It all depends on the price really in my opinion.  Normally I'd rather go with the new ball, but sometimes you get a deal you can't pass up.  I bought a used Gravity Shift off a buddy of mine several months ago for $30.  It was already plugged once and I didn't want the layout he had on it, so it's now been plugged twice, there's even plug in the track area.  The ball probably already had 50-100 games on it when I bought it.  It's my go-to ball on wood lanes and the second-most used piece of my arsenal.  A hot water bath and a nice surface refreshing with Resurrection and some fresh polish, and it rolled just fine for me.

There is a junk yard in my area that has a slogan. "All cars run on used parts". I would believe bowling balls are somewhat the same. A ball that has been resurfaced and had the oil removed is going to roll consistantly on a given condition. It may not be the same as a new ball on the same lane, but could still fit in an arsenal. If it has a reaction that is different than what you already have, isn't that the desired goal?
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whoever said size doesn't matter never had trouble with a thumbhole

I've only had one truly bad experience buying used. Overall it's a good way to save money provided you can trust the seller.

If you have your own ball spinner, Abralon pad and polish collection, it's absolutely a great way to save money. That way, you need only pay, at most, for a plug-and-redrill of the thumbhole (provided you like the layout already on the ball) and two new finger inserts. You can handle the resurfacing yourself at home. If you can do your own plugging, it gets even better.

I've got a full backyard shop with drill press, so it makes a lot of sense for me.

If your pro shop charges very high a la carte prices for plugging, redrilling and surface prep, though, I'd advise you to stick with new balls unless you find someone who has an equal span and/or only sells low-game-traffic balls.

Jess

I did not think that you could "ruin a ball by drilling into the core." How is that possible???
(I know, semi hi jack)

quote:

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My friend and I have bought several used balls during the last year. Some experiences good, some bad.

The only problems we had were with sellers who either misrepresented the condition of the ball they were selling, or in one case ruined a ball by drilling into the core.

On the other hand, we bought a few used balls from our pro shop.  These were balls they had tested and used for only a few games.  They have all been great!


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Complete ball arsenal:
Storm Gravity Shift
Storm T-Road Pearl
900 Global Break Pearl
Lane #1 Bullet
Hammer Cherry Vibe
Brunswick BVP Wizard
Columbia 300 White Dot - Blue Pearl

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Those that can do. Those that can't complain. Pimpin ain't easy, but it's mandatory.

Most things we like, we don't need. Most things we need, we don't like. Don't confuse your likes with your needs.