BallReviews

General Category => Miscellaneous => Topic started by: mumzie on August 14, 2003, 10:30:45 PM

Title: Why do people stick with ONLY one ball company?
Post by: mumzie on August 14, 2003, 10:30:45 PM: Ok. I can understand that if you're on a ball company staff, you only throw their equipment. That's a no brainer.

But - I constantly see posts on this forum where people are getting rid of all the balls from one manufacturer, only to buy all new stuff from another manufacturer. I don't get it. Why is that so helpful to people? And how do they afford it???

Although I have more Brunswick stuff than any other manufacturer, I would NEVER consider limiting myself to only that company. I used to prefer Storm equipment, but that didn't stop me from buying a Danger Zone, or an AMF ball, or a Track ball...

There are conditions that seem to favor my hand and Brunswick. At the same time, there are conditions I see that favor my Columbia equipment, or Storm, or whatever.

Please help me understand this phenomenon - I just don't understand.
Title: Re: Why do people stick with ONLY one ball company?
Post by: A_P_K on August 15, 2003, 01:47:31 PM: I went that road with all Track equipment, but when Del Warren took over I didn't purchase anything other than the Freak. When all my Track equipment needed to be retired I purchased all Lane 1 equipment. When I realized it some of the equipment didn't match up with my style I sold them. Now I purchase anything that looks like it will work for my style of play, no matter who makes it. Although my main arsenal consists of AZO and Visionary I also have quite a bit of Storm, some old Track, Lane 1, and RotoGrip equipment.

In short I think it's a comfort level issue. Some people feel more comfortable in their mind throwing the same company even if the balls are like night and day. I did, but I realized that comfort doesn't come from a "brand" but the actual style mixed with the proper ball.
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In the old days people used to cut wood with axes.....................now and days...............they just have Executioners do it for them!
Title: Re: Why do people stick with ONLY one ball company?
Post by: Chazman819 on August 15, 2003, 02:20:55 PM: I stick with mainly Columbia because it fits my game well. I have had limited success with Track, AMF, and Brunswick, and am still examining Lane 1 equipment. Storm, Ebonite, and Hammer I have not had luck with, have tried various equipment from each company and their equipment never "works" for me as Columbia equipment usually does.

When I buy a ball the first place I look is Columbia because it fits my game the best, if they don't have something that does what I am looking for, I usually move to Track or Brunswick next..but Lane 1 could be right behind Columbia, I am liking my Buzzsaw/c so far. Works good for me.

Chaz
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Stealth Bomber - Bonanza Pearl Pulse
The Wood Chipper - Black Buzzsaw/C
The Fish - Piranha Retro
Pastel Killer - Icon

Yes...I name my bowling balls...and as you can see those names are real original...so if you have any suggestions on what a better name would be, please let me know!

Florida State will be back...as soon as Chris Rix learns how to throw a spiral, use an alarm clock, and hang on to the ball...but they will be back.
Title: Re: Why do people stick with ONLY one ball company?
Post by: Lefty210 on August 15, 2003, 02:21:17 PM: Well i just recently went with a company and my sole reason for leaving was that ebonite's coverstock/core combinations really favor my game and therefore i went to the company. As far as equipment is concerned I know a good amount about bowling balls. And it took me 2 years to make the jump totally to Ebonite. For a while I did not think that the company had a "complete" enough line to go soley with them but after trial and error and drill patterns I have now found that Ebonite is the company for me. What is boils down to is all preference or money for some. Every company has certain coverstock/weight block combinations that they use on their balls and if you can find that "happy medium" and a good driller then I tihnk alot of people will do the same. I mean do not get me wrong..I got rid of everything else outside of Ebonite except the Red Hot. I have shot all of my better sets and games prior to the switch with this balll so i am never getting rid of that ball. Also I found not found anything in the Ebonite line that skids as long on the "toasted" lanes and keep energy as well as the red hot. My particle urethane gyro is close but does not have the hitting power of the red hot.
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If it isn't EBONITE it isn't bowling........
Title: Re: Why do people stick with ONLY one ball company?
Post by: 9andaWiggle on August 15, 2003, 02:21:18 PM: Why do people only wear Nike shoes? Or only wear Tommy Hillbilly clothes? Identity. Some people like to identify themselves with certain brands for whatever reason. Maybe their favorite Pro throws Ebonite, so that's all they'll throw. Kinda like an Earnhardt fan only driving Chevy's.

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9-

Why, WHY won't the last one just fall?? It's WIGGLING for cryin' out loud!!
Title: Re: Why do people stick with ONLY one ball company?
Post by: A_P_K on August 15, 2003, 02:23:33 PM: "Tommy Hillbilly"

TFF.....LMAO!!!!!
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In the old days people used to cut wood with axes.....................now and days...............they just have Executioners do it for them!
Title: Re: Why do people stick with ONLY one ball company?
Post by: jkiser01 on August 15, 2003, 02:33:27 PM: The bottom line is this. If you are a good fundamental bowler, its makes absolutely no difference what companies ball you are throwing. Its all personal preference and what has worked for you or someone you know in the past..

Just me 2 cents on this topic..

jkiser01
Title: Re: Why do people stick with ONLY one ball company?
Post by: Lefty210 on August 15, 2003, 02:47:59 PM: Well no, some people's game is structured where they can not stop and dedicate to one company but others can. It is just really a luck of the draw.
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If it isn't EBONITE it isn't bowling........
Title: Re: Why do people stick with ONLY one ball company?
Post by: Aristotle on August 15, 2003, 02:50:21 PM: I've thrown mixed bags as well as just one company, and from my experience, throwing stuff from just one company seems to work for me better than throwing a mixed bag. I think that it has quite a bit to do with the similarities between balls of one line. For instance, right now, I'm throwing nothing but Track equipment. Freak, Mutant, Threat, and EMB (soon to be replaced my Phenom). The balls themselves seem to have a really good coverage on all patterns that I may face, and I already know pretty much what to expect from the brand of the equipment. Moreover, I'm trying to keep my purchases down to 1 line of product, simply because it's easier to set up an arsenal. Granted, Track doesn't specifically make desert condition type equipment, however with drilling variations and cover tweeking, I typically can find the right ball for those conditions. I guess that it's just a comfort thing for me when I go to buy a ball, I know what I'm getting from past experience.
Title: Re: Why do people stick with ONLY one ball company?
Post by: The great one on August 15, 2003, 02:51:28 PM: I throw only track, for a number of reasons. First their equipment works well for my game, and the main reason, i've been throwing their stuff the longest, so I know what their covers/cores are supposed to do. Based on that, it is easier to build an arsenal, and fill gaps in it. To switch, I would have little idea what equipent would go well w/my game, and would just go w/what every one else loves from other companies ie the thing, time zone, icon, etc. And if they didn't line up with me, that would be wasted money. Those are my reasons for only throwing one company.
Title: Re: Why do people stick with ONLY one ball company?
Post by: Lefty210 on August 15, 2003, 02:53:04 PM: My sentiments exactly Aristotle...When you get used to a company there aren't any surprises.
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If it isn't EBONITE it isn't bowling........
Title: Re: Why do people stick with ONLY one ball company?
Post by: channel surfer on August 15, 2003, 02:58:43 PM: I have always bowled with columbia balls since i was 4. Plus, ive always liked Columbia balls. I have thrown Brunswick, AMF, and Storm balls before. None fit my game like Columbia's. Plus, everything in my bag is Columbia 300, even the bag. I a few Columbia 300 shirts also.
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My Bowling Clinic Site: http://channelsurfers.vze.com

ASK A PRO:http://channelsurfers.vze.com/atp.shtml

Bowl.. Grab life by the balls.

Money is no object to me because I dont have any...

Edited on 8/15/2003 3:09 PM
Title: Re: Why do people stick with ONLY one ball company?
Post by: lane1lefty on August 15, 2003, 04:33:01 PM: Speaking for myself only of course, the reason I sick mainly with lane 1 consistency. They might have differences in covers, but all the cores are diamonds of some sort. Some have blocks and some don't, but all with the exception of the CB and the XL give you a smooth readable roll. If you're like I am you'd rather try this than guess at a snap.
Title: Re: Why do people stick with ONLY one ball company?
Post by: MrH on August 15, 2003, 07:13:52 PM: Well, the first ball I bought was a Columbia 300 Messenger Titanium Pearl. Still not completely satisfied with it, and the second ball I got was a Brunswick Detonator, which I like. So I bought a Purple Pearl, liked that, and just got an Inferno. The way I look at it, I'm gonna keep buying Brunswick stuff until I am unsatisfied.
Title: Re: Why do people stick with ONLY one ball company?
Post by: splitcity on August 15, 2003, 07:25:51 PM: same reason they go to a chinese restaurant, look at the menu for 5 minutes and order the same thing they did last time.
Title: Re: Why do people stick with ONLY one ball company?
Post by: Doug Sterner on August 15, 2003, 07:43:50 PM: I am with lane1lefty on this one....

I had been throwing all Storm balls because it became very easy to predict what the new balls would do based on previous experience with covers and cores.

I knew I would like the Erase It because I liked the Eraser. The ER was a great addition after I had the Trauma. I didn't care for the Recovery or the Response...

I see it as having a coach there bowling with you in the tourney...if the cores or covers are similar, you can get a pretty good idea about exactly what the ball is going to do before I throw it even once.

I also agree with Chazman. I am using Lane 1 balls now because of the same reason I buy Wrangler jeans. They fit me. Wrangler jeans fit my fat thighs and Lane 1 balls fit my game.

Another reason is that they are one of the few manufacturers right now that are not constantly messing with things. The core geometry is all similar so the reactions are similar but the different covers generate the different reactions.

Splitcity brings up one other reason.....from a customer standpoint....it tends to be a whole lot less risky to stick with a brand you have thrown and are familiar with than it is to shell out the cash on something you are totally in the dark on. Get that chicken and snowpeas because it is safe.... heheheheh

I think this is the reason why many of the smaller companies have not caught on. In many cases people are nont willing to go out on a limb and try something different.
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Doug Sterner
Doug's Pro Shop
Owego, NY
http://dougsproshop@aol.com
www.dougsproshop.net
Think about it....pins are wood, lanes are wood...
the weapon of choice is obvious...
CUT 'EM UP BABY it's BUZZSAW TIME!!!
Title: Re: Why do people stick with ONLY one ball company?
Post by: strikealot on August 15, 2003, 07:44:50 PM: i have thrown alot of companys in the past, had alot of success with different companys. ive recently decided to go with strickly brunswick, i feel more confident with brunswick. building my arsenal up with brunswick equipment. i feel like there are too many choices so im simplifying my choices. i dont think it will hurt my scores. hasnt so far.
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90% of the game is 50% mental!
Title: Re: Why do people stick with ONLY one ball company?
Post by: omegabowler on August 15, 2003, 11:07:25 PM: why not stick with a company is my question.

my favorite company right now is Hammer. I like Visionary and Lane 1. all of three of them are easy to make a 6 ball lineup from. so why do I need to mix them up?

with all the different cores and shells out there finding a good matchup is key. Picking ball to fit one after another is easy buy core shape. if you like arcing symmetrical cores you can mix them up. but since coverstocks still account for most of the reaction it's harder to line balls up.

Now mixing could be good thing if you want 2 skid/snap and 2 arcing balls. and One company is know for arcing coverstocks and the other is know for skid/snap. that would be the only reason to not go with one company , IMO.

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"deserves got nothing to do with it."
-- William Munny
Title: Re: Why do people stick with ONLY one ball company?
Post by: LuckyLefty on August 15, 2003, 11:12:58 PM: Is this really Sawbones?

REgards,

Luckylefty
Title: Re: Why do people stick with ONLY one ball company?
Post by: DON DRAPER on August 15, 2003, 11:40:23 PM: i've thrown nothing but brunswick since 1995 and wouldn't use anything else. i used hammer and columbia before that and they didn't seem to match up to my game and style. i've received some much appreciated help from brunswick r&d staffers tom tomaras and rick benoit. i've also received some advise on equipment selection from chris barnes and parker bohn III. there has never been a better time to throw brunswick equipment than right now.
Title: Re: Why do people stick with ONLY one ball company?
Post by: CS on August 16, 2003, 12:27:36 AM: I use mainly Brunswick & lane #1 i guess it depends on what you have had the best luck with. Mainly its just personal preference.
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Well Thats My 2 Cents Worth
Title: Re: Why do people stick with ONLY one ball company?
Post by: dicnic on August 16, 2003, 09:52:48 AM: Too bad there is not some way to conceal the identity of a ball without altering its characteristics. Then you could have a test, with many bowlers throwing many balls, drilled to their specifications and see if the company producing the balls actually makes any difference.

I'll bet that nobody could tell which company made which ball, other than guessing!

By the way, in this discussion, we tend to forget that some companies manufacture all the balls for some of the other companies. Does this make a difference? One would assume that a company would design a ball, issue the specs out to bid and select the lowest qualified bidder to manufacture the balls according to the buyers specs. That's the way business operates. Is the manufacturing of bowling balls somehow different in that the actual manufacturer somehow influences the actual products? Hmmmmmmmm?

But since we cannot conceal the identity of each ball, we will just have to go by the posts in this thread and believe what we choose.
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What's with the Braille on a drive-up-ATM?
Never under any circumstances take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.
Title: Re: Why do people stick with ONLY one ball company?
Post by: Los300 on August 16, 2003, 10:08:09 AM: I mainly use Storm equipment because it seems to fit my game perfectly. I have had much success with it over the years. I guess people just stick with 1 company because of good past experiences and the fact that the equipment fits their game better than other companies.