900 global

[britjeff]

has anyone tried any of these balls? the pro shop that i have had all my stuff off( mail order as t 100 mile away) have them for a good price. i've seen some videos and they seem to hook well, but they are pros and can prob hook a house ball. just want to know if they are any good. as per my earlier ththread about a beginner ractive ball i think i could go for that but with my local ish proshop drilling it for me , but not finger tip.
jeff

[Aslan]

900 Global used to be a very dominant ball manufacturer and a PBA sponsor with PBA pros under it's banner. But recently, it's balls have under-performed....the business environment has softened...Storm/Rotogrip has taken a huge chunk of the market...and newer, sexier faces/brands like Motiv and DV8 have taken a big bite as well. That has relegated 900 Global to near obscurity...and if they don't re-invent themselves soon...I doubt they'll be around much longer. Ebonite, Columbia, and Track are barely hanging on to Hammer's brand name in terms of staying relevant. Brunswick is still putting out quality products...DV8 has worked but Radical kinda fell on it's face and now the brand (Brunswick) is for sale...and nobody is buying.

A lot of people still throw 900 Global. It was definitely a "player" back in it's day...kinda like an Ebonite or Track or Columbia...but it no longer sponsors PBA players...and is on the outside looking in. I figure, if nothing changes, it'll probably disappear in a matter of a few years. Ebonite stepped in to grab brands like Track, Hammer, and Columbia...but I doubt they'll be interested in 900Global...the brand name just isn't strong enough. Brunswick can't buy them. Neither Motiv nor Storm needs them. So either they'll go under completely or team up with a minor player like Seismic, Lord Field, Lane #1. I've heard they are already part of the Pyramid bowling ball process...in terms of cores and production...so they might linger on as a toll producer for start-up bowling ball companies.

I've never been a huge fan although I do throw a 900 Global ball currently and have one other one in the "closet of destiny". I've heard really good things about their roller bags though.

[got_a_300]

Ahhhhh yes the old 900 Goober brand and the reason I call it the
Goober brand is because they have a bunch of goobers running the
company straight into obscurity.

As Aslan said they used to be a very dominant ball manufacturer and
a PBA sponsor with some heavy hitter PBA pros under it's banner with
one coming to mind....... Walter Ray Williams Jr.

[Amyers]

Ahhhhh yes the old 900 Goober brand and the reason I call it the
Goober brand is because they have a bunch of goobers running the
company straight into obscurity.

As Aslan said they used to be a very dominant ball manufacturer and
a PBA sponsor with some heavy hitter PBA pros under it's banner with
one coming to mind....... Walter Ray Williams Jr.

I've heard rumors that 900 global is coming back to the PBa soon and has started signing bowlers up. Who knows if it's true or not

[Aslan]

I've heard rumors that 900 global is coming back to the PBa soon and has started signing bowlers up. Who knows if it's true or not

They kinda have to. Their brand isn't worth anything right now unless it's known and it's not gonna get "known" until it's sponsoring PBA Tour pros. Once the brand is worth something, THEN you might be able to sell it off.

[fortheloveofbowling]

I think the 900 global brand may be owned by amf.

[britjeff]

didn't realise that most of the ball manufacturers were owned by one or two parent companies.

[mc_runner]

For the other part of your question of if the balls can hook... short answer is yes! We're at the point where pretty much any manufacturer has an aggressive offering, medium offering, light oil offering. They're called different things in the different companies but generally for a first ball you'd probably look at the less aggressive, more entry level stuff - You can't really go too wrong with any of them especially if you're just getting into the sport. They all provide a controllable reaction without a lot of the complications you can start to get with the more aggressive/higher $ balls.

[Aslan]

I think the 900 global brand may be owned by amf.

Actually, I think 900 Global bought the AMF ball brand...which should have been a sign of things to come since virtually nobody even is aware that AMF makes bowling balls...I know I keep forgetting. They made a Cobra Special Edition that I kinda wanted...but it was hard to find. They've made some other stuff...I was tempted to get it on clearance...but it's just not a very good performing brand. I have no idea what 900 Global was thinking. They have the AMF ball brand...most people don't know it exists. Then they take the 900 Global brand and essentially destroy it by pulling it out of the PBA. So now...they can't really sell the brands...because nobody knows about them...but they can't be making any money.

And the thing is, they can't survive the way a Seismic or a Pyramid can. Pyramid is a very new player...that doesn't have much overhead. That makes low sales numbers palateable. Seismic/Lord Field/Lane #1...are all "niche" brands...also with very little overhead...so again, low sales numbers more palateable. But 900 Global WAS a BIG brand...with factories and sales reps and all that kind of overhead. They can't easily become a "niche player" because they're not...end even if they try to be...any bowler that actually would consider a niche brand...would see 900 Global as a "failed giant" rather than a "niche brand".

What they need to do is get back in the PBA. Then start releasing some really good products. And they need to do that while there is still a 900 Global following. I know 900 Global is the primary sponsor of the abta (amateur bowling tournament association). I think Storm sponsors the ABT (Amateur Bowlers Tour). When I bowled a abta event...LOTS of 900 Global equipment and bags! You actually won MORE money (if you win) if you use 900 Global equipment. And many of these folks, over the years, also acquired 900 Global stuff as raffles and prizes and what not. I think they gave away two "Networks" at that tournament.

In case you don't know...which you probably don't..."The Network" was the name of their last high performance ball...and I actually liked it and thought it would be a decent ball...despite the stupid name.

So, there IS a 900 Global following still around...but it is quickly disappearing as 900 Global essentially sits in the back of the room doing nothing.

[britjeff]

thinking of going for it, more as a first more reactive ball than my pro bowl. with a normal drilling, even if i'm going to get it driiled for me at the pro shop, i think it will make a good stepping stone into something more aggressive with fingertip drilling. from what people have been saying, it sounds like they were a good brand so hopefully the balls are still good. oh and please excuse the spelling. the damn keyboard on my lappy sticks so sometimes letters are missing or doubled up

[fortheloveofbowling]

has anyone tried any of these balls? the pro shop that i have had all my stuff off( mail order as t 100 mile away) have them for a good price. i've seen some videos and they seem to hook well, but they are pros and can prob hook a house ball. just want to know if they are any good. as per my earlier ththread about a beginner ractive ball i think i could go for that but with my local ish proshop drilling it for me , but not finger tip.
jeff

My favorite ball all time is the original break. 900 global balls are still coming out and they had a ton of success at the usbc open in the recent past notably with matt mcneil winning multiple titles.

[Stormed1]

900 Global / AMF is now back as a registered PBA brand and the rumor has it that they signed Chris Barnes and that they will be announcing it to,orrow. As Storm bought into 900 Global and Global has been making Storm's lower end astuff they fall under the umbrella of Storm for PBA purposes ( same as Radical does under the Brunswick umbrella). They make good quality equipment. The Dream/Dream On /Moxie and Redspect are poured at Storms plant

[fortheloveofbowling]

900 Global / AMF is now back as a registered PBA brand and the rumor has it that they signed Chris Barnes and that they will be announcing it to,orrow. As Storm bought into 900 Global and Global has been making Storm's lower end astuff they fall under the umbrella of Storm for PBA purposes ( same as Radical does under the Brunswick umbrella). They make good quality equipment. The Dream/Dream On /Moxie and Redspect are poured at Storms plant

I just looked at the approved list and 900 global is indeed listed. That is nice to see, i had not noticed they were added. How long ago did that happen?

[britjeff]

meant to add, that as i can get the ball for £60 undrilled( not sure what they exchange rate is, but i think it works out to about $70-$75) if i dont like it i havent really lost out all that much. the ball has been reduced from £120. i could become a trendsetter, bringing back 900 global lol

[Aslan]

900 Global / AMF is now back as a registered PBA brand and the rumor has it that they signed Chris Barnes and that they will be announcing it to,orrow. As Storm bought into 900 Global and Global has been making Storm's lower end astuff they fall under the umbrella of Storm for PBA purposes ( same as Radical does under the Brunswick umbrella). They make good quality equipment. The Dream/Dream On /Moxie and Redspect are poured at Storms plant

WHAT!!?

Columbia300 lost Barnes? Thats their premier bowler!! Thats their "star"! Holy poo.

And Storm BOUGHT them? Well, I guess that explains why they are suddenly making good marketing decisions. Wow.

This is bad news for Camp Aslan.

Favorite bowlers:
1) WRW- Brunswick
2) Parker Bohn III- Brunswick
3) Missy- Columbia300
4) MIKA!- Track
5) Chris Barnes- formerly Columbia300

6) Christina Hardee- Storm (Added because she talked to me in the other thread....recent addition...not Top 5 favorite yet...but she's ON the list!)

I'm also reserving a temporary spot at #7 for Diana Z; IF she ever comes to her senses, dumps Wodka, and agrees to go out with me...but thats a Vegas long shot right now...

So now one of my favorites has turned to the DARK SIDE and is under the Storm umbrella (much like Umbrella corporation in Resident Evil movies)?

Thats a terrible rumor and I hope it's not true. How can Columbia LOSE Barnes!?? Are they adding anyone? Can't be a new guy...every new guy that finishes higher than 53rd in qualifying...Storm sweeps in like Stormtroopers to give them a jersey. Man...that is a MAJOR kick in the groin to Columbia is thats true. Thats their big title holder...their household name. Nobody else on the Columbia staff has that name recognition. Wowser!

I mean, C300 added that Korean guy...which nobody in the US cares about. But Barnes is still on their website listed as the Team Captain. Yikes!

And NOW...because Storm bought 900Global...does that mean I'm technically now throwing a Storm ball? Oh my goodness!

P.S. To Storm....as I've stated in the past...I will take back any and all negative Storm comments should you hurry up and sign me. As I've stated previously...NOW is a good time to add me to the staff...while my price tag is very, very low. Once I start dominating the lanes like Ray Rice in an elevator full of Mary Kay cosmetics saleswomen...or whatever appropriate analogy you want to use...I'm gonna be a LOT harder to scoop up...just sayin...

P.S.S. And my only 'issue' with Storm is they are everywhere. In terms of their products...top notch. I have stated many times I think the IQ series is one of the best lines of balls available by any company...probably THE best...even ahead of my favorite Brunswick lines like the Auras and Masterminds. And, I think they have THE BEST ball on the market right now...the Hy Road. I think the original Hy Road has sold more than any other ball currently on the market and has STAYED on the market for what...4 years? Longer? Thats remarkable given that most balls emerge and disappear to bargain bins in less than a year.

[noeymc]

i throw a gobal 900 hook i drilled it pin down ball works great and read the lanes very nice

[Stormed1]

The rumor mill also has shaffer and possibly Duke leaving Storm and going to Ebonite

[Amyers]

I think the 900 global brand may be owned by amf.

Actually 900 global has 900 global and the AMF brands. They are at least partially owned my storm now with the partnership agreement between them but I have never seen what percentage they own my guess would be its significant

[classygranny]

This was posted in the February issue of the Bowlers Journal International...

Storm Announces Global Investment, New Titles

February 24th, 2014 | Published in Business


Storm principals Bill and Barb Chrisman have made an investment in Global Manufacturing, the San Antonio, Texas-based bowling ball manufacturer, according to BJI’s business-to-business Cyber Report.

Global Manufacturing, which manufactures and distributes 900 Global and 3G Shoes products, will continue to operate as an independent business, with Mike Sellers overseeing day-to-day operations.

Storm also announced that Roger Noordhoek has been named Vice President of Marketing, and Hank Boomershine has been named Vice President of Sales.

This is about all that I saw, but I would imagine it was significant as Amyers suggests as 900 Global/AMF was in bankruptcy when this happened.

[larry mc]

what 900 ball are u thinking of getting??

[Aslan]

The rumor mill also has shaffer and possibly Duke leaving Storm and going to Ebonite

So far I haven't seen any news that Barnes left Columbia. Haven't seen anything on Shaffer nor Duke either.

[mc_runner]

http://www.bowlersjournal.com/?p=9434

[RobLV1]

It was announced a couple of days ago that both Barnes'; Chris and Linda, have signed with 900 Global.

[Amyers]

It will be good to see 900 Global back on the tour. I have heard Robert Smith will be going back on tour now that 900 Global is back. Can't wait to see him bowl some more one of my favorites even if I could never emulate his style.

[britjeff]

what 900 ball are u thinking of getting??
thinking about a sure thing, just been on the site and its showing sold out, hope they get more in, was a great price.

[Aslan]

It was announced a couple of days ago that both Barnes'; Chris and Linda, have signed with 900 Global.

Oooo...looks like Josh Blanchard moves into C300's captain's chair. Man...Ebonite REALLY needs to sign Norm Duke now. Otherwise, who is their best, most crowned bowler in Ebonite? Mika?

Kudos to 900Global though...go big or go home...and they couldn't have went much bigger without stealing Belmo from Storm or WRW or Rash from Brunswick.

[larry mc]

hope u can still get it

[britjeff]

me to, from what has been posted they look like good balls and the price was half off. fingers crossed