Just so I can add my .02, some of this I agree with and some of it I don't. Now, I was born in 1970, so some of the prices you guys are talking about I'm never going to see. But, in it's own way, I feel that bowling has gotten a bit more expensive.

Now, to compare it to golf, to me, it depends again. I mean if you’re trying to plunk down some money to some forged Nike clubs, yeah it's kind of hard for bowling to keep up with that...or is it? Think about it. The most expensive ball line in the history of our sport was the Quantum's, hands down. I remember seeing them at the ABC Nationals when they were in Mobile, AL.

For a NIB Quantum, you were going to be dropping $300 bucks easily. Get more than one ball for various lane conditions (there were three balls at launch if I remember correctly...) you’re in the $900+ range. And that's not including if you had it drilled with inserts then your closer to $1000! Now, I seriously doubt anyone did this, of course if you had the money, it doesn't make a difference anyway.

Top of the line balls now a days (from what I've seen...) cost anywhere from...oh, $200-$250+. What really hurts me is the drilling prices they have today. I mean, I know pro shops have got to make their money, but $50+ dollars just to drill a ball!?!? Yeah, your local pro shop will add the price of drilling to the balls but some places I've been to have you pay the full price of the ball, this amount for drilling, and then inserts! Now, if there's one thing that I feel that went up in price it’s this.

Now, even if we got this out of the way, the bags, shoes, shirts, and accessories that we use today aren't anything to scoff at either. Here's how I see it form an "avid" bowlers perspective:

4 NIB bowling balls: $500-600
Drilling and Inserts: $300
4 ball roller bag: $200
Bowling accessories: $100
Top of the line bowling shoes: $200

Taking your equipment to Nationals and getting all the money you spent back on your first time out there: PRICELESS!

LOL! You see my point right? With golf, yeah it's expensive as hell, but you could probably go through more bowling balls than you will a really good pair of sticks. I've known people who've kept the same clubs for 10+ years. You can do this with a bowling ball, but after a while it'll probably be only good for lighter oil conditions. With golf clubs, from what I've been told, you can have them re-grooved, re-wrapped, re-shafted and Lord knows what else done to keep your favorite pair of sticks going strong.

Well, to be honest with you, there are too many comparisons you could make between the two. I'm sure some may agree with what I say and some may not. But overall, I agree that bowing is getting more expensive.



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When you've moved up, moved back, adjusted left and right, cupped, flattened out, have thrown everyting in your arsenal, and the pins still don't cooperate, just say, "Aw to HELL with it!", and throw the ball!

SoCalJr...

To tell you the truth, if I wasn't in the golf business I probably wouldn't play much golf at all.  The cost of the game has REALLY gotten ridiculous over the last 8-10 years.  When I first started in the business in the late 80s, you could get a whole set of woods for the cost of one driver now and irons were about half the price of what they are now.  Greens fees have also skyrocketed making it almost impossible for the average guy to play the really "good" courses.  Sure there are plenty of municipal/public courses to play that won't cost an arm and a leg, but unless you've got all day to play, they are not worth it...also, don't forget a hard hat if you play on some of those!
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That which doesn't kill you will only make you stronger, that which doesn't make you stronger is a waste of time!