BallReviews
Equipment Boards => Hammer => Topic started by: splendorlex on July 14, 2006, 12:58:17 AM
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It just seems they are really on top of their game right now, and I'm considering going to an all Hammer lineup. Heck, my first ball was a Burgundy (which I still have and have been considering redrilling for light) and my first HOOK ball (the burgundy was conventional) was a Sling Blade. Heck, if it were 15 I might STILL be using that ball! But after having the Doom for awhile, I'm really excited about the whole line. If I put the Doom in the middle, what would be a good choice to go above and below it for a 3 ball arsenal? I was thinking a purple Vibe and maybe a Pain.
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Check out my bowling journal!
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I'm not a bowler, but I do play one on Ballreviews.
If you don't like Wrigley, you might as well leave the country and join the Taliban.
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I don't see a lot of people going all Hammer. Do you mean do we see in the future people going all Hammer or do we see out and about people are using all Hammer?
I do check out what other people are using when I bowl and I either see people using Storm stuff or The One or Big One. Occasionally, I'll see a Columbia ball here and there like a Bully.
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Current Arsenal:
Geddy Lee
Living in their pools they soon forget about the sea...
Disclaimer: Yes, I know who writes the lyrics.
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Fluff,
I'm talking more about future tendencies, as in I think we WILL start to see more people going all Hammer. For the price, I don't think the Raw series can be beat, and I only see it getting better.
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Check out my bowling journal!
http://www.allbowling.com/journal/public.php?uid=1792&leagueid=912
I'm not a bowler, but I do play one on Ballreviews.
If you don't like Wrigley, you might as well leave the country and join the Taliban.
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It's possible that in the future it could happen. The Black Widow is pretty hot and I am considering one. If I could convince myself I could find a use for it and get past the size of the logo. I do like the Gas Mask core balls a lot. They are seriously wicked and I want one. From how everyone is describing the Black Widow, it sounds just like the Big Blue and Big Deal.
Then you have your Hawgs and your Raw Hammers. Why not go all Hammer?
I really think you can make any ball work so it's really what do people prefer. I think on a pro shop shelf (or whatever you call those things), the Hammers will stand out next to the pukey looking Columbia and Brunswick balls. They are pretty sharp looking.
Maybe the Raw Hammer series can't be beat, but it is certainly matched... So really it comes down to people's preferences.
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Current Arsenal:
Geddy Lee
Living in their pools they soon forget about the sea...
Disclaimer: Yes, I know who writes the lyrics.
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My next ball will be a Pain, to go above my Doom.
The Vibe will be my next ball after the Pain.
My Raw Doom is great on my Thursday night Sport shot at Beverly.
I match up pretty well with it.
Ryan, I don't think you can go wrong with those 3 balls.
Maybe a Black Widow as an addition down the road.
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Duke Harding
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Bowling Coaches Web Site Link (http://"http://www.bowlingcoach.com/")
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The backend move on the Black Widow scared me a little bit.
I don't know if I could control a ball like that. I do think that the Pain, Doom and Vibe could be a great (and cheap!!) three ball arsenal.
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Check out my bowling journal!
http://www.allbowling.com/journal/public.php?uid=1792&leagueid=912
I'm not a bowler, but I do play one on Ballreviews.
If you don't like Wrigley, you might as well leave the country and join the Taliban.
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No I don't. What I do see is people doing more mix and maxing then in the past, using bowling balls from several different companies at the same time rather then going to an all one company arsenal. I think hammer has winners with the Doom and Black Widow both of which will make many a person's bag over the next year or so. But, most people use only two bowling balls, three at most and under those circumstances at least one of those bowling balls will be more than a year old, probably older.
Chuck
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Yeah also you have to think, what do you mean by people exactly? Which kinds of people? I think most people just buy what they like and don't care which company it is. Otherwise you are missing out on potentially good balls right? Hammer has a couple of the coolest stand-out balls out there now, so probably as the year goes on more and more people will grab those.
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Current Arsenal:
Geddy Lee
Living in their pools they soon forget about the sea...
Disclaimer: Yes, I know who writes the lyrics.
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quote:
It just seems they are really on top of their game right now...
Is that why P.A. left?
Joking.. we all know it basically has nothing to do with the equipment and everything to do with the money...
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"Chuck Norris doesn't say "who's your daddy", because he knows the answer."
-borrowed from ChuckNorrisFacts.com (http://"http://www.chucknorrisfacts.com")
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quote:
I think most people just buy what they like and don't care which company it is.
All else equal, that's probably true. However, what I'm seeing is that people are buying what the pro shops are recommending to them. So if a given shop is run by someone with a ball company affiliation...well, you know the rest.
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...formerly "The Curse of Dusty," and "Poöter Boöf" before that...
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quote:
All else equal, that's probably true. However, what I'm seeing is that people are buying what the pro shops are recommending to them. So if a given shop is run by someone with a ball company affiliation...well, you know the rest.
Ah you are correct there.
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Current Arsenal:
Geddy Lee
Living in their pools they soon forget about the sea...
Disclaimer: Yes, I know who writes the lyrics.
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Hey splendorlex not to rain on your parade but I checked your profile and I see that last fall you finished with a 165 avg and 182 avg current in you summer league. You list your high series as a 624.
With these avg's, I would NOT worry about new gear that much, looks like you got a Big One, Doom & Vapor Zone among others..Thats way to much gear for your avg...All you need is 1 ball and just pratice with that.
When just starting out and your learnig how to hook the ball, hit you mark, find a line ect...Going through 20+ balls will hurt you game, more then help it.
Pratice your spare game as well..If a bowler can pick up most of there spares, that almost a 200 avg right there...Add in a 2 or 3 bagger now in then, you then aug 210.
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Nothing but Dyno-Thane 
Live by the hook...Die by the hook 
Robo-Arm bowlers SUCK...
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Dang that's kind of harsh.
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I kind of agree with 302efi.. I see alot of 165-175 averages bowlers that talk about having 4 or 5 bowling balls and buying every new ball out and honestly, that makes no sense at all..
Why not use that extra money to take a couple of lessons from a reputable coach.. That will for sure raise you average faster than buying another new ball..
Once again, each person is free to buy and do whatever they want to improve thier game, but from my experiences, solid spare shooting and a positive attitude will take most people to the next level in bowling..
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Official member of the Texas Express, 2005-2006 BallReviews.com Scratch Doubles Champions!!!!!
on 4/18/06: 193 298 193, now thats a consistant league night, huh?? LOL..
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quote:
It just seems they are really on top of their game right now, and I'm considering going to an all Hammer lineup. Heck, my first ball was a Burgundy (which I still have and have been considering redrilling for light) and my first HOOK ball (the burgundy was conventional) was a Sling Blade. Heck, if it were 15 I might STILL be using that ball! But after having the Doom for awhile, I'm really excited about the whole line. If I put the Doom in the middle, what would be a good choice to go above and below it for a 3 ball arsenal? I was thinking a purple Vibe and maybe a Pain.
--------------------
Check out my bowling journal!
http://www.allbowling.com/journal/public.php?uid=1792&leagueid=912
I'm not a bowler, but I do play one on Ballreviews.
If you don't like Wrigley, you might as well leave the country and join the Taliban.
I do not see a lot of people going all hammer but I have noticed more people with hammer ballz in there hands. They have not been releasing anything bad latly.
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Zack Pelton
Bowl To Win!!!
My space account below
http://blog.myspace.com/zacksabigpimp
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quote:
I kind of agree with 302efi.. I see alot of 165-175 averages bowlers that talk about having 4 or 5 bowling balls and buying every new ball out and honestly, that makes no sense at all..
Why not use that extra money to take a couple of lessons from a reputable coach.. That will for sure raise you average faster than buying another new ball..
Once again, each person is free to buy and do whatever they want to improve thier game, but from my experiences, solid spare shooting and a positive attitude will take most people to the next level in bowling..
One question though: What if you play in multiple houses and your light oil ball has been known to skid at one house because of heavier oil condition? What if another house always has bone dry lanes? What if you don't want to tweak your coverstock and you would rather just have two balls instead? This is coming from someone who has been coached.
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Because though I have a low average, I do bowl in tournaments about once a month. My tourney average is actually significantly higher, around 190. I just haven't figured out the House shot entirely yet. I have a fairly straight game, so the "wall" doesn't really help me out. Besides all of that, I use my Doom 98% of the time. The Big One doesn't get used at all (I'm trying to trade it right now), the Vapor isn't even drilled (also ready to trade that) and any other ball in my profile is sitting in my room at home, gathering dust unless I need something specific for a tourney. You'll notice, though, that with what I have there is a LOT of overlap, as I went through just what you are talking about, obsessing over buying new balls, but now I do need something for when the lanes really dry out. I think I'm doing the right thing in keeping it simple, but there are times where I DO need the help of different equipment for, say a flood, reverse block, or flat pattern. I do also get coaching, btw, which is largely responsible for the recent jump in my average.

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Check out my bowling journal!
http://www.allbowling.com/journal/public.php?uid=1792&leagueid=912
I'm not a bowler, but I do play one on Ballreviews.
If you don't like Wrigley, you might as well leave the country and join the Taliban.
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Hmm, I'm reading the last couple of posts and it looks very familiar..hmm, oh yea! Splendor used to do it to me all the time...haha! Anyways, here's what I think of this whole thing.
Its all a hybrid of thread jacking and average advice. Thread jacking in a sense that people ask a question about equipment, but others come in and make it seem like they arent worthy of an answer coz they arent good enough to own a couple of balls. I call it average advice because through my experience the last 4-5 months that i've been bowling, the oil patterns almost NEVER stay the same. I bought a Doom as my first ball, but the ball doesnt do anything if the lanes are medium/heavy or carry down. Sure adjusting to the shot is a big part of the game, but in tournament play with changing oil patterns, thats something you wouldn't want to worry about.
Coaching: yes, its good. I've had the benefit of being looked over by a couple of level one USBC coaches. But Splendor has been bowling for 3 years and has claimed to have had coaching. There's only so much he can be "reminded" of. It's really all about getting out there and practicing, practicing HARD. There's only so much a coach can do to help with consistency, a lot of it comes from within the bowler.
Splendorlex: I would go with Widow>Doom>Dry Ball...I think the Widow will cover more patterns in the medium to heavy ranges though you may have to sand it down. If you can get a 4 ball arsenal then I'd say Widow (sanded down)>Pain>Doom>Dry Ball
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Bowling Since March 2006
Arsenal:
Storm Agent
Doom Raw Hammer
See my bowling scores online here:
http://www.allbowling.com/journal/public.php?uid=2038&leagueid=808
Turkey Adobo (Me and my friends' bowling site)
http://turkeyadobo.multiply.com
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I'll move this debate to the Misc. forum.
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Current Arsenal:
Geddy Lee
Living in their pools they soon forget about the sea...
Disclaimer: Yes, I know who writes the lyrics.
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Believe me, I'm one of the biggest proponents of coaching and new bowlers keeping it simple!
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Check out my bowling journal!
http://www.allbowling.com/journal/public.php?uid=1792&leagueid=912
I'm not a bowler, but I do play one on Ballreviews.
If you don't like Wrigley, you might as well leave the country and join the Taliban.
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If your bowling on a THS, to me there is no reason why anyone would need over 3 balls to cover all conditions.. I could probably just have 2 balls and be just fine. Like I said, thats just my opinion and how things are in my area. I bowl in a Traveling league in the fall and we go to about 15 different bowling centers and I take 4 balls with me (including my platic spare ball) each week and I always have a shot every week with one of those three balls. I averaged 197 for the season which isn't that great, but about 20 pins less than my THS average..
As far as not wanting to tweek the covers, I think thats a mistake as well.. Why not experiment and see what works best for you.. I have had some balls I wanted to throw in the river box finish and I tweak them some on my spinner and the reaction is awesome..
quote:
quote:
I kind of agree with 302efi.. I see alot of 165-175 averages bowlers that talk about having 4 or 5 bowling balls and buying every new ball out and honestly, that makes no sense at all..
As far as not
Why not use that extra money to take a couple of lessons from a reputable coach.. That will for sure raise you average faster than buying another new ball..
Once again, each person is free to buy and do whatever they want to improve thier game, but from my experiences, solid spare shooting and a positive attitude will take most people to the next level in bowling..
One question though: What if you play in multiple houses and your light oil ball has been known to skid at one house because of heavier oil condition? What if another house always has bone dry lanes? What if you don't want to tweak your coverstock and you would rather just have two balls instead? This is coming from someone who has been coached.
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Official member of the Texas Express, 2005-2006 BallReviews.com Scratch Doubles Champions!!!!!
on 4/18/06: 193 298 193, now thats a consistant league night, huh?? LOL..
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Sorry, one more thing..
There was no thread jacking going on with my post. I was just stating my opinion which is what forums are for.. If anyone takes that as thread jacking, sorry about that..
splendorlex, to answer you question about hammer arsenals, yes I recently went to a all hammer aresenal and have been very happy so far this summer. I am tweaking my arsenal still but come time for the fall leagues, I will have an all hammer 4 ball arsenal that I hope will work out for me..
As far as you game, congrats for making such a vast improvement, keep up the good work!!
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Official member of the Texas Express, 2005-2006 BallReviews.com Scratch Doubles Champions!!!!!
on 4/18/06: 193 298 193, now thats a consistant league night, huh?? LOL..
Edited on 7/14/2006 12:54 PM
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Let's settle this:
http://www.ballreviews.com/Forum/Replies.asp?TopicID=130019&ForumID=16&CategoryID=5
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Current Arsenal:
Geddy Lee
Living in their pools they soon forget about the sea...
Disclaimer: Yes, I know who writes the lyrics.
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quote:
If your bowling on a THS, to me there is no reason why anyone would need over 3 balls to cover all conditions.. I could probably just have 2 balls and be just fine. Like I said, thats just my opinion and how things are in my area. I bowl in a Traveling league in the fall and we go to about 15 different bowling centers and I take 4 balls with me (including my platic spare ball) each week and I always have a shot every week with one of those three balls. I averaged 197 for the season which isn't that great, but about 20 pins less than my THS average..
As far as not wanting to tweek the covers, I think thats a mistake as well.. Why not experiment and see what works best for you.. I have had some balls I wanted to throw in the river box finish and I tweak them some on my spinner and the reaction is awesome..
For the record, I love tweaking my coverstocks. I am trying to engage in this one ball only discussion.
I am talking about owning ONE bowling ball and bowling in different houses. Say you bowl somewhere new. Oh crap, I have to sit at the table and throw a few layers of polish on this one. Oh, now I am here so lets see. Yep, I think I'll sand it down.
OR
Pay the 70 bucks and get a 2nd light oil ball and keep it shiny.
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Current Arsenal:
Geddy Lee
Living in their pools they soon forget about the sea...
Disclaimer: Yes, I know who writes the lyrics.
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First coaching is always a good thing at any level. Second, even if his avg. is in the 170's there is nothing wrong with having 4 or 5 balls. I say that because bowling is supposed to be fun. If buying equipment and trying different balls is what makes it fun for the bowler then why not?
I don't have a high avg. mainly because I bowl at a very difficult house/league. Yet I will be armed with about 4 or 5 balls. This is not a house shot i'm bowling on.
Ryan the Pain sounds like a logical step for you to take.
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Only know one person (jkiser01) that has gone all Hammer in the area. He is referring to me because I am the 165 average house bowler who carries 10 bowling balls to practice and everywhere I go and damn I love to buy every ball that comes out. Sorry, that's just me. You got me!!!
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Official member of the Texas Express, 2005-2006 BallReviews.com Scratch Doubles Champions!!!!! 

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Charles,
No Charles I am not referring to you... Your average is a solid 175 now isn't it!! You also don't buy every new ball that comes out, that WAS me a few months ago.. Not anymore..
I also like to see you (and Anthony) carry those 10 balls into PSB, its funny.. LOL..
JK
quote:
Only know one person (jkiser01) that has gone all Hammer in the area. He is referring to me because I am the 165 average house bowler who carries 10 bowling balls to practice and everywhere I go and damn I love to buy every ball that comes out. Sorry, that's just me. You got me!!!
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Official member of the Texas Express, 2005-2006 BallReviews.com Scratch Doubles Champions!!!!! 


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Official member of the Texas Express, 2005-2006 BallReviews.com Scratch Doubles Champions!!!!!
on 4/18/06: 193 298 193, now thats a consistant league night, huh?? LOL..
Edited on 7/14/2006 5:04 PM
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Hilarious? Glad I can entertain.....
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Official member of the Texas Express, 2005-2006 BallReviews.com Scratch Doubles Champions!!!!! 

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I believe the Black Widow is in the hands of Tylerwiles now if I am not mistaken...hehe. Anyways, I never thought of your equipment as ancient g_thing, just you. HAHA!! I have considered trying something in the new release Hammer Line but I have to get rid of some of this other stuff first so I don't carry so many balls for jkiser's amusement. lol The last Hammer I had (which I loved) was the Hammer Vicious Particle and the 3-D Violet Pearl before that. Sold the 3-D and kept the vicious until it cracked while sitting in my closet. Nothing wrong with Hammer/Ebonite in my opinion, but I have other company balls that I seem to like also. I am not dedicated to one company anymore so I try other manufacturers when they opportunity presents itself. I knew where Jim was going with the ball statement.
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Official member of the Texas Express, 2005-2006 BallReviews.com Scratch Doubles Champions!!!!! 

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g_thing,
I only sold the black widow because to me I did not need it when I got the hawg-zilla. The blue Vibe is gone as well because it was to strong for a dry lane ball..
I still have the Pain and Zilla and Tuff spare ball. I also have the NIB older Faball 2001 that will be getting drilled today..
I have kept my word with going all Hammer this summer and don't plan on changing anything in the future except look for a NIB Vicious Pearl and maybe a NIB nasty nail for dry lanes..
I also can't wait to see you use that hawg wild, I think you will like it. But I'm sure it will not get much lane time with all those "oldies" you still prefer!!
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Official member of the Texas Express, 2005-2006 BallReviews.com Scratch Doubles Champions!!!!!
on 4/18/06: 193 298 193, now thats a consistant league night, huh?? LOL..
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quote:
quote:
It just seems they are really on top of their game right now...
Is that why P.A. left?
Joking.. we all know it basically has nothing to do with the equipment and everything to do with the money...
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"Chuck Norris doesn't say "who's your daddy", because he knows the answer."
-borrowed from ChuckNorrisFacts.com (http://"http://www.chucknorrisfacts.com")
nah - track is the top notch technologized equipment right now.. they are pretty hard to beat knowing that their cores and coverstocks are the best, as well as the cores.
Cant go wrong with a Machine, pretty popular ball right now.
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Mean Machine (heavy oil)
Machine (medium oil)
Desert Heat (light oil)
Ambush (used for spares - any condition)
Join the revolution.
www.trackbowling.com
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quote:
nah - track is the top notch technologized equipment right now.. they are pretty hard to beat knowing that their cores and coverstocks are the best, as well as the cores.
Cant go wrong with a Machine, pretty popular ball right now.
That's your opinion.
They signed because of money. Period.
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- Joe
Formerly Richard Cranium
www.Brunswickbowling.com
www.Brunswickinsiders.com
House shots are killing this sport.
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I knew it was only a matter of time before one of the Track guys came out.
If they're so superior, why did they have to recently change leadership? j/k 
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Check out my bowling journal!
http://www.allbowling.com/journal/public.php?uid=1792&leagueid=912
I'm not a bowler, but I do play one on Ballreviews.
If you don't like Wrigley, you might as well leave the country and join the Taliban.
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No no no no you don't understand, when they sign with *my* company, it's because of the equipment, but when they sign with *another* company, it's because of the money.

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...formerly "The Curse of Dusty," and "Poöter Boöf" before that...
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quote:
No no no no you don't understand, when they sign with *my* company, it's because of the equipment, but when they sign with *another* company, it's because of the money. 
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...formerly "The Curse of Dusty," and "Poöter Boöf" before that...
Exactly. This is one of the fundamental laws of bowling.
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Current Arsenal:
Geddy Lee
Living in their pools they soon forget about the sea...
Disclaimer: Yes, I know who writes the lyrics.
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Machine 101, Track has made some great balls. They have also had some real duds. Of course this is my opinion. I used to only throw Track equipment. Now I have Hammer right now.
I wont just throw 1 company's equipment anymore. I will just go with what I like from any company.
On a side note Track does not have a ball that can compare to the Doom. At least not from the balls I have tried in that catergory. Reactive pearl.
When it comes to the pro's with the contracts it's all about the money and has nothing to do with the equipment.
Edited on 7/18/2006 10:30 AM