Post by: WillynHook on January 18, 2008, 05:59:31 AM
I have been seeing some of the usual Lane#1 “debate†that routinely shows up on the BR boards from time to time but rather than get in the fray I thought I might try a different route and just report on my positive and genuine dealings with the company and its representatives.
First, who am I? I am your typical house league bowler that just tries to bowl well, relax and have a good time while bowling, strives to get better and learn more about the art of bowling. If I could learn better spare shooting and get more coaching I might even like my scoring average more. But, I am currently a one time a week bowler with no time to practice (ie… family, kids, research, teaching…)
I have tried and used bowling balls from the following companies: Lane#1, Hammer, Ebonite, MoRich, Lane Master, Storm, & Brunswick. I have found balls from each company that are well made and useful for my game, however, for whatever reason I seem to match up well and score better more frequently with those from Lane#1. I don’t have much luck with anything I have tried from Storm – don’t really know why (you will later see me talk a fair amount about Storm, do not see it as Storm bashing, see it as how I made the move to Lane#1 as my preferred matchup in contrasting the two).
For the record, I really like the cobalt pearl, XXXL, U-Pearl & Solid from Lane#1 and the Buzz from LaneMaster, and when necessary (deeper line) the Angular One from Ebonite and G-Force from Lane#1. I am looking to try another ball from another company but will probably fall back to Lane#1 because I know it has been a dependable ball company for my game. Now for those of you beginning to cackle at the “price†of
a Lane#1 ball, all I will say is that often I am (and only me) willing to pay the price, as the economics decides these things in the market place – apparently Lane#1 is doing just fine selling, people are buying the balls, and they continue to do so.
Now, my Lane#1 story:
It starts simply. I was struggling during league using a Storm X-Factor Ace. Got some advice from another bowler and got a bit of coaching, plus looked at acquiring a new ball or two (after all that is what a lot of house bowlers like to do, is it not?). I bought a Storm Banshee and a Lane#1 U-Pearl and began to use them. I first used the Storm balls for a few weeks and was still struggling, over/under reaction, no consistent carry, really having a hard time…. then,…. well, … ok – I will throw the Lane #1 U-Pearl. I, immediately, tossed my high game for the time – 256 (first game tossing the ball), followed it up with two more 200+ games. I decided I was on to something here. My average over the next block of games increased nearly 25 pins. Definitely, on to something for me. A few other people around me in the league of that time began to ask me about Lane#1 as they had not heard of it and began to try a few balls as well. A few of them began to also find increased success and a few did not.
I then proceeded to try and buy over the next few months after that time an XXXL, Bullet, and U-Solid. I continued to have a very successful match-up with those balls for my game and bowling conditions at two different houses. I also picked up a used CherryC^2.
I then found, on the internet, BallReviews.com. I knew nothing about it until then. So, I started to post and interact with other bowlers (here in the Lane#1 section and the others).
Richie Sposato (Lane#1 CEO) spotted some of my posts and noticed I was a physics professor and contacted me about doing some physics calculations:
quote:
Seeing as though you're a physics professor, would you be interested in doing a physics study for us, regarding our diamond core, vs. many other shapes (round, square, rectangle, etc...). How do these numbers translate to more effectiveness at the pins? Plus, how could we explain this benefit to the average bowler..?
Would you be interested in doing something like this? Let me know.
Sincerely,
Richie Sposato – President
Lane #1
After a YEAR of pondering, I did a little research project on core shapes and you can find it posted at the Lane#1 website. You can go look it over for all the details if you wish, but that is not why I am posting this LONG letter.
In a few discussions & exchanges, I mentioned that the results of the project might not be what they wanted nor expected, but I was told that whatever they were the results would be posted. I thought this a genuine response.
I then did something crazy. I destroyed 16 bowling balls in my garage to extract the cores so that I could begin the research in a timely manner with a student of mine (6 of my own, 5 donated by bowlers at the local bowling alley, and 3 donated new from Lane#1, two purchased with research funds). My garage has never been that destroyed.
Richie then sent me a few bowling balls to replace me and the local bowlers for their personal donations to the project even before the results were in. (I got three, the other two to local bowlers).
At this point, I was introduced to the Cobalt Pearl (still my favorite). About four weeks later I tossed my first 300 game with it, and began to hover around an average of 205. Not soon after that tossed my first 700 series, then not too much later tossed another, then awhile after that 776. I skipped from tossing a high series of 662 with my other company balls into the 700s (in a very short bowling time span). Whatever the reason, I was really matching well to Lane#1 equipment. I used it a few weeks ago after a long hiatus and tossed a 713 with it, I really should use it more, but I’m trying other things at the moment I guess because I’m always testing stuff as a scientist.
So, for me, it was logical for me to conclude and say, “Lane#1 is the company for my game and scoring.†My average when I started to use the balls increased significantly and I was beginning to see honor score potential!
I was also at “The Gathering†in North Carolina when Lane#1 representatives made the trip (Richie himself too) and brought balls to raffle off for those in attendance. They answered questions, gave some coaching/drilling tips, gave a sales pitch (what company wouldn’t), and hung out with a bunch of bowling fanatics in a social way. A complete class act the whole time (even after the travel ordeal they endured to get there).
I have since bought a few more balls, some from Lane#1, some not from Lane#1. But, I seem to do better with mostly Lane#1 equipment. I have also gotten a couple more surprise gifts (balls) from Lane#1 on occasion. I haven’t asked for them, they just seem to show up. That sure is nice for a company to do. I don’t feel like I deserve to get any more comp balls, as I think the number I destroyed during the research project have been replaced. I also, do try and talk Lane#1 balls up with the bowlers around me to AT LEAST give them a try. I’ve been seeing them more often around me lately.
Now, you all can bash me if you want. Call me a Kool-Aid (
) drinker. Think of me a company shill, or whatever else you want. All I can tell you is that from my own personal experience, Lane#1 makes balls that do well for my game, Lane#1 as a company is a class act, Lane#1 will continue to get business from me. I base my decision on the evidence I have observed and the interactions I have had with them.If you made it this far and read all this post – WOW, you have a lot of free time.
Dr. Joe
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Dr. Joseph Howard
Joe's Physics Page (http://"http://faculty.salisbury.edu/%7Ejwhoward/")
"Imagine what you could do,
if you could do what you imagine"
Physics Researcher
... Current Active Ball Arsenal
....... Cobalt Bomb <<-- Favorite
....... G-Force - occasionally
....... Crystal Spare <<-- Spare
....... Angular One - occasionally
....... The Buzz - Really good
....... BlackWidow Pearl - might sell
Truth in Bowling Stats
.... High Series: 776
.... High Game: 300
.... High Game Sport Shot: 256
Edited on 1/18/2008 3:07 PM
Edited on 1/18/2008 7:51 PM
Post by: slimjuggalo2002 on January 18, 2008, 02:11:50 PM
As for the bashing of Lane #1. I have determined that ball brands are almost like religions or races (ethnicity or NASCAR). Everyone has a favorite and must try and impose it on someone else or bash the people that dont use the one they do.
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Go Buckeyes!!!
Post by: Borincano on January 18, 2008, 02:13:47 PM
Post by: novawagonmaster on January 18, 2008, 02:17:01 PM
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Jon (in Ohio)
CHROME WON'T GET YOU HOME!
F.O.S. Proud Saw user...see profile.
Post by: RadioActive on January 18, 2008, 02:18:52 PM
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You really don't want to go there.......
Post by: SprayNpray on January 18, 2008, 02:21:37 PM
Good idea, Joe.
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~SprayNpray
-formerly known as SawFreak
Edited on 1/18/2008 3:22 PM
Post by: T Brockette on January 18, 2008, 02:51:04 PM
2 demerits.....
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Tracy
Bowlingchat.net (http://"http://www.bowlingchat.net")
Post by: JOE FALCO on January 18, 2008, 02:53:52 PM
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Hit them light and watch them fight
J O E - F A L C O
Post by: scottie on January 18, 2008, 04:20:33 PM
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Scottish by birth, British by law, Highlander by the grace of God!
Post by: T-GOD on January 18, 2008, 11:39:57 PM
Invert, I'll bet if you changed the layouts and/or the static weights on the balls you didn't like, you'd see a 180* turnaround in your ball reaction and carry. I'll even recommend something for you if you want to try it..? =:^D
Post by: Kid Jete on January 18, 2008, 11:55:42 PM
Thanks for a good read Dr.
Post by: novawagonmaster on January 19, 2008, 05:50:18 AM
quote:
Unfortunately, I can't say the same thing...
I've had several pieces from L#1 and, well, they're pretty ordinary. I had a Upearl, Inferno and Raging Red Fuze all at the same time and by far, the worst one was the upearl. Weak roll, no hit with a lot of flare. Now, I threw them side by side for almost a full season ann ended up dumping the Upearl along with the Solid U. The solid u was almost the same story. I had a UI at the same time and the UI blew it away.
This is where it is clear that the game is all about matching up.
The U-pearl and U-solid are still at the very top of my "favorites" list.
Both balls roll very well for me (esp the solid) on the conditions I face.
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Jon (in Ohio)
CHROME WON'T GET YOU HOME!
F.O.S. Proud Saw user...see profile.
Post by: RevZiLLa on January 19, 2008, 10:53:24 AM
They have a passion for the game that is infectious and they truly want you to succeed...you can feel their joy for you when dealing with them...or when you call back to brag a bit. Maybe it is easy to deal with happy customers. Maybe Lane#1 is lucky that way, but what about when something goes wrong...?
This is where Lane#1 shines. They don't run and hide from you. They work with you and make it their PERSONAL mission to make you happy and to help you succeed. I have never seen a ball company so willing to make it right!
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RevZ=======================
\I/
Post by: Saw Mill on January 19, 2008, 01:23:30 PM
Dave
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Romans 1:15&16; "So much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation, to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to Greek!
F.O.S. Members, Our Assignment Should We Choose To Accept It, Polish and Sharpen Up Our Saws; Pins Have Been Spotted, and We Are To Saw 'Em Up!!
Bomb Squad Certified and Licensed Diamond Cutter
Post by: strikealot on January 19, 2008, 01:39:44 PM
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Hard work pays off in the future, laziness pays off now!
myspace profile...
http://www.myspace.com/chad__gordon
http://
GEAUX TIGERS!!! 2 TIME BCS CHAMPS BABY!!!
FOS MEMBER BABY
super carbide bomb
tsunami x2
solid cobalt
carbide plus
supernova xp
xxxl
Post by: Steven on January 19, 2008, 02:17:19 PM
quote:
I've had several pieces from L#1 and, well, they're pretty ordinary. I had a Upearl, Inferno and Raging Red Fuze all at the same time and by far, the worst one was the upearl. Weak roll, no hit with a lot of flare. Now, I threw them side by side for almost a full season ann ended up dumping the Upearl along with the Solid U. The solid u was almost the same story.
Inverted: I remember having a conversation with you about this several months back. If you had brought up a 'fringe' Lane#1 ball (i.e. Golden Nugget) where there was a definite love/hate in the market, I wouldn't have given your post a second thought. But the Uraniums? Wow.
The Solid/Pearl Uraniums are the pure definition of even rolling equipment -- Low-Rg and non-flippy cores. They perform as well as you roll them. I can imagine a bowler not elevating them to 'first out of bag' status, but these are balls that any experienced bowler should be able to score well with.
The last two seasons, I bowled league almost exclusively with the S/U Uraniums. That's 250+ successive league games for a combined average of 232. Made a couple of WCST finals with them too. If these balls were about 'Weak roll, no hit', that wouldn't have happened, especially since I'm little more than a medium revs hack.
Something else must have been going on (wrong setup, wrong lane match up) for you.
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"Sometimes, the best move is the one we don't make"
Post by: Rileybowler on January 19, 2008, 02:36:23 PM
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Carl
Post by: novawagonmaster on January 19, 2008, 02:42:53 PM
The Tsunami was one of only two Lane #1 balls that I absolutely could not find any use for. Check my profile to see all of the other Lane #1 balls that have woked well for me. I have heard that there was supposedly a bad batch of Tsunamis. If this is the case, it explains why mine (and possibly yours) was a dud.
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Jon (in Ohio)
CHROME WON'T GET YOU HOME!
F.O.S. Proud Saw user...see profile.
Post by: strikealot on January 19, 2008, 04:22:13 PM
--------------------
Hard work pays off in the future, laziness pays off now!
myspace profile...
http://www.myspace.com/chad__gordon
http://
GEAUX TIGERS!!! 2 TIME BCS CHAMPS BABY!!!
FOS MEMBER BABY
super carbide bomb
tsunami x2
solid cobalt
carbide plus
supernova xp
xxxl
Post by: T-GOD on January 19, 2008, 05:31:00 PM
Try a simple label 1:30 layout, with a shorter pin, 1 1/2 - 2" max, ending with good side and finger weights. Something like a 4 x 4 1/2 or so. This layout will definitely change your mind about these two balls. =:^D
Post by: novawagonmaster on January 19, 2008, 06:21:51 PM
I have two of them, and they are both in OOB finish.
Pin position is about 3.5" from pap on both balls.
One is a simple label 1:30 drill, pin 1/2" above finger line, no X-hole.
The other is CG axis with the pin 1/4" below finger line, large x-hole on axis.
The difference in reaction is night and day.
Label-drilled ball is longer and stronger, but still very much an arc shape reaction.
The CG Axis-drilled ball is very early, very rolly, yet it does not stall out.
So basically, we have 2 balls, same pin-to-pap distance, one pin 3/4" higher than the other, and two different CG locations/core angles. I am not trying to rekindle the CG debate, but these two balls could not react any more different.
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Jon (in Ohio)
CHROME WON'T GET YOU HOME!
F.O.S. Proud Saw user...see profile.
Post by: T-GOD on January 19, 2008, 09:05:45 PM
If that's the case with the pin migrating to your PAP, that's the problem. The pin is prolly too far out and up high, which sometimes causes it to flare down towards your PAP. This will kill the backend movement somewhat, especially on carrydown. A different layout is needed. Either a stack or a CG out type of leverage should do the trick.
If that's not the problem, then the statics need to be checked. All 3 for side, finger/thumb and top. I know you may think statics don't mean anything, but it does help on these balls and doesn't hurt to try or get them right. We can change them with a balance hole and see if there's any difference in ball reaction.
Please get back to me with some more info. Thanks. =:^D
Post by: explorer05 on January 19, 2008, 10:02:18 PM
I really believe that there is know reason why you can't offer your opinion and have to worry about getting bashed. The one thing that drives me nuts about this site is when some asks a question about equipment, balls, or release some people get a bug you know where and start bashing them or the equipment they use without seeing them in action. To me until you are on TV winning in the PBA then lay off.
I look at it this way I have no problem recommending companies like Lane #1, Ebonite, or Morich. I recomend them based on service and caring for the customer. Yes through my experience and what I have the read they have the best costumer service. On the same token though before you bash me about what I recommend,j ust because it works me doesn't mean it is going to work for YOU!!!!!!!! Everyone throws different and not everyone uses the same breakpoint, speed, and rotation.
Just remember you asked the ? Not Me?
I recommend balls based on what I have used and the sucess with them. I put it out there to help them maybe make a choice. I don't or tell people about equipment if I haven't used it.
Post by: NICEBALLS on January 21, 2008, 08:35:34 AM
I can say that yes indeed that LANE #1 balls match up with some bowlers, and that not all the balls they make match up but don't give up on them they always come out with another ball that may fit your game... please don't tell me or anyone else that every ball you have used from your favorite company has worked for you...if you try to you are lying to yourself and others...
have a great time on the lanes enjoy the great game of bowling,the fun, good friends and times that we all have.