What is wrong with the storm Spectre?
Noah Mitchell
Published Jan 08, 2026
On March 14th, 2022, USBC revoked the approval of the Storm Spectre Bowling Ball. The approval was revoked because the hardness on their test balls fell below 73D on the Shore D Hardness Scale which is the spec for hardness put in place by the USBC.
Why is the storm Spectre banned?
The revocation comes after USBC determined through its spot-checking procedures that a significant percentage of the balls produced do not comply with specifications and requirements outlined in the USBC Equipment Specifications and Certifications Manual.
Why is the Storm Spectre bowling ball Illegal?
The statistical analysis of the Storm Spectre indicated a defect rate of 98.6%, meaning that 98.6% of Spectre balls are projected to be outside USBC's hardness specification limit. USBC tested balls from multiple batches, and the non-conformance was not limited to a specific batch.
Is the storm Spectre banned?
The Storm Spectre bowling ball, which the USBC banned from all USBC certified competition, is not allowed in any level of PBA competition. Purple Hammer bowling balls manufactured in 2016 and 2017 were banned from USBC certified competition, and are not allowed in any level of PBA competition.
Does it matter what bowling ball you use?
The heaviest bowling ball that one feels comfortable with is the best bowling ball weight for a bowler. As a general rule, one should be using the ball weighing 10% of their body weight; if you weigh 160 pounds or more, he should be using a 16-pound ball because he will be able to physically use the ball comfortably.
25 related questions foundWhat is the heaviest bowling ball allowed?
The maximum legal weight of a bowling ball is 16 pounds (or 7.27 kilograms). For that reason, a lot of bowlers use 16-pound bowling balls, whether they should or not. If a 17-pound ball was allowed, plenty of those who currently use 16-pounders would move up to 17. Some of that comes from a bowler's ego.
What is a scratch bowler?
Scratch bowling is when all bowlers are credited with only their original score (no handicap). Many, if not most, tournaments are scratch tournaments. Tournaments like the Midwest Scratch Bowlers Series and Senior All Star Bowling Association (SASBA) are major scratch tournaments.
Is the Phaze 4 bowling ball Illegal?
Effective March 30, 2022, the Phaze 4 is prohibited from use in USBC national tournaments.
Is Purple Hammer banned?
Earlier this month, the United States Bowling Congress didn't go as far as the PBA's rule but instituted a new tournament rule that reads: Purple Hammer bowling balls manufactured during 2016 and 2017 (identified by serial numbers that start with either a '6' or '7') are prohibited for use, at all USBC national ...
Is the Purple Hammer bowling ball Illegal?
ARLINGTON, Texas - The United States Bowling Congress has revoked approval of Purple Hammer bowling balls manufactured in 2016 and 2017. These model years are removed from the list of balls approved for USBC competition effective March 21, 2022.
Why did Purple Hammer get banned?
USBC investigated allegations that a portion of the Purple Hammer bowling balls manufactured at the Ebonite International plant in 2016 and 2017 were produced below USBC's minimum hardness specification at that time of 72D.
Where is Bowlerx located?
You may also email us at [email protected] and we will respond to you in a timely manner. Our Pro Shop location located at Town & Country Lanes in Bethlehem PA is open from 5pm to 8pm Tuesday through Thursday and Noon to 3pm on Saturdays.
What is a symmetric core bowling ball?
Symmetrical Balls:
Symmetrical balls are smoother and more predictable when exiting the pattern and encountering friction compared to that of asymmetrical balls. You will notice there are only 2 variables in core specs when dealing with a symmetrical ball. They are the RG value and Differential.
What is the rule of 31 in bowling?
The rule of 31 in bowling is a simple equation that takes the pattern length, subtracts it by the number 31 and leaves you with where the bowling ball should exit the pattern. For example, a house shot that is put out for most leagues is 40 feet long.
What are 5 strikes in a row called?
BAGGER (SUCH AS FIVE BAGGER)
A string of strikes; i.e., five bagger is five in a row.
What does handicap mean in bowling?
What does handicap mean in bowling? Handicap in bowling is a means to level out the playing field allowing players of different caliber to fairly play and compete against one another in a challenging way.
How heavy is a bowling pin?
The standard weight of a bowling pin is 3 pounds and 6 ounces or 1.5 kilograms and must not be more than 3 pounds 10 ounces or 1.6 kilograms. In the United States, the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) establishes the pin specifications.
What weight balls do pro bowlers use?
Most pro bowlers use 16-pound balls, although more than you think use 15-pounders. Another method is to add one or two pounds to the weight of the house ball you normally use. A heavier ball drilled specifically to your hand will seem to weigh about the same as a house ball two pounds lighter. .
What does the dot mean on a bowling ball?
Bowling-Ball Pins Explained
Not to be confused with the pins at the end of the lane, every bowling ball is marked with a colored dot, which represents the ball's pin. The pin is vital in determining how to drill your ball to get your desired reaction on the lanes.
What are bowling balls made of?
Overall, bowling balls can be made of three different types of coverstock materials – polyester, urethane, and resin (reactive urethane). The least expensive material, polyester, doesn't give as much hook since it's unaffected by the oils on the lane.
What is urethane bowling balls?
One of the most durable and popular coverstock materials for a bowling ball is polyurethane. Urethane bowling balls are made up of polyurethane, which provides the ball a frictional capability when in contact with the lane surface. This makes Urethane bowling balls great for hooking and getting into splits.
What is the difference between urethane and reactive bowling balls?
Reactive Resin Bowling Balls are slightly heavier than Urethane Bowling Balls. The higher hook potential eventually leads to increased weight for reactive resin balls. This goes the same for any ball with higher hook potential. Reactive Resin Balls offer better hook potential and an increased rate of high performance.
Who owns BowlerX?
BowlerX.com Owner, Lee Sandt, Discusses Background & Internet Bowling Business on Phantom Radio. Check out the interview with BowlerX founder, Lee Sandt, on the Kegel Phantom Radio Show!
What are the equipments used in bowling?
The main pieces of equipment needed for bowling are a bowling ball, bowling pins, and a bowling lane. Almost always, bowlers are required to wear special bowling shoes as well.