themagician,

 You said Ebi would’ve closed the doors regardless. Is that something you know for sure, or just speculation (like most of us are doing)?

 This is astounding to me, especially since there weren’t any leaks, or even rumors of anything, especially as big a deal as this is in the bowling world.

 Big B has always made good stuff, and for years was all I would throw regardless of where it was made.

 Feel kinda sorry for everyone caught up in the losing side of this deal. I’ve been the person in that position before, and its damn sure not a good place to find ones self in. One day you’ve got a good job with a stable employer, the next you’re unemployed and wondering how and where to go.

 I hope all those Ebonite customers who were refusing to buy Brunswick because of where they are made can see their way past that and continue to support the brands of their choice. Otherwise, you will now have only Storm, Rotogrip, Motiv, 900Global, and maybe the odd private label stuff (that a lot of is poured in China, which isn’t American made either).

 If the sale was inevitable, I’m at least glad they didn’t just kill the brands off and decided to keep them going.

 I still remember when Ebi acquired all the assets of Columbia300 (which included Amf300 and Dynothane) and I was surprised when that happened, but at least we had all heard rumors. This one just seemingly fell out of a clear blue sky.

Whew, Brunswick must have really wanted that KR Strikeforce contract back.

#realtalk

Total speculation here. Hammer stays, the rest get axed. Hammer is the best selling EBI brand, and the name is still good.

lefty50,

Thank you for your honest response.  Your experience is very real to you, and I appreciate your candor, but complaining about the global economy doesn't change a thing.  To quote you, "It is what it is..." 

One can wish in one hand, and spit in the other, and see which hand has the most in it.

Quote from: Impending Doom on November 16, 2019, 10:56:58 AM

Total speculation here. Hammer stays, the rest get axed. Hammer is the best selling EBI brand, and the name is still good.

Yeah makes sense, 7 brands is too many under one roof. EBI was struggling with 4.

Hammer has literally been carrying EBI for a while, they bring the most to the table of the 4 brands.

Yeah, Hammer has had a good run recently. Black Widow Pink, Flawless, Vibes, etc. Did C300 and Track make some good stuff? Yeah! But Hammer sales had to best everyone else's numbers.

As far the made in USA thing. For many people I think it is different for a bowling ball. You ball is a personalized thing, it's custom drilled for you, and after years of bowling, there just seems to be some things that belong on that ball. You're drilling the pin, cg, and that engraving on the back on the ball "made in USA."

So that missing for the ball, is very noticeable. There is also a choice in what ball to get, where other items may not have a choice. My mouse doesn't' have made in USA engraved on it, nor are there USA made mice readily available.

Motiv definitely has used the made in USA thing a small part of their marketing.

As far the made in USA thing. For many people I think it is different for a bowling ball. You ball is a personalized thing, it's custom drilled for you, and after years of bowling, there just seems to be some things that belong on that ball. You're drilling the pin, cg, and that engraving on the back on the ball "made in USA."

So that missing for the ball, is very noticeable. There is also a choice in what ball to get, where other items may not have a choice. My mouse doesn't' have made in USA engraved on it, nor are there USA made mice readily available.

Motiv definitely has used the made in USA thing a small part of their marketing.

EBI has used that as well.

Quote from: JamminJD on November 16, 2019, 02:20:11 PM

Quote from: Impending Doom on November 16, 2019, 02:03:02 PM

Quote from: JamminJD on November 16, 2019, 01:59:16 PM

Quote from: Impending Doom on November 16, 2019, 10:56:58 AM

Total speculation here. Hammer stays, the rest get axed. Hammer is the best selling EBI brand, and the name is still good.

Yeah makes sense, 7 brands is too many under one roof. EBI was struggling with 4.

Hammer has literally been carrying EBI for a while, they bring the most to the table of the 4 brands.

Yeah, Hammer has had a good run recently. Black Widow Pink, Flawless, Vibes, etc. Did C300 and Track make some good stuff? Yeah! But Hammer sales had to best everyone else's numbers.

I was told 2 to 1 for Hammer over the other 3 brands compared to Hammer..

All you have to do is go to a league and look at the ball returns. That tells you all you need to know

Yep. Speculating here but maybe Big B wanted EBI for Hammer. Brian Graham still works for Big B and he spearheaded and was over Hammer back in the early to mid 2000's before he left to help start DV8..