Unless you have crazy dominating skillz, you have to offer the ball company some type of return.  The attitude these days are, what will you do for me?  Do you own a successful pro shop where you can push the product?  Of not, you have to demonstrate to the ball company some type of ROI.

I've had a ball company ask me to be on staff because if my website's readership and influence. I declined since I already have a deal.  But the point is that they saw a potential marketing tool with me.  

Bottom line... unless you can make television shows on the PBA, why would a company give you free stuff?

BTW, sometimes it's a matter of the ball rep just liking you.  That's always good. Regardless, these guys get asked countless times about free stuff, so what's your hook?

Tony
http://www.allBowling.com