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Author Topic: Plugging a Ball...  (Read 2323 times)

cenastyle

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Plugging a Ball...
« on: March 16, 2008, 02:10:54 AM »
Stupid question, but, I really don't know!  Is there any DISADVANTAGE to buying a used ball, plugging it and re-driling it for me?  I've never had a plugged ball (and don't know anyone who does).  Am I going to see anything different in the roll, break, carry etc. over a new ball?  Just curious.

 

the pooh

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Re: Plugging a Ball...
« Reply #1 on: March 16, 2008, 12:41:52 PM »
There are two disadvantages to plugging:Aesthetics and plug is subject to break,shrink,come out.Performance should be about the same,although I have seen balls that were plugged multiple times and the core was almost gone!If the look of plug doesn't bother you and the price is right,do it!
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azguy

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Re: Plugging a Ball...
« Reply #2 on: March 16, 2008, 12:53:10 PM »
If the plug work was done right, if the color match is close and you can get the ball for a good price, go for it. If you think about it, you throw the ball down and who knows what 'creature' is back there waiting to put a nick, a big scratch in your brand new, very costly ball. If you can get the same ball, plugged, and it's a good job, when that 'creature' attacks your ball you are not out that much.

Most folks will have some plug work done at some point. A nick, a gouge or just wanting to change pitch/span. As I say, if it's a good job, it'll last as long as most balls do.

JMO
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cenastyle

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Re: Plugging a Ball...
« Reply #3 on: March 16, 2008, 04:14:15 PM »
quote:
Stupid question, but, I really don't know!  Is there any DISADVANTAGE to buying a used ball, plugging it and re-driling it for me?  I've never had a plugged ball (and don't know anyone who does).  Am I going to see anything different in the roll, break, carry etc. over a new ball?  Just curious.

A follow-up to my original question:
Would there be any issues with plugging a ball that was drilled for a LH bowler if I am a RH bowler?  Would I have to worry about CG's being out of whack or anything?  I can basically get 4 mid-high performance Brunswick balls (Twisted Fury, Fury solid, Ultimate Inferno and Radical Inferno) from a friend for about $150 for all 4.  I don't want to spend the $ if there are going to be problems with plugging and redrilling.

Graaille

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Re: Plugging a Ball...
« Reply #4 on: March 16, 2008, 08:58:46 PM »
Have two balls that were drilled lefty originally and are now plugged and drilled righty.  Not a thing wrong w/them -- the nice thing about switch-overs is that the track area is virginal 93.725% of the time, so it's like getting a new ball for used ball price.  Since the 4 you mentioned are symmetricals, absolutely no problem whatsoever.  If they were true assymetricals, there might (depending on philosophy on mass bias importance) be a need to throw them on a determinator just to make sure the mass bias is still close to where it's marked.
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sdbowler

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Re: Plugging a Ball...
« Reply #5 on: March 16, 2008, 09:02:30 PM »
For $150 for those 4 balls even though they are plugged is a deal. Hell if you don't take the deal there are many people that would do it. Jump on the deal and have fun. I have a few balls that are plug and redrilled and there is no problem at all.
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Kyle

Waldorf Salad

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Re: Plugging a Ball...
« Reply #6 on: March 19, 2008, 01:45:49 AM »
Yes, their is a disadvantage.

Plugging does change the weights and core of the ball around. Plug is lighter than the rest of the ball.  Any part of the core that was drilled out by the first drill is being replaced with light material.  The core is not the same as in a new ball.

What's more important to me is the condition of the coverstock.  It just seems to me that all used balls people try to sell have "just a few games on it".  I'm too concerned the good days of the balls life are behind them when it comes time to plug and redrill the ball.  

It's a gamble.  You may get a good ball, cheaply.  It may be a piece of junk.  Personally, I've had success plugging MY equipment when I didn't like what the ball was doing and the new layout worked much better.  I've had mostly poor results drilling "bargains" that I've found.