I have pondered this for a minute and especially since Motiv and 900 Global are doing a PBA swap. I wonder if some of the smaller companies will take the Roto-Grip path and come up with a high performance ball mid-level pricing. I believe for some companies, it could kick start sales and get more exposure to the equipment. As storm, brunswick, and hammer have dominated the market, I feel as though this is the perfect opportunity for a company to really put some pressure on the big boys to continue to "keep their sticks up" by coming out with that "Cell" performance ball at a "Victory Road" price. I think that the smaller companies trying to match prices with the big boys can be detrimental to the companies sales, especially for companies that have little exposure in the area.

The question that I assume comes to mind for the consumer is, "Why should I pay $200 for your high performance ball and take a chance on not seeing the reaction i want, when i can pay $200 the popular ball that everyone has and im seeing the reaction and its proven." I think it would give consumers the courage to jump out on a limb and try different things. I know we have social media as a marketing tool now but this is just my opinion, and I thought it would be an interesting topic.

Not necessarily. I think with proper marketing, they could improve and go beyond expectations, especially in a market that is saturated with overpriced high performance equipment that is mostly mix-n-match cover/core combos. That is one of the deterring factors in buying a high performance ball. The price, at times old technology, then the factor of will there be enough oil to contain it. I understand "proven" technology but i have to image that companies save a boatload on R&D when all they need do is develop one aspect of cover/combo or neither as in the case of the Jet Black Taboo. I think that the market is primed and ready for another ball in the ideals of the Cell.

True Kid. But your putting the onus on the consumer to make the right decision for themselves over the popular one, especially for those who are brand specific. The risk may not outweigh the reward for most. Although Columbia (and this is not just for small companies) has made some great equipment but in my area they are considered dead balls outside of the freezes. You couldnt find a high performance columbia on the shelves in my area and i rarely see them in anyones bags. Motiv is gaining head way but only because a Staff member is in the area and even with that they're still only stocking maybe one or two on the shelf as opposed to 5 or more storm/brunswick/hammers. Im just thinking its a way that a small company or a company that is struggling to gain sales and compete.

If they lower their prices on HP equipment then consumers may get mad or complain when prices go back up. They could always try a rebate program as other companies have done in the past.

Yea, like they complained a couple years ago when prices went up. Lol! By the time prices went up on Roto-Grip, they had built their clientele and reputation as a 1-2 punch with Storm. On top of that, online shops finally went up to match the mortar and brick shops as they were severely undercutting them. I have liked the rebate loyalty programs but I'm thinking more direct. That leaves too much responsibility in the hands of the consumer. Overall, great points Kid.