INDEX
Equipment
Equipment Q&A  [1-20]   [21-40]   [61-80]  [81-100]  [101-120]
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  [261-280]  [281-300]  [301-320]  [321-340]  [341-360]  [361-380]
  [381-400]  [401-420]  [421-440]





Randy January 31, 2002
Hayward
CA

I am trying to help a friend with his bowling. He's large - around 6'4" and has been bowling at least 35 years. He throw s a fairly fast ball (18-19 mph) with a LOT of forward roll, and not much turn. Used to average 200-215 back in the 70's, 80's, and early 90's, but he's struggling now. His ball was real powerful back in the days of pancake blocks. Seems like everything he drills up now is rolling out on him, whether shiny, dull, reactive, particle, etc. Even his spare ball tends to hook/set rather quickly. I've convinced myself that he needs to go back to balls with higher RG numbers. I managed to snag a couple of Faball Berry Razors on Ebay the other day, but do you know of anyone else that produces high RG equipment with decent coverstocks? I noticed that most of the manufacturers put out various plastic, urethane, and even reactive equipment with pancake weight blocks for their low-end balls. Do you feel that a bowler can remain competitive utilizing balls with 3-piece pancake blocks? Since you also throw a lot of shots with end over end forward roll , how do you deal with this scenario? Would the pancake block equipment be a better choice, or would it be better to drill up some medium RG balls and use layouts that would delay roll?

Hi Randy, It is unusual that somebody who throws the ball very hard would have a ball which would roll out, even with a lot of forward roll. I don't follow all of the bowling balls that closely, so I don't know any specifics. But I would recommend either a urethane or 3 piece reactive ball if his ball is rolling so much. On tour we bowl on quite a bit of oil, so I normally don't have much of a problem with the ball rolling out. But if I did I would get a shiny ball or even a plastic ball. However the first time it happened I might get caught unprepared as I don't have any balls which would work on extremely dry lanes except my spare ball.



Brock   January 29, 2002
Macomb
IL

Walter, You are the best bowler on the planet! My question is this: I bowl in many leagues and tournaments. I have a wide range of bowling knowledge and can adapt to many lane conditions, I average anywhere from 210 to 230 (depending on how hard or easy the lanes are). I want to drop a pound or two of weight in my bowling ball. I currently throw 16# equipment but I have thrown 15# and one heavy 14# and with the lighter weights I had much more improved accuracy and consistency. Physically I am fine (6'2" 225 24 yrs) to throw the heavier equipment, but throwing the lighter will I lose carry. Thank you
Brock Terry

Hi Brock,
I dropped to a 15 # ball about 2 years ago. The percentage of pros that use the lighter bowling balls is actually pretty high. I don't think you would have much of a problem with carry unless you threw the ball very straight and play an inside line.




Marvin   January 27, 2002
Lakeland
FL

Hey Walter Ray my name is Marvin i'm a thirteen year old black boy. I live about a hour away from you. I was wondering could you email me. Do you have any used balls that you maybe want to give away. Marvin Roberts please email me back

Hi Marvin,
I don't normally email my fans directly. I hope you understand. Normally the old bowling balls that I use I donate to charities so that they can raise money. Maybe we can meet at a regional tournament near your home someday.




Jack    January 19, 2002
Holly
MI

Hi, I read your reports from the tour after every round and I was wondering why since you have left Faball that you no longer tell what ball you are throwing in each game like you used to I don't know if this is a legal thing or if you just don't want to give any company free advertisiing If you could please let all your fans know why this is it would be greatly appreciated thank you

Hi Jack,
As I have mentioned before, I don't feel it does me any good to give free advertising for any ball company. I hope you and others understand. Thanks.




Jeff   January 16, 2002
Mesquite
TX

Help! I have purchased approximately 20 balls in my life. Of the 20 none (I have felt) have fit me correctly nor (I have felt) were they laid out properly for me. Do you have any recommendations for me to see someone who will 1) lay my ball out correctly for me 2) fit me properly? I have been to everyone that was recommended to me (by several people here in Dallas) and even my USA Gold coaches recommendation, but no success.
If I get lucky maybe I will draw you in the Pro-Am here in Dallas on January 30th.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Jeff Herron

Hi Jeff,
I am not a ball driller. I would not be able to drill you a ball or even be able to lay out a ball for you. I would keep asking top bowlers in your area about who their ball driller is. It is very unfortunate that you haven't been able to get any balls to fit you properly. I feel that a good fitting ball is very important in being able to throw the ball well. I hope you have fun at the Pro-Am in Dallas.



Shamus   January 17, 2002
Northglenn
CO

Hi Walter, I have noticed that since your split from Faball you haven't been posting what equipment you are using ? I think your fans are more curious now more than ever what you are using and how you are laying the balls out etc. Also I was wondering when you are going to get your fan club going and if I won with the naming of "Deadeyes' Diehards" ? Thanks

Hi Shamus,
I have mentioned before that I don't feel it is in my best interest to advertise for a ball company with out compensation. It is nice to know that everybody is curious as to what I am using, but unless you watch me in person or I happen to make a TV show and you can figure out what ball I use I won't be 'advertising' for any ball company. I hope you understand.

We are working to get all of the items together for the Fan Club and I believe that the decision was made to use the Deadeye Diehards as the clubs name.



Josh   January 13, 2002
Simi Valley
CA

comments: Can you recommend a drilling pattern for a spare ball? I know this question seems odd at the very least, but when I shoot spares, my spare ball (an Optyx Skull, polished to no end) tends to hook at the least opportune times, seemingly no matter how little lift I put on the ball, or how hard I throw it. This problem is particularly evident on drier lanes. Also, on the subject, can you recommend a good spare ball? Thanks!

P.S. Just a guess, but is your spare ball drilled full-roller? I notice that when you throw it, it makes a dead roll sound as though it were tracking over the thumb hole.

Hi Josh,
I am not a ball driller. I would ask your local pro shop driller. You might want to drill the ball so that it will hook as little as possible. Negative weights can help. I have a release that is a full roller for my spares. That also will help. You might want to practice a spare release on dry lanes with your hooking ball. Good luck. Spares are important.



Rob   December 13, 2001
Loves Park
IL

Dear Walter,
I am a loyal fan since I have become a avid bowler 6 years ago. My main question is when you bowl during qualifying do you strictly live by Faball or do you throw other companies stuff. Second question where can I pick up a pink hammer, It's the only thing I have seen on tour that kicks the ten pin up. How do you do that? Keep up the great bowling Thanks for great web site and taking the time for all your fans.

Hi Rob,
As you know by now I am no longer under contract with Faball. But when I was under contract I used their balls exclusively. They don't make Pink Hammers any more. You might try e-bay or something like that. A plastic ball should accomplish the same thing. Thanks.




JOE   December 9, 2001
MANAHAWKIN
NJ

HELLO, I JUST BOUGHT A FEW OF YOUR TEST BALLS. I PURCHASED THEM FROM A PRO SHOP I JUST STARTED TO GO TO, A BLUE HAMMER 2001 AND A NASTY NAIL EXTREME. THEY BOTH FIT ME PERFECT AND HAD HIM DRILL THE 3-D HI REV VIOLET OFF OF YOUR TEST BALLS AND HAVE BEEN BOWLING GREAT WITH THEM. I JUST WANTED TO KNOW IF YOU DO GIVE UP OR IF FABALL GIVES YOUR TEST EQUIPMENT TO PRO SHOPS. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE LATEST FROM FABALL, THE TRUCK? ALSO YOUR SPARE BALL THAT YOU THREW AT THE U.S. OPEN WAS THAT A PINK HAMMER?

THANK YOU
JOE BAILEY

Hi Joe,

I am a little bit confused. You say that you purchased my test balls. I don't recall testing these balls at the factory. It sounds like either somebody was pulling a fast one on you or somehow they got hold of some of my old balls which I 'gave' away. Usually I only give the balls to charities. I do use a thumb grip, so if somebody had my ball specs they could drill a ball with those specs and put the appropriate grips and say that it was a ball I used. If my ball fits you perfect then you are kind of lucky as ball fitting is usually very custom for each person.

I did use the Truck at the US Open for most of my games including the TV finals. I have been using a Pink Hammer for my spares for the entire year.


Sam   December 6, 2001
Fresno
CA

I hope this isn't to personal but I am writing a research paper on money related to sports, and i was wondering if and why did you sign a contract with Brunswick, dropped it, then went to Faball. I really need to know and it would help a lot, thanks Walter. Samuel

Hi Sam,

I signed a contract with Brunswick, because they were willing to pay me and I thought that they were very bowling oriented. They made some severe cutbacks and didn't offer me a contract last year. Faball did offer me a contract which I felt I could live with. Unfortunately Faball is making cutbacks this year and have not offered me a contract for next year. So it was actually the ball companies dropping me instead of me dropping them. However back when I was with Ebonite (many years ago) I was very disappointed in the contract they offered me after a year in which I won 7 tournaments so I didn't resign with them. I hope this helps you.



Lee   December 4, 2001
New York City
NY

Hi Walter, thanks for responding to my question. I have another question for you. I understand you are using the Hammers now, which balls are you using for your strikes and spares? As I told you before, I'm a league bowler (179 average), and on the first of each month, the lanes are washed, therefore, leaving on oil on the lanes. All my balls goes Brooklyn no matter which ball I used and I can't even make the 10 pin. What should I do?

I really appreciate you giving your time to answer questions for us (your fans). It shows what kind of guy you really are. Is the Bowling Tournament ever coming to New York City or New Jersey. Thanks. Lee

Hi Lee,

Bowling lanes are normally cleaned up to once a day. That actually takes oil off the lane (if done properly). Oil will make your ball slide more resulting in less hook. The tour actually cleans and re-oils the lanes for each block of competition. If you have trouble with the ball hooking to much, I would get a urethane ball or even a plastic ball. This should help on picking up those 10 pins. You might also want to learn how to throw the ball straighter, especially for those 10 pins.

As of Jan 1, 2002 I have no contract with Faball, so I don't know what balls I will be throwing.

We had tournaments in both New Jersey and Long Island in October and November. We will be in Albany, NY in February. That will be the closest national tournament until next fall.



George November 29, 2001

My name is george rowland i have been in the bowling industry for over 50 years. Constantly looking for the solution to not dropping or losing the bowling ball thru the swing without squeezing or hanging on to the ball. I now have the solution without the use of bowling tape. no more squeezing or hang on to the ball, no more tape, no more losing the ball during the swing , no more wondering when the ball will come off. I have my home made model in my bowling ball for over 9 months and have yet to lose or or drop the ball thru the swing and yet automatic releases at the end of the swing. Looking for a partner. thank you for your valuable time, george rowland

Hi George,
I will contact you personally in a week or two. It would be interesting to see what you have come up with.

Most pros don't really have a problem with dropping the ball. However, most of us really like for the ball to fit really well so that the ball can be released consistently. I think most of the pros use tape of one form or another to help get a proper fit. One of the reasons is that the thumb (and fingers) change their size due to moisture, temperature and amount of bowling. With tape a player can insert or take out a few pieces to get that proper feel in less than a minute. I myself make sure that my thumb hole has enough room for about 10 pieces of thin black tape. That way I will always have enough room if my thumb does swell. I remember when I first drilled new bowling balls the thumb hole would be so snug that after a couple of games I would have a bleeding thumb. I soon realized I didn't care for that situation.



Joe November 29, 2001
Racine
WI
Hey Walter! Congrat's on your SUPER year so far! Making the show five times in a row (with a win!) seems impossible with the new format. Really impressive bowling!

How do you like the Wheel so far? I keep track of your feedback each round and I do not read that you use one too much. Does it hook too much for the condition? Also, what was the outcome of the Blue 2001 for you? Did it react good for you? I know you like the Black 2001 - seems to be your go to ball. I hear rumblings of a Truck - with the help of Mo Pinel. If so it will be SOLID!

Good luck the rest of the year! Hammer those pins!

Hi Joe, I too am amazed that I was able to make the show 5 times in a row. I kind of wish that some of the good fortune that I had getting to the top 5 would have continued on to the TV finals. But I can't really complain. I thought the Wheel was going to be a good ball. I am kind of an extreme ball kind of bowler. The Wheel didn't seem to really hook more than the 2001 Black Hammer. And it didn't really finish as hard a reactive ball such as the 4D. Maybe I just needed to drill out another ball or two to find the right one. After two days of the US Open I am leading with the new Truck ball which I believe that Mo did design. It does look like a very good ball so far. Thanks.



Lee    November 13, 2001
New York City
NY

Comments: Hi Walter Ray, I'm a bowler, my average is 179. My ball goes down and breaks in at the pocket, my problem is that the ball isn't consistent. I'm using a Ebonite Matrix and the Columbia Green Messenger. What ball would be good for a shot like that?

Hi Lee,
If you are averaging around 180 then you are more likely to be less accurate than a pro, but more accurate than a beginner. I would say that it is more likely that you aren't as consistent with your delivery than you would like to be. Certain balls on certain lane conditions might compensate for an errant shot. But I would work on being more accurate which includes having a consistent release and speed.

A different ball might make a difference, and since I am unfamiliar with Ebonite's bowling balls, the conditions you bowl on or how you throw the ball it is difficult to suggest a ball. Your local pro shop operator would be better at that. I advise getting out there and practice, practice, practice! If you are truly interested in getting better then it might be a good idea to get some good professional instruction along with practice. Good luck.




Matt    November 14, 2001
Longwood
FL

Comments: I know you have been bowling quite well lately, but how has your change from Brunswick to Faball equipment helped(or hurt) your game? I only throw Hammers and would like some insight on why you went to their staff. Thanks a lot!

Hi Matt,
Last year Brunswick was no longer interested in me being on their staff. They offered me no contract. Faball offered me a contract that I felt I could live with. As far as the equipment being better or worse, it is hard for me to say. I think that certain balls are good for certain conditions and some balls are bad for certain conditions. No balls are great for all conditions.




Dean     November 12, 2001

Comments: I have question to ask if you allow too. I know you are sponsor by Faball or Hammer. I don't know when you switch from Brunswick. But doesn't matter that you switch I just want to know if it is they had different types balls you like or is it the sponsorship was better. If it is bowling balls what are the difference. Thanks, Dean

(SEE ABOVE QUESTION/ANSWER)



Kevin
Texas City
TX

Comments: How many bowling balls does the average professional travel with?

Hi Kevin, I am guessing, but I would say that the average touring professional has about 20 balls with them when they are on the road.



Jacob    October , 2001
Columbus
Oh

Comments: I see that you switch from Zone bowling balls to Hammers.My question is that I have bowl with Zones all my bowling life and I want to make a change. My form is somewhat like yours, but I can throw the big hook, or like you. what would you recommend. I have seen a lot of balls and I'm asking my favorite pro.

I have been very happy with my switch to Hammer equipment. The have a full line of equipment to handle any lane condition I encounter. The 2001, Nasty Nail and the new Wheel are some of my favorites. I suggest you see your local pro shop owner and he might be able to suggest some equipment that will match up to what kind of pattern you have in your center.



Scott
Marquette
MI

Comments: Mr. Williams, I'm a golfer for the most part but league bowl once a week. Need your help, I'm using a reactive resin ball, (Stomper). I get way too much back end from this ball. Can you recommend a good ball with moderate hooking reaction? Need something for the third game when lanes break down. I really want to use the line you do for more control. I realize your very busy, but a admire your bowling ability and have been a fan for a long time. P.S. Love your home, I saw the piece on ESPN Hope ya kill'em at the Petraglia. Thanks, Scott Erickson

Walter Ray Replies: This is very difficult for me to answer, since I don't know what the conditions are like at your house. I will give you my best general advice. If you want less hook, then go to a particle ball like the Black 2001, Blue 2001 or The Wheel. Pay attention to the surface...you may have to shine it. Also make sure you have it driled so that it doesn't snap on the back end.



Cody
Paris
T.X.

Comments: Hey, My name is Cody I'm 13 years old and live in Paris Texas. I have watched you bowl and you are very good, way better than me lol. After bowling a couple of games my fingers start to get sore, do you know what I can do to stop it??? if you can help I'll be very grateful. I started bowling about half a year ago and went from bowling about 100's to 180's to 220's my best score is a 232 I think, I watched you some and fixed a lot of stuff that I messed up on. I know I'm not very good now but I hope to be as good as you some day. If I ever do get as good as you I wont forget watching you and how much it helped. thx a lot.

Ps. You did pretty good bowling against Jason Hurd.

Thx, Cody Walters

Hello Cody,

Thanks for taking the time to write and for your support. I sure do like to hear that there are folks out there pulling for me.

It sounds to me like your ball isn't drilled quite right. I would suggest that you take your ball to a professional ball driller. Perhaps someone different than originally drilled it. Ask them to check your span, pitches, bevel etc. Tell them how, when, where your fingers get sore. They should be able to help you.


Equipment Q&A  [1-20]   [21-40]  [61-80]  [81-100]  [101-120]
  [121-140]  [141-160]  [161-180]  [201-220]  [221-240]  [241-260]
  [261-280]  [281-300]  [301-320]  [321-340]  [341-360]  [361-380]
  [381-400]  [401-420]  [421-440]