Our offices are less than a mile from a bowling alley. Wednesday we bowled a few games at lunch, and it was pretty fun. It also completely sucked using a house ball... the lanes were very oily, and I could hardly get any hook at all. Compared to all the other sports I do (motorcycles, sailing, windsurfing, biking, etc...) bowling is practically free.... so I decided I might as well gear up. I ordered, and was fitted for a Brunswick Power Groove. Seems like a good choice for a first ball according to Ball Reviews.com. It should be quite a difference from a solid plastic ball. Of course, having your own shoes is almost more important than having your own ball. I ordered a pair of NXTs from Bowler's Paradise and a bag to carry it all. Now I just have to find one of those hats that hold two cans of beer... and maybe an Alfa Romeo bowling shirt.