In the latest episode of our podcast, we dive deep into the fascinating world of professional bowling. This episode, titled “Exploring New Gear, Rising Stars, and the Evolution of Rules in Professional Bowling,” covers a wide array of topics from the newest gear innovations to the rising stars making their mark on the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) tour.
The Latest Gear Innovations
Our episode kicks off with an in-depth look at the much-anticipated Subzero Forge bowling ball from Motiv Bowling, set to be officially available on September 18th. DJ and Jamo discuss their experiences with this new piece of equipment. DJ shares his insights on using the Power Puck Ball Cleaning Erasers, emphasizing their effectiveness, particularly on lighter-colored balls like the Subzero Forge.
Jamo provides a detailed account of drilling and testing the Subzero Forge, praising its cleaner yet powerful motion through the lanes. He compares it favorably to the Forge Flare and talks about his plans to test it further at the upcoming regional tournament at Bowlero Lakeside.
International Players Making Waves in the PBA
The episode also highlights the significant impact of international players in the PBA. We recount the thrilling performances of Teodor Samuelsson, James Blomgren, Jesper Svensson, and Martin Larsen at a recent PBA event. The discussion emphasizes the unique experience of watching these professionals live versus on TV and explores whether this marks a resurgence of international players in the PBA. Notable mentions include Dom Barrett, Chris Sloan, and Kim Bolleby, all contributing to the global nature of bowling competitions.
Emerging Stars and the Evolution of Bowling Rules
We delve into the potential for Jesper Svensson to have a breakout year in bowling. Jesper’s impressive performance with urethane balls and his standing among other elite left handed bowlers like Kim Bolleby, Packy Hanrahan, and Jacob Butturff are discussed in detail. We also highlight the rising prominence of two-handed bowling, mentioning talents like Kyle Troup, Hayden Stippich, and Cam Crowe.
Young talent Eric Jones gets a special mention for his skill and likable personality. The episode then transitions to a thought-provoking discussion on the controversial idea of implementing side foul lines in bowling. Comparisons are made to other sports like golf, tennis, and darts, exploring how stricter guidelines might influence the sport’s future integrity.
Key Tournaments and Highlights
The podcast wouldn’t be complete without recapping the latest tournament results
- John DiSantis won the PBA50 Hammer Strike Zone Open
- Connor Breaman and Dan Knowlton won the PBA/PBA50 Lutz Do It Home Improvements Doubles Presented by Ryano’s Pro Shop
- Brendan Salo won the BowlerX 2024 Ohio State Masters
- AJ Rice and Andre Gonzalez won the MSBS 5 Star Labor Day weekend doubles
- Jordan Bourne won the Strike Nation Bowling Tournaments Labor Day event
- Jesper Svensson won the Storm Lucky Larsen Masters in his home country of Sweden
Jesper took home approximately $15,000, adding another PBA title to his impressive career. The episode explores Jesper’s home advantage and his redemption from last year’s second place finish.
The Debate on Bowling Foul Lines
A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to the debate on whether bowling should implement side foul lines similar to other sports. The conversation covers the intricacies of lane play strategies and the positioning and drifting tendencies of professional bowlers like Belmo and Smallwood. Comparisons to other sports highlight how bowling’s rules could evolve to include left and right foul lines on the approach, potentially bringing the sport in line with other competitive disciplines.
Conclusion
This episode of our podcast offers a comprehensive look at the latest developments in professional bowling, from new gear innovations to emerging talents and evolving rules. Whether you’re a seasoned bowler or a casual fan, this episode provides valuable insights into the ever-changing landscape of the sport. Don’t miss out on this exciting journey through the world of professional bowling!
Be sure to search for “On the Gutter” on your favorite podcast app!