Do you prefer to buy your bowling equipment from pro shops or on-line?

[Motivlution]

lately, I've preferred to buy my equipment online as I can always find what I want online it is generally cheaper that way. Especially when it comes to bowling balls. I managed to buy my Motiv GT1 and have it drilled by a very knowledgeable local pro shop owner for less than $150 which I considered to be a steal when it was newly out.

That being said the only thing I won't buy online are shoes and that is just because I feel like shoes are something you need to be able to try on.

[Trex]

lately, I've preferred to buy my equipment online as I can always find what I want online it is generally cheaper that way. Especially when it comes to bowling balls. I managed to buy my Motiv GT1 and have it drilled by a very knowledgeable local pro shop owner for less than $150 which I considered to be a steal when it was newly out.

That being said the only thing I won't buy online are shoes and that is just because I feel like shoes are something you need to be able to try on.

That is one concern that I have is the shoes..... I want a pair of SST8's and I need a 10 Wide, So I feel I must try them on, but the only problems is that there are not any Pro Shops that carry the wide width in my area.

So I guess I'll have to wait until I can figure out what is best to do about the shoes, I would hate to order a pair and then they don't fit and then can't return them, that would suck...lol

[The Mayor]

That is one concern that I have is the shoes..... I want a pair of SST8's and I need a 10 Wide, So I feel I must try them on, but the only problems is that there are not any Pro Shops that carry the wide width in my area.

So I guess I'll have to wait until I can figure out what is best to do about the shoes, I would hate to order a pair and then they don't fit and then can't return them, that would suck...lol

bowlingball.com has the Sure Fit Plan. If you purchase it and the shoes don't fit, they will pay for the shipping back to them and then for the shipping of another pair back to you.

[phonedrn8]

I do both, get the info and research check prices in pro shop and if find cheeper online wait on UPS.

[HunterRunsIt]

I mix it up! Depending where I can get better prices! I get a 10% discount at my proshop because I work in the alley so thats where I usually go just because times are tough and I go where I can get the deal.

[Bizwan65]

Right now I order most of my stuff online. I just started bowling again after many years. I'm not in a league and haven't developed a relationship with an alley and or proshop yet. Also, the proshops are in the bowling alleys and have inconvenient hours so online is easier.

[StormGirl]

Though I have yet to purchase my own ball, I would probably buy it from a pro shop. Just looking at the prices, you don't really save much. Also, I think buying from a pro shop helps build a relationship with the pro shop guy, which in turn could benefit you in many ways.

[bdpeters]

from my limited experience I would have to say the Pro shop, at least for shoes. seems the prices are better online but it is nice to actually touch/try something before purchase besided right now I would have no idea about my drilling layout.I guess I could buy a ball online and then have it drilled locally. if you got a line on a good shop it would be nice to buy local and support the little guy.

Bri

[littlelegs]

Not a clear answer for me on that one.

If it's a ball it'll depend on pricing. It's usually cheaper to use bowlingball.com and then pay drilling than to have my pro shop get it in and pay that price even if drilling is included.

That said if the pro shop gets a deal on a ball I've had my eye on for a while and I have the cash I'll use them.

Accessories such as grip sacks, towels etc often come from the alley's pro shop as I tend to need them immediately (i.e. I realize I've lost the old one).

Shoes I'd love to get from the pro shop so that I can try them on but sadly stock levels are crap so they tend to be bought online too.

[JerseyJim]

I've brought a Cell from Buddies Pro Shop online. I shipped them a ball that fit well, and they matched it up perfectly. The only reason I did this was that my sister got me a gift certificate for them. I prefer going to a couple of local pro shops. Both drillers have seen me bowl, and they can make suggestions as to what to buy. I haven't had any issues with either of them.