What site do you guys use to buy balls from?

[HangingBananas16]

i was jw wat sites evry1 uses to buy their balls from???

i used bowlingball.com for my no mercy and got it the next week after i purchased it


so list your sites youve bought from!!!! :D

:D thanks:D

[can-ham]

Support your local proshop! Sure you save $20 buying your ball on line but with a proshop you can see that you are getting a ball to your exact specifications before you pay for it and you know it will be drilled properly.

If all proshops did was drill balls they will not be around for long.

Hawgzilla online $137.00 + $25 shipping + $50 Drilling = $212.00

Bought mine from a proshop for $200 with drilling, inserts, tax and a see-saw bag included.

Keeping your local proshop in business... priceless.

[BradM]

He's right all in all I spent about $215 getting my Hawg Zilla from an online retailer then having it drilled with slug and inserts. See if your pro shop can get close to that price. Even if it's $10 more, balls do get messed up in drilling sometimes and the pro shop will replace the ball free if you bought it there. They had better anyways.

However I have seen some pro shops with $275 on their Hawg Zillas with drilling included but not inserts and then they want to charge you $15 extra for that. In that case you would be weighing $290 against $215...

[EvoZoo1985]

I just got my Toxic from my local pro shop, I paid $135 with drilling and an extra $10 for my finger inserts. Online I found one for $99.00 but taking it to the same proshop would have cost me an extra $25.00 for shipping, $35.00 for drilling, and then $15.00 for those same inserts.
All in all:
Proshop=$145
Online=$174
Also, as was mentioned, I find added security in buying it from a reputable proshop in person that you just dont get online.

Keeping the proshop going... one ball at a time...

[Darktjc01]

I usually support local/small businesses but man... the pro shop at my local lanes wanted to charge me about $240 for a black widow. Online it was $130 and I'm not rich so that extra money is a lot to me... I thought I'd at least get it drilled there to give them some money. The kid there said "we've been drilling balls for 30+ years" even though he looked like he was 20 something. I asked if he would be drilling it and he said yes.... So I ask how much is it? He tells me its $50 and each insert is $10... plus tax.... So I called around and found out another shop I go to drills balls for $40 and that includes the inserts.

Support local shops and small businesses but don't get ripped off.

[steelr43]

I would really love to supportthe Pro shop at my lanes. But, everyone I talked to about him says negative things about his drilling. I buy my bowling balls from allstarbowling.com. Free shipping. Then I take it to another guy I have been using. 37.50 for drilling. My Wild cost 125.00 free shipping + 37.50 for drilling. Not too bad.

I could but from the guy who drills up my stuff, but It's too much.

I can't be as lucky as some of you guys who have great wives/gfs who buy them bowling balls. My wife hates bowling. We're working on that. Trying to turn my league into a mixed league for next year. Then she'll bowl and maybe end up liking bowling. But by the time that happens, I'll have everything I need.

[EvoZoo1985]

Support local shops and small businesses but don't get ripped off.
I should have said that I definitely agree with you on this point. Some small businesses drastically overcharge for their goods... especially when its a specialty kind of shop like a bowling pro shop.

[jman69]

My proshop guy gives me pretty good deals. I used him for both my Hammer balls and he does great work. I will buy shoes and stuff from the internet and I use Buddiesproshop.com. I went to another center the other day and saw a brand new Black Widow for 180.00. I paid 210 for mine drilled.

[NastyNate]

Support your local proshop! Sure you save $20 buying your ball on line but with a proshop you can see that you are getting a ball to your exact specifications before you pay for it and you know it will be drilled properly.

If all proshops did was drill balls they will not be around for long.

Hawgzilla online $137.00 + $25 shipping + $50 Drilling = $212.00

Bought mine from a proshop for $200 with drilling, inserts, tax and a see-saw bag included.

Keeping your local proshop in business... priceless.

I second this One!!!!!!!!!!

[EvoZoo1985]

I was just talking to the proshop owner in the town where Im currently holed up in for college and he told me he would let me have the NIB 15lb black widow for $145 drilled... I dont think I can trun this down considering how much more they cost back home in the Pittsburgh area.

[BradM]

I was just talking to the proshop owner in the town where Im currently holed up in for college and he told me he would let me have the NIB 15lb black widow for $145 drilled... I dont think I can trun this down considering how much more they cost back home in the Pittsburgh area.

Jump on that!

[zombie]

yes support your pro-shop, it starts a good relationship and if you go back consistantly he/she will for sure give you deals and customer service that a web-site cannot give you. i bought my first ball from a web-site and will never do it again.

[slap]

My pro shop has pretty good prices on balls. The last time I ran the numbers, I would save about $15 buying online and having the shop drill it. That amount is low enough for me to buy local. If it were a $30 or $40 difference I might have to rethink it.

That said, I've ordered 3 balls (toxic, wmb for me, roto saturn for the gf) from bowlingball.com. They have great deals on closeouts if you sign up for their newsletter.

[EIGHTBALL033]

Support your local proshop! Sure you save $20 buying your ball on line but with a proshop you can see that you are getting a ball to your exact specifications before you pay for it and you know it will be drilled properly.

If all proshops did was drill balls they will not be around for long.

Hawgzilla online $137.00 + $25 shipping + $50 Drilling = $212.00

Bought mine from a proshop for $200 with drilling, inserts, tax and a see-saw bag included.

Keeping your local proshop in business... priceless.

$135(BOWLING.COM)+$50(AT PRO SHOP) FOR DRILLING INCLUDING INSERTS=$185,PRO SHOPS CANT BEAT THAT:eek:

[BradM]

$135(BOWLING.COM)+$50(AT PRO SHOP) FOR DRILLING INCLUDING INSERTS=$185,PRO SHOPS CANT BEAT THAT:eek:

Gee, most guys around here charge $5 for the slug and $10 for the grips on top of the $50 drilling fee. :(

And don't forget to add the "Packaging Fee" from Bowling.com. I think it's $5.95. They say it's free shipping but they tack that on the end of it.

[rugdoc]

I buy my balls from the pro shop also. Usually I pay about 10-15 more for the balls when it's all said and done. But when I need some help, he's always willing to take some time and give me some. So unless I get an unreal price somewhere else, I 'll pay the extra.

[can-ham]

$135(BOWLING.COM)+$50(AT PRO SHOP) FOR DRILLING INCLUDING INSERTS=$185,PRO SHOPS CANT BEAT THAT:eek:

Eightball I'm not sure why your STILL YELLING?

Maybe you didn't read my post but it's worth an extra $20 bucks to know what your getting and have the ability to hold some one responsible for defects. You basically sold out for $15.00.

[LotsOfRevs]

Gee, most guys around here charge $5 for the slug and $10 for the grips on top of the $50 drilling fee. :(

And don't forget to add the "Packaging Fee" from Bowling.com. I think it's $5.95. They say it's free shipping but they tack that on the end of it.

I have a buddy that punches mine, he retired/closed his pro shop and moved it into his garage. He only charges me $35 for the grips a slug and drilling, however I do my own layouts. Oh yea and I usually buy mine from bowlingball.com or from some sponsored friends.

[EIGHTBALL033]

Eightball I'm not sure why your STILL YELLING?

Maybe you didn't read my post but it's worth an extra $20 bucks to know what your getting and have the ability to hold some one responsible for defects. You basically sold out for $15.00.

DIDNT KNOW YOU COULD HEAR ME,I THINK YOU NEED TO GET OVER YOU PETPIEVES,BECAUSE IM NOT GOING TO STOP,WIFE GIVES ME ENOUGH DRAMA,WONT DEAL WITH YOURS:mad:

[can-ham]

DIDNT KNOW YOU COULD HEAR ME,I THINK YOU NEED TO GET OVER YOU PETPIEVES,BECAUSE IM NOT GOING TO STOP,WIFE GIVES ME ENOUGH DRAMA,WONT DEAL WITH YOURS:mad:

Hey man do your thing.

Sounds like our wives may know each other ;), I didn't even start bowling until I got married...

[Trydent]

Im very good friend with the owners for the 2 houses i bowl at, so in turn i know the 2 pro's very well. Even tho they had the BW i wanted in stock they wanted 200 for it. So i bought it online from Bowlingball.com for $129.00 and coughed up a whopping 20$ for my drilling (didnt really pay for it that was pretty much just a tip cause he wasnt gunna charge me) that included inserts / slug :) :o guess im spoiled haha :) But im planning on buying my next ball from them, they have a reallll purty NV sittin down there now that im REAL close to buying!

[EIGHTBALL033]

DIDNT KNOW YOU COULD HEAR ME,I THINK YOU NEED TO GET OVER YOU PETPIEVES,BECAUSE IM NOT GOING TO STOP,WIFE GIVES ME ENOUGH DRAMA,WONT DEAL WITH YOURS:mad:

NO HARM MENT,LETS BE COOL CAN-HAM,THATS JUST THE WAY I LIKE TO TYPE,HOPE YOU DONT MIND:cool:

[can-ham]

NO HARM MENT,LETS BE COOL CAN-HAM,THATS JUST THE WAY I LIKE TO TYPE,HOPE YOU DONT MIND:cool:

It's all good brother, next time your in Canada I'll buy you a beer. :D

http://www.americancandy.de/images/canadian_beer%20Kopie-150x150.jpg

[BradM]

It's all good brother, next time your in Canada I'll buy you a beer. :D

http://www.americancandy.de/images/canadian_beer%20Kopie-150x150.jpg

Don't take it Eightball! Canadian beer will give you the squirts!:D

[aigaios]

I believe in supporting your local pro shop, but if I got my balls from the same place I have them drilled, I would be paying at least fifty bucks more. I'm too much of a pinch penny for that.:D

[EIGHTBALL033]

It's all good brother, next time your in Canada I'll buy you a beer. :D

http://www.americancandy.de/images/canadian_beer%20Kopie-150x150.jpg

I DRINK MOLSSON CANADIAN TOO:cool:

[EIGHTBALL033]

Don't take it Eightball! Canadian beer will give you the squirts!:D

I DRINK IT,MY FAVORITE BEER:eek:

[EIGHTBALL033]

http://carpefermentum.emcee.ca/images/iamcanadian.jpg
I sure hope not!!!

SLURPPPPPP:eek:SHHHISH MY WIFE IS COMING:eek: :D

[BradM]

I sure hope not!!!

HAHAHA! Just yanking your chains! Everyone knows, I don't turn beer myself... no matter what kind it is.:D

[MaxHammer]

i was jw wat sites evry1 uses to buy their balls from???

i used bowlingball.com for my no mercy and got it the next week after i purchased it


so list your sites youve bought from!!!! :D

:D thanks:D


I wouldnt recommend allstarbowling.com right now...Ive ordered some accessories from them on ebay which were ok but most recently purchased a ball directly from their site that I need to return but I cant get anyone there to respond to any of my emails of voicemails Ive left them, been trying for over 2 days now without any response from them

I think I am done with ordering balls online, i would much rather pay the extra money and see the ball Im getting rather them having to ship something back for whatever reason, pay a restocking fee and waste my time with something online

I am going to lose about $60 on two balls I recently purchased online that I have to return...the other ball I purchased was from Buddiesproshop.com and their customer service is head and shoulders above allstarbowling's

I also bought a Paradigm on ebay back in Sept that I have been very happy with so its hit and miss and Id rather not deal with that anymore

[TenPinSniper]

$135(BOWLING.COM)+$50(AT PRO SHOP) FOR DRILLING INCLUDING INSERTS=$185,PRO SHOPS CANT BEAT THAT:eek:


Enjoy your warranty, good luck if you ever need it. If you can look your guy in the face. Got my NM for 220 out the door, thumb, grips and drilled. Plus, I put some good money back into my local economy. Think a BW would be 190 or 200 for me, so online is not worth the hassle and waiting. Plus, I can tell him to get top weight and pin placements I want. Call'em or email before he leaves the house on Friday have what I want after work. Consider some of the other deals he provides me, paying for balls and in stock stuff does not bother me.

TOO EACH THERE OWN! :rolleyes:

[zombie]

got my second BW bought and punched for 160 flat, including grips. got my tuff bought and punched for 60 flat. there is NO way in hell any online store can top that price/service whatsoever. next time any of you that buy your balls online and go to a pro-shop on a regular basis I gaurantee you'll be wating until the puncher is finished with "his" customers first. not to mention that he/she will be in a hurry or rushing to get whatever you want done so they can get back to their regular customers needs. just my 2 pennies.

[TenPinSniper]

Personally, think they should measure you and tell you to cameback to pick it up, why bend out backwards? Not like you care about them. Would be one thing if you won a ball or picked one up from a league or even a tournament.

******
Every league balls come with free drilling, still take it to my proshop.

[EIGHTBALL033]

Enjoy your warranty, good luck if you ever need it. If you can look your guy in the face. Got my NM for 220 out the door, thumb, grips and drilled. Plus, I put some good money back into my local economy. Think a BW would be 190 or 200 for me, so online is not worth the hassle and waiting. Plus, I can tell him to get top weight and pin placements I want. Call'em or email before he leaves the house on Friday have what I want after work. Consider some of the other deals he provides me, paying for balls and in stock stuff does not bother me.

TOO EACH THERE OWN! :rolleyes:

WITH GIVING BACK,BUT IF 40+ OR MORE THAN ONLINE I GOTTA GO WHERE ITS BENIFICIAL TO MY POCKET, I GOT 3 KIDS 1 IN COLLEGE AND 2 TO GO:eek: I HAVE SEEN SOME OF MY PRO SHOP BALLS ALL INCLUDED 50+ OVER ONLINE:cool:ALSO ABOUT WARRANTY YOUR RIGHT(KNOCK ON WOOD)HOPE IT DOES NOT BITE ME IN THE ARSE

[slap]

got my second BW bought and punched for 160 flat, including grips. got my tuff bought and punched for 60 flat. there is NO way in hell any online store can top that price/service whatsoever. next time any of you that buy your balls online and go to a pro-shop on a regular basis I gaurantee you'll be wating until the puncher is finished with "his" customers first. not to mention that he/she will be in a hurry or rushing to get whatever you want done so they can get back to their regular customers needs. just my 2 pennies.

My pro didn't blink twice about drilling the two balls I got online. I got the same level of service as I did with the four I purchassed from him. Maybe it's because I am a regular customer and he wasn't carrying either of those balls.

[jedi47]

In mini-money Iowa, I have to watch EVERY penny closely,,,,,,that being said, I saved between $80 and $100 (per ball) buying my balls from mgbowling.com and paying the $50 for drilling & inserts in Dead Moines.

[EIGHTBALL033]

My pro didn't blink twice about drilling the two balls I got online. I got the same level of service as I did with the four I purchassed from him. Maybe it's because I am a regular customer and he wasn't carrying either of those balls.

they know its hard to beat online price and profit,my guys cool,i think,all in business:cool:

[dw800seeker]

This is interesting thread. I have purchased a bunch of balls online. Usually from proshops selling stuff on ebay. My experience has mostly been pretty good. However, last couple of times I have found sellers that were WAY TOO SLOW and NOT PARTICULARLY IMPRESSIVE.

Toxic is the only Hammer I have purchased online and it came with 2 inch pin when I thought I was getting 3 inch pin. Ball took more than 2 weeks to get when I usually can get my equipment within a week from "my people."

For accessories I still like online shops, for bowling balls I pretty much will never go online again.

[BlackWidow95]

My proshop guy wouldn't mind if I bought my balls online, as long as I get them drilled there.. It costs $75.00 w/ the Finger grips and thumb slug included.. But, he knocks off $15.00 for me..

I have only got one ball online and it was my free one.. Those proshops make a killing off just drilling a ball.. But, if you want top of the line service I would say get to know your proshop guy, they usually cut ya good deals..

I get 10% discount on everything I buy at mine.. I got my Widow for under $200.00. I also know many people who buy their bowling balls online, I guess its whatever your preference is...

I do agree with the post above though, bowling accessories should be purchased online, its usually cheaper..

[slap]

[QUOTE=BlackWidow95;15266] But, if you want top of the line service I would say get to know your proshop guy, they usually cut ya good deals..
[QUOTE]

Yep that's the key. Once you become a regular face in the shop your shop operator will bend over backwards to help you. Even if I'm not buying anything I poke my head in the shop once a week just to talk bowling.

[BlackWidow95]

[QUOTE=BlackWidow95;15266] But, if you want top of the line service I would say get to know your proshop guy, they usually cut ya good deals..
[QUOTE]

Yep that's the key. Once you become a regular face in the shop your shop operator will bend over backwards to help you. Even if I'm not buying anything I poke my head in the shop once a week just to talk bowling.

Yeah, when I go into the proshop, he's always like "Hey Nick, hows it goin?".. Even if he is already in conversation with everyone.. I recommend everyone I know to him, hes a really nice guy.

[Trydent]

a good relationship with your house is key to this. Sure my pro would like to sell the balls they have, but hes also not dumb, when im charged 15$ for a complete drill (with grips / slug) why on earth would i shell out an extra 70 dollars to get the ball from them? I wouldn't, if it was +- 20 bucks, then yea prolly, but 70+ come on now. I am All for supporting my house, which is why i bowl there, and buy all my accessories there, and have all my balls drilled there. But im not filthy rich, and you can buy extended warranties on your ball online if you feel so inclined to do so (I dont) and have never had an issue **Knock on wood**

[TenPinSniper]

Dont think you can beat the deals my proshop provides.... plus great service.
Some of the deals he gives me beat online. When I do bring him a ball I aquired from league, he drills them cheap. None of this 50 dollar crap.
He knows where I buy my stuff. Considering he drills for Wife, Son, Daughter and Me.
Talking around 15, 9 and the kids 1 each, in 8 years... plus bags, shoes, cleaners and tools.

[Street Racer]

I dont buy from the site, gotta love knowing a suppiler:)

[EvoZoo1985]

Has anybody on here ever gone through BuddiesProShop.com for any kind if supplies: shoes, towels, bags, balls??? Found a pair of shoes on there for cheap and wondered how they are.

[BlackWidow95]

Buddies is the online shop that I have bought through once.. EXCELLENT service.. If I ever have to buy anything online again thats where I will go!!

[EvoZoo1985]

Thanks BlackWidow, Im always a bit hesitant about using online resources that Ive never heard anything about (good or bad). Im gonna go ahead and order the Dexters I think.

[BradM]

Buddies is a good place. Bowling.com bowlersparadise.com bowlingball.com all seem to be good too.

[can-ham]

Buddies is the online shop that I have bought through once.. EXCELLENT service.. If I ever have to buy anything online again thats where I will go!!

Ok so I'm all about the proshop especially for buying balls and drilling, cleaners, bags and resurfacing. However I ordered my shoes (dexter sst 6) from buddies. Great service all the way.

Shoes my proshop in Canada just can't get in for cheap they are $200 more in Canada, my proshop guy understands because I bought a new ball with the extra $200!

[EvoZoo1985]

Shoes my proshop in Canada just can't get in for cheap they are $200 more in Canada, my proshop guy understands because I bought a new ball with the extra $200!

Wow! Thats a hell of price increase. Im getting pretty sweet deal at the proshop Im near at college, so I wouldnt go online for a ball unless all the specs worked out that I saved like $30 or more... Sounds like a sell-out, but college has rendered me poor enough without me making it worse. Thanks for the reassurance Can-Ham! Nice to know I didnt order of a shoddy website.
:D

[Lightning1]

I frequent 2 pro-shops and both are sweating the online phenom. That being said, they are really taking the time now to be more competitive with online pricing by offering incentives to keep the business local

1 Free drilling after every fourth
Price discounts on equipment purchases
Same day service (on balls in stock)
Next day delivery on out of stock items (unless they are hard to find)

I will only buy a ball on-line if I am looking for an x-out or a used ball to tinker with. Even then the pro-shops go out of their way to make me feel comfortable and they have done more for my game by properly fitting me into a ball with drillings accurate for my style

[Nitehood]

I am not sure whats best. My local pro shop doesnt seem to carry a lot of balls. Things like the Vibe, they say they cant get any more. But online a mot of folk still have the Vibe.

I am all for supporting my local shop, but they seem to push the balls in there shop, which is very few.

The fact seems to be, that if you are in good with your local shop (they see you all the time, you talk to them, etc) they throw a lot of things in for free. Off the street guys get higher prices.

I think I will start visiting all the bowling alley's in town to see there shops.


~Nitehood

[nomercy1]

I got my No Mercy from Doug Kent's Rose Bowl Lanes in Newark, NY (yes, THE Doug Kent) for 112 with inserts...it was a used ball, plugged and redrilled for me. Apparently Doug tried a No Mercy for a few games and didnt like it, i was gonna get a Blue Vibe, but for this price, couldnt pass it up, their normal price is 209.99, finger inserts are 11.95 i think. Drilling #4 by the way. Lanes are pretty dry there normally. The ball is SICK. Now i gotta focus on my bowling and accuracy.

and if you wonder, yes ive seen Doug there before, quite a bit. Hes a nice guy and ive seen him out picking up the parking lot instead of making his workers do it. that amazed me :)

support the local pro shop. i will :) although for a bag ill probably get that online, unless its cheaper at the pro shop or close enough...