Sales is one a measuring stick, but a sale in and of itself does not mean a ball is #1 in performance.

As you know, proshops are businesses first, and pimps of 'real' balls of the year, second. There are several reasons for this:

1) A good portion of proshop operators are on ball company amateur staffs. Consciously (or not), they're going to push that manufacturers line first.

2) Proshops occasionally get 'deals' from their distributors for purchasing certain models (usually from the big guys) in quantity, which means they can offer a decent piece for $30-40 less than another ball that might be slightly higher performing. It's all about moving inventory, so we know which one will get visibility and shelf space.

It's not a secret that in the majority of proshops, there is more work (and less profit) involved in buying from the smaller companies. By extension, it's going to be difficult for those companies to get the sales to be considered 'ball of the year'.

Steven,  Not a contest at all. Real BOELERS were ask to vote for what they felt was their choice for ball of the year.  Most responded based on their experiences with said balls.  

Now Obama was made President due to a popularity contest.<<<< Not good

And believe it or not,  many times when a bowler sees others scoring well with a ball,  they tend to buy it.  Thus accounting for the huge sales of the Virtual and Hyroad.

If you would take the time Steven, may I call you Steven,  you will notice that many members of the FOS voice their views on certain balls.  And others notice this and then buy said ball.  Pot calling the kettle black.

So I think Steven, you may be a little off base, again, with this "popularity" thing your trying to bring up.

People on this site, BR.COM  were asked to vote for their choice for "ball of the year"  they did.  Now live with it, and move on.

BTW, the Dynamo came in a strong third, despite some saying it should not have been counted, for as we all know, except for B-Dawg,  the Dynamo just came out in Jan. of 09, and the first know reviews by mankind were on 2-19-09.  So therefore some people on BR.COM felt it should not have been in the voting for 2008.  But that's their opinion!!!!

Us Sawheads feel it should be counted.

You all have a nice day now.
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jls

Steven

You are spinning this no differently.
You can say whatever you want, to discredit a certain ball, but what makes a ball a winner is not the company telling bowlers it's the number one ball. It's the bowlers using them. You can say the only reason why a ball sells in a shop, is do to either being on a staff or getting a deal, is poor to say the least. That is a lame excuse to discredit a well performing and selling bowling ball. Pro shop guys are generally going to sell what they know they can put in their bowlers hands and know will perform, at a good price. I do not know many shops that will recommend, in this day and age, a high dollar ball over a mid priced one.
Versatility is the key factor, a ball that will perform for a wider range of styles. Danger Zone, Red Sun Storm, Absolute Inferno, Black Widows, the Cell Solid and now the HyRoad.

AND Less we forget...IT'S FEBRUARY.

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Formerly BrunsRico