Author Topic: Bowling Balls (Read 21592 times)

CBB · « **on:** June 28, 2024, 03:59:04 PM »

I am trying to figure out how everyone is affording the new balls? They seem pricey online and at pro shops.

SVstar34 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 28, 2024, 05:09:14 PM »

Quote from: CBB on June 28, 2024, 03:59:04 PM

I am trying to figure out how everyone is affording the new balls? They seem pricey online and at pro shops.

Everyone's disposable income is different

Jesse James · « **Reply #2 on:** August 12, 2024, 01:48:20 PM »

Everyone's disposable income is different, as SVstar34 said while some folks are able to make trades to get new balls.

For example in my area we have a LOT of bowlers!!! But everyone's tastes are different. So if I have a NIB older Track, Columbia or even Storm piece that someone is willing to trade for a NIB recent release....that's what we do.

I tend to wait on newer releases and watch how they play on the lanes before I pony up them dollars tho. But that's just me.

TWOHAND834 · « **Reply #3 on:** August 13, 2024, 07:41:54 AM »

Quote from: CBB on June 28, 2024, 03:59:04 PM

I am trying to figure out how everyone is affording the new balls? They seem pricey online and at pro shops.

Here is the thing. After 6 months from release date; most balls are already going into the clearance section to make room for more new releases. Using a Hazmat as an example. It release a few months ago. Instead of me paying full price; I can wait 6 months or so and then get it for $40-$50 cheaper. Same thing as golf clubs. Why spend $500 for a new driver when you can wait a year and get it for $200? Not every bowler drives a Kia Forte and makes $30,000 or less a year. There are plenty of bowlers that make near 6 figures or more and spend their money more wisely so they have money to blow.

Another thing is that we now live in a world where you can make money from side hustles with little effort that might bring in an extra cash every month. As crazy as it sounds, I have a couple sites where I complete surveys in my down time. Even if I only make $1-$2 a day; that is $30-$60 a month. Multiply that by 12 months and you now have money to make those ball purchases. The two sites I go to are Inboxdollars and Freecash. You can make money from offers playing games on your smartphone. The offers consist of completing so many levels within a given time frame. If you complete the offer, you can make as little as a few bucks to over $100 depending on the game. Between Upside, Inboxdollars, and Freecash; I have about $800 saved up at the moment.

ignitebowling · « **Reply #4 on:** August 13, 2024, 10:24:19 PM »

Lots of people are cutting back. Prolonged higher prices on everything is taking its toll and people are starting to adjust accordingly. Ive seen it in local centers with open play and in proshops with people choosing other brands based off price.

Motiv made a jump over a year ago to be the most expensive brand in bowling and have held those prices. Storm and the 7 have increased prices slowly across upper performance releases. Locally ive seen bowlers buying less from Motiv and Storm for more Hammer stuff and some of the other 7. By far the best bang for your buck on equipment is in the Hammer line with the Black Widows and the Vibes being unmatched in their price points. The rest of the 7 has some gems here and there but not as consistent Hammer.

How this continues passed the election and going forward is a big question mark. It seems Storm has had some recently questionable decisions on releases and prices that they could have gotten away with two years ago but not so much now. I think all manufactures are ok with smaller quantities and shot gunning the market place to see what works and what doesn't.

SpinBowler300 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 14, 2024, 07:53:52 AM »

I just win the ball raffle at my bowling alley. It's like paying for you ball over time when you pay $5 a week and it takes time to get your number pulled.

Bowler19525 · « **Reply #6 on:** August 14, 2024, 01:40:15 PM »

Used to be a card carrying member of the "ball of the month" club. I learned quickly that the new balls aren't any better than the retired balls. The marketing departments at the ball companies work hard to convince bowlers that they must have the newest stuff.

Now I only buy a new ball if I really need one. Then I look at the closeout balls for something that fills the spot of the old ball. I only get something "current" if I really want it and it happens to be current when I need it. Admittedly, I was highly tempted by the recent throwback releases (3D Offsets, cuda, piranha, power torq, the one, etc.) But I resisted since none of those balls filled a need. My bank account is also happy that I resisted the urge!

I just refreshed my 5yr+ old arsenal. I had the final two NIB balls from my stash drilled and two current balls from my Get Your Gear League. Now I have four new balls for the next 5+ years. I kept a few of my old balls as backups and threw everything else out in a recent junk pickup. It feels good to have all of those old bowling balls gone. I have no plans to buy anything new for the foreseeable future (unless Columbia brings out a throwback purple Quake and gold pearl Quake...that might be too hard to resist...same with Ebonite if they bring out a new Red Wolf solid and Red Wolf pearl.)

Author Topic: Bowling Balls (Read 21592 times)

CBB

Bowling Balls

SVstar34

Re: Bowling Balls

Jesse James

Re: Bowling Balls

TWOHAND834

Re: Bowling Balls

ignitebowling

Re: Bowling Balls

SpinBowler300

Re: Bowling Balls

Bowler19525

Re: Bowling Balls