Post by: MrPerfect on January 30, 2011, 06:23:28 AM
Will Storm keep making the HyRoads for staffers? Or will they be forced to find a new be "everything" ball?
Post by: tburky on January 30, 2011, 02:28:34 PM
Post by: SKIDSNAP on January 30, 2011, 02:37:11 PM
Post by: Juggernaut on January 30, 2011, 02:37:27 PM
They don't have to keep making them. Staffers already have theirs, and can use then anytime they wish. And probably have a few set back that they already have.
Storm will probably keep a few back for staffers at their request. And, since it is already USBC approved, they can do a run of them anytime they wish, if necessary.
IMHO, the Storm Hy-Road is akin to the old Ebonite V-2. An all around great ball that HAD TO DIE so that the company could move forward.
I mean, how do you explain to people that they need the newest, best, highest priced new model, when the mid class is still using one 5yrs old that outperforms anything they've come up with?
"Yeah, I throw AMF. What's it to ya"? 
Post by: MrPerfect on January 30, 2011, 02:40:22 PM
Yeah, I pretty much throw Track exclusively now, but I have a few un-drilled HyRoads for that rainy day.
I just wasn't sure if they were allowed to keep using them long after they were discontinued, because I know a few of the professionals absolutely love some certain older balls, but I doubt the manufacturers would let them use them on television even if it meant a win since there was no profit to be made from the ball.
Post by: JustRico on January 30, 2011, 02:40:56 PM
As of right now the HyRoad or Virtual Gravity are not leaving the line...after 3 years.
The views and opinions expressed by myself are solely those of mine and NO one else, nor are they affiliated with anyone else.
Post by: MrPerfect on January 30, 2011, 02:45:40 PM
Yeah, I wasn't sure because of them openly advertising the Reign Supreme as the replacement for the HyRoad, and then with the new Victory Road. Personally, I understand the statements about balls like the V2 where you need a new ball in order to move new product, but why stop producing a ball that always performs.
Post by: JustRico on January 30, 2011, 02:50:35 PM
Thats exactly what they are doing....they realize the ball is still selling so they are not taking it out of the line. Imagine that....
And actually the black/silver Heat is closest in reaction.
The views and opinions expressed by myself are solely those of mine and NO one else, nor are they affiliated with anyone else.
Post by: lsf_21 on January 30, 2011, 03:39:39 PM
Last week Smallwood threw a Mike Aulby MVP.
Wasnt that ball made in the late 90s?
Post by: clt2244 on January 30, 2011, 05:38:09 PM
Here is the info I could find on the Mike Aulby ball
I got to throw one, nice weaker ball
http://www.bowlingballvault.com/companies/3-brunswick/577-mike-aulby-mvp
Only throw the good stuff, Roto/Global but Motiv is slowly growing on me.
BowlingChat.net
RIP Sawbones
Post by: completebowler on January 31, 2011, 08:15:11 PM
ALL STAR BOWLING & TROPHY
LANGAN'S ALL STAR LANES
IBPSIA MEMBER
WALLED LAKE MI
LANGAN'S ALL STAR LANES
IBPSIA MEMBER
WALLED LAKE MI
Post by: mediumrevs15 on January 31, 2011, 10:23:24 PM
why did storm finally discontinue the hy road and virtual gravity?
Post by: JustRico on February 01, 2011, 05:21:53 AM
They have NOT discontinued the HyRoad or Virtual Gravity
The views and opinions expressed by myself are solely those of mine and NO one else, nor are they affiliated with anyone else.
Post by: MrPerfect on February 01, 2011, 01:06:26 PM
We aren't saying they discontinued them, we are wondering what staffers will do when that day does eventually take place.
Post by: BrianCRX90 on February 02, 2011, 04:57:17 PM
Makes you wonder why all ball manufactuers try to keep some balls for as long as possible.I mean, if you are selling the same ball and getting good sales for 10 years why stop? Storm isn't the worst at it. That would belong to Ebonite and everything owned by them.
Post by: MrPerfect on February 02, 2011, 06:59:26 PM
While I understand the sentiments I think you are way off on this statement.
First, Storm/Roto are only two brands, and while they do a fairly good job of not flooding the market they aren't exactly immune from replacing an unpopular ball very quickly. If you consider the major brands I would think the major brands that do the best in terms of not flooding the market with are Track and Roto.
Second, as to your blanket statement of Ebonite International, if you consider it as an entity I would say yes they come out with new stuff fairly often...arguably more than needed by the proshop operators. However, like any other product each of the individual entities is in reality it's own ball company. If you look at their releases in this way I think you will find they fall well within the norm of manufacturer releases.
I think if you look at Ebonite in particular, and I have spoken with Ron Hickland about this, is that I really think they are putting out a lot of equipment because they are trying to find their niche underneath the Ebonite International umbrella. I think the other 3 brands have done a great job at building a brand and a following. People who buy Track, Columbia, or Hammer know what they are buying. However, as a result of Ebonite International focusing on building those brands I think Ebonite doesn't really have that clarity of brand that the other three do. I think Ebonite might be able to build a brand off of the Mission series, and hopefully restore the brand to its former glory.
Post by: retiredbowler on February 03, 2011, 11:09:46 AM