of zen compared to the phaze 3 lol..... thoughts? I have a p3 and reaalllyy want a zen but haven't been able to justify it in my head

[@LukeRosdahl]

I’m pretty sure I made a comparison video there . . probably be better to check that out

[@enigmazero8624]

I promise I’m paying attention! Here’s my question: What if I had a ball that always looked good at a certain center on most patterns years ago, but I have since retired that ball and now I can’t seem to hit that center at all? Is it as simple as taking the current ball with the closest RG and diff values I can find to the old one and laying it out the same, or is there more to consider? If it matters, the ball in question was a Hyper Cell.

[@LukeRosdahl]

That's the first step, but cover formulas can throw a wrench in. Generally speaking with big asyms like that, you can trust the numbers because MOST are paired with strong covers too, very rare to see something like a Rubicon or Code X that has more of a medium strength cover.

[@enigmazero8624]

@@LukeRosdahl I normally don’t get along with big asyms at all, but that ball at that center was money. I also had success with an original Lock there. Nowadays though I just can’t hit it; I even drilled a Proton which I knew would be way too strong for me to use almost always; and that didn’t do it for me there.

[@halfdollaballa]

Currently using omega crux, idol Helios, idol synergy, iqtnp and mix(off white). What do you think would be a good 6th ball to round out the second bag. Speed/Rev matched lefty. Thanks!

[@LukeRosdahl]

I'm really starting to lean hard into the Hustle Camo, and I think with the gap at the bottom of the bag that it'll pair really well with some of the others you have

[@billycrowden34]

What it’s your experience with using two of the same ball with one polished and one with surface. By that I just mean have you found it very useful?( same layout)

[@LukeRosdahl]

I typically don't do that unless they're also drilled differently. I have a couple Pro Motions that I do that with, one stays lane shined and the other has surface, but they also have different layouts.

[@newleaf21]

Serious question, I'm currently using Laphroaig but am considering upgrading to Talisker. Should I make the leap?

[@LukeRosdahl]

Lol . . I do like Talisker, I love the kind of salty taste from the seawater they use. I'm still a Laphroaig guy but I'd love to keep a bottle of Talisker around too . .

[@DoEsItMaTtEr85]

I hope to one day be able to have a better arsenal but for now quick question I have an IQ tour and A phase 3 I don’t know what my mark is or best way to bowl but for a house shot which is the best to start with

[@LukeRosdahl]

Tons and tons of variables, so I can't really say. Might go out and practice and move around and try different things and try to figure out what works best for you, it's different for everyone.

[@spencercasson4604]

Why should I pick the camo over the !q tour? I'm stuck between the 2 now... the local shop has a tour in but no camo.. I have a wine now and she does bite at times so looking for the smoother reaction. Im using a spare ball, helios and a wine now, looking into the ufo alert and like I mentioned the !QTS or the camo. Thanks so much and I really enjoy your videos!!

[@LukeRosdahl]

You could flip a coin really, I throw both of them constantly, wouldn't go anywhere without either of them. The Camo is the more versatile of the two, I can really only use the IQ from straighter angles, but there's not a better look in the house when it's the ball. If you're just buying one though or if I had to just take one somewhere, I'd probably take the Camo because it's both good from straight and from deeper angles. If you get the Camo, you'd probably want to take the shine off to make it fit better with the Wine, as the IQ at least comes at 4000.

[@spencercasson4604]

@@LukeRosdahl thank you! 👏

[@spencercasson4604]

@@LukeRosdahl I was also curious if the ufo alert will be too much ball for me. I took helios to 1000k and use it until 8th frame or so of second game after that my wine. I'm also curious of a ball to ball down from if wine is too much. Thanks again!. Considering the !q tour solid. I feel the camo is about as strong as wine.. maybe a pitch black lol? Thanks a ton!

[@LukeRosdahl]

@@spencercasson4604 The Helios is stronger than the Alert and especially at 1000??? If you can throw the Helios out of the box let alone at that grit, then the Alert won't be too strong at all. And if the Wine is too strong, the IQ Tour is a ball up from the Wine, not down. There's really not much further down to go from the Wine, maybe a Tropical Surge.

[@spencercasson4604]

@@LukeRosdahl I guess I'm still a noob lol, I'm paying attention to the diff numbers too much. Like the ufo alert is higher diff than helios so I just thought I couldn't keep it on the left side. I'm not even sure why 1000k is working for me on the helios but I couldn't keep the box 2k on left side. Seems I'm having trouble in the backend which is why I'm loving the symmetrical solid so much atm. I want an alert bc of your videos lol.. I saw hp4 and thought I'd be in trouble tho.. Thanks as always and really enjoy your videos!!!

[@Dreknh]

I am a 2 handed bowler and my 6 ball bag is: Proton Dark Code Axiom or IQ TS (swap outs) Axiom P or HyRoad P (swap outs) Purple hammer Mix Spare I would love to hear opinions.

[@Fluffyguy958]

Since you are a two handed bowler I would recommend you work on flattening your release for spares and using the urethane instead of the plastic ball. It would open the option of a weaker ball like a Hustle camo or electrify solid or some other weak clean controllable ball to help when there is a lot of friction

[@andrewknasiak5290]

Respectfully disagree keep the plastic. Name a two hander on tour who uses urethane for their corner pins.

[@itsmenickg9517]

I’m really trying to figure out what my next ball is gonna be. My first ball was a phase 2 but I bowl on really dry lane conditions usually so for my next ball I was thinking about like a hustle wine. It’s a pearl so I have some diversity and something I can through when it’s dry. If anyone’s got any other suggestions I’m all ears.

[@LukeRosdahl]

Yep, Hustle Wine or Camo would be a great decision.

[@knep24]

My three ball bag for league is a phaze ii hyroad pearl and purple hammer. Thinking about adding a shiny asym to add versatility, but don't know if there's really a reason for it since I'm only bowling league and don't really find success playing more angle. So am I not finding success because of equipment, or is it just the way I throw and equipment isn't gonna make a difference?

[@LukeRosdahl]

It might be a little of both, if you don't have the right equipment to do something, it's going to be hard to do it well, but it may also just not quite be "your game," if you know what I mean. Like you can drive a screw in with a hammer, but that's not really the point, you know? I think you might need something like an RST X2, or at least go find a demo and try throwing some different things to see what fits and what doesn't. The P2 is strong, but pretty smooth, it's not going to cover boards, and the Hyroad Pearl is pretty sharp but also kind of on the lower end of the spectrum when it comes to hook.

[@dylanfry7978]

Suggestions for game 3 in league? Also im curious what do you guys start with in beginning of league night.? From start to finish-whats your balls?

[@LukeRosdahl]

All depends, I usually end up in the Hustle Camo, Angel has been ending up with the Hyped Pearl. I've been looking at a few different things the last several weeks, but usually something like the UFO Alert or RST X2 is what we both start with.

[@dylanfry7978]

@@LukeRosdahl see thats why i like asking questions even if they seem stupid. Because the x2 does not seem like something you would start with lol.

[@kristo605]

So how about that P3 vs. Zen? :-P I'll give my opinion but I'm really curious what you (and others) think. I own a P3 and I threw a Zen once in a ball demo. I thought the Zen is basically a P3 in a more usable package. It doesn't dig quite as hard on friction, and isn't quite as sharp, at least at box surface. But it's really close. Close enough that I don't think you need to carry both, despite all the hype.

[@LukeRosdahl]

Yep, the Zen is earlier and smoother, P3 is longer and flippier, about the same strength though. I favor the P3 because the Zen is just TOO early and smooth for me, but for those with higher speed and lower revs, the Zen will probably look better.

[@chrisrush689]

Would the marvel attack be very similar to phaze 3? Both are hybrid but marvel attack is nrg hybrid?

[@LukeRosdahl]

I think they'd be close, NRG hybrid and R3S hybrid are different, but not by a ton, I think R3S is just a little cleaner and sharper. The cores roll a bit different too, but they're reasonably similar.

[@dustinsmith7975]

Luke do u use vaccu inserts and if so any advantages disadvantages of doing this thought about trying it out??

[@LukeRosdahl]

I use kind of a hybrid vacu, I don't like how much I swim around in them and how much room they give your hand to move around, but I do like the extra flexibility they give you. I think they CAN promote some bad habits like over digging, but they can also be incredibly beneficial if you have issues with your hand swelling or shrinking. If you try them and don't like them, it's VERY easy to "fix," but if you do, it's also just as easy to convert all your current stuff, so I don't see any reason to not at least give them a shot.

[@GennyI3eerDrinkr]

I'm bringing an Axiom, Idol Synergy (w/surface), and Rubicon UC2 to league every week. I have a Phaze II and Idol Pearl that sometimes go in the place of the Axiom and Rubicon UC2, respectively, and a Tropical Surge that lives in a single-ball tote that I use for spares and occasionally garbage lane conditions. I'm excited for the Idol Helios to come out, but I'm afraid I'll have to get rid of something I really like to make room for it. I don't know enough about urethane to justify having a Pitch Black/Fast Pitch/UC3 in my bag, and I don't like the idea of giving up a slot for a plastic ball. The above balls work really well for me at the houses I bowl at, but I always get leery about keeping discontinued equipment, so I watch videos like yours for suggestions as to what works as viable replacements for said equipment, and they're just generally more entertaining than other ball review videos out there. Keep up the great work!

[@joeyament54]

I might get the rst x-2 or the ufo alert or the camo Iam a lift handed bowler

[@herrguy]

Do you feel the original phaze and the phaze 2 vary from each other enough to both have a place in the bags?

[@LukeRosdahl]

Yeah? Original Phaze is a pearl and the P2 is a sanded solid and has a different and stronger cover formula than the original, and it depends on which version of the original that you have, the first cover formula isn't a whole lot weaker but if you have the deeper color R2S Phaze, then the P2 is quite a bit stronger.

[@jeremybrillhart5870]

How does say the idol synergy compare to a phase 3?

[@LukeRosdahl]

I think I did a comparison there, similar rolling but the Synergy is quite a bit cleaner up front.

[@williamgriffin6256]

@Luke...please touch on the difference of the UC3 vs the original Rubicon. Reaction wise. Will it control the midlane as well as the original or are we going to see more backend than the original? Thank you!!

[@LukeRosdahl]

Wha? The UC3 is urethane, it's not going to be anywhere close . .

[@Slowhiteguy]

Two handed thumber…hyroad max and IQ TS can be switched out for a lot more options but they are very nice at my house Zen Master Dark Code IQ TS Hyroad max Hyroad pearl Spare

[@hersheljones9467]

Should u put all the same layout on all ur equipment or does it help to have a couple different ones

[@LukeRosdahl]

Usually helps to have a couple go-to's, but I prefer to use ball design differences over layout differences.

[@adrianbojaxhi1877]

How would a zen and and X2 compare together I was looking at having both in my bag but not sure if I should

[@adrianbojaxhi1877]

@Bandit, Keeper of the Zone So in your personal opinion do you think both will work in a bag together and I should state that this will be for sport shots

[@LukeRosdahl]

They'd both work together. The Zen is earlier and smoother, X2 is longer and sharper, Zen actually has more traction due to a stronger cover, but the X2 has a lot more torque.

[@thebeardedgoat_2780]

So use the RST-2 after your strong ball as the second ball and the zen as the third ball?

[@jensmillgard]

Based on this vid I would go Reality, Zen, IQ, Camo and Mix off-white. But five new balls at the same time is too much work for my brain. So I would keep using the stuff I have.

[@XepaTheGOAT]

What bowling shoes are those?

[@LukeRosdahl]

They aren’t bowling shoes, I don’t slide so I use Under Armor Hovr

[@TraumaER]

My 4-ball League Arsenal is: Hyroad Pearl, Wreck-It, Phaze 3, Plastic ball. My center is allergic to oil so my Arsenal is allergic to sanded asymmetric balls. 😂

[@Benji3600]

Where would the Altered Reality fit in, as ball slot?

[@LukeRosdahl]

It'd be a 1 ball with surface, 2 ball with shine.

[@Benji3600]

@@LukeRosdahl Cool! I was looking at something like Reality Altered Reality Phaze II IQ Tour Journey Urethane I'm a right handed bowler so im not sure. I kinda like my 5th ball to be a go left throw right ball.

[@LukeRosdahl]

The Journey is something that likes to cover boards when they get dry, so I think you'd be ok there

[@LogicalQ]

Video is moot, Lagavulin> Laphroaig😊

[@LukeRosdahl]

Ummmmm it depends on which "flavor" lol. Laphroaig was my first really peaty scotch, so it always holds a special place, but the Nick Offerman edition Lagavulin I have at home right now is definitely top shelf

[@jasonwoods3837]

Do you bowl both right and left handed??

[@LukeRosdahl]

I used to be right handed, I've made the full permanent switch to lefty, used to switch back and forth every couple years. Had a shoulder injury a while back righty and never really made it back to 100%, tired of fighting it, especially because it's a major equipment overhaul every time I switch now.

[@jasonwoods3837]

@@LukeRosdahl Have been thinking about going lefty myself as I've had wrist surgery (right), good at times and bad at others. Was it a difficult transition for you??

[@LukeRosdahl]

Yes and no . . it's pretty rewarding while you're getting better, especially because it feels like any accomplishment period is a bonus. Once you start getting good at it though, nothing translates from the right side so you have to learn a lot of stuff over again, and not only that, you have to unlearn a lot of things and that's pretty tough. I actually started with a plastic ball so I could stay slow and focus on mechanics rather than having to chuck everything to get it down the lane

[@kuroyusha8656]

Since it’s discontinued would the Nuclear Cell be placed in the 1 ball shot ?

[@LukeRosdahl]

Yeah I think so, it's really strong even for a shiny ball, so I'd probably put it there.

[@carpfisher3157]

Hello Luke, first of all thanks for all the interesting videos, they offer a lot of useful information since I'm a new to bowling! I started with an off-white mix as my first ball to get a better feel for the sport and learn a bit about technique/ approach etc. (I think I'm speed dominant righty, around 30km/h on average, don't know my rev rate yet.) I wanted to get a pro-motion as my first "reactive" ball since my pro shop owner said that a strong solid sym would be a good start (for where I play most of the time) but my pso let me know that the PM was no longer available so I went with the Axiom instead. Would it still be interesting/ good to chase a PM down since they are "end of life" but still can be found in stock online (same for the Trend but that one is luckily still in stock at my pso so that is nice) or should I just try and build my arsenal with balls that are new/ available? Keep up the good work and greetings from Belgium! :)

[@LukeRosdahl]

In the case of the PM, there's nothing else that's out that acts like it, so I'll definitely never be without one. You might try out a few other things first before going out of your way to get one, especially for a house shot. The IQ Tour Solid is always a good choice, but I'd definitely talk to your pro shop about it more because they'll know a lot more about your game and the conditions you bowl on.

[@clintharris8818]

👍

[@angrybadger4236]

Does the bowlers mart link give a discount? Or is it just cool wick

[@LukeRosdahl]

Just Coolwick for the discount

[@Cody7Lee]

what is a good midlane control solid ball for left handed

[@LukeRosdahl]

IQ Tour Solid . .

[@angrybadger4236]

Do you have any report card videos in the works?

[@LukeRosdahl]

I probably should lol, I'll have to go back and look and see the last ones I did, probably about time for the Reality and Honey Badger Intensity . .

[@angrybadger4236]

@@LukeRosdahl for what it's worth classroom and report cards are the videos I like the most. Very useful.

[@sleepinggiant4062]

I didn't learn anything from this video other than you like good whisky (although I prefer Basil Hayden). I can't gain much just by you naming the ball - I don't know what an XYZ's properties are. Maybe I'll get there someday.

[@LukeRosdahl]

I mean . . I have review videos up about all of them with in depth descriptions and information, all the information is on the website, I can't dump all that stuff into every video without bogging them down or making them 10 times longer than they need to be. Just impractical and really defeats the purpose.

[@sleepinggiant4062]

@@LukeRosdahl - understood, and I appreciate what you are doing, I'm just not there yet. I'll continue to follow the new bowling balls that come out and try to get a better grasp. Thanks! :)

[@TonyB851]

Luke - can I recommend that you slow down in your words? Your advice is great, but I always have to repeat your videos, or at least sections, 3 or 4 times just to follow what you're saying. I'm a smart guy, but I've had a stroke and I'm just not THAT quick. I'm pretty sharp compared to most, so I know I can't be the only one who struggles to follow your words as quick as you speak. Just a bit of advice. Thanks for your contribution to the sport though, and the advice you give.

[@LukeRosdahl]

It's definitely a problem for me though realistically. I often miss mistakes going back and proof watching my videos because there's so much going on. The problem is that I have so much to say, and if I slowed down, it'd take even longer, there'd be much more editing I'd have to do, many more visual things I'd have to add, etc. I haven't figured out a good way to say what I need to say while still keeping people entertained. If I slow video down or separate things somehow so I only have one thing happening at a time, it makes the video twice as long. People have short attention spans and as much as they say they want to watch something and learn, they really want simple and entertaining. I just haven't found a good balance of information and visuals. Nobody wants to sit and watch me yammer, but no one also wants to just watch the ball being thrown by itself either. I'm having a hard time figuring it out honestly, your point and request definitely isn't taken lightly. Maybe I play ball reaction first, then replay it in slo-mo while I explain?? I need to slow down and figure it out first instead of continuing to just crank stuff out to get stuff up

[@TonyB851]

@Luke Rosdahl honestly, I wouldn't mind if your videos were longer, but I'm only one person. 😅 I watch your videos on my TV in place of normal entertainment. The hardest parts for me are the points made about a specific ball's characteristics or ball motion characteristics. So, that's the part that requires either memory recall or creative imagining. By the time I start trying to process what you said, you're already saying another thing. What I think would help would be listening to your video as if you were in a conversation with someone, but as if you were the other person who doesn't know everything you do. You spit out a lot of facts, but maybe for the things you want to teach or the point you're trying to get across, try to stay with the pertinent info? Either way, you're obviously a very smart guy, so this is in no way meant as an insult, just constructive criticism. There are a lot of things I could likely learn from you, I just have a hard time doing so. You're in Lawrence, KS? I'm in Springfield and used to spend a lot of time in Lawrence (but playing pool, not bowling). I might have an arsenal question for you too.

[@LukeRosdahl]

The trick is that I can't really explain everything in every video, I try to use the classroom videos to explain the concepts, and then once someone understands what's going on, we can talk about the bowling ball. I've spent more time in reviews lately saying something, then kind of explaining the concept or what I'm talking about, but then some people on the flip side get bored because they want to hear about the bowling ball and I'm chasing rabbit trails. That's something I consider heavily, I try not to be one of those people that just uses a bunch of technical jargon to impress people with how much I know rather than make it understandable. The issue again on the flip side is that for some things, you just have to have a certain knowledge base so we can get into more specifics. A ball review isn't really the place to explain or go in depth on lingo or concepts. I'm working on another overseas feature and I'm going to try segmenting it, just going to play some shots so people can get a look at the ball reaction without listening to me, then I'm going to replay the shots in slow mo while I explain and see if people like it or if it helps. I think the reason other channels are doing so well is that they throw a shot, explain it, throw another shot, make another point, it's just simpler and easier to absorb. I don't have the option to do that, I have to do the voiceovers, but I have no dead space to let things breathe. However, if I put dead space in there, people will just skip it to get to the next shot. Now at the same time, I don't really think 8 or 9 shots and a few comments on the spot really constitutes a review, but it seems to be good enough for most people. Quite often what people say they want isn't actually what they want, and listening too much is kind of killing my channel to be honest. I hear a lot that people want the more in depth technical stuff, but the channels that are taking off and getting the views aren't doing that, so I spent a lot more time leaning into the technical angle, which takes up a lot more time and is a lot more effort, but I'm kind of falling off the map now and I really think it's because I jumped into the technical stuff with both feet. I might go back to doing a more basic review and then adding an in depth to dig deeper later.

[@met4lb4ze]

Man is it sad that I already have all of the balls in the thumbnail except for the IQ and Mix. 😂

[@DavidDragonhammer]

Why do we need to hook? I straight bowler, and am wicked ,so next.