Ever wonder where Bill Murray's character got his killer bowling ball in the 1999 comedy "Kingpin"? If you secretly envied Murray's clear ball with its striking red rose in the center, then you're not alone; clear bowling balls have come back in style with a vengeance, making the lanes shimmer with their luminous style at PBA tours and family bowling alleys alike. These striking balls may seem like the key to psyching out your competitors and capturing attention, but you may want to think twice before shelling out big bucks for one of these trendy items. If you're an avid bowler, you may already know that a good bowling ball is constructed with a special core in the center. Different types of balls can have cores of different weights, thicknesses and shapes, and each of these factors affects how the ball will spin and fast it'll go down the lane. Clear bowling balls with big images in the center (skulls, slot machines and roses being favorites) usually don't have a core at all, in order to accommodate the picture. These types of balls are thus of lesser quality, and are best used during a casual game with family or friends, or when you have a super easy spare to make. You can order clear bowling balls with cores, but this will affect the ball's overall appearance, and what's more, you'll have to drop some extra coin for a better performing ball. Finally, remember that this ball is sure to catch attention-which may not be a good thing if you don't always score a perfect 300! If you're in doubt, you may want to leave the flashy balls to the high-scoring hot shots, or to kids who care less about their score than looking cool. There's nothing wrong with sticking to a more decorous, solid-colored ball, after all. If you think you've got the guts and really want to make a big splash at the lanes, on the other hand, then go for it! Just remember to reserve the clear ball for the easier shots.