Ebonite ball - tornado

[George]

Hi, I have a question. I have been a tenpin bowler and am just starting out with duckpins. I can't believe I have never tried them before this. They are a blast. Due to a wrist/elbo injury I can't handle the 16 lb ball anymore but the duckpins are no problem. I think I like them better in fact.
Now for my question. I have been looking for some used balls to get used to the game and to really figure out what I want before I buy a new set. I found someone that has ebonite tornado 9k balls. Are they any good? and are they soft enough to be able to hook easily or should I invest in a ball like the paramount pro 72 for hooks?
I throw hard and fast -- a least now - I am still on a learning curve big time. It requires much more finesse than the tenpin

[George]

I found this picuture from an expired ebay auction:


www.estateauctionsinc.com/pics/ebay/duckpin2.jpg

I would guess it would be sim. to the tornado 9k that I found nearby. I haven't gone to look at them as they are located some distance away and we had a snow storm. I was hoping someone could help me and let me know if I should get these to use or would they be too old to be of much good.
I borrowed some old brunswick balls that look like house balls - weighed them at 3 lbs 9 oz. I didn't care for them too much.

I bowled a 92, 87 , and 78. I need much practice I guess. I found a book on duckpin bowling in the library and according to that I was holding the ball wrong. I guess by reading the book the approach is the same with the four step as it is with ten pin?

I went to three different lanes yesterday and had no luck in finding used balls for sale. I will keep looking.

[Mike R]

If you are looking for a ball that bites the lane, then try to find a old pair of Ebonite Prolines. That is what I used and I am still kicking myself for selling them. Anyone reading this with a pair for sale let me know. You also want to find a weight and size you like. I preferred heavier and smaller diameter. The lighter ball will deflect more off of pins, rather then carry through. I was also partial to the swirl pattern, probably just in my head, but I swear I had better accuracy with them.

Hope this helps, And Good luck

Mike Robison