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Equipment
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  [381-400]  [401-420]  [421-440]





Scott

I just found your website .It is so cool you are with Hammer. I use Hammers exclusively . My question to you is....
On an average, how many new Hammers do you drill every week ? And, do you ever use older urethane Hammers such as the Blue, Black & Burgundy on tougher conditions ? Thanks for your time, & good luck this week.

I am not someone who drills a lot of equipment. I would say that "on average" I probably only drill one ball a week.

Those older balls are not readily available out here on tour. If I ran into a condition that I would have liked to use one of those that you mentioned...I would go to one of "The Claw" series of balls. They are three-piece reactive urethanes.

Thanks for visiting the website. Hope you enjoyed it and will come back




Casey   Oct, 2001
Kokomo
IN

Comments: Good After Noon Mr. Williams. I am a 21yr male from Indiana. I want to start off first by saying Good job on the awesome career you are having. Second, I was looking for a bowling ball that's been on tour all my friends have one and I want on so bad. I just celebrated my 21st birthday the week of the Miller Highlife Open at Woodland Bowl in Indy. I will do anything for a bowling from you. So I'm really asking if I may have a bowling ball of yours. It will really boost my game up. And it will make me very happy. I'm doing pretty good on the sport condition, I average a 239 through 45 games this year its my second year of bowling. Pretty sweet huh. I hoping to get into the PBA after this season, but I know it will be a lot of work with getting sponsors and different stuff like that. Well, I hope you consider me in the questions I asked you. Well, I hope to talk to you later.
Casey Jordan

Casey, I'm sorry but I don't give out bowling balls like that. I usually donate them to junior leagues for fund raisers or other charity events.

Good luck with your bowling...maybe I will see you on tour someday.




Scott July, 2001
Kansas City
MO

Comments: I would like to hear more about Hammer and how you like the affiliation.
I used to bowl with Earl Widman in St. Louis in the mid 70's when he started up the Hammer line, and beta tested several of their products.
I was out of the game for 12 years, just got back into it last year, but was told by members here NOT to use Hammer equipment.
I'd rather hear it from someone who knows, and more about the company's current management and future guidance.
Scott Simon
Kansas City Bowling Times

I don't know why someone would not recommend Faball equipment. They have a very wide selection which should be able to work for almost every condition for every player. For the first few years of the reactive balls, Faball was reluctant to pursue that type of technology and maybe that is what those players are basing their opinions on. But I have been very competitive this year using Faball equipment. I do know that Faball has mostly good bowlers working for them selling and creating the balls. They are more like a family business.



Darryl
New York
NY

Comments: Hello Walter & Paige,
The question I have pertains to bowling. I bowl out of NYC (Bronx), Ball Park Lanes. I am a 6"3" lefty. The oil pattern is gutter to gutter 35 feet with carry down or medium dry backend. The lanes are a hard pine wood. I have struggle to score in this house. My ball speed is between 16.6 mph to 17.4 mph. Normally, at the first of the month they wash the lanes (yes, that right once a month the lanes are washed). At that time I can played the 3 to 5 board and get backend reaction and score. By the second week with the carrydown and medium wet backend I have to move inside, playing 15 to 12 board to score fairly. My hand action is soft, due to the fact I allow the ball to roll off my hand. I am a good spare shooter but wished to hit the pocket more consistently.

After all that, my question is what drilling possiblities could I use? Should my hand action be more aggressive or should a play deeper inside when the backend reaction is not there? I know this is more than one question, please forgive me.

Thank you,
Darryl

P.S. You have been my favorite bowler, my friends call me the Walter Ray from the left side since I have tried to gain your style of bowling.

Hi Darryl,

I am sorry, but I am not a ball driller. The best person to suggest ball drillings would be a good pro shop driller in your area that knows the way you bowl and the lane conditions that you bowl on. I regret that I am unable to give you the type of information that you would like. Normally if the backend reaction is not strong you might want to play more of an outside line or use a more aggressive wrist. The most important thing is to make good shots.




Ladd June, 2001
New York
NY

Comments: Hello Walter Ray, Now that you have been with Faball for a while, could you evaluate the different balls you use and why in relation to your game, and the lane conditions you face. How many different layouts have you used so far? Do you have a favorite or all purpose layout? Many ThanX, Ladd

I have had success with many of Faballs balls; both 2001's, 4D HPT, Spike HPT, and most recently with the Nasty Nail Xtreme. I tend to use layouts with the pin at about 1 to 2 o'clock. But I do have other drillings. I guess I am more of a feel bowler since I can't tell you how many layouts I do have and I don't worry about that. I think that the surface of the ball is a bigger influence and sanding a ball or polishing it can do quite a bit.



Tom
Tulsa
OK

Comments: Walter,Is it possible for you to list the layouts and the surfaces that were used on the wheel you threw at Peoria? Thanks,Tom

Hi Tom,

I used a couple of different Wheel's in Peoria, but they had similar drillings with one having a fresher surface and being a bit more aggressive. The older one had originally been scoffed a bit, but had been used for quite a few more games so the surface had a bit of oil in it. The newer one is the ball I liked best on the second day. The layouts were with the pin at about 1 o'clock and an extra hole at about 4 o'clock with the hot spot at about 4:30 with respect to the thumb and being about an inch from the thumb hole. That is from my memory.




Jim
Herndon
VA

Comments: Walter my question is the much difference between the Brunswick balls that you used to use and the hammer balls the you are now in the reaction . Also what are you favorite drilling patterns that you like to use for real slick lanes . beacause the house i bowl in put a lot of oil down and sometimes it hard to get the ball to bite. also will you ever used the violet 3d offset when you make a show on tv because I think that's the best ball hammer has ever made. best of luck in 2001 .

Hi Jim,

It is kind of hard to say exactly what the difference is between the Brunswick balls which I used last year and the Faball balls I am using this year as you need to compare them together at the same time and I haven't really done that since January. However, Faball has many balls which cover a good spectrum such as the 2001 Black Hammer and Wheel to the reactive balls such as the Nasty Nail Extreme and Claws.

My favorite drilling pattern is with the pin at around 1 o'clock. For really oily lanes I would suggest sanding the ball and slowing your speed down.

I don't use the Violet 3D much, so I probably won't use it on TV, but if I feel it is the ball to use I will use it.




Rick
Cincinnati
OHIO

Comments: Hi Walter, And Paige. Hope all is well with you both. Good Luck on this fall tour swing. Questions are, Have you gone to throwing 15 pound balls, And I'm really interested in the new WHEEL by Faball. What do you think of it given that the drilling matches up with lane condition? Thanks in advance, And once again Good Luck, rickykingpin...........

Hi Rick,

I went to 15 pounds about a year and a half ago. I haven't really noticed that much difference with them as I have won several tournaments with the lighter weight.

The Wheel seems like a pretty good ball. I used it in Japan the last couple of tournaments. I think that for me, as with most players, certain conditions are more suited for certain players and the first tournament I was able to strike more than most of the other players while at the Japan Cup I wasn't. Hopefully I'll be able to find the right combinations in the fall to do really well.




Jim
Herndon
VA

Comments: Walter, I see you are with Faball now why did Brunswick cut back on its staff and got rid of all of its members excpect for Parker Bohn? Do you have any Brunswick balls you might want to get rid or donate to the junior bowlers that could use them. Also what do you think of the Hammer balls compared to the Brunswick line? Thank You, have a good year see you the shows.

Brunswick cut back on its staff to save money. Exactly why they kept Parker Bohn and Chris Barnes and didn't want me isn't completely known to me.

I do have old balls that I give to charities. I don't normally give them to people.

I think that Faball has a good variety of equipment. I haven't thrown Brunswick balls since January so it is kind of hard to say how they compare exactly.




Rhonda
Little River
SC

Comments: Hi Walter,I have been a fan for along time, and i have seen you dozens of time. My mixed doubles partner bowls in your region. I was the one that stood in line in Jacksonville NC to order your chicken philly with no green peppers. LOL

Anyway my comment is about your recent change to Hammer. I am still amazed that Brunswick did not keep you on staff. I don't know the story of course but I do hope that it was your decision instead of theirs. I know you may not want to say, but i think the fans that don't know would like to. I know I have thrown Brunswick equipment for a long time and I am a PWBA member and I would be very disappointed to learn that it was their decision. If you can elaborate on this I appreciate it and if you can't, I understand. I still am your number 1 fan regardless. Thank you for your time and I will see you out on the regionals. Rhonda Sabiston


Hi Rhonda,

As I have stated before, Brunswick did not offer me a contract. Faball was interested in using me to help promote their equipment and I feel that they have bowling balls for about every kind of lane condition which is important. They are a company which has a family feel about them and most of the major employees are scratch bowlers themselves which means bowling is more than a job to them.




Jay
Modesto
CA

Comments: I was wondering how you drill your bowling balls to play so close to the gutter. And does your wrist position change from playing straight up to a swing shot. thanks,JR

Hi Jay,

My drillings don't make that much difference on my ability to play an outside line. That has more to do with the oil pattern and the surface of the ball I am using. Some conditions are easier than others to play that outside line. I do have a couple of different wrist positions, but the release action (point of release) makes a bigger difference as does the speed of the ball.




Rick    June 30
Cincinnati
OH

Comments: Hi Walter. Hope all is well with you, I've seen what ESPN and PBA has agreed to and im really excited about PBAs future. Especially since I've joined myself recently. Regional for now, though. Hey, Is Nick Vogelsang really on Faball's staff, And I hear he is touring this Fall. Hes a really good guy. Known him for a while now. With you and Nick throwing Faball equipment that should give some good publicity for Faball because I know you both can tear them up. Good Luck to you both, And PLEASE pass Mark Roth this fall the suspense is killing us back here in Cincy. Say HI to Paige and again Good Luck this Fall. R. Petredis

I don't know if Nick is on the Faball staff. I met Nick many years ago. Congratulations go to Nick on his success this last summer. I hear that Nick is coming out on tour this fall. There should be some tough competition with all of the new guys coming out and everybody trying to win all of the money available. I would love to catch Mark this fall and if I was able to pass him that would be even better. Thanks.



Dustin   June, 2001
St. Louis
MO

Comments: Well actually I have two questions.
How are you able to play such a tight line outside when the lanes are burnt without the ball rolling out or hooking early and stopping? I am a left-Handed bowler(I know thats bad) but anyways I also and a player who tracks high I was looking for a special way or drill pattern that would lower my track so that I could use low flare potential bowling balls when the lanes are fried?

Any advice or help would be great!
Dustin Boice

Hi Dustin,

Normally I am not able to play an outside line (or any other line) if the lanes are burnt unless I used a urethane ball (Pink Hammer) or plastic (coming out soon). But since I rev the ball less than other players my ball will cover less boards and I can play more outside than most of the other pros.

I am not a ball driller so I am not sure that it would be in your best interest to listen to me on drilling patterns. I would ask your local pro shop operator. They should be able to help you better than I can.

Good luck.




Mike
Daly City
CA

Comments: Walter, Just wondering if you would have any advice for me with regards to starting out again in the sport of bowling after 8 years off due to injury. When I first met you, it was at Pacifica Coast Lanes in CA during the late 80's. At that time, I wanted to join the PBA even though I had a book average of 207, but not in only one house. After a couple of great seasons of keeping that average intact, I blew my shoulder out and suffered a torn rotator cuff, not to mention tendonitis.

Now, I'm back, as a beginner, and want to know if you can give me some tips on how to relearn the game. I left bowling as a "tweener", and still roll the ball the same. Since the equipment changed ( I left during the urethane era), which type of bowling ball can I really benefit from, without overexerting my arm again.

Thanks so much for your kind consideration, love your website and I hope this season will be very successful for you! (We miss seeing you bowl in the Western PBA Region!)

Hi Mike,

I don't know exactly which ball would be best for you using a 'tweener' release and not wanting to overexert your arm. It also depends on what conditions you are bowling on. Most house conditions are very soft and most any ball can work including a plastic ball. But you might want to have a few in your arsenal. A particle ball (such as a 4D HPT or Spike HPT), a good reactive ball (such as a Spike), or a combination surface ball (such as the adaptable 2001's black or blue).




Barbara    May, 2001
West Milford
NJ
Comments: How do you like working with Faball now?

Hi Barbara,

I am still enjoying my relationship with Faball. Of course this is my 'off' time, but I still represent Faball at all of the tournaments I enter. And Faball has some appearances scheduled for me.




Ken
Philadelphia
PA

Dear Walter Ray, I bought a Hammer 2001 Black about three months ago. I was quite satisfied with the ball at that time. I had some great games in tourneys on some pretty tight conditions. Lately the ball seems to leave a lot of taps with dead pocket hits. Does the ball loose it's performance that quickly? Does it need resurfacing? Have you heard anything about the life of the ball? Is it me?thanks, Ken Nurse

Hi Ken,

The 2001 Black Hammer like most balls these days will change its surface as it absorbs oil into its surface. A resurfacing might do wonders. That is one of the reasons most pros like to use new balls quite a bit.




Jay
San Jose
Ca

Dear Mr. Williams, I was wondering how you drill your bowling balls. Because I noticed that you like to play up a lot, so do you drill your balls for more length or do you just adjust your hand position?
thanks, Jay Recher

Hi Jay,

I actually drill most of my balls to hook, but I throw the ball much straighter than other players on tour so it comes about by my release and ball speed. I can slow down and cover some boards, but nothing like most of these young players of today. Of course they have a little bit of trouble when going straighter is a good idea.




Michael
West Lafayette
IN

Comments: keep up the good bowling Walter Ray and may you catch and pass mark Roth . What is a good and simple weight configurations for a bowler that throws a high 3/4 roll who tracks very close to the thumbhole? Thanks.

Hi Michael,

You should get that info from somebody who has seen you bowl, like the local pro shop operator. Usually though some positive side, finger and top weight would be good. A pin position at about 1 to 3 o'clock on your grip should also be good, but like I said, ask your local pro shop operator as I am not an expert in that area.




Chris
Warmin
PA

Hi Walter, I know you use equipment all from one company, Faball I think if my memory serves me right, but I was wondering what you though of Visionary. I know that they aren't that widespread but their equipment is top notch. I personally just bought myself a Scorcher and am having great success. I normally average 190 and in the 18 games I've thrown with that I've averaged 221. The scorcher and both gargoyle are rather good balls as is the crimson executioner and every other ball that I have witnessed someone using. Maybe you should check them.~ChRiS

Hi Chris,
Sorry, I don't know much about the Visionary products. So far I am happy with the Faball (Hammer) products.


Equipment Q&A  [1-20]   [41-60]  [61-80]  [81-100]  [101-120]
  [121-140]  [141-160]  [161-180]  [181-200]  [201-220]  [221-240]  [241-260]
  [261-280]  [281-300]  [301-320]  [321-340]  [341-360]  [361-380]
  [381-400]  [401-420]  [421-440]