BallReviews

General Category => Miscellaneous => Topic started by: bamaster on November 22, 2004, 02:54:26 AM

Title: Do you buy a ball because of a PBA telecast?
Post by: bamaster on November 22, 2004, 02:54:26 AM
Let's say you are a right handed tweener and you see Steve Jaros (who I consider a tweener) ripping up the racks, sending messengers this way and that, throwing this shiny new Dyno-thane ball.

You've never thrown Dyno-thane, but wowee that ball sure looked good!

So have you ever ran out and bought the ball that was on television?  Even if you would have never considered it prior?

Just curious about how much tv effects buyer habits.

Tony
http://www.allBowling.com
Title: Re: Do you buy a ball because of a PBA telecast?
Post by: Pinbuster on November 22, 2004, 11:00:32 AM
It doesn’t really affect me much at all.

The only time I bought a ball based on TV (even then it took me a couple of weeks to work up to it) was when the x-calibur was first used on TV (Marc McDowell I believe).  

Title: Re: Do you buy a ball because of a PBA telecast?
Post by: Ragnar on November 22, 2004, 11:03:35 AM
It has not ever occurred to me to buy a ball just because I saw one on TV.  Seeing a ball on TV may bring it to my attention and I may do some further research on it, but rush out and buy one?  Pfaugh!!

Is has occurred to me that I'd like to buy some of the hand I see throwing the balls on TV, but I haven't found a place yet which sells them.  

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"A little sincerity is a dangerous thing, and a great deal of it is absolutely fatal." Oscar Wilde
Ragnar sure likes to throw his purdy Uranium Buzzsaw.
Title: Re: Do you buy a ball because of a PBA telecast?
Post by: jimensminger on November 22, 2004, 11:42:43 AM
not usually,..because I always almost know what it is they are throwing,..have read about it, etc..no big deal,..plus the PBA guys are usually throwing the latest and greatest from their company regardless,...BUT..this year I really perked up at that ball Danny Wiseman was throwing,..and the numbers he shot with it all week,..now that one I did take a second look,...jim
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www.dynothane.com
Title: Re: Do you buy a ball because of a PBA telecast?
Post by: scotts33 on November 22, 2004, 11:49:45 AM
quote:
The only time I bought a ball based on TV (even then it took me a couple of weeks to work up to it) was when the x-calibur was first used on TV (Marc McDowell I believe).


Yes, Marc won the AC-Delco with an Excalibur first to win with resin.

Tony--No I don't purchase cuz what I see on TV.  I love Jaros technique and see him in regionals in the Midwest.

Scott
Title: Re: Do you buy a ball because of a PBA telecast?
Post by: DanH78 on November 22, 2004, 12:45:06 PM
I've never bought a ball just becuase it was on TV, but TV has drawn my attention to a ball making me want to do a little research on whether I could drill it to do what I want
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The clock on the wall says 3 O'Clock...last call...for Alcohol!
Title: Re: Do you buy a ball because of a PBA telecast?
Post by: Nollster on November 22, 2004, 12:45:20 PM
The only time it affected me was when I was thinking about an X-Factor when PDW won using one....Oh, yeah -- make that twice -- also wanted and eventually bought an Apocalypse after watching Tommy DeLutz....Wait a minute -- 3x -- a Retro Roto Blue again after seeing what Tommy could do with it....Other than that 1 (no 3) times, I never let it influence me!!  
Title: Re: Do you buy a ball because of a PBA telecast?
Post by: TheBowlingKid25 on November 22, 2004, 12:50:58 PM
Never got a ball I saw on TV simply because I saw it on TV, but for a few reasons. One, I now know that half the time balls I want are just balls I want, they would be useless and would overlap, two, I never have that much extra cash laying around. Now ask Not_Enuff_carry about this! ROFL
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16 years and still going strong! 16 years old that is! The names Warrior Princess, Xena..Warrior Princess
And why would I "saw" pins in half, THATS A WASTE OF PINS!
Title: Re: Do you buy a ball because of a PBA telecast?
Post by: seadrive on November 22, 2004, 01:20:12 PM
Since I don't bowl on tour, it doesn't make much sense for me to pick a ball based on what I saw some pro do with it on TV.

You're better off looking at what the guys who bowl with your style are successfully using on your house shot, than looking at what the pros are using.
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seadrive
Cogito ergo bowl
Title: Re: Do you buy a ball because of a PBA telecast?
Post by: Dyno-Joe on November 22, 2004, 01:25:22 PM
I am going to buy a ball from which I saw on the tour. My dad thinks I rotate the ball like Danny Wiseman, and since seeing him in the Masters use a Ravage, my dad is going to be buying me a Ravage. Also I've been wanting to try Morich and my dad figures I need a ball that is polished and stronger at the same time. So it will be one of my Christmas presents from Santy Clause.
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You know whats yummy for my tummy DOUGHNUTS.
Title: Re: Do you buy a ball because of a PBA telecast?
Post by: Mike Austin on November 23, 2004, 12:29:09 AM
Balls aren't around long enough anymore for TV to make a difference.  A few years back when the Track Triton Heat made/won on the show some ridiculous 12-14 times in a row, sales really went up.  The fact that it was great ball didn't hurt either.  We couldn't get them in the shop fast enough.  I know I threw 300 with at least 3 different ones.  Ahhh.............


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Mike Austin
Mike Austin's Precision Pro Shop
Houston, TX
Storm VIP Shop Member
Brunswick Pro Source Member
Drilling and Tech Advice BirdDogbowling.com

Driller to many "Stars" and Tony Melendez too!
Onward through the Storm!!!!

Title: Re: Do you buy a ball because of a PBA telecast?
Post by: agroves on November 23, 2004, 12:57:50 AM
I personnally could care less what the pros use.  If I could throw THE/ANY ball as well as they do, then I would be bowling pro.

I was talking to my proshop guy one afternoon about the Bone XS.  He said that when it first came out he order a dozen or so.  The first time it was on tv was the week before it was released to the public.  He said he sold out in two days, and ended up order 3 or 4 dozen more.  I find that absolutely ridiculous, but hey to each is own.

Andrew
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FUFU
Title: Re: Do you buy a ball because of a PBA telecast?
Post by: Psychoballtester on November 23, 2004, 01:15:23 AM
Gee wiz,

The last ball I seen someone throw on tv was a
Black Rhino(aka a wee bit back in time).
That shows how much I watch bowling on tv
as of now,very little.

Ok,OK,also,I saw some show on ESPN about 3 years ago,BUT I wasn't paying
attention to what exact ball was thrown.Sorry,I missed that,I was tripping on the crazy revs,couldn't make out the ball actually,I was happy with my
Forrest Green Quantium at that time,hoo hoo!

moral to post/thread:

TV doesent influence me for new ball buying,my influencing is
from word of mouth or some website called BallReviews.com,cool site!

I'm always curious about a ball whether it was thrown from a Pro Bowling or thrown from a Train!!

next!
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Dont ya like when you can get the
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10 spare,isn't
that cool!!!I Call it your second
chance strike!!!

Psycho.B.T
Title: Re: Do you buy a ball because of a PBA telecast?
Post by: Brickguy221 on November 23, 2004, 01:51:40 AM
I buy balls that work for me and not what someone else is throwing.
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Retired and bowling on Fixed Income
Title: Re: Do you buy a ball because of a PBA telecast?
Post by: MSC2471 on November 23, 2004, 02:39:09 AM
Can't say I've ever been influenced by what the pros throw on television and what makes up my equipment. However during my college days when I first saw everyone throwing a Blue Hammer on my team and opposing teams, that influenced me to get a Blue Hammer immediately. It was also there that resin first started popping up in the scene with all the Rhino Pros, Turbo X's and X-Caliburs....

Matt
Title: Re: Do you buy a ball because of a PBA telecast?
Post by: LuckyLefty on November 23, 2004, 02:53:42 AM
I am never influenced by that stuff.

This week St Louis, Ricky Lawrence, Maximum Velocity.

Well I did order one of them.

Ummmm last week Walter Ray the Exception well I did order one of them.

but other than that when Walter Ray was on Tv with the Phenom Unleashed, the Icon  and the Icon2 I've never ordered a ball that I saw on TV.

REgards,

LUckylefty
Title: Re: Do you buy a ball because of a PBA telecast?
Post by: Leftyhi-trak on November 23, 2004, 07:20:56 AM
PR does sell balls or at least, draw enough interest for customers to ponder. When the companies would only release 2-4 balls a season it was great for sales but in todays ball-a-day release it does rarely help. Another problem is Joe Average bowler can't keep up with the new release and can't tell what the bowler was throwing on TV.
Title: Re: Do you buy a ball because of a PBA telecast?
Post by: charlest on November 23, 2004, 08:25:51 AM
twoheadedboy wrote:
quote:
aren't pros usually using special tour edition balls anyway?


Technically, they can only use balls which are or will be available to the general buying public.

quote:

At this point, I fill holes. I watch reactions out on the lanes for people who already have stuff, read stats to see if it's set up to do what I want out of the box, and read reviews.


To my way of thinking, that is the correct approach.
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"When we choose an action,
we also choose the consequences of that action.
Title: Re: Do you buy a ball because of a PBA telecast?
Post by: Walking E on November 23, 2004, 09:07:45 AM
The only time I bought a ball as a direct result of seeing it on TV was the original Black Hammer. (And then the ball driller had to go and put the Hammer ABOVE the fingers instead of the "correct" pro position with the Hammer on the side - d'oh! Seems insignificant now but it really bothered me at the time!)

Nowadays I pay attention to what they're throwing and then do research on the ball if it looks like something that may suit my game.
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You weren't unlucky when you left that corner pin, so shut up about it already!!
Title: Re: Do you buy a ball because of a PBA telecast?
Post by: bamaster on November 23, 2004, 09:08:17 AM
I've said this before....

I cannot confirm that sales of a certain ball increses after a ball makes the show.  But I CAN confrm that website traffic does.  After Dyno-thane would make a show, the website traffic spikes.  Everytime.

So I know for a fact that television exposure increases a ball's awareness and interest.  How that translates to sales, I am not sure of.

Tony
http://www.allBowling.com
Title: Re: Do you buy a ball because of a PBA telecast?
Post by: Mr Bass on November 23, 2004, 02:37:52 PM
quote:
I GOT to get me one of them BAYER spare balls, just like Walter Ray!

Don't you mean Oder Eaters?
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"Smokey this is not 'Nam this is bowling, there are rules"

"Maybe those Ebonite balls hit too hard. They're too good" -Jason Couch after leaving a stone 8 pin
"Yeah but the Brunswick ones get all ten though" -Brad Angelo
Title: Re: Do you buy a ball because of a PBA telecast?
Post by: Smash49 on November 24, 2004, 07:47:55 AM
No

20 or 30 years ago maybe.  It was cool to see some one throwing the latest Rhino and go out and get one then or maybe an LT-48.  I had 2 blue Tanks when they were the ball of choice on the ladies tour.  Now days it's ho hum about the primary ball.  The spare balls are more interesting.

Smash49
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Smash49
robert@bowlersslidesock.com
Bowler's Slide Sock: Simply the finest slide product on the planet!  This sock will make you want to throw everything else away!
www.bowlersslidesock.com
Title: Re: Do you buy a ball because of a PBA telecast?
Post by: bamaster on November 24, 2004, 08:41:55 AM
Yes, I think the market over-saturation of new ball releases dilutes the buying process.  Most bowlers I know buy a ball because it's new, not because it was used on a show.  Bowlers are fiercly brand loyal... an approach I largely disagree with.  These are the bowlers that are less analytical in their ball purchases, becuase it doesn't really matter if a ball matches up to them.  They are going to buy it regardless because it is a certain brand.

Additionally, many of the high performance balls being released are too aggressive for Tour conditions.  Many of the Tour boys are throwing mid-level and/or discontinued balls during qualifying but switch to the new releases for the show.

I keep hearing how ball manufacturers are reducing the number of staffers.  That they see less and less return (and increasing costs as the release more balls per year).  But it's a necessity.  Exposure is important.  Television exposure is particularly important to smaller companies like Dyno-thane and Circle Athletics.  

This is a good discussion.

Tony
http://www.allBowling.com
Title: Re: Do you buy a ball because of a PBA telecast?
Post by: Reality Check on November 28, 2004, 10:16:29 AM
Are the ball manufacturers really making more profit by bringing out so many balls in such a short space of time? Would they no be better served by limiting themselves to less releases in a year, and spending the time and money preparing for the next release and promoting their current one?
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Reality Is.......Working out how to carry the 10, only to start leaving the 7.
Title: Re: Do you buy a ball because of a PBA telecast?
Post by: Mike Austin on November 28, 2004, 11:04:37 AM
From the ball company view, it is just units.  It doesn't matter to them which ball they sell.  As long as they are selling balls.  Total numbers.

My position for a long time has been to slow down the releases.  Give pro shops a chance to get to know the ball and what it can/can't do for their customers.  If the ball is good, the pro shop can sell it and make their customers happy.  

With the extra time between releases, make sure the new ball is actually something new.  Make it do something different than the previous ball.  All the new balls are the same core with a supposedly new formula of PowerKoil, Monsoon, Typhoon, M80+, Super Soaker, blah, blah, blah.....

How much is it really different than the previous balls????  The very large majority of the purchasing public wouldn't know the difference even if I told them.  Their skill level is not high enough to take advantage of ActivatorPlus.......

(I'm not picking on any one company, the names above are the first ones that came to mind, the Dr. Pepper hasn't take effect yet)


--------------------
Mike Austin
Mike Austin's Precision Pro Shop
Houston, TX
Storm VIP Shop Member
Brunswick Pro Source Member
Drilling and Tech Advice BirdDogbowling.com

Driller to many "Stars" and Tony Melendez too!
Onward through the Storm!!!!

Title: Re: Do you buy a ball because of a PBA telecast?
Post by: Bluff on November 28, 2004, 05:39:35 PM
TV? you mean you watch bowling on TV? dam get a life!!. j/k who care what they use. But I got all Of Mo's Ball casue the Core Looks really kwel and high tech.
Drill it and never use it
Title: Re: Do you buy a ball because of a PBA telecast?
Post by: 230-n-up-or-bust on November 29, 2004, 03:40:08 PM
If you like to purchase the products used by the pros after a telecast, I've got a deal for you.  You can purchase my AMF Titan, just like the one thrown by Danny Wiseman during Sunday's telecast, for only $159.99 shipped.

This is just as goofy as a guy watching a NASCAR driver win in a particular brand of automobile, and hurrying to the showroom the next morning to buy the same color and brand of car that crossed the finish line!
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Pain is weakness leaving the body.