Release the Kraken!

[Phonetek]

I seen a bowling ball this morning made by "Monster Bowling Balls" called "The Kraken". Monster bowling balls? I found their website and it appears they have a line of 4 different balls. I never heard of this company before in my life and I seen no mention of it here. There seems to be a few of these little companies around and it makes me wonder how they survive against the big guys. I also wonder if they are USBC legal. I just found it interesting so I thought I'd mention it.

[ALazySavage]

So I just looked this up and they are indeed USBC legal, you can find the entire listing here https://www.bowl.com/approvedballlist/ .

What I will say about these smaller companies is that it is tough to have staying power against the major brands. First as I learned firsthand they cannot be used in PBA competition unless the company pays a fee to become a legal brand under PBA rules ( I was about to bowl a regional this year until I realized that I had two unapproved balls - a Jet Blackbird spare ball and a Pyramid Curse that I use as my benchmark ball [both are still legal under USBC]). Second is that a lot of pro shop operators do not know much about these brands and prefer to stick with brands they know when recommending products.

After researching as well I don't really see much of a price advantage - I have found the Kraken for $165, the Lochness for $150, and the Boogieman for $145 - which would lead most to just purchase a ball that they have a better assurance of quality.

[bowl1820]

I seen no mention of it here.

http://www.bowlingboards.com/threads/21383-Anyone-hear-of-or-use-bowling-balls-from-Monster?highlight=monster+bowling+balls


https://monster-bowling.com/

Monster is a small regional company, started by three guys around Syracuse with a small production (They only have 4 balls) and the balls were poured by Global last I heard.

Article about them:
http://www.syracuse.com/bowling/index.ssf/2017/02/local_company_hopes_to_become_monster_in_bowling_b all_industry.html

The name comes up on the other sites once in a blue moon, either by someone that just ran across them or possibly shilling for them trying to create buzz.

Looking at their Advisory Staff (The Monster Squad) application, It looks like they'd take just about anybody. They are trying to get interest going in the brand.

[Phonetek]

So are these things worth buying or not? I have my eyes on a few from the major brands but I'm not opposed to branching out. I just don't want to get stuck with something that's a lemon or can't be used in some tournaments.

[J Anderson]

So are these things worth buying or not? I have my eyes on a few from the major brands but I'm not opposed to branching out. I just don't want to get stuck with something that's a lemon or can't be used in some tournaments.
I can’t vouch for how they will roll, but it looks like they would be legal in tournaments, unless you’re planning to do some PBA regionals.

[Phonetek]

No likely to happen this year. I feel pretty good now but I can't say I'm 100% at my best just yet as far as my game goes. Lately I'll get a string of strikes going then throw it out the window getting 6 counts or yank it slamming it head on leaving big splits. I'm in no hurry to just be a money donor for the regionals. I got to get some things worked out first.