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Author Topic: pba membership  (Read 6223 times)

Applejacks

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pba membership
« on: February 05, 2015, 03:45:05 PM »
Not in anyway going to be a PBA member but saw that members get special discounts and one of them was discounted bowling balls from certain manufactures. I get companies are gonna sell for different prices but generally how much is the discount? a certain %?

 

Track_Fanatic

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Re: pba membership
« Reply #1 on: February 05, 2015, 03:50:36 PM »
not very substantial to make it worth buying direct. Most manufacturers do not give you the option for pin placement and top weight. They range from none to about $40.  It was always better to get them through your pro shop, that way you know you will get what you want.

Steven

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Re: pba membership
« Reply #2 on: February 06, 2015, 10:57:14 AM »
I agree that the ball discounts arn't worth the membership by itself. The value comes in the reduced tournament fees and the discounted practice rates.
 
I'm saving about $10 a week with the PBA practice rate of $1 per game. It makes the annual membership fee a bargain.

Gene J Kanak

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Re: pba membership
« Reply #3 on: February 06, 2015, 11:09:23 AM »
When I had my card, I took advantage of the reduced practice fees and the ball discounts. Truthfully, those were the main selling points of membership since my skill level wasn't anywhere near PBA-ready. In any case, I bought two NIB Onyx Vibes for $85 apiece out the door. In my world, that was pretty darned good! With the prices those vibes are fetching now with "gem status", I could've made a fortune had I ordered more! lol

Tex

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Re: pba membership
« Reply #4 on: February 07, 2015, 06:53:35 PM »
Once upon a time it was a big deal. Now the discounts are minimal from most and have to be a full member to take advantage from Storm and others as well. The Big B is pretty much web price and not worth the effort for direct. 900 Global is back and again worth getting theirs with the discounts, but about the only company that is. Turbo gives good deals, but shipping isn't free either.  If that is the only reason, then its not a reason to get  a card. IF you plan on bowling regionals and feel you can compete then its icing on the cake.

Joker-1

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Re: pba membership
« Reply #5 on: February 07, 2015, 11:35:26 PM »
Once upon a time it was a big deal. Now the discounts are minimal from most and have to be a full member to take advantage from Storm and others as well. The Big B is pretty much web price and not worth the effort for direct. 900 Global is back and again worth getting theirs with the discounts, but about the only company that is. Turbo gives good deals, but shipping isn't free either.  If that is the only reason, then its not a reason to get  a card. IF you plan on bowling regionals and feel you can compete then its icing on the cake.

just looked this up but it says the only difference between full and standard members is that full is free regionals and standard you can only do 3, which is pretty big to me, but nothing on the ball manufacturer giving more discount.

Track_Fanatic

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Re: pba membership
« Reply #6 on: February 08, 2015, 07:44:30 AM »
They only give a general description of 'discount' on equipment. However, the manufacturers are the ones who will determine who gets the discounts. I can verify that When ball offers on Storm, you must be classified as full membership.

Tex

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Re: pba membership
« Reply #7 on: February 08, 2015, 09:57:02 AM »
If on staff there is a big difference for sure but you have to be good to get one of those deals. I joined years ago to compete and deals were gravy. Even earned a 50/50 package with a major company for a couple years. Due to injuries and surgeries I am not at that level any longer and admit it.  I have held onto a standard membership in hopes that things will change. Something that may soon come to an end as more back problems have arisen as I worked to come back from RC shoulder surgery. You can bowl regionals as an amateur to test the waters and though entry fees are higher is a very good way to start. That is what I did it and most would do I believe. The PBA was a dream from when I was a kid and I can say I did it and was at least competitive at first. If you have the dream then go for it, but it's not about getting a few dollars off on a ball or bag.