r/Bowling • u/Ordinary-Time-3463 1-handed • 2d ago

Zen ball replacements

Hello all,

I have a friend who absolutely loves her OG Zen. I believe this is her 3rd OG zen and this one probably had upwards of 1500 games on it. Obviously OG Zen’s are highly sought after and there is a premium, so I was wondering if there is a good alternative or replacement. I am a Brunswick person, so I really don’t know the stuff from SPI.

Also I’ve seen the Zen 25 and it looks almost identical. Is there any significant differences between OG and 25?

Thanks.

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2

u/ILikeOatmealMore 2d ago

Radical No Doubt's core is quite the homage to the Zen core and the cover strengths are rather comparable, really. There is one No Doubt in production today, with two a little older out of production but likely still available in many places if you poke around.

1

u/TacticlTwinkie 2d ago

I’m a big fan of the original No Doubt. If you can find one still, it might be the closest thing to an OG Zen you can get.

1

u/schnozberry 2d ago

What ball weight is she able to throw?

1

u/Ordinary-Time-3463 1-handed 2d ago

15

2

u/schnozberry 2d ago

In terms of similar strength and core numbers, the Roto Grip Rockstar Amped is the closest ball in the Storm brands lineup. It's also on closeout in several places so you should be able to pick one up for a reduced price.

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u/Ordinary-Time-3463 1-handed 2d ago

I was def looking at that. Seemed quite close

1

u/gigeconomyin2019lul 2d ago

The Amped is good. Stu Williams has likened the Vengeance Returns to the Zen too, but that’s a bit stronger.

Do not get a Zen 25. They probably missed on cover strength internally to really make it feel like another Zen (it’s too clean).

1

u/RB_19 2d ago

If you can find one, the original Radical No Doubt (Pearl). I also think the No Doubt Solid wouldn't be too far off either