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Author Topic: Overseas Balls  (Read 1418 times)

Neptune66

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Overseas Balls
« on: August 13, 2008, 10:46:54 PM »
I realize that they're designed for different lane conditions, but are they legal in the US, and visa versa? (I.e., Are US balls legal for use in other countries?)

No specific ball in mind at this time. Just curious as to the feasability of buying an overseas ball for use here in the states.
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dizzyfugu

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Re: Overseas Balls
« Reply #1 on: August 14, 2008, 06:49:26 AM »
Check the USBC's approved ball list at bowl.com - most balls are registered and legal, but some exotic companies... I'd check it if you want to use the ball in competition.
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Grayson

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Re: Overseas Balls
« Reply #2 on: August 14, 2008, 06:55:50 AM »
here'S the link:

http://www.bowl.com/downloads/pdf/approved_balllist.pdf

quote:
Check the USBC's approved ball list at bowl.com - most balls are registered and legal, but some exotic companies... I'd check it if you want to use the ball in competition.
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Neptune66

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Re: Overseas Balls
« Reply #3 on: August 14, 2008, 07:11:38 AM »
Thanks dizzyfugu and Grayson. That does answer my actual question.

But I guess I was interested in was whether there are major differences [from US versions] in terms of coverstock, reaction, etc., or if it's mostly marketing differences aimed at different potential customers (names and color schemes).

In other words, for a specific US ball that has a specific overseas version, what would the differences be between those two. Would there be any advantage or disadvantage in purchasing the overseas version....presuming it is approved by USBC and the pricing is similar between the two?

PS: I won't be near a PC till late today, but thanks in advance for any info.
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Dan Belcher

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Re: Overseas Balls
« Reply #4 on: August 14, 2008, 07:21:43 AM »
Overseas balls are usually minor variants on the same line of balls in the US.  Usually the colors schemes are much brighter and wilder, since that seems to be much more popular overseas than here.  Also there are sometimes different coverstock/core matchups and box finishes to match up better with international lane conditions.  Storm/Rotogrip for example releases a LOT of hybrid coverstock balls overseas.  The Mighty Shift has the same core as the Shift, but is a solid/pearl hybrid light load particle sanded to 2000 abralon.  The Top Agent has the same core as the Agent but has a solid/pearl hybrid coverstock (and a headache-inducing blue/red/bronze color scheme)
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BigWillyStyle

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Re: Overseas Balls
« Reply #5 on: August 14, 2008, 09:57:14 AM »
Brunswick overseas balls are this....

every coverstock they've ever made on every core they've ever made....at least it seems that way.

Big Willy Style

PS...not knocking Big B by any means....I LOVE the International Zone Bionic Zone 1 I have!
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iamone78

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Re: Overseas Balls
« Reply #6 on: August 14, 2008, 10:30:58 AM »
To answer your question about if bowling balls for the US market are legal for use in international play, yes. I reside here in Germany and bowl in ETBF (European Tenpin Bowling Federation) tournaments and do not have a problem using my equipment that I purchase stateside. USBC is recognized by the World Tenpin Bowling Association (WTBA). Ironically, thier approved ball list is linked to bowl.com.

http://www.wtba.ws/index.php?topic=statutes&sub=3

I would say only a small percentage of international players are using strictly overseas ball releases. With that being said the majority of players use the same equipment that you would find at you local proshop. Hope that helps and sheds a little light on the subject for you.
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bhsbigcountry

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Re: Overseas Balls
« Reply #7 on: August 14, 2008, 10:50:44 AM »
depending on the ball most of them are. becuase the company is usbc approved. i have thrown a few of them, mostly brunswick stuff and they have a usbc serial number on them
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mainzer

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Re: Overseas Balls
« Reply #8 on: August 14, 2008, 03:18:53 PM »
I have liked all the overseas stuff I used in the past always seemed to match my game a little bit better than the domestic stuff IMO, the stronger covers give me a little more versatility with my ball speed which is nice.
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SirAshley

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Re: Overseas Balls
« Reply #9 on: August 14, 2008, 08:47:44 PM »
This got me laughing, I shot 708 with a bionic zone tonight...LOL... I brought it up tonight because we are in last place and I wanted to have some fun with something different, who woulda thought...



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Neptune66

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Re: Overseas Balls
« Reply #10 on: August 14, 2008, 10:28:01 PM »
Thanks everyone.

Although I don't have a particular ball in mind, and have actually been trying to abstain from adding any new equipment for awhile, it sounds like if an overseas ball caught my eye, it would be feasable to buy it and use it in league play. Maybe even some tournaments.

Great. Now I'll have an even harder time staying away from this site and constantly researching new balls.

:-)
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SVstar34

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Re: Overseas Balls
« Reply #11 on: August 14, 2008, 10:40:11 PM »
your only problem is how expensive each ball is because of how weak the dollar is right now and shipping costs.
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