Tell me what you think

[JeffsInControl]

I know it's not a Hammer, but can you guys tell me if the Brunswick BVP Rampage is a good ball? Hammer products are over my price range, so I got this ball for only $85 with free shipping. I wanted a BW, BWP, NMB, or a NM, but they are all very expensive balls (around the $125-$150 price range). So, here is what the ball looks like:

http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/9452/rampageyl4.png

If anyone wants to sell me one of those Hammer products I've mentioned for cheap, PM me. Thx a lot.

[ghc83]

a friend of mine uses that ball in our league...its not a bad ball...hes a fast player with alot of revs...usually plays between middle and 3rd arrow out to about 4 board...it really all depends on the house condition..they like to mess with us alot for some reason..lol ive always went by the motto you get what u pay for...most of the time when i by a mid price ball i get mid price performance...

[TenPinSniper]

Why not get a Anger or Toxic? If you where closer to me, I know where you could a BWP Cheap... shipping would kill this deal for you.

[SplitMaster]

LMAO..he gets on the Hammer site to ask about a Big B ball...LMFAO hahahaha.....could have bought an Anger for 10 more bucks brand new...lol...and in my opinion the Anger is the strongest ball Hammer has out right now. But as far as the BVP Rampage...Ive seen a couple teenage girls and some old women throw it for senior league...they dont put many revs or much hand in it..so it pretty much doesnt do anything...thats all Ive see from it so far

[JeffsInControl]

Yeah. I was thinking about getting a Toxic or Anger, but on most sites they are over $100. I was looking for a ball around the free-$90 price range with free shipping. I've seen people use Hammer and it looks great, but I need a job to afford one. It's hard to find a job when you're only 16. I thought it was a reasonable deal to get the BVP Rampage brand new for only $85. You can't beat that.

[idlehourlegend]

For 2 dollars I can beat that.

http://www.buddiesproshop.com/product/4638/Hammer_Cherry_Vibe_Bowling_Ball_.htm

http://www.buddiesproshop.com/product/3214/Hammer_Vibe_Bowling_Ball_-_Blue.htm

[JeffsInControl]

What I'm trying to say is that for the price of $85, you're getting a brand new ball that's aggressive on the lane.

[SplitMaster]

the vibe is more agressive than the rampage

[TenPinSniper]

I'd go with the Vibe for a new ball in that price.

[JeffsInControl]

Is the Vibe more aggressive? The Blue Vibe is aggressive, but doesn't have much of a backend. It does have a lot of overall hook though. I've seen the Cherry Vibe thrown, but not in a good way. The person that threw the Cherry Vibe averages a 140 and he THROWS the ball 19 mph. I honestly, just by the way he threw it, didn't think it was a good ball.

[bluerrpilot]

Both Vibes are stronger than the Rampage. And even though it arcs alot, the BV still has pretty good backend.

[SplitMaster]

Yup...both balls are a better bang for the buck..I havent in my opinion seen the rampage thrown by anyone with success...but as I stated..the couple times I seen it thrown was old people and young teenage girls...I havent see a guy throw one..or anyone with any kind of umph.....

[Dado]

cherry vibe is an amazing ball and it can be drilled to be very aggressive...

[Rowdy]

Please...just stop. Buy a Vibe and get it over with. They haven't made a Brunsh....Brewski.....One of THEM balls that's worth a Doo-Doo.

[JeffsInControl]

lol!!! If I had another $70, then I would, but since I don't I guess I'm I'm going to stick with my T-Road PEarl and my new BVP Rampage.

[Rowdy]

Don't forget to clap as I accept the trophy instead of you.

[SplitMaster]

So you are on a Hammer forum...and the only balls you own are a Storm and now a Big B? WTF.. This is a Hammerhead site

[Rowdy]

I was wondering about that......then I realized that no one at Brunshi...er,Brewski,,,,,um,THAT ball company owns a computer. So I guess that's it.

[idlehourlegend]

How would you wind up paying 70$ more for a vibe when your paying 85$ for a BVP, vibes are 87$ with free shipping on Buddies.

[GreenRidgePro]

As a pro shop owner I get SICK TO MY STOMACH every time I sign on here and see guys pushing internet ball sales.Think about what you will pay for drilling,if anyone will even drill it,slug,grips,etc.Then what do you do if something happens to the ball,take it back to the guy that drilled it? I doubt it.Isnt it better to just buy it from a proshop,someone who can watch you bowl prior to drilling the ball,and someone that will be there to answer your questions after the sale.There is a Great article about internet ball sales in this months Bowlers Journal,it is a MUST READ.

[JeffsInControl]

On bowlingball.com Hammer Vibes are $85, but if you enter a promotional code: XMAS15 it turns into $70. I don't know why you guys have to be jerks just because I can't afford Hammer products and most of you guys have jobs and can afford 20 balls. I can't. I save up my birthday money just so I can bowl in my league and maybe afford a cheap ball. I've only been bowling for 2 years and I use one ball and I still maintain an average of 190. So, why do you guys have to make fun of all of the other bowling companies. Just because you guys are rich, doesn't mean you can make fun of everyone. So, just chill out.

[Dado]

As a pro shop owner I get SICK TO MY STOMACH every time I sign on here and see guys pushing internet ball sales.Think about what you will pay for drilling,if anyone will even drill it,slug,grips,etc.Then what do you do if something happens to the ball,take it back to the guy that drilled it? I doubt it.Isnt it better to just buy it from a proshop,someone who can watch you bowl prior to drilling the ball,and someone that will be there to answer your questions after the sale.There is a Great article about internet ball sales in this months Bowlers Journal,it is a MUST READ.

as someone that has bought all my bowling balls through the same shop i agree 100%. i could save as much as $20-$30 if i buy my new balls online and have them drilled, but with all the help i have gotten from my local shop im the one thats making out.

and jeff, why did you buy a $85 ball that everyone advised against over the $70 ball that everyone suggested???

[JeffsInControl]

Honestly, I heard that the Cherry Vibe is a great ball, but when I saw this video, I made up my mind. I know it was stupid of me to just go by this video because there could have been so many factors to why this ball hooked so much. Such as: Dry lanes and Lots of Revs. Here's the vid though: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Q3mASHjCMnw

[SplitMaster]

As a pro shop owner I get SICK TO MY STOMACH every time I sign on here and see guys pushing internet ball sales.Think about what you will pay for drilling,if anyone will even drill it,slug,grips,etc.Then what do you do if something happens to the ball,take it back to the guy that drilled it? I doubt it.Isnt it better to just buy it from a proshop,someone who can watch you bowl prior to drilling the ball,and someone that will be there to answer your questions after the sale.There is a Great article about internet ball sales in this months Bowlers Journal,it is a MUST READ.


Well I know enough to lay out my own balls...and drill them using the bowling alley's equipment..but lets see...a bowling ball at the alley drilled is 205 plus tax.....for the same ball ..I can pay 100 or less...on the net...then drill it myself for free....or...have them drill it with slugs grips and everything..for about 45-50 bucks..wow...saves me 50 bucks...not that money is an issue...but I am a consumer...as is most other people that walk on earth...I look for what I want at a cheaper or reasonable price....the end...and if something happens to the ball..well,,that hasnt happened yet..knock on wood..and if it does..Ill politely pay to fix it...I know alot of threads have went back and forth with the internet pro shop local house proshop ordeal...to each their own and however they want to feel about it..more power to them...this is only my opinion...I have a 45 minute drive to any other alley besides my local house....the driller here is a crackhead...I wont let him touch my balls...thats why I drill them myself anyway...so...in my case..Id pay 205 for a ball drilled by a crackhead who basically drills your ball how he wants...nah..not me..Ill drill my ball the way I want to..buy online..and save 50-75 bucks.....like I said though.its my opinion...everyone has one.

[hbhammerhead]

jeff, it sounds like you just wanted to get a new ball. no offense, but i think that you made a bad move paying $85, when you could have got a hammer ball, that a lot of people know about, for the same or maybe cheaper. Next time before making an impulse buy like that just ask someone with experience and do the research. i've purchased a lot of bowling balls, but i'm extremely happy with everyone that i have and i use every ball that i have. do the research and it will most likely pay off for you. i hope that rampage ends up to be a pleasant surprise for you and you like the ball and i would just shake off the negative comments. save your money and get yourself an anger or a black widow solid. they are great bowling balls.

i agree that it is cheaper to buy a ball online and it's works out good if you make sure to request the right specs etc. i got my black widow solid online for $110 shipped and got it drilled with grips and slug for $20 more. i love the ball and i saved $80.

[Dado]

Honestly, I heard that the Cherry Vibe is a great ball, but when I saw this video, I made up my mind. I know it was stupid of me to just go by this video because there could have been so many factors to why this ball hooked so much. Such as: Dry lanes and Lots of Revs. Here's the vid though: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Q3mASHjCMnw

that guy could hook a black widow clear:p

[GreenRidgePro]

Dado,
Thank you for the support,I see,as always,I am fighting a losing battle with the internet shoppers.Maybe in their area,they can take an internet ball to their pro shop and get it drilled for 20.00,furtunately,in my area ,that is not happening.Thankfully all the proshops in our area agree,and stick to our prices for internet drilled balls,if we will even drill them at all.For that reason I became a member of ProShopsInTheDark.com yesterday,and I hope many if not all pro shops follow me in the fight against internet sales.As for some of you,obviously you have your opinions on this,and I am sure,none of you were ever proshop owners,or even had your own business of any sort.And you know what they say about opinions,,,,,,,,enough said.

[hbhammerhead]

Dado,
Thank you for the support,I see,as always,I am fighting a losing battle with the internet shoppers.Maybe in their area,they can take an internet ball to their pro shop and get it drilled for 20.00,furtunately,in my area ,that is not happening.Thankfully all the proshops in our area agree,and stick to our prices for internet drilled balls,if we will even drill them at all.For that reason I became a member of ProShopsInTheDark.com yesterday,and I hope many if not all pro shops follow me in the fight against internet sales.As for some of you,obviously you have your opinions on this,and I am sure,none of you were ever proshop owners,or even had your own business of any sort.And you know what they say about opinions,,,,,,,,enough said.

hey man i feel for you. i know it's hard to deal with the cheap prices over the internet and it sucks that the pro shops are getting screwed by it. i've personally bought 3 of my balls from my pro shop and payed a lot but my guy says that he cannot give me the deals like on the net, it would hurt him. i feel lucky to have a pro shop that will accept internet bowling balls. if i could get bowling balls for a little bit more than the net at a pro shop i would definitely go for it, but the fact is i'm saving at least $50 every time i buy a ball.

[idlehourlegend]

Honestly, I heard that the Cherry Vibe is a great ball, but when I saw this video, I made up my mind. I know it was stupid of me to just go by this video because there could have been so many factors to why this ball hooked so much. Such as: Dry lanes and Lots of Revs. Here's the vid though: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Q3mASHjCMnw

That guy is hooking that ball that far with a sarge easter grip and a weight hole. That guys rev rate is threw the roof.

[SplitMaster]

Dado,
Thank you for the support,I see,as always,I am fighting a losing battle with the internet shoppers.Maybe in their area,they can take an internet ball to their pro shop and get it drilled for 20.00,furtunately,in my area ,that is not happening.Thankfully all the proshops in our area agree,and stick to our prices for internet drilled balls,if we will even drill them at all.For that reason I became a member of ProShopsInTheDark.com yesterday,and I hope many if not all pro shops follow me in the fight against internet sales.As for some of you,obviously you have your opinions on this,and I am sure,none of you were ever proshop owners,or even had your own business of any sort.And you know what they say about opinions,,,,,,,,enough said.


Yup I know what they say...like I stated its my opinion...as Im sure you have one as an opinion on how I feel as well..this is the new age...the internet is the super highway...including sales...Im glad you joined a clan to fight for your right to be a proshop owner...more power to you...but like I said..consumers go for price...its that simple..no I dont own a business..nor ever have...nor would I want to..but if I did Im sure Id feel the same way you do....I did have a buddy take his internet ball to a shop and they didnt want to drill it...the way I see it..bad business there..piss on em...take your ball and your 50 bucks elsewhere...lol...let them lose more money..they dont wanna drill it...they dont want to make money....woot woot..but all in all..happy holidays to you folks!

[TenPinSniper]

What this really gets down to having proshops around drill these internet purchases for you. Not everyone has the drill press at their disposal. While their are some crackpot or even crackhead proshop owners... lets hope they get weeded out.

Luckily we have some companies helping the cause... Ebonite has cracked down on releasing there balls early,no customer or proshop should have their hands on a new release a day early... sure Ebonite would love to hear from you if you know other wise...

Other than staff and seed balls of course.

Have also heard some of these guys selling over the Internet are Distibutors... just what I heard.

Guess it really gets down to the level of service you want from your proshop. SplitMaster sounds like you may truely may have a issue. Personally, I drive half way across town (about 30 minutes) to go to my proshop of choice, to me is all about good service. So I really don't feel bad sorry for anyone who doesn't want to drive a little ways for a good shop. Can imagine what it would be like in bigger cities, like Dallas, Chicago, etc...

[VmsTopGun]

after about 5 minutes of research.
NYC Subway to Grand Central Station 2$
From Grand Central to Fairfield CT, via Metro North 21$ round trip, leave Saturday 9:00 am arrive @ 10:20 am
Taxi @ Fairfield CT to nutmeg bowl, 2.75 miles ??5$x2
custom fit, drill and grips 38$

Llke IdleHour pointed out and a Clint Eastwood flick,
for a few dollars more.

[BubbaRay]

Ok now I will give my opinion on this subject. Is this all about internet sales and proshops drilling the balls? Seems that way to me. Well let me ask this. Will the pro shop owners drill bowling balls for people and the juniors who recieved their new equipment as a birthday gift or a Christmas present that wasn't bought at your pro shop? What if the balls were bought at a local bowling lanes other that one that has a pro shop. Would the pro shop owners not want to drill their equipment? If so it's bad business.

Now don't get me wrong if the proshop owners do not want to drill the stuff that's their perogative. But aren't you loosing money at the same time! If someone saved $20-$50 on an internet purchase and took it to a pro shop to drill and the pro shop charges $50 for dilling the ball being it was bought elsewhere what's the problem? You are making money no matter what.

I have always stressed support your pro shop . I have a very good relationship with mine. But money is money. They save , you make. Simple.
Drill the balls with the understanding that if anything happens to the ball they have to deal with the place of purchase. If something happens to the grips or slug then the pro shop has the option to stand behind what they sold. Also it might just turn out that the ones who bought elsewhere wiklkl see the service they recieved and keep comming back and I bet they will start buying from the pro shop. I feel pro shops should drill balls bought else where , I know I would if I had a pro shop and still offer the same type of service to them as I would to my customers who purchase from me. Did you ever think maybe they came to you with their stuff because one of the pro shops customers told them how good you were? Think about that. Would you tell your customers that if they know someone who bought off the internet or another lanes tell them not to bring it to you? I can't belive a pro shop can't compete and still survive with bowlers buying elswhere if a ball is $130 on the internet and $150 at the pro shop. I know what some balls cost pro shops. It costs the internet sites alittle less maybe because they buy quantity. Wich means they make a little more profit on each. It's not going to close some pro shops. People have to get them drilled. Which means money for your business. And then they might come back and buy a bag or other accessories.

Well that's enough of my opinion . Maybe I made some good points and maybe I didn't.

And this is a direct quote from ProShopsintheDark.com

Pro Shops In The Dark is not about going on a rant against distributors, manufacturers or Internet retailers. It is about the pro shops working together toward a common goal- to bring a level playing field to the industry in which we all can compete and survive.

We need to recognize that we, the pro shops, are the driving force of the industry and take action accordingly. We must purchase smarter and we must sell smarter. Support the people and businesses in the industry that support us. As times change, all aspects of the industry have changed, but the one thing that is still intact is the valuable service and knowledge provided by your local professional ball driller. We believe this has been forgotten by some of the bigger entities in the bowling community.

And in my opinion not drilling internet sold balls is not providing the valuable service and knowledge.

[SplitMaster]

Oh I dont have an issue with it..like I said...I drill my own balls there...they dont have a problem with it because the wife and I spend so much tie and money there....Id rather dril my bal anyway...I make my living by exact measurements...so I know its going to be right is all...thats all Im saying...its no biggie...its just I know eventually the driller will be ran off and the equipmets will still be there...so I learned what I needed as far as my balls and the wifes ball to be able to drill them for what we needed them for...thats all...I wasnt complaining..just stating something is all....I hope everyone gets a ball for christmas!

[Vibeowner]

I bought a new Road Hawg from the internet, the guy at the pro shop drilled it for $40 plus cost of inserts...I checked the price on the blue vibe at the pro shop I ended up buying it on the internet to save what I thought was about $30 bucks, Took the vibe to him and he said no problem he would drill it up. My mistake for not asking the price, He jammed it up my butt for $80 plus cost of inserts. I politely smiled and paid, I recently, after bubba suggested having my pro shop guy watch me bowl and let the pro shop tell me how to have it drilled bought a new black widow. I drove 40 miles out of my area to a different alley to purchase the new ball...Hope the $80 he shoved up my butt was worth it.

[GreenRidgePro]

I certainly dont have a problem drilling them for 40.00-50.00 as long as they can be drilled to get the reaction they want.If someone comes in with a pin in ball and wants the pin at 5"+ from their PAP,,,guess what ,,,not happenin.Because if I do drill it,they better get the reaction they want or its THE PRO SHOPS FAULT.

[Rowdy]

Bubba you hit the Nail on the head. Pun intended. For the life of me I can't figure out why Pro Shops don't pool their resources and buy the same balls as internet places at the same price. The Pro Shops already have an organization that they belong to,gang up and buy in quantity. Beat the internet goofs at their own game. Of course this would mean actually being nice to a customer who walks in while you're telling your one US Open story that everyone has heard a thousand times. You would have to smile and say,"How can I help YOUR game today?" Aahhh,forget it. No one will EVER say that in a Pro Shop. What was I thinking???:confused:

[Rowdy]

Yo,Green Ridge. Get off your high horse. If there's a problem with what the customer ask's for and what you give him,guess what? Someone didn't communicate properly. How come I watch guys drill balls and never have a come-back? Easy. They TELL THE CUSTOMER THERE IS NO REFUND BEFORE THEY DRILL THE DAMN BALL! Can you figure this one out??? TALK before you drill. Layout the ball with the customer standing there. ASK if he wants any changes. Then drill the ball. If the guy doesn't like it afterward,hey,it was his decision. There's such a thing as a customer who comes back and wants to buy more stuff! Amazing!!! But most Pro Shops will never see my money because of the way I'm treated when I walk thru the door. Then the fool see's me a hour later,Hammer bowling shirt on and 4 Hammers in tow. NOW I'm his best friend,like I forgot how he blew me off an hour ago. I've left the lanes and driven to another house to buy from their shop,just to p*** off the idiot in the shop where the tournament is. Moral of our story:Be nice and you get money,don't be nice and go broke.

[SplitMaster]

If Ya Smellllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllalalalalalala lalalaaallllll..........what The Rock.....is cooken!!!

[BubbaRay]

But before you drill a ball like that, that's where the the valuable service and knowledge comes into play and explain that what he wants and what's in the ball will not work together. And I bet the customer will respect you for that because that's why he came in the first place. And if he still insists, before anyone drills it make sure it's understood you are not responsible.

[Rowdy]

An easily read sign will take care of that problem. Along with something on the reciept.

[Spare Time Proshop]

Bubba you have a lot of it right but I would say as a Proshop owner most proshops try to mark the ball price up to much and then charge a drilling fee...I will stand all day and drill balls from other proshops or from on line shops we charge a price of 35.00 for a high line ball and 25.00 a plastic ball and will stand behind the slugs or grips but not the ball the customer will have to go back on the seller for that.....But we as proshop owner need to make sure that manufacturers arent selling ball in lots for a cheaper price they should cost every shop the same all over the country.... no buy 4 get one free and if so limit the number you can buy so that big money does push the market around and drive the proshop out of business...

[BubbaRay]

But we as proshop owner need to make sure that manufacturers arent selling ball in lots for a cheaper price they should cost every shop the same all over the country.... no buy 4 get one free and if so limit the number you can buy so that big money does push the market around and drive the proshop out of business...

I do agree with the proshops veiw on that point. Everyone should be charged the same .

[Rowdy]

Why don't you guys get the IBPSA involved? Pool your buying power and buy cheaper. That's the way free enterprise works. Now you're making more cash per ball and keeping all the dough in the Pro Shop. Plus you can stand behind your work. Then you'll have the advantage over the internet places.

[Rowdy]

Don't work that way,Bubba. The mores you buys,the cheaper they gets. Fact of life,like it or not. Pro Shops CAN beat the internet goofs,but they have to band together to do it.

[TenPinSniper]

All the proshop would have to do is team up to make buld purchases together...

Heck in theory if you have more locations, you should sell more bowling balls, then make a website for your customers, with pricing and tips....

Just think about for tips:
Slide-relate it to how good bowling shoes give a better slide, push off foot, adjustable slide pads and heels...
Cleaning-clean ball last longer is give better reaction...
Release-how wrist braces can help provide consistent release...

All of these could boost sales... offer coupons with each tips... (They could be prorated on how much you spend...)

Heck my proshop sent out a coupon this past summer for free set of grip to anyone who returned the coupons... thats a $6 value.

Then on the same post card there was a deal for Hook Again, Resurface and grips for $25 or $35... he almost had to buy another couple of Hook Aagin Chambers, they where full all month. Think he even showed up on his off days to roatate balls out and new ones in... this was in June... do you really think we would have had this kinda business in the Summer, saw a couple customer come in for free grips ask out his Oil Change Special... he closed the deal more than he did not.

It's all about marketing and customer service.

[mongoliantreesloth]

Coupla points:
1. Don't bag the OP for buying a Brunswick. Plenty people here have them. I got a Groove.
2. If the OP doesn't have a lot of money to throw around then that's ok. We don't all have limitless budgets, especially 16yr olds just out of school. He plays in a league - good on him.
3. Keep on banging on about how he could have done this or should have done that is more likely to make him think Hammerheads are a bunch of tossers, thereby making it unlikely he'll want to become one when it's time for the next ball.
4. Pro-shops can't compete with internet sales. Fair enough. Pro shops do, however, get the money from the drill and more than likely from the slug and inserts as well. If it wasn't for internet balls people would probably buy less of them, thereby lessening the drilling/insert profit of the pro shops. It all balances out.
5. Where I am, my local proshop still wants AUD$295 for a HawgZilla and AUD$245 for a Show Time Sanded. A Pain is AUD$195. Makes the internet very attractive doesn't it.

[trumanorme]

Jeff, I'll give you an honest answer.

The Rampage is a pretty decent ball, for the price. It is not a top of the line ball, but it is a good second tier ball. Several guys in my league use these balls, and do quite well with them. Don't let anyone get under your skin for asking about this ball on a hammer site. I'm sure that several of us use several brands of equipment, for different shots. My main ball is a Brunswick Inferno. I have a Hammer that I use alot, too.

The main thing is to get the ball you can afford, and keep bowling. As you get more experience and want to upgrade your equipment, then give the top of the line Hammer stuff a serious look.

[JeffsInControl]

Thanks a lot. I have a pretty aggressive strike ball right now, so I was trying to get something a little less aggressive. So, I think the BVP Rampage is a good choice. But, you're right. I will jump on the bandwagon as soon as I get the money. I mean most people on here badmouth other ball companies. Those companies never said Hammer was bad. And I don't understand why I can't talk about other products from different brands on here because we're all fellow bowlers and we all know that Hammer is a great brand, but there are several other good quality balls from Storm, Track, Brunswick, and Columbia 300.

[hbhammerhead]

well hopefully the rampage works out for you. i have no problem with using other companies. i use lane #1 equipment too and i think that they make good products that work for me. i think that there are a lot of members that don't like other ball companies because they have had bad experiences with the brand but it doesn't mean that it's bad for everyone. and i think the reason why you got some negative feedback was that you said you paid $85 for the rampage when you could have gotten a cv or a toxic (with less aggresive action) for the same price and you posted that you want to use hammer. that's all. there should be no hard feelings in this forum. we are all working towards the same goal here. to become better bowlers. if that means you get that way using hammer, ebonite, brunswick, morich, etc. as long as you keep improving that's what counts. so go bowl and have some fun! :D