Not that I wanted one, because i really don't, but GEEZ, I don't think I have EVER seen anything go ballistic like this thing did.

 Originally $129, now I see them going for over $300 on the bay?  And NOBODY HAS EVEN SEEN ONE IN ACTION YET?

 I mean, I guess it SOUNDS like a good ball, but are you willing to bet your paycheck that it is?

 Maybe I'm paranoid(probably am), but I don't really think they sold out that quick.  333 balls in two hours? I would bet very few manufacturers even sell that many some days. I think they may have sold a few, then cut sales off to give the appearance they were real hard to get, then started putting them up for sale, one by one.

  When the craze is over, and the new wears off, are they going to reappear at the original prices, maybe even with a small discount?  I've seen it happen before.

 Good luck if you got one.

Just marketing.  Small batch = easy "demand".  Make a ball that many people want for a reasonable price.  They basically did an Ebonite NV, but for a normal price.  A certain percent of people will jump out and buy a case.  3 for profit and one to drill.  The 15 pounders lasted 10 hours.  I thought about getting one but decided against it.  I bought a Loaded Revolver (my favorite cover) from Buddies closeout.  I went for a "need" over a "want".  Never had a Vibe series ball, but I know I like the roll of Propel X.

Just marketing.  Small batch = easy "demand".  Make a ball that many people want for a reasonable price.  They basically did an Ebonite NV, but for a normal price.  A certain percent of people will jump out and buy a case.  3 for profit and one to drill.  The 15 pounders lasted 10 hours.  I thought about getting one but decided against it.  I bought a Loaded Revolver (my favorite cover) from Buddies closeout.  I went for a "need" over a "want".  Never had a Vibe series ball, but I know I like the roll of Propel X.

I know a guy who kills with a loaded...Every week.  The regular and lethal don't seem to have the same effect though.

it was actually sold out in 11 hours
you might try one fo the cliff barnes pro shops, they might have a few for local customers
thats how i got mine

I ended up ordering my 15lb Thursday morning. They were all sold out by the time I found out about it Monday, and just looked for the heck of it Thursday morning. They had all 3 weights in stock still. So I snagged one then. My phone was giving me fits on ordering so had to place it twice and cliff barnes called me to see if I wanted one or two. I guess a lot of people were having issues ordering so they didn't all sell out in the 10 or 11 hours. They had quite a few mis-orders. As they sorted them out, the inventory fluctuated online.

I ordered two 15lbs and they arrive monday. I have one listed on ebay that ends monday. I started it at 129 plus 20 shipping. Whatever it sells for is going to be determined by the market not by me. The eXtra Rare was a brilliant idea by cbps. Having them numbered 1-333 was also very smart. I would bet half or less will be drilled.

I'm more curious to what nunbers my two will be. Would love #333.

You are exactly right charlest.  I even offered the guy $150 and I was going to have a friend who lives in Hawaii half the year pick it up and bring it back to AK in May when he returns.  The dude wouldn't even budge, he started to compare the ball to mona lisa and being priceless but affordable.  I hope it works out for him.  I have a track nuke with a .5 in pin I should have him sell for $500 if anyone wants it, hahaha.

The bids on ebay are sick for this ball. I just seen one that was up to $275 plus $20 for shipping. I had a cobalt vibe plus remember that one had the black widow cover on it and it was nothing special. Sure it was a good ball for the $85 price point but not a penny more.  For the price of the XR i can buy the Cold Blood and the First Blood. For the same price as they are going for on ebay. Sure if your going to buy it to collect it maybe a good investment. But to just put holes in it to roll it down the lanes maybe a bad investment.

I do not think the long term value will be nowhere near the prices that these will go for the first week or so...people striking while the iron is hot. If you were close to the original shipping address, it would be smart to sell right away because you might have been able to get it to the buyer for Xmas, where mine will not even be here till Thursday.