BallReviews
Equipment Boards => 900 Global => Topic started by: banjoec on September 03, 2012, 07:47:35 AM
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Is it true that 900 Global will no longer be approved for use in PBA events?
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900 Global is definitely on the PBA approved list. Lord Field is new to the approved list this year. Only thing I wonder is if anyone will be throwing their stuff.
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I had read this on PBA.com message board.
http://pbaforum.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1041173&gonew=1#UNREAD
Doesn't make it a fact, but did get me concerned.
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During roll call Saturday 9/01 at the PBA Western Regional in San Jose, the PBA tournament director announced that AMF and Global are no longer registered as of
September 1st and that there was a grace period until the end of this month.
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I thought that AMF was only grassroots (regional), and that 900G was national. Weird.
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If that is the case where 900 Global isn't approved on tour now, then that is really strange. I wonder what happened.
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900 Global/AMF/3G will not be registering for the PBA in any form this season. That goes for national and regional competition. We have contemplated this decision every year and this year we have made the decision to stand our ground. I could give you a very long drawn out explanation but in short lets just say the registration fees FAR out weigh the value they provide. We want to support the pba, the players and bowling at a professional level but the money we spend each year could be spent better in so many different ways then how it is currently. The fact is the fees they charge to serve such a small group and then the benefits we are given as a sponsor just do not make any sense. We will be spending this money in other ways that will benefit more bowlers on a wider range and thus help spread our name and our products performance in a more justifiable manor.
I apologize to those players that use our products currently in PBA competition. I urge you to express your discontent to the PBA as well. Make them aware that their actions and registration fees are not in place for your protection, but are limiting your choices for competition. Hopefully our position is understandable and if you have any questions, concerns or comments feel free to email me at erict@900global.com
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Was considering dropping my card anyway, but now that over half my arsenal can't be used that decision is made. When Barb asks why I'm dropping I will be sure to mention this. Not that it will get past her, or anyone would care if she did pass word along.
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I myself am a little upset by this decision. I understand that it is a business/financial decision but as a new staffer, I was literally in the process of making my travel plans for the World Series and really looking forward to it.
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I am glad that 900 Global made this decision. Yes it sucks for the guys that liked to user their stuff on the regional and national tour but the registration fees are outrageous and as Eric said, what do you get for it? Nothing. Maybe a couple hundred people watching the tv show every week.
Look at last year. 900 Global won the summer shootout cup and it didn't add any interest to their product.
Hopefully this adds to more innovation and more value at the pro shop level.
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On one side, it's sad to think that a ball company realizes that the PBA is a losing game. It's like throwing money down a hole. Chances are, you're never going to see that money again. Phil decided to not pay the fee for Radical, and I have to agree with 900G/AMF on this one. Stinks for the staff guys, but they can throw almost anything and look good.
I, for one, feel the days of the PBA are coming to an end. It's not like the days of ABC. We've sunk even lower in the public eye since we've moved to ESPN. No one is going to let it die peacefully, because if you throw more money at an idea, it must get better.
No, we're going to watch what most of us grew up watching and idolizing choke on it's own puke and die a painful death. The humane thing would be to put it out of it's misery.
Companies like 900 Global and AMF just aren't sticking around to watch the last breath. Bravo to them.
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Hard business decisions need to be made in todays economy. I stand behind 900 Global and it's decision. Ball manufactures have to spend their time and money benefiting the customer in what they think is the best way possible. The amount of return on their investment at this time doesn't seem justified. I expect 900Global to continue to provide customers with their great service and products. jim
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This is a sad day. Not just because I have a small arsenal of undrilled 900 Global equipment in my closet. I try to see both sides of the issue. A Made in USA ball company cannot compete, as the national tour becomes more international. Touring pros cannot afford to travel to tournaments when it includes the cost of airfare.
Mr. Thomas, thanks for posting. I can respect 900 Global's position.
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It's an understandable financial decision. It seems to me like the big impact for PBA members will be losing the ability to wear 900 Global Shoes.
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What would happen if every ball company got together and decided not to register. Just sayin.
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Everyone would be free agents! Oh no!
Sad when even bowling ball companies don't want to spend the money on the PBA tour. No wonder they can't get sponsors.
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From my understanding, the product registration was suppose to be temporary.
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I don't think it will have any impact on the PBA per se, but it might hurt what limited visibility you get from the PBA. Had it been a major brand I think it would of hit home more should Ebonite International or Storm make this stand.
In the end bowling balls are sold by what is the predominant manufacturer in a particular bowling alley and the pro shop owner.
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As a bowler I understand the decision. As a part time regional bowler that 100% of my arsenal is 900 and AMF, I am toast. Since I am over 50 I now will have to give SASBA a stronger look. I will not have to make the final decision to drop my PBA membership for a couple months, but tax reasons may be the only reason to keep it for now. Unfortunately I asked this question before converting my arsenal to all 900 equipment and was assured that they would keep the grassroots even if the dropped off tour. I also know that I seldom see anyone in the Southwest throwing their stuff but myself, so what does that tell you about justifying the expense. I also purchased two new balls just a couple weeks ago and wish I was informed then of the decision I could have saved almost $200. Luckily Dale let me know before I ordered another ball today. I will be bowling a PBA50 event this weekend and then make a decision to go to Fort Smith or not as my final event for a long while. Personally I wish all the ball companies would stand up and say no at least to the regional fees, I understand the costs associated with the Tour but regional s seem to be paid for by the centers and entry fees not a lot other than that. Have to say a bit upset at this decision, but not sure who I am upset at; 900, PBA or myself for putting all my eggs in one basket. I do have a sponsor deal for my tournament promotions company for items I give away to participants, but not for myself. These two items are separate in my mind, but I wouldn't promote anything I don't believe in and use.
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I wish all manufacturers would stand up to the registration fees. This was only suppose to be temporary from what I recall but turned permanent. There are people who constantly complain about exposure for bowling. So when things go south (bad choice of words )lets create a way to have manufacturers' get screwed. Why doesn't Brunswick, Ebonite, or Storm buy the PBA? Maybe all 3 join some kind of pact? There obviously is a problem to generate revenue.
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I think it sure would be interesting if all ball companies made a stand and said screw you. Something would have to give.
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I never have understood the benefit manufacturers receive from the PBA, when they commit and send $125k to the PBA for full registration, other than they are supplying life support for a broken business platform. Bowling in general is declining, membership, centers closing every week, the sport needs to be revived, then worry about the PBA if it is still functional.
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I understand and kind of surprised that more companies haven't did the same. The fee's are outrageous and there isn't any true value these days.
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I totally support this idea from 900 Global. It is sad that professional bowling has come to charging such an insane amount of money for bowlers using their products. I hope this inspires the other companies to stand up and maybe something can be done about this.
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I've been using 3G shoes since they were called Dynoroos. When the shoe name changed to 3G, Dynoroos were no longer registered. So I called up 900G and Eric Thomas went above and beyond to get me a new pair of 3G's at a reasonable price so I could continue to bowl regional tournaments. Now with this decision, 3G will no longer be registered. I don't blame 900G, I blame the PBA for charging such outrageous fees to support a business model that has been unprofitable, ridiculous, and out of whack for many years now. For me personally, this is the last straw in my relationship with the PBA. I refuse to be forced to wear a pair of inferior bowling shoes by a different manufacturer who chooses to pay the fee. I will no longer support the PBA until they come to their senses, do away with the registration fees, and allow all USBC approved equipment. Thank you 900G for taking a stand and doing what you feel is right. Hopefully the other manufacturers will take a stand and do the same.
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If the players keep bowling for the limited prize funds and no voice in what is happening, would it not be better for them to drop their card and bowl amateur events with larger purses with way more events? It seems that the WS is the best option for them to make any cash and even that is limited. Can the PBA down size staff to save cash? Couldn't they rent an office @ USBC or BPAA? The same people keep running this group and nothing ever changes.
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I've spent the better part of two years building my arsenal from 900 global
but today i find out that they are no longer on the pba approved list.
i don't have a problem with this because if it's usbc approved you should be able to
use it.i was thinking of bowling in a few pba regionals in the southwest region but there is no way i would rebuild my arsenal for the pba. i say stick to your guns 900 global you still have my support. went out last week and bought the look and pardon the pun looking forward to more success with 900!
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Darn it! You mean i have to buy new shoes and balls. Just getting used to my bullwhip and am about to buy another next week. Oh well, it doesnt affect my THS bag so im good. Kudos for someone willing to stand up to the PBA who's been pissing away money for years and im hoping that one of the bigger companies stands up and tells the PBA "NO, we are not going to pay your fees so that you can gamble our money on bad ideas that you spit ball"
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Here is what I find very frustrating. Nowhere on the PBA member home page after logging in does it reference 'beginning Sept. 1 900 Global and AMF are no longer registered. You will have a 30 day grace period' The only thing you can identify that they are not registered is by the resource page for approved equipment. Plus they took the offers off. I also find it interesting that there are only 7 sponsors. With USBC being one of them. Are our USBC dues supporting any part of the PBA and if so how much?
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Maybe there needs to be a complete restructure in regards to bowling in general. Maybe the PBA needs to go away and while I am not fond of how the USBC operates, I think it would be interesting if everybody pros and league bowlers all bowled under one association. If ANY bowler wanted to compete in a tournament then go ahead and enter. This way anything approved by the USBC can be used and the PBA would not be able to strong arm the bowlers Everyone pays an entry fee kind of like the world series of poker does. That should make the prize amounts better and it might even make the sport interesting and exciting again. I am sure there are lots of reasons this cant be done and I am probably way off base but I just finished drinking a pot of coffee and felt like venting!
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Venting after just one pot, my god man need not enter a java drinking contest with me then, lol. I was thinking the PBA needs to find more outside "donations" to keep their fantasy league operating, instead of bleeding the equipment manufacturers dry. Go after some of the big corporate names for their prize money, operating capital, charge equipment manufacturers less or a nominal year fee. They have probably tried only to find out the " conglomerates" know its a loosing cause. Hell does MLB, NFL, NBA charge teams a cover charge each year to play? I'm probably out of line, but it isn't the first nor the last time I'm sure. Vent Off !!
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I wish all the ball manufacturers would send a message to the PBA!!! What the PBA does, I believe is a form of extortion and they get away with it!! Watch ESPN Classic when they show the older PBA shows from the 60's thru the early 90's and you can see the slow changes!!! The shows from the late 60's and 70's shows the stands were full of fans. Also, look at the sponsors that were involved back then compared to now!! Can you imagine getting $10,000 check presented along with a new car? They stopped the show to make the presentation on the approach!!! Kudos to AMF/900 Global for not submitting to the extortion from the PBA!! Look at the companies that refuse to pay the high fee: Visionary, MoRich, AMF/900 Global, Radical, Lane #1! Am I missing anybody? Just my $.02, Bruce
P.S. This is my opinion only and not a representative of the beliefs or feeling of the Brunswick Corporation! Maybe they should talk to Storm/Roto Grip and the Ebonite Brands about this outrageous fee!!!
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Agreed. I remember John Mazza being a pitch man for Hilton Hotels when he won the 94 Hilton Hotels Classic (Best Walter Ray 2nd place finish ever, IMO)
Even though that was on the summer swing, which was slower, that show had just as much excitement as the ABC shows. Mazza bankin the ditch, Walter piping it, 300 game by Butch Soper, Mazza running it out to win and slapping it out in WRWjr's face.
One of the best shows I've ever seen, period. Nothing flashy, just good bowling by good bowlers.
I can not find ANYTHING except for the 300 on youtube, but trust me, show was EPIC.
Now, I could care less. Not because of technology, but because the show doesn't inspire want to be there on that stage.
Once again, bravo 900. You have a big set to take a step like this.
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Maybe there needs to be a complete restructure in regards to bowling in general. Maybe the PBA needs to go away and while I am not fond of how the USBC operates, I think it would be interesting if everybody pros and league bowlers all bowled under one association. If ANY bowler wanted to compete in a tournament then go ahead and enter. This way anything approved by the USBC can be used and the PBA would not be able to strong arm the bowlers Everyone pays an entry fee kind of like the world series of poker does. That should make the prize amounts better and it might even make the sport interesting and exciting again. I am sure there are lots of reasons this cant be done and I am probably way off base but I just finished drinking a pot of coffee and felt like venting!
Something like that needs to be done! we need to drink a pot of coffee before league on tuesday!
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Awesome! Thanks for the kind words Bill! I will buy the java Tuesday!!!
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A pot of coffee before bowling? Holy moley. That would not be fun... for me. Maybe that's the way I can amp up my ball speed...
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Dunkin coffee is the best! Lol
Awesome! Thanks for the kind words Bill! I will buy the java Tuesday!!!
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True that on the Dunkin! Good stuff and reasonably priced! Unlike the PBA! LOL!
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I work from home, so my Keurig is the bomb. I should actually put one right in the office, instead of having to go ALL THE WAY to my kitchen.
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I have also cancelled my PBA membership. I would only bowl 1 - 3 regionals a year so I am not expecting any great change with my cancellation (ha ha). I have always wanted to get my "Card" ever since I was a teenager. I left the sport of bowling for approximately 12 years due to college and work. I came back about 5 years ago and was in a position to get my card and afford to bowl a few regionals. My membership was $12 a month and what did I get? Discounted entry fees and ball deals from REGISTERED PRODUCTS. Wow. Bowling has once again become my passion like it was when I was a teenager not just a hobby. I have argued with myself about giving up my "Card". It almost feels as if I am giving up my childhood dream which I was able to obtain. But after weighing the Pros and Cons on keeping the "Card" the Cons far outweigh the Pros. Look at some of the manufacturers who have not renewed their PBA registration over the years, Lane #1, MoRich, and Visionary just a few I can remember. Not to mention Linds shoes. I have not used all of these products in the past but I have used a few and they are good products. I only use 900 Global/Amf products now. I found a great company with great products. Unless the PBA finds a new way to generate revenue and do business I do not think it will be around much longer. Just my two cents.
Thank you Eric and 900 Global for standing up for the average bowler. I will continue to use 900 Global/AMF equipment.
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The more I thought about it, this is a good move for 900 Global/AMF. Bottom line is that the tour is being mismanaged, and rather than fix the real problem with tour leadership, they want to pass the problems onto the manufacturers.
Even though I don't throw 900G/AMF right now, I have been really impressed with what they have come out with over the last several years, and may consider picking up a piece to see how it matches up with my game. I also know that Eric has a good staff working with him, and it's a good decision to invest in us, the bowlers rather than a sinking ship in the PBA tour.
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I'm surprised that many of you think this is a good move for 900 Global, personally I think it's a gamble that isn't likely to pay off. Not something I would do if I wasn't an established brand, and I probably wouldn't even do it if I was without concerted action on the part of all the brands to force change.
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I personally think it's a great move. When you consider the amount the PBA is asking the manufacturers to pay in registration fees and then average that with the dwindling number of telecasts we see and then factor in 900/AMF's small pro staff and their probability of making the show each and every week, you come up with the following conclusion...big waste of money.
The money they save by not registering with the PBA can and will be better spent in marketing their product directly to the pro shops and the bowlers themselves.
I am willing to bet that could save enough money to be able give each and every pro shop they have listed on their website 2-3 balls for promotional uses.
Now...would they reach more bowlers by doing that or by paying the PBA's huge registration fee???
Think about it.....
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I totally agree with you Doug, the guys on TV don't sell balls, it has been said over and over, a few may have shops most don't. I have never bought a ball based off what they throw on the show, many times they are offered a bonus to use a newer ball or just released to gain more exposure for the ball, not necessarily the ball they may have qualified with, but it gives the viewing audience that impression.
The cost of the contract, any incentives, travel, entry fees, the number of balls each staffer is given or asks for, times the number of staffers is huge chunk of money plus the registration fee with the PBA equates to a hell of a lot of net profit being drained off the bottom line.
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I was asked an interesting question. The PBA makes ball, shoe and accessory companies pay them a licensing fee or whatever they want to call it to use their products in their events. So, what about other sports. How much does the NFL and NBA or the PGA charge Nike so the athletes can wear their shoes, shirts, etc. I never really thought about that angle, but betting a lot more than the PBA is charging. Now when you compare the successful business model of those three groups to ours there isn't much comparison, but you don't hit a golf ball on tour someone hasn't licensed. So, based on the profit level, what would be a fair price and does baseball charge fees for equipment used in AAA ball? or just the majors? Be interesting to see the difference. Of course how many different baseball or golf ball manufacturers are there? You don't use a brand X basketball in one game and a different one in the next, they use one ball all the time. Heck they don't need different balls its not that complicated. Just a different view on the same concept.
I don't see the financial advantage to paying for regional use by a ball manufacturer to the PBA and also do not understand why the PBA thinks they need to charge a fee for that level. I do understand a need at the tour level and on TV.
As far as seeing guys using a ball on TV and buying one. I have done this myself in the past and once upon a time it was very common. I have had guys come into a pro shop on Monday and ask what ball a player was using and wanting to buy that ball. Pre-internet it was a big part of how we learned about different balls, etc.
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Yes, bowling balls are bought due to the PBA all the time, they are called youth bowlers. They might not know any better, but I am willing to wager that their ball selection, at least among competitive youth bowlers, is largely determined by their favorite professional bowler.
I understand why they are doing this, but I don't see how this doesn't hurt them in the end without concerted effort by the ball manufacturers themsevles on this issue.
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So now what will the PBA do to make up the revenue lost due to another ball company running away from the extortion bullies? Jack up the fees from the remaining ball companies? Somebody has got to pay or the top of the pyramid wont get rich. What will the PBA do???
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Well, there is the newcomer Lord Field, which is registered for this year.
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Oh, thank the Lord......Field. I was getting worried for the top of the pyramid. I am sure the PBA big shots are wringing their greedy little hands!
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Yep, Lord Field eliminated the loss of fees from 900 Global. In fact, it's revenue neutral for the PBA (if the PBA brass even knows what that means).
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Yes, bowling balls are bought due to the PBA all the time, they are called youth bowlers. They might not know any better, but I am willing to wager that their ball selection, at least among competitive youth bowlers, is largely determined by their favorite professional bowler.
I understand why they are doing this, but I don't see how this doesn't hurt them in the end without concerted effort by the ball manufacturers themsevles on this issue.
Are you serious? Youth bowlers influenced by professional bowling...Please?
The logic behind the comment could have been validated like 15-20 years ago when these stars of bowling where on ABC and everybody with a TV and rabbit ears could tune in. I remember in the mid 80's, although I was just a kid, when moms and dads everywhere where league bowlers and they'd watch the ABC telecast as families. Bowling was HUGE back then and you knew all the bowlers.
But really...with todays economy! Even the past 5 years, you want to sell a bowling ball, lower the overhead and bring prices down. There isn't a parent in their right mind will buy their youth bowler a $250 bowling ball just because they saw somebody on TV bowl with.
Put it on the shelf, make it look pretty and save that same customer $50-$60 dollars. Now your selling bowling balls.
Since we are going down this path, even if it was PBA bowlers driving up sales because kids saw them using so and so's product. Most of these kids lack adequate coaching to take full advantage of the potential that todays equipment offers.
Lower the prices and get some certified coaches to spend some time on the lanes Saturday mornings. Have these ball companies hand out a few jersey for the coaches to wear and give them a couple balls to throw with the kids. Now your getting product reped right if front of their eyes. It's still a financial risk, this way more people have the chance to take advantage of what's available.
One other thought... Have these companies work out a grant program with youth associations. Apply for equipment. Between the 2nds and Blems and low end equipment that could be given away. Spend your marketing dollars by putting so products in the hands of beginners for free. That's going to say more than some guy (or girl) you catch a glimpse of while surfing through the channels waiting for the next NFL game to start.
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It's not revenue neutral. 900 Global was paying for All Tour Competition for 900 Balls, Grassroots for AMF Balls, and Limited Footwear for 3G Shoes. Lord Field is only paying for Grassroots. Which would cancel out or neutralize only the AMF part of 900's deal. Huge loss here for the PBA, couple hundred thousand to be exact. As a PBA member/competitor and pro shop owner I generally only support those brands that support the PBA because it is how I make a living. I apparently won't be using my 3G's after this weekend which totally sucks. In my opinion the best shoes on the market. However kudos to Eric Thomas and the rest of the company on this decision.
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Well it is official I am now an amateur again. Just got my letter in the mail from the PBA accepting my cancellation of membership.
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how does it feel to be a member of the nobody faction of bowling again? Welcome home !!
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Well when DV8 and Motiv registered and Lord Field to a lesser extent, the PBA gained a lot. Enough I would say to overcome the loss of Global 900/AMF/3G.
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Sure they fill some of the gap, but what difference does it make? DV8 is still just a fancy name for Made in Mexico. Motiv satisfies only the smallest market. And Lord Field who/...looks like old stuff with new names to me.
Biggest looser is the PBA and not in terms of $$$. 900 Global/AMF has become a force to be reckoned with. Given they are relatively new on the scene compared to EI and SBP...most loyals wont watch because they wont see their equipment on TV. Less viewers, lower ratings less revenue...bye bye PBA
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Thanks Tekneek. It is bittersweet since as stated before it getting my PBA card has been a childhood dream. But thank you for welcoming me back.
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sad to see, more sad to have to say it in your case, but we of the ranks of "The oh so ordinary house hacks" welcomes you home !!
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Consider it getting out before the boat goes under. It's already doing a nosedive Titanic style.
"DON'T LET GO, ROSE!"
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Motiv has been PBA registered for a while. DV8 is owned by Brunswick. Lord Field is the new kid on the block and isn't paying the full fee. With AMF/900 Global/3G leaving they're losing extra revenue that hasn't been made up by another company paying the extortion fee. Everybody has seen the decline of the PBA for years and it's only a matter of time/short time before it doesn't exist! It almost as good as the USBC raising the fees for the Nationals the year they go back to Reno, a place nobody wants to go!!!
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+1 on extortion fee (great name)
-1 on hating Reno (love that lil dirty Vegas!)
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Thanks again Tekneek. Doom that made me laugh. The sad part you are correct in your comparison to the Titanic.
Until the PBA changes the way it conducts business the course will not change.
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i made a statement about a week ago on the fact that 900 global will no longer be on the approved list for PBA events. their having a regional stop this weekend in fort smith Arkansas.well boys they had 30 some odd entries for this party,i was their last year and know for a fact that was a least double that last year. now is it any wonder 900/Amf did not want to pay this extortion fee for the mighty pba! looks like to me 900/AMF knows what their doing-------signed
900globtrotter proud owner of a 900 global arsenal made in the usa!!!!!!!
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I do like the center in Fort Smith and had plans to go their this year, but had to change my mind after last weeks PBA50 in Euless. The PBA has a major issue in this area this weekend. SASBA is hosting their Member/Guest in Shreveport and it is a full field with a waiting list. That particular event is Very popular and closer than the PBA event to Dallas as well. Then you can take your pick of casinos if bowling doesn't go too well.
We had over 70 entries in the Greenville regional in August, but only 27 in Colorado, 36 at the PBA50 and well sounds like not much up there which is sad. Like I said, I do like that bowling center.
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Topic is pretty much old news, but just found another reason to be disappointed at the decision (though I do understand). I have been tossing about what company or companies equipment I might replace my 900 arsenal with so I can bowl regionals. I was more or less on Storm's southwest staff years ago, so thought why not look at them and Roto Grip. I did like both the balls I rolled from them at the recent event in Dallas. Well guess what, if you aren't a full member of the PBA they won't sell to you. So, there goes the discount. I did have a full membership for many years but a bad back forced me to dial back (pun intended) my participation and chose the less expensive standard membership. Anyway so the only choices become Ebonite or Brunswick brands. Ebonite makes purchases rather difficult with a mail in only option and no pin choice. Which is a great example of why I use 900 products. They are so customer service oriented and Eric has always gone beyond to get me what I needed for weights, pins or support. So the PBA membership takes another hit and keeping the card or not gets to be a tougher decision.
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That sucks Tex.
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Tex-
I am in the same dilemma. However, I've purchased limited equipment in the past few years from Ebonite/Columbia and requested pin and top and got very close to what I asked for. Brunswick on the otherhand, I would not even buy direct from them. Plus they are no longer going to give any type of discount to PBA members according to a post I read in the DV8 section. They say that are trying to help the brick and mortar shops by doing this. One of the perks of having a PBA membership is being able to purchase equipment at a discounted price. For Storm,thats totally screwed up. I stopped buying their stuff when the decided to put that 'full membership' offers out there. But wait, junior memberships have discounts too so maybe it was due to that? whatever the reason, the PBA has declined in membership. Entries are way down. Offers are getting too picky. The whole registration process was not suppose to be 'permanent' it was suppose to be a temporary thing. Yeah, we see how temporary thats been. Ok, rant off now. lol ;D
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I think today is a fantastic day, now Eric can take the saved money and put my beloved AMF RPM Swirl Pearl back in production and maybe consider a Green Mamba Pearl!
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Topic is pretty much old news, but just found another reason to be disappointed at the decision (though I do understand). I have been tossing about what company or companies equipment I might replace my 900 arsenal with so I can bowl regionals. I was more or less on Storm's southwest staff years ago, so thought why not look at them and Roto Grip. I did like both the balls I rolled from them at the recent event in Dallas. Well guess what, if you aren't a full member of the PBA they won't sell to you. So, there goes the discount. I did have a full membership for many years but a bad back forced me to dial back (pun intended) my participation and chose the less expensive standard membership. Anyway so the only choices become Ebonite or Brunswick brands. Ebonite makes purchases rather difficult with a mail in only option and no pin choice. Which is a great example of why I use 900 products. They are so customer service oriented and Eric has always gone beyond to get me what I needed for weights, pins or support. So the PBA membership takes another hit and keeping the card or not gets to be a tougher decision.
Tex, Ebonite will take fax orders via credit card.
As to Storm/Roto, they are hit and miss as far as pin requests; seems like it depends who pics your order. Besides, some of their recent offers (Berserk, Shatter) are within a couple of dollars or actually more expensive then via online retailer.
I also agree with your sentiments regarding 900G, I didn't use much of their stuff, but service was excellent, and they went out of their way to fulfil my requests. Sorry to see them go from the program.
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Tex-
I am in the same dilemma. However, I've purchased limited equipment in the past few years from Ebonite/Columbia and requested pin and top and got very close to what I asked for. Brunswick on the otherhand, I would not even buy direct from them. Plus they are no longer going to give any type of discount to PBA members according to a post I read in the DV8 section. They say that are trying to help the brick and mortar shops by doing this. One of the perks of having a PBA membership is being able to purchase equipment at a discounted price. For Storm,thats totally screwed up. I stopped buying their stuff when the decided to put that 'full membership' offers out there. But wait, junior memberships have discounts too so maybe it was due to that? whatever the reason, the PBA has declined in membership. Entries are way down. Offers are getting too picky. The whole registration process was not suppose to be 'permanent' it was suppose to be a temporary thing. Yeah, we see how temporary thats been. Ok, rant off now. lol ;D
I am a old PBA Member going to the same problem. I have a full membership but I haven't gotten to bowl due to work. The offers from Brunswick are not discounts. They are the same price if your were go to EBAY and pick it out yourself. I am in a huge dilemma since I do match up with the DV8 line well. Plus, I have gotten requested time for a regional in December, hopefully I can have enough to buy the New pair of shoes I have too since I live in San Antonio and I have worn 900 global shoes since they were ABS. My anger came from the fact is I live in San Antonio, went to the factory to pick up my equipment and got them drilled and a week later they were no good for PBA. I will still support my local companies but I was not trilled with the execution for the whole process. The moral of the story is become a great Ebay bidder and hope your pro shop doesn't charge $55 a blank drill before thumb slug and have a nice day.
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Tex-
I am in the same dilemma. However, I've purchased limited equipment in the past few years from Ebonite/Columbia and requested pin and top and got very close to what I asked for. Brunswick on the otherhand, I would not even buy direct from them. Plus they are no longer going to give any type of discount to PBA members according to a post I read in the DV8 section. They say that are trying to help the brick and mortar shops by doing this. One of the perks of having a PBA membership is being able to purchase equipment at a discounted price. For Storm,thats totally screwed up. I stopped buying their stuff when the decided to put that 'full membership' offers out there. But wait, junior memberships have discounts too so maybe it was due to that? whatever the reason, the PBA has declined in membership. Entries are way down. Offers are getting too picky. The whole registration process was not suppose to be 'permanent' it was suppose to be a temporary thing. Yeah, we see how temporary thats been. Ok, rant off now. lol ;D
I am a old PBA Member going to the same problem. I have a full membership but I haven't gotten to bowl due to work. The offers from Brunswick are not discounts. They are the same price if your were go to EBAY and pick it out yourself. I am in a huge dilemma since I do match up with the DV8 line well. Plus, I have gotten requested time for a regional in December, hopefully I can have enough to buy the New pair of shoes I have too since I live in San Antonio and I have worn 900 global shoes since they were ABS. My anger came from the fact is I live in San Antonio, went to the factory to pick up my equipment and got them drilled and a week later they were no good for PBA. I will still support my local companies but I was not trilled with the execution for the whole process. The moral of the story is become a great Ebay bidder and hope your pro shop doesn't charge $55 a blank drill before thumb slug and have a nice day.
I wish it was $55 a blank drill before grips/slugs. In my area it ranges between $65-$75, you will pay a total of approx. $90 complete. So, I'm sure I will get slammed from pro shop owners now about complaining about how much it costs. I wish I made $65-$75 an hour at my job.
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Coming from a pro shop prospective, if you only worked 3 or 4 hours a week, (3 or 4 blank balls) that wouldn't be much. It's a way of keeping your head above water.
But I know what you're saying. There's a difference between being fair and gouging.
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I used to live in the proshop and Wouldn't you make more of someone like me who brings 15 balls in a season and charge me 30 instead of one gouge of say 75 and never see me again?
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I used to live in the proshop and Wouldn't you make more of someone like me who brings 15 balls in a season and charge me 30 instead of one gouge of say 75 and never see me again?
I'm just glad my pro shop operator was able to find a new place since bowling centers are dropping like flies. He charges approx. $46 complete with inserts/thumb. He doesn't care if you buy a ball from him or anywhere else. Yes, I have asked him about this too. It doesn't put him out of business if you don't buy it from him. It's easy money for him too. In fact, i'm sure he doesn't mind not having to order as much stock. Of course, if there's any issues with the ball, you need to deal with whoever you bought it from which is common practice anyway. While he wasn't in a place for 6 months, I looked around my area to see how much it would cost to drill a ball. It sure was a rude awakening to see. As far as I am concerned and I don't care if the guy at a shop gets mad, I challenge them as to why it costs so much for bringing a blank ball to get drilled. it's funny how they get all defensive as to me asking why? Why shouldn't I be able to ask? I want to know what I am getting for my money. If you want to charge some ridiculous price to drill a blank ball, expect to get questioned. Oh wait, that forces you to buy directly from them because that's basically what they are doing. How convenient. I've ranted about this for the past year and it's old and I know again, I will catch heat for it but I don't like having to get F***** up the ahole. Maybe some others do, but not me. **sorry, didn't mean to sorta hijack this thread**
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No worries here.