Are you "loyal" to your bowling ball brand?

[v33dubfox]

Hi. Do you always buy the same bowling balls brand? The opinion of my pro shop guy is that keeping the same brand in your arsenal give you the opportunity to be sure that every ball you have won't react the same way.

What do you think about that?

[Brother_jd]

I am. Use Storm products.

[Perrin]

I figure until a ball company is paying me to throw their equipment I'll throw whatever works for me and fits my budget :)

[J Anderson]

Let's see, Ebonite, Track, Hammer, Columbia 300, AMF, DV8, and Storm. Guess I'm not very loyal!

[noeymc]

i dont have a brand no one pays me to bowl with them i use what i want =D

[JerseyJim]

I used to be pretty loyal to Ebonite. However nowadays it's Storm, Roto Grip, and LaneMasters.

[JaMau24]

I'm now loyal to DV8. I do own a Storm Vivid (which I won on here several months ago, thanks again Bowling Boards), but don't throw it anymore. Anything I buy now is DV8, though.

[Kudu22]

I am a Storm and Hammer fan. I like their branding and what they do for my game.

[Zothen]

I have 3 balls from Roto Grip,3 balls from Brunswick,3 balls from Track and 1 ball from Hammer and 1 ball from AMF.

Zothen

[whimsical]

I've only owned 4 balls, but can't say I've been loyal to one brand. My last ball was a Columbia shock and now I'm using a Hammer brick.

[hondo]

I go with whatever the reviews have to say and how the videos look at bowlingball.com, plus their tech staff has not steered me wrong. All manufacturers say the same thing, I try to get the best bang for my buck and I feel pro shops have too much pressure to move what they have in stock. I want to decide. I know that most of the guys that I bowl with feel the same way. I used to throw Ebonite but they just seemed to go away two years ago and my local pro shop guy seemed way too aggressive in selling nothing but Ebonite stuff, I figured that Ebonite was using the Kmart model, they are big sellers to big box stores, and was more concerned about moving the stuff than quality. Right or wrong, when I switched to other brands I have not been disappointed. In fact, I have shot some of my best scores in the last two years.

[eugene02]

seems like more and more people are using DV8 in this forum! even iceman!

[noeymc]

i plan i getting the mardur here in the next month or so and my misfit in feb late nex month

[Siddy]

I just use what ever fits my needs, im using Brunswick Motiv and Track right now. I may get a 4th ball soon that is a medium oil ball so i might just pick up a DV8 or Storm ball

[Cochese]

I haven't been bowling long enough or tried enough different brands to have any loyalty at this point. I bought my Storm Frantic based on all the positive reviews on Bowlingball.com and just bought my DV8 Hell Raiser Terror because of all the deviants on this forum.

I would definitely buy a ball from either brand again, but would also be willing to try other brands like Hammer and RotoGrip. I wish my pro shop had more brands to demo. All they have is Storm.

[AKbash]

I have Ebonite, Storm, and Roto Grip.

I'm usually the type the stays loyal to whatever first brand gets me into the hobby...but now I just read the reviews and figure which one would work best for me. Or most importantly, one my pro shop have in stock.

Although lately...I've been seeing myself, drooling over dv8 balls...only because this forum has influenced me... I can confidently say, I will be a deviant, in the near future. LOL

[Vince805]

I have only used Columbia 300 and Brunswick, but its time for a change

[americantrotter]

As long as it's made in the USA.

But I have 2 Roto Grip, 2 Storm, and a Columbia.

Previously at different weightas, I had a Brunswick and a Roto Grip.

[noeymc]

ok heres the truth i use to use ebnoite and hammer only but i got this shatter and really love it i might become a Roto Grip

[billf]

I use to only use Storm/Roto-Grip. Turns out they don't stand behind anything and I had the worst customer service experience EVER! I switched to DV8 in January and haven't been disappointed at all. Yes, Storm's stuff is made in the USA and I'm all for buying made in America whenever possible but not at the expense of being treated like a human being. DV8 has been wonderful so far. I e-mail them and the next day get an answer either by phone or e-mail. When I had a problem with my two Revenge's they called me the next day and had two new balls shipped THAT DAY!
Now with my commitment to www.bowlerX.com I will be doing ball reviews. I'm actually looking forward to trying some of the other brands, especially Motiv.

[BowlingBoards.com]

Storm and Roto are outstanding with warranties. Your pro shop should of covered, or wherever you purchased it.

[billf]

The ball rep told me, "we don't worry about it. You will buy our stuff because everybody's using it". When I had an issue about a matchmaker event their Facebook rep told me to e-mail him all the details. I did. This was January and I'm still waiting for a company response to the issue. After six e-mails in six months that rep e-mailed saying he had received my e-mails but did not have an answer. "A simple, "Sorry, it was human error" would have satisfied me. Those were strikes two and three with me. Hopefully others have better luck with them but I just can't purchase their stuff anymore.

[75lockwood]

Well, my first ball was made by Brunswick, it was a great ball and it was what i learned the game using. a couple weeks ago i finally took the plunge and got the DV8 Marauder, and well saying I'm not disappointed is an understatement :D I'm really loving DV8 right now, but i would still like to see what's out there before committing to any company (DV8 is winning right now) :cool:

[ArtVandelay]

I don't have any brand loyalty at all, BUT I do think I have a tendency to go away from what seems overly popular. In golf, I know too many people who are in love with Callaway. I thought, "Well I better look into Callaway, if that many people LOVE them they must be good and I don't want to miss out!" Truth was, I was at golf galaxy for about 2 months straight hitting different clubs in their simulator. The Callaways were no better or worse than anything else. The only club that seemed to make a difference was Ping, and I only say that because I was hitting it straighter. I actually shy away from Callaway a bit now.

Maybe DV8 is the best ball on the market and you simply can't do any better... I dunno. I don't think there's anything that would give a particular bowling brand a huge advantage over another. I find it hard to believe Storm knows something Hammer doesn't. I also think we have a tendency to adjust to what we are working with. I'm willing to bet the advantage is more mental than anything.

That being said, I've owned two Ebonites, a Hammer, and now a Lane 1. My next ball will probably be whatever I choose next! hahahahaha.

[Bizwan65]

Not really. In the last 15+ months I have purchased (for myself, wife and son) 2 Brunswick (2 T-Zone), 1 Columbia 300 (White Dot), 3 Storm (2 Heat, 1 Breeze) and 3 900 Global (1 Hook, 1 Nuts, 1 Train). Wow, that's a lot of bowling balls. Didn't realize it was that many.

[GoodGorilla]

I have not been bowling seriously for more than a year yet, so it's kind of early for me to say what is what, but I started with a brunswick massive damage, which I really disliked. I bought all storm products because I believe that a brand will have a consistency with their future products even if they are different balls. Like my IQ was made off of virtual gravity nano technology, so I think with the amount of time I spend with my Storm balls I will learn the way their balls work, and have a better idea on future balls/layouts to get. I have been interested in other manufacturers on the market, but I know that my skill isn't at a level where I could benefit from a larger arsenal (I probably can, but that's what I say to save money).

[BowlingBoards.com]

We personally know all the ball reps with Storm and Roto and we would say that you must have misunderstood or are communicating this incorrectly. There are only a few reps or District Manager's for Storm across the country and for one of the to say, "we don't worry about it", could cost them their job. Plus they are all highly trained and understand the bowling business. For you to stand by this post is to make a very serious accusation. Rather than trying to get it warrantied through a Facebook rep (whatever that is) try the 800 number. Also Storm warranties the balls through distributors and pro shops, you didn't mention why the place you purchased it didn't handle it immediately.

We guarantee you that this is not an accurate post that reflects Storms position, both towards their products and more importantly their customers.

Note: We know that on occasion Storm will warranty a ball directly for a customer that doesn't understand how to go about getting it warrantied, maybe because of lack of understanding or being mislead by a pro shop who doesn't want to warranty it.

NOTE: TO READERS OF THIS POST.

If you have a Storm or Roto Grip product that needs warrantied:

Simply return to the place of purchase,
Contact them if it is an online store,
Contact Storm directly and toll free at 800-369-4402
Their contact information is available at Stormbowling.com
Storm and Roto Grip stand behind their product 100%

[Hampe]

Ive got zero brand loyalty. I've bought balls from Global, Storm, and Brunswick, and I'm very happy with all 3. I will probably get a DV8 and roto grip ball eventually.

[UBowling]

I grew up throwing Storm only.

I currently have Motiv, Hammer, Ebonite, DV8 and Storm in my arsenal that I use.

I say use what you like. If you only like one company then only use that one. I don't think it is a good excuse to only throw one company so you ensure the ball doesn't react the same way. That doesn't work. Each company seems to have its own signature reaction. Storm is very angular, most of the equipment they design goes longer and then flips. Brunswick on the other hand seems to roll earlier and is a lot smoother reaction. I like to have both in my arsenal for different conditions.

[Hammer]

I started on a bowling league for the first time in 1978 and stayed on it until 1980 using a fingertip Columbia yellow dot ball. Didn't get on a league again until 1987 and
used the Columbia yellow dot until 1990. That year I bought a Faball Blue Hammer and used that until 2006 when I bought a Raw Hammer Anger ball. Used that until
November of 2012 and decided to buy another Hammer Blue Hammer ball. So I guess that I used Hammer products for quite a while.

[billf]

We personally know all the ball reps with Storm and Roto and we would say that you must have misunderstood or are communicating this incorrectly. There are only a few reps or District Manager's for Storm across the country and for one of the to say, "we don't worry about it", could cost them their job. Plus they are all highly trained and understand the bowling business. For you to stand by this post is to make a very serious accusation. Rather than trying to get it warrantied through a Facebook rep (whatever that is) try the 800 number. Also Storm warranties the balls through distributors and pro shops, you didn't mention why the place you purchased it didn't handle it immediately.

We guarantee you that this is not an accurate post that reflects Storms position, both towards their products and more importantly their customers.

Note: We know that on occasion Storm will warranty a ball directly for a customer that doesn't understand how to go about getting it warrantied, maybe because of lack of understanding or being mislead by a pro shop who doesn't want to warranty it.

NOTE: TO READERS OF THIS POST.

If you have a Storm or Roto Grip product that needs warrantied:

Simply return to the place of purchase,
Contact them if it is an online store,
Contact Storm directly and toll free at 800-369-4402
Their contact information is available at Stormbowling.com
Storm and Roto Grip stand behind their product 100%

You're combining separate instances into one. But that's ok. Whether the guy that was supposedly a ball rep from Storm that met me at the pro shop really was, I don't know. I didn't ask for his ID. As for still, eleven months later not receiving an answer to my e-mails, maybe I sent it to the wrong Storm e-mail address too, And the deal with the matchmaker event that Storm's FB page, whoever answer the posts on their behalf, never answering the e-mail to the address given there, that was probably my fault also.
As for the ball warranty, I know of several years ago that were replaced with no problems. This was before the Virtual Energy came out. I've also stated many times on here, their product is as good as anybody else's. Actually seeming like they care about their customers, in my opinion, not so much. Answering an e-mail isn't that hard.
Who handles your Facebook page? Who answers the posts there? That would be a rep, as in representative. Whover fulfills that duty would therefore be your rep on Facebook. Just as you are the rep on here. I really thought I stated it as plainly as possible before but once again, I must have been wrong seeing as you didn't know what a Facebook rep was.

[ArtVandelay]

Who handles your Facebook page? Who answers the posts there? That would be a rep, as in representative. Whover fulfills that duty would therefore be your rep on Facebook. Just as you are the rep on here. I really thought I stated it as plainly as possible before but once again, I must have been wrong seeing as you didn't know what a Facebook rep was.

True story! I'm always extra careful if I'm wearing a shirt that represents the Credit Union I work for out in public because I know the logo represents the CU and with me wearing that logo I am a representative of that CU weather I am on the clock or not. A brand can't control those who USE that brand, but anyone on the payroll (or volunteers who perform a function for the brand) has to understand they are always giving an impression. I think there are a lot of people who don't realize that.

[MICHAEL]

I use to only use Storm/Roto-Grip. Turns out they don't stand behind anything and I had the worst customer service experience EVER! I switched to DV8 in January and haven't been disappointed at all. Yes, Storm's stuff is made in the USA and I'm all for buying made in America whenever possible but not at the expense of being treated like a human being. DV8 has been wonderful so far. I e-mail them and the next day get an answer either by phone or e-mail. When I had a problem with my two Revenge's they called me the next day and had two new balls shipped THAT DAY!
Now with my commitment to www.bowlerX.com I will be doing ball reviews. I'm actually looking forward to trying some of the other brands, especially Motiv.

So will you be getting balls free from bowlerX.com to try out? And then do you get to keep them? I think I could do it better then you Bill!!
Can you make the connections for me?? They have a great web site just checked it out!

[MICHAEL]

Bill ,,, as you know,,, I have had a bad experience with storm also! Their Rep told my driller,,, normal wear. TWO FRIGEN months!! I buy lots of balls, but I will never get another STORM! They could care less about their customers!! Sad, it being an American Company!

[billf]

It's a shame to because they do make a good product, have the best group of pros signed and two of the best coaches (Del Ballard and Hank Boomershine). I use to push Storm even harder than I do DV8 now.

[UBowling]

I have to be honest here. I live in Storm country. I am about an hour away from their factory, I am actually visiting them on Friday. Because everyone here in my area drinks the Storm Kool-Aid I try to stand back and look at everything objectively. It is true here that everyone will buy Storm and Roto Grip no matter what they do. You bowl on a league and the ball return is full of balls with S on them. But, from everything I have seen from the people in charge, they definitely do care about the bowler.

Especially those in the marketing department. I talk to Hank Boomershine a lot and if he were to find out that a specific rep were treating customers like garbage, heads would roll I am sure. The positions at Storm are highly sought after and they have plenty of people here that want to work for them so they have no shortage of people they could bring on if someone wasn't making the cut and needed to be let go.

If you guys ever have any incidents like these, make sure to keep emails and messages and get the names of the reps you are talking to. Their superiors need to be informed if something isn't happening the right way. I guarantee Storm HQ would take the steps necessary to fix the problem.

[MisterSinister]

I would be loyal to a ball brand, but I don't usualy pay for my bowling balls. I have two friends who give me thier old stuff when they are done, and it's all different stuff. I usualy use one for a while, then donate it myself. Sort of paying it foward. I have used 10 balls in 3 years, but right now I only have 3 in the house. The downside is by the time I get the balls from my buddies, they are usually beat to hell. When I start buying my own, I will be loyal, maybe.

[GoodGorilla]

I grew up throwing Storm only.

I currently have Motiv, Hammer, Ebonite, DV8 and Storm in my arsenal that I use.

I say use what you like. If you only like one company then only use that one. I don't think it is a good excuse to only throw one company so you ensure the ball doesn't react the same way. That doesn't work. Each company seems to have its own signature reaction. Storm is very angular, most of the equipment they design goes longer and then flips. Brunswick on the other hand seems to roll earlier and is a lot smoother reaction. I like to have both in my arsenal for different conditions.

Do you know any other manufacture trends? I was thinking the other day I'd like to throw a ball that has less angle (I use storm balls). I had a Brunswick ball and felt the same way you described it, but I didn't like it.

[Basisud]

Nope. Storm, Hammer, Lane #1, DV8, and I guess Ebonite if you count my plastic ball but that thing doesn't hook. :)