New Brunswick Bowling Balls, Including an Old Favorite

Brunswick Ultimate Nirvana™ The new ECS Hybrid coverstock is Brunswick’s latest advancement in performance enhancing technology. ECS expands the soft segments of the polymer chain producing improved friction and wider sweet spot resulting in fewer adjustments. ECS technology generates a faster refresh rate and a longer performance life for the coverstock. 

Paired with the Nirvana Ultra Low RG core, the Ultimate Nirvana provides effortless length through the heads with extraordinary backend continuation on medium oily to oily lane conditions.

Brunswick unveils a retro Danger Zone™ The new PK 2016 coverstock is Brunswick’s modern version of PowrKoil 18. PK 2016 reactive combines their re-engineered “PowrKoil 18” base coverstock with a chemical supplement package for today’s conditions. Combined with the Vintage Light Bulb low RG core the Danger Zone skids easily through the front, maintaining axis rotation for the backend to deliver that famous Danger Zone reaction!

The new Brunswick balls will be available February 16, 2016.

Smallwood Moves into The Lead at The 51st Firelake PBA Tournament of Champions

by Bill Vint February 3, 2016 08:22

SHAWNEE, OK – Tom Smallwood of Saginaw, MI, who has made a career out of bowling well in major championships, averaged 231.4 for 16 games to move into the lead at the end of qualifying in the 51st FireLake PBA Tournament of Champions at FireLake Bowling Center Wednesday.

Smallwood, 38, posted games of 258, 258, 203, 259, 260, 200, 206 and 231 Wednesday for a 16-game total of 3,703 pins, advancing from 10th place to first in a hotly contested battle for the top 27 berths in Thursday’s eight-game cashers round.

Among those who remained in title contention was Australia’s two-handed star, Jason Belmonte, who advanced from 48th place to qualify 13th for the cashers round. Belmonte is trying to equal PBA Hall of Famer Jason Couch’s record as the second player to win the Tournament of Champions three consecutive times.

Trailing Smallwood at the end of qualifying was 2014 PBA Rookie of the Year Marshall Kent of Yakima, Wash., with 3,665 pins, 38 pins behind Smallwood, followed by PBA Hall of Famer Pete Weber of St. Ann, Mo., at 3,662; EJ Tackett of Huntington, Ind., at 3,661 and Dom Barrett of England at 3,633.

Smallwood, who made national news when he won the 2010 PBA World Championship after losing his job at General Motors during the recession, has done his best work in PBA majors. He finished second in the 2011 Tournament of Champions, fourth in the 2014 United States Bowling Congress Masters and fifth in the 2012 PBA World Championship in addition to winning his second PBA title in the 2012 PBA Scorpion Championship.

“I don’t put any more time or effort into the majors, but it’s only natural to put a little more emphasis on them because they pay more and they’re more prestigious,” Smallwood said. “For whatever reason my ball decides to strike more in the majors, which is fine with me.”

Smallwood said he found a way to play the lanes that other players weren’t playing, and they actually helped move the oil around to his favor.

“Usually I’m playing the wrong part of the lane, but I played a little farther right of everybody tonight and it worked,” he said. “The first six games, I only moved four boards with my eyes, and that was it. Everyone else was playing farther inside than I was, and they actually gave me more hold area which allowed me to stay where I was.”

Among the players advancing to Thursday’s cashers round was reigning Professional Women’s Bowling Association Player of the Year Liz Johnson of Cheektowaga, NY, who also is the first woman ever to advance to the PBA national telecast and the only woman ever to accomplish that feat twice. Johnson qualified in a tie for 20th place.

“I never really put a PBA Tour title on my bucket list, but it would be nice to win one,” Johnson said. “The thing I realized this week is that I bowled my first women’s pro tournament 20 years ago this week, and to think I’m still out here doing what I’m doing is pretty amazing to me.”

Johnson was one of four women in the TOC field. Kelly Kulick of Union, NJ, who won the 2010 Tournament of Champions to become the only woman ever to win a PBA Tour title, was in contention Wednesday but faltered down the stretch, finishing 31st and missing the cut by 14 pins.

At the conclusion of Thursday’s cashers round, the top 24 based on 24-game pinfall totals will advance to three eight-game rounds of head-to-head match play to determine the top five for Sunday’s live ESPN finals at 2 p.m. ET. PBA’s Xtra Frame online video-streaming service will cover the cashers round and all three match play rounds live. Rounds start at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. CST Thursday and Friday.

FIRELAKE PBA TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS

FireLake Bowling Center, Shawnee, Okla., Wednesday

Final Qualifying Standings (after 16 games)
1, Tom Smallwood, Saginaw, Mich., 3,703.
2, Marshall Kent, Yakima, Wash., 3,665.

3, Pete Weber, St. Ann, Mo., 3,662.
4, E.J. Tackett, Huntington, Ind., 3,661.
5, Dom Barrett, England, 3,633.
6, Jesper Svensson, Sweden, 3,631.
7, Bill O'Neill, Langhorne, Pa., 3,627.
8, Sean Rash, Montgomery, Ill., 3,606.
9, D.J. Archer, Friendswood, Texas, 3,595.
10, Tom Daugherty, Riverview, Fla., 3,594.
11, Andres Gomez, Colombia, 3,580.
12, Wes Malott, Pflugerville, Texas, 3,579.
13, Jason Belmonte, Australia, 3,575.
14, Tyler Jensen, Ft. Worth, Texas, 3,569.
15, Dino Castillo, Carrollton, Texas, 3,567.
16, Amleto Monacelli, Venezuela, 3,560.
17, Mitch Beasley, Clarksville, Tenn., 3,525.
18, Norm Duke, Clermont, Fla., 3,522.
19, Kyle Troup, Taylorsville, N.C., 3,512.
20, (tie) Connor Pickford, Charlotte, N.C., and f-Liz Johnson, Cheektowaga, N.Y., 3,497.
22, Anthony Simonsen, Princeton, Texas, 3,496.
23, Tommy Jones, Simpsonville, S.C., 3,495.
24, Brad Angelo, Lockport, N.Y., 3,493.
25, Jason Sterner, Covington, Ga., 3,483.
26, A.J. Johnson, Oswego, Ill., 3,480.
27, Chris Loschetter, Avon, Ohio, 3,476.

Failed to advance
28, Stuart Williams, England, 3,470.
29, (tie) Jon Van Hees, Charlestown, R.I., and Ryan Shafer, Horseheads, N.Y., 3,468.
31, f-Kelly Kulick, Union, N.J., 3,462.
32, Parker Bohn III, Jackson, N.J., 3,458.
33, Josh Blanchard, Mesa, Ariz., 3,457.
34, Eugene McCune, Munster, Ind., 3,454.
35, Thomas Larsen, Denmark, 3,453.
36, Cameron Weier, Tacoma, Wash., 3,447.
37, Sean Lavery-Spahr, Pasadena, Texas, 3,435.
38, Bryon Smith, Roseburg, Ore., 3,433.
39, Shawn Maldonado, Houston, 3,431.
40, Chris Barnes, Double Oak, Texas, 3,427.
41, Osku Palermaa, Finland, 3,422.
42, Paul Moor, England, 3,416.
43, Will Barnes, Wichita, Kan., 3,414.
44, Gary Faulkner Jr., Memphis, Tenn., 3,405.
45, Patrick Allen, South Salem, N.Y., 3,379.
46, Scott Norton, Mission Viejo, Calif., 3,359.
47, Brett Spangler, Niles, Ohio, 3,353.
48, Ronnie Russell, Marion, Ind., 3,352.
49, Tom Hess, Urbandale, Iowa, 3,346.
50, David Scardaville, Houston, Texas, 3,341.
51, Anthony Pepe, Elmhurst, N.Y., 3,325.
52, Mike Edwards, Tulsa, Okla., 3,313.
53, Lonnie Waliczek, Wichita, Kan., 3,296.
54, Dave Wodka, Beavercreek, Ohio, 3,294.
55, Rhino Page, Orlando, Fla., 3,286.
56, Walter Ray Williams Jr., Oxford, Fla., 3,276.
57, Aaron Lorincz, Belleville, Mich., 3,269.
58, Mike Wolfe, New Albany, Ind., 3,265.
59, Michael Haugen Jr., Phoenix, 3,244.
60, J.T. Jackson, Sherman Oaks, Calif., 3,222.
61, (tie)  f-Diana Zavjalova, Latvia, and Anthony Lavery-Spahr, Pasadena, Texas, 3,210.
63, f-Danielle McEwan, Stony Point, N.Y., 3,207.
64, Dick Allen, Columbia, S.C., 3,202.
65, Scott Greiner, Platte City, Mo., 3,193.
66, Blake Demore, Springfield, Mo., 3,189.
67, Bryan Goebel, Shawnee, Kan., 3,180.
68, Scott Newell, Deland, Fla., 3,150.
69, Paul Brewbaker , Midwest City, Okla., 3,141.
70, Kyle Bigelow, Troy, Ohio, 3,133.
71, Brandon Bivens, East Ridge, Tenn., 3,083.
72, David Williams Jr., Omaha, Neb., 3,067.
73, Lee White, Odessa, Texas, 3,048.
74, Joe Salvemini, Nevada City, Calif., 2,987.
75, Ted Staikoff, Black Hawk, S.D., 2,890.
76, Carmen Salvino, Schaumburg, Ill., 2,887.
77, Jason Couch, Clermont, Fla., 2,369.

f-denotes female

900 Global Introduces Two New Balls

The new 900 Global Dream Big™ pearl features the 79 Alert™ Pearl Coverstock.  Are you ready for a BIG, jaw-dropping motion downlane? The Identity™ Asymmetric core creates quick revving action with plenty of energy retention. Use the Dream™ Big Pearl on medium-heavy lane conditions for angularity down lane.

 

The new Respect solid features the S78™ Dig Coverstock provides friction in oil and unrelenting overall hook potential. The Tetra™ Symmetric core is designed for a strong, heavy roll throughout the lane. Use the Respect™ Solid on fresh, higher volume conditions.

Two New Balls Added To Columbia 300 Line-up

The new Reflex pearl coverstock version creates a stronger change of direction at the back end, resulting in “shocking” pin action.

The Swerve FX features the same lower Mass Bias strength core as the original Swerve which makes it very driller friendly and allows the core to perform well for the masses. This core yields a slightly stronger mid-lane read than the typical symmetrical shape, while maintaining the predictability symmetrical balls provide. 

HyperSHOCK Technology is an energy enhancement material added to the outer core to help power the ball through the pins. This viscoelastic material works to control the influence pins have on the balls motion through the pin deck. The Swerve line, with HyperSHOCK Technology, not only gets you to the pocket, but drives through the pins like no other bowling balls on the planet.

New for the Yellow Line Collection, the Delirium Shock is a perfect choice for the bowler looking for great performance without breaking the bank. The Delirium Shock provides a strong mid-lane and back end reaction which will match up perfectly on medium oil patterns. Featuring the Resurgence core, "the Delirium Shock may be as close to the classic Resurgence ball motion as we've seen yet from Columbia 300." said a company representative. 

Look for the new balls on February 2nd, 2016. 

Hammer Scandal, and A Black Widow and New Spare Ball Coming in February

Hammer introduces Scandal into its high performance ball line-up, featuring Scandal Semtex Solid CFI (Carbon Fiber Infused) coverstock in Blue/Green/Black, with a 500 / 2000 AbralonTM finish. The design intent is for Medium to Heavy Oil and for the Scandal to create aggressive overall hook. 

The Scandal is the strongest ball Hammer has produced according to their FCC rating system (27.75). 

Check out the NEW Hammer performance shoes in the video. Coming this summer. 

The new Hammer Dark Legend is Black/Purple Pearl Semtex Hybrid coverstock with a fairly rough finish at 500/1000 Abralon® then Polished. The legendary Gas Mask core inhabits this new Black Widow. The hybrid cover and strong core combination is designed for Medium - Heavy oil conditions. Expect strong mid-lane reaction with continuous backend. 

A new polyester ball with a basic pancake weightblock is coming down the pike. Called the Clear Skulz, finished 800/800/1000/2000 Abralon® then Polished. Designed for light conditions or as a spare ball. 

This trios Worldwide Release Date is 2/16/16.

IBPSIA ELECTS NEW BOARD MEMBERS; DAVE BOLT IS NEW PRESIDENT

 

ARLINGTON, Texas - Dave Bolt has been elected President of the International Bowling Pro Shop and Instructors Association, and will lead IBPSIA's newly elected Board of Directors in 2016.

Bolt, from Champaign, IL, operates DB's Elite Pro Shop and Instruction and owns two bowling centers. He has been an IBPSIA Board member since 2003.

"It is a real honor to be named the new president of IBPSIA," Bolt said. "As we come off our 25th anniversary, our board has been reenergized to find ways to enhance value to our members."

Also elected to the Executive Committee as Vice President and Treasurer was Tom Zernia of West Bend, WI, who operates Lighthouse Pro Shop. Zernia was a member of the IBPSIA Board from 2010-12, and rejoined it in 2015. Jordan Vanover of Muskegon, MI, was elected Secretary, a former pro shop operator, Vanover works for Brunswick Consumer Products. Vanover has been on the IBPSIA Board since 2013.

Immediate Past President Russ Wilson remains on the board as ex officio. Wilson, from Lawrence, KS, works for Innovative Bowling Products and has been an IBPSIA Board member for five years.

Newly elected board members include Scott Savage, Savage Bowling Pro Shops, Lafayette, IN; Andy Diercks, May City Bowl Pro Shop, Marion, Iowa; Daniel Puerto, Best Bowling Pro Shop, St. Louis, MO; and Steve Barinque, Steve's Pro Shop, San Antonio, Texas, and bowling head coach for the Air Force.

Barbasol Unveils Ultimate PBA Prize Package Sweepstakes

Barbasol Shaving Cream, title sponsor of the 2016 Barbasol PBA Players

Championship, is offering PBA fans a unique opportunity to win the Ultimate PBA Prize Package Sweepstakes beginning today and running through March 5. The Grand Prize winner will receive a 15-minute video call from a current PBA star, a bowling pin autographed by PBA Tour bowler, a replica PBA jersey customized with the winner’s name and a Barbasol prize pack.

Fans 13 and older should visit www.barbasol.com/PBA and follow the links and instructions for sweepstakes entry and for Official Rules. Fans also can connect to the sweepstakes by following the Barbasol Ultimate PBA Prize Package Sweepstakes link on pba.com and on PBA’s social media outlets.

The Ultimate PBA Prize Pack Sweepstakes is being held in conjunction with the Barbasol PBA Players Championship at Wayne Webb’s Columbus Bowl in Columbus, Ohio, beginning Feb. 15 and concluding with live ESPN television coverage on Sunday, Feb. 21, at 1 p.m. ET. A major championship on the 2016 PBA Tour schedule, the Barbasol PBA Players Championship will feature a 48-game qualifying and match play format, and a five-player stepladder final with a $40,000 first prize. All of the preliminary rounds of Players Championship week will be covered live, exclusively on PBA’s Xtra Frame online video-streaming service.

The Barbasol PBA Players Championship, open exclusively to PBA members, will get underway on Monday, Feb. 15, with practice and a celebrity pro-am. Eight-game qualifying rounds will be held Tuesday and Wednesday, followed by an eight-game cashers round on Thursday, and three eight-game round-robin match play rounds Thursday and Friday. Additional pro-am squads that provide an opportunity for Ohio grassroots adult, youth and senior league bowlers to bowl alongside the pros will be conducted on Saturday, leading up to Sunday’s live ESPN finals.

"We're so pleased that Barbasol is offering this sweepstakes for PBA fans,” said PBA CEO and Commissioner Tom Clark. "2016 is the PBA’s Year of the Fan and this sweepstakes ties in perfectly with that theme.”

Barbasol, the Official Shaving Cream of the PBA, is also a sponsor of the PBA League’s Motown Muscle which will be in action in April as part of the PBA Maine Event in Portland, Maine.

by Jerry Schneider January 15, 2016 03:34