What Is A Benchmark Bowling Ball & Why Its Important To Have One!

Benchmark is a term that gets thrown all too much in the bowling world! Today we are going to talk about what a benchmark bowling is and why its so important!
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[@GemImHim]

I really love the chill educational videos. Please keep ‘em coming!

[@LuisNapoles]

Definitely will !

[@bowlislife206]

Love the content man. Just recently bought a phaze2 and I’ve been watching a ton of your videos on it and it’s helped my game so much

[@LuisNapoles]

Glad to hear it!

[@joeanderson9267]

I just finished bowling and I have decided that the Zen Soul is my benchmark. I like the P3, but the Soul is smooth for me and more control. I like the P2 as my second. Another great video!

[@LuisNapoles]

Both great options! Good stuff Joe!

[@trainrider6200]

My benchmark is Idol Helios it fits my game. I also have UFO solid, RST X2 and Track Tundra for dry lanes. I will add the Night Road to my arsenal I think and hope I will love that ball

[@LuisNapoles]

That video drops tomorrow! I hope you love it!

[@arturnowak6394]

I love my Ordnance C4 for her predictable and smoothness ball motion.

[@LuisNapoles]

I enjoyed that ball while I had it!

[@donhughes9743]

My current benmark ball is the IQTS. During practice, I throw that a couple of times on each lane in different zones. Since my rev rate gets the IQ launching off the friction a ton, I can usually tell whether to ball up or down. I'll also look at the flare rings after each shot to see how much oil is in the zone I threw it. Bowling in a light oil house during warm weather, knowing where the friction starts and how much oil is downlane is key. But that is only a starting point.

[@LuisNapoles]

Smart move! Thats another GOAT ball!

[@timmartin1354]

Rocketship is my benchmark ball, so controllable for my game. Got a Zen sitting in my local proshop waiting to be drilled, should have within the next week.

[@LuisNapoles]

You're gonna love it! 💯

[@shaunstreeter4801]

I liked the way you started with the definition of the word benchmark... Almost any ball dependent on the bowler could be a benchmark ball.

[@LuisNapoles]

1000000000000000%

[@petefreezybowling]

I just did the same video with my benchmarks man!!! Rstx1, iq solid, and hyroad x are my benchmarks Rn! They all give me the predictability and confidence to read what’s going on then dictate my next moves

[@LuisNapoles]

nice!

[@RobertoFernandez-dy7hi]

Very informative video, Luis! Thank you so much!!! My current benchmark ball is my Axiom (pin next to my ring finger) for the fresh house shot. For open bowling practice, I use my Hammer Scorpion as my benchmark. Thanks to your previous vid, I finally bought a Phaze II. Still getting to know her so as of right now, it's not my benchmark ball.

[@LuisNapoles]

I appreciate that Roberto! I hope in time you will love the Phaze 2 as much as so many others have!

[@kevinmueller6737]

My current benchmark ball is the Idol Helios. I know you hated that ball, but it fits my game. Just recently got a RST X-3 and a Hyped Solid I need to get drilled for when I need to ball up or down from the Helios. Those are replacing a Motiv Pride (I don't match up with that ball at all) and a very used Crux Prime. I loved that Crux Prime when it was new, I had miss room all over the place, it was great. But I think it's time to retire it. I just doesn't do what it once did when my bowling center replaced the lane boards a couple years ago. Oh well, buying new stuff is fun.

[@LuisNapoles]

new stuff is def fun! Especially when you match up with it!

[@brianparsa7794]

Phaze 2 is my current benchmark; it's really dependable as far as the motion it will give me on the fresh oil.

[@LuisNapoles]

Facts!!!

[@anthonygulick]

Mine is the idol Helios. Fits my game and it hits hard when it hits the pocket

[@LuisNapoles]

Thats a good one that a lot of people like! (I am not one of those people LOL)

[@TheEasy10pins]

LT48 is always the first ball out of my bag for league. It just works (for me)

[@LuisNapoles]

Thats the beauty of bowling right there!

[@benminerley5873]

Nova is my benchmark. I kill it with that ball

[@LuisNapoles]

That ball is nuts!

[@Popsplace42]

My benchmark is the Burner Solid, because that’s the only one I have so far 😂. Weekend is getting close and I’ll go practice again, still working on my basics.

[@LuisNapoles]

Thats all we can do is learn and get Better

[@carlostrujillo2718]

My benchmark ball is my Axiom or Parallax. Have gem, x-1, axiom Pearl, x-2, hustle rap to pair with it so plenty of options. Still looking for something between the x-2 and hustle

[@LuisNapoles]

Thats a pretty high gap but I would prob say the Zen?

[@carlostrujillo2718]

@@LuisNapoles how would you rank these balls out of the bag, and what would you add? Gem, x-1, parallax, axiom, zen soul, x-2, hustle rap

[@willieyoung7070]

Love this video, great information. I would say up front that I do throw my purple hammer 99% of the time in league, but when I don't throw it I'll say my bench mark ball is my Frequency. I am a huge DV8 fan, so beside my Hammer all of my balls are dV8. So when I throw my Frequency, which is a strong asymmetrical hybrid I look for how soon does it hook. If I feel like it's hooking too much, then I'll go down to my dam good Verge or dam good Verge pearl. Every now and then when it's not hooking enough I'll go up in balls to my Hellcat or Blaze. I do agree that everyone needs that one or two balls that let's see how exactly the lane is playing

[@LuisNapoles]

If you throw the PH 99% of the time then thats your benchmark ball 😂

[@michaelpalozzi5469]

Luis your videos are great! Keep up the great work and thanks for the awesome info on the newest equipment.

[@LuisNapoles]

Thanks Michael I really appreciate that!

[@chezter43]

I only have one ball at that moment and it’s a pin down zen and it’s been serving me well. Looking to get the Phaze II after this video to add to my arsenal.

[@LuisNapoles]

I hope you love it!

[@deeelle6567]

Loved this educational vid--would really like seeing stuff that clarifies terminology I always hear Darren Tang talking about how a ball is smoother or cleaner and I just have no idea what that means lol

[@LuisNapoles]

Yea I'll def have to do something like that!

[@tylerhernandez5207]

Based on that definition, my benchmark ball would be the Infinte PhysiX and Hustle USA. But my benchmark would be more of a IQ Tour since I never really throw it, it just tells me if I need earlier, smoother, more or less aggressive. Everything I need to know

[@LuisNapoles]

All great bowling balls!

[@matthewwilliams3938]

I'm going to attempt to watch this here at work. 🙂

[@LuisNapoles]

Do it!! But def dont get in trouble!

[@patrickfahey9161]

I am not sure if you have made a video about it already. I would like to hear how nationals went. Your game plan going in what you did right, what you did wrong and what you learned.

[@LuisNapoles]

I was going to but it’s been so long already I should have made it sooner and I bowled like absolute crud

[@davehansen2264]

My benchmark ball is the Phaze II. Enjoy your video’s. Any of videos do you discuss the use of your fingers taping? Thanks

[@LuisNapoles]

I did one in the past but I have changed how I tape so I may just make a new one!

[@michaelw_yee]

My benchmark for a long time was the OG rubicon I drilled pin down. It’s super smooth but I recently bought the cosmos after watching your review and it’s my new favorite ball. Can’t seem to put that ball down

[@LuisNapoles]

I take mine every where also!!

[@eddiemayes1549]

My Benchmark is my BW 2.0. So versatile and smooth for me.

[@LuisNapoles]

Thats a popular oner for sure!

[@TheShackGuy]

RST-X1 is my benchmark. Reality, Hyped Hybrid and Camo round out the league arsenal. Have an Idol Cosmos but can't get it to work for me. I added surface (1500). I'm high speed behind the ball.

[@LuisNapoles]

I loved the X1

[@joerivanderkamp7280]

I have a purple hammer. Zen. Twist. Impulse. And i get next week the Hellcat and maybe the cosmos

[@LuisNapoles]

Cosmos is so good!

[@adssfdful]

My benchmark balls would be my original wolverine and parallax the backend motion from both of them is just amazing to me.

[@LuisNapoles]

Yea they both definitely snap

[@johnyarbrough9280]

Thank you for making this video friend

[@LuisNapoles]

You’re welcome!

[@homerlex]

Phaze ii is my benchmark ball. It's always the first ball I throw in warmup

[@LuisNapoles]

UTs a dam good one!

[@BigJim5754]

Great info as always. Driving to Vegas from OC ca next weekend for sweeps at Orleans. We usually bowl at S Point (said hi to ya there in March while u were late Fri night practing on doubles pt.) and I wondered if you can give us an idea what Orleans lanes like? S Point seems to have plenty of oil, u've mentioned sams town has more friction etc.... can only drag so many balls w me lol Thanx!

[@LuisNapoles]

Every time I have ever bowled at the Orlens there has always been so much friction there also

[@BigJim5754]

@@LuisNapoles Appreciated! :)

[@traviskirk3834]

For me is a solid cover kind of dull like 3000 or 4000 grit ,symmetric core like a IQ tour solid or a marvel s, my hyroad x, the original defiant( all though it is a asymmetric core ball but it is benchmark for me) but currently it is my ebi overseas magenta urethane hammer and if I need it to read down lane and jump it is my tank rampage but if I need to go up it is my overseas obsession super pearl very strong motion but I can make it do what. I want.

[@LuisNapoles]

All great options!!!

[@derrickfusion5985]

Luckily my benchmark ball is my IQ Tour Nano Pearl my very first bowling ball that hooks. Definitely recommend 👌

[@LuisNapoles]

I LOVE that ball!

[@cruzramin738]

My cosmos is finally here and I've thrown a few games its an amazing ball!!

[@LuisNapoles]

Still my favorite new ball!

[@cruzramin738]

@@LuisNapoles same here! I feel it has the potential to be a special ball!

[@LuisNapoles]

@@cruzramin738 definitely has potential!

[@rpmartin835]

currently Cosmos and Rubicon are my benchmarks

[@LuisNapoles]

Two great balls for sure!

[@nordattack]

Thank you for another great video Lou. You mentioned "transition" was occurring. What exactly is "transition?" What do you mean by that? We hear that jargon word a lot but no one explains what precisely is occurring to the lane?

[@LuisNapoles]

Transition simply refers to the state of the lanes changing in such a way that you must move in or ball change. Bowling ball are sponges and take oil off the lane little at a time

[@nordattack]

@@LuisNapoles So would it be more correct to say, "The oil on lane is being depleted now causing the ball to hook too early" rather than transition which seems somewhat vague since there are all kinds of transitions.

[@hablep]

Great vid as always. I was wondering what script/font you chose for this jersey. Very nice

[@LuisNapoles]

All on coolwicks website! Promo code NAPOLES10

[@hablep]

Well, I just received my first jersey in the mail. Thanks so much for the code. I like the jersey, but not the font. I saw 30 different fonts to choose from but there were no examples.

[@stevendimitriadis2544]

Luis nappoles update on my thumb injury. I have been cleared to get back to bowling yesterday.

[@LuisNapoles]

Oh good!

[@stevendimitriadis2544]

@@LuisNapoles I should be able to start practicing on Sunday.

[@ryanvoight9246]

Phammy is my benchmark everytime.

[@LuisNapoles]

Of course it is!! 😂😂

[@foxfaisal82]

My brain sometimes focuses on the photo of the cat on the front and back of your shirt 😅

[@LuisNapoles]

LMAO!!!!

[@johnrocksvold9105]

It looks like the Phase II is a great benchmark ball for you. I am using an older track Alias. The ball is very versatile in my hand and I know where I need to play the lanes with that ball and it tells me when I need to get out of it. Sometimes I just need to listen better. Hey, do you believe that certain brands of bowling balls work better for certain people than others?

[@LuisNapoles]

To a certain extent yes but balls are so good today!

[@ch1potled]

What would something like the black widow 2.0 hybrid be? Also compared to my nu blue Wich one should I be pulling out first, keep up the good vids man

[@thehubb9649]

Venom shock is my benchmark ball. why? Because you told me too a year and a half ago. Its worked great thanks.

[@LuisNapoles]

Glad I could help! Ball is def a good one!

[@PatientBoat]

Another great video. P2 is my benchmark ball. Currently looking for something a little more angular for transition. Any recommendations?

[@LuisNapoles]

Look into the Reality Check or the RST X3

[@frijoles9749]

I bowl at sams town too !! I've seen you once crazy how I just stumbled upon your videos ! Im a two handed bowler still learning lots of new info everyday. I benchmark with a storm axiom pearl , any idea what would compliment it. ?

[@LuisNapoles]

Next time say hi! Something on the smooth end will compliment the axiom pearl. I would recommend the Phaze 2

[@scottythompson940]

Cool video talk tech bowling ball Luis

[@LuisNapoles]

Thanks!

[@scottythompson940]

@@LuisNapoles your welcome

[@roybringus31]

Web Pearl is definitely my benchmark

[@LuisNapoles]

I hear good things!

[@macgotthis]

I have 2 benchmark balls. Brunswick Fanatic.. and Venom Shock.

[@LuisNapoles]

Nice!

[@johnyarbrough9280]

Awesome video from you friend

[@LuisNapoles]

Thanks

[@huntdiggy2697]

I’ve been thinking about getting one of these two and I’m coming off of a beginner ball and i bowling with one hand but i don’t use my thumb which one would you get?

[@LuisNapoles]

Hard to argue against the Phaze 2

[@huntdiggy2697]

@@LuisNapoles ok thank you sir

[@ebonystormbreaker99]

My benchmarks are the phase 2 idol and iq tour i always know what they will do and i can always score with them

[@matthewpriestley7202]

Thanks fella. How would the Pro Motion stack up against these two ? I have a friend who swears I should buy his undrilled Pro Motion from him ;)

[@LuisNapoles]

I LOVE the Pro Motion my only issue is that its discontinued so if you drill it and fall in love with it you can't get many more

[@scotttilbert8141]

The zen is mine.

[@LuisNapoles]

🐐

[@donaldriley9724]

If you use the gem as a benchmark, you can only go down, so I slightly disagree that any ball can be a benchmark, but I agree that it can be many different balls. But it should not be a blue dot or Gem (extremes).

[@LuisNapoles]

Thats not true though because layout and surface will dictate a lot.

[@johnyarbrough9280]

Good evening friend

[@LuisNapoles]

Hello

[@kevin300bowling5]

Phaze 2 is the GOAT!

[@LuisNapoles]

FACTS!!!!

[@adamlorenz4748]

I've been using the 3D offset as my benchmark, just because I feel like it's the best option on fresh. I also have a hyped hybrid, a halo vision and haywire. Should I be using one of those instead on my house shot league?

[@LuisNapoles]

It’s alll how YOU match up with the ball

[@dltippett]

Axiom, Idol or Zen Soul

[@LuisNapoles]

All great choices!

[@stormb28]

Was the nationals Recap video ever released?

[@LuisNapoles]

Still working on it. Just so much other content to do. Prob not even worth it TBH with how bad I bowled

[@russellbauer8299]

My benchmark ball is 3d offset. Bought cosmos. I hate it. 😒

[@LuisNapoles]

Ooh noooooo!

[@russellbauer8299]

I'm bummed also Wanted to love it. My 1 2 punch is offset and power torq

[@MrDadylu1224]

Zen

[@LuisNapoles]

Great choice!

[@thakurv1]

You really get over the ball huh

[@LuisNapoles]

sure