Where do you buy your equipment?

[fortheloveofbowling]

I usually buy shoes and sometimes random items on line. I always buy my bowling balls from my pro shop guy at my home center. Because of the loyalty i show him in doing that he sometimes gives me discounts without having to ask him. One of the best ball drillers in the state doesn't make it a hard decision either.

[rv driver]

I usually buy shoes and sometimes random items on line. I always buy my bowling balls from my pro shop guy at my home center. Because of the loyalty i show him in doing that he sometimes gives me discounts without having to ask him. One of the best ball drillers in the state doesn't make it a hard decision either.

Yeah, that's how I feel about it, too. And he was stoked when I won the Fusion here, and offered to drill it up without hesitation.

[MICHAEL]

Balls 90 percent pro shop, mainly because they drilling is included, and any minor adjustments that might need to be done. Prices are about the same when you factor in the drilling cost, and better customer service when dealing with the person that sold you the ball!

I purchased the Eyeball from Bowlingball.com... great price! (present for my oldest son that works for a contact lens company,, I even made a contact lens out of saran wrap LOL)

All supplies I now order on line, polish, tape,,, bowling glove,,, ect ect. bowlingball.com

Can't beat the price. Free delivery, and no tax. I shopped everwhere, and that Storm 6 ball bag best price was on Bowlingball.com. Shipped Free, and it was a quick delivery.

So my answer would be BOTH.

[mike_thomas93]

Yeah I usually get a free game when I get a new ball. I'm sure that's natural to anyone. I think I remember getting like one voucher from all the balls I've bought. ;p

[Hampe]

I've only ever bought online.....the pro shops here are just WAY too expensive. The pro shop at my home center currently sells Motiv gear, and a primal rage for example costs 400$ with drilling included. I can get the ball from a German website for about 215 euros max (285$), and get it drilled at the shop for about 65$. The plastic ball prices are even more of a rip-off......both shops here have a beginner's package deal for a plastic (PLASTIC!) ball with bag and shoes for like 330$! I do buy all my accessories at the shop though like cleaning fluid, ball caddy's, etc.

[Amyers]

I've only ever bought online.....the pro shops here are just WAY too expensive. The pro shop at my home center currently sells Motiv gear, and a primal rage for example costs 400$ with drilling included. I can get the ball from a German website for about 215 euros max (285$), and get it drilled at the shop for about 65$. The plastic ball prices are even more of a rip-off......both shops here have a beginner's package deal for a plastic (PLASTIC!) ball with bag and shoes for like 330$! I do buy all my accessories at the shop though like cleaning fluid, ball caddy's, etc.

Wow Hampe I think one of us could buy the balls and mail them too you cheaper.

[Hampe]

Haha....maybe, but I doubt it. Shipping costs are the problem. The first ball I bought was off bowlingball.com......I bought a ball, bag, and shoes for around 130-150 bucks, and the shipping cost more than that .

Every once in a while (usually before the season starts) someone will organize a big order of balls from the States for a bunch of people to try and help reduce the shipping costs (haven't heard anything about it this year though).

Also, those are also just the prices for the shops here....they are small and don't get much business, so I guess that's why the prices are so high. You can get better prices at some of the pro shops at the bigger bowling centers in Germany. Especially if the center is hosting a tournament, the pro shop will usually have some pretty good deals.

[Amyers]

Haha....maybe, but I doubt it. Shipping costs are the problem. The first ball I bought was off bowlingball.com......I bought a ball, bag, and shoes for around 130-150 bucks, and the shipping cost more than that .

Every once in a while (usually before the season starts) someone will organize a big order of balls from the States for a bunch of people to try and help reduce the shipping costs (haven't heard anything about it this year though).

Also, those are also just the prices for the shops here....they are small and don't get much business, so I guess that's why the prices are so high. You can get better prices at some of the pro shops at the bigger bowling centers in Germany. Especially if the center is hosting a tournament, the pro shop will usually have some pretty good deals.

You are most likely correct I've had a few people offer to sell me used balls for good prices on line but by the time I factor in the shipping I could almost buy a new one.

[MICHAEL]

I've only ever bought online.....the pro shops here are just WAY too expensive. The pro shop at my home center currently sells Motiv gear, and a primal rage for example costs 400$ with drilling included. I can get the ball from a German website for about 215 euros max (285$), and get it drilled at the shop for about 65$. The plastic ball prices are even more of a rip-off......both shops here have a beginner's package deal for a plastic (PLASTIC!) ball with bag and shoes for like 330$! I do buy all my accessories at the shop though like cleaning fluid, ball caddy's, etc.

400.00 bucks!!! I hope drilling would be included!! I bet that doesn't include thumb vise, or finger inserts,,, ( Do they finance bowling balls in Switzerland?

My last Byte was just under 200 bucks, with Vise, and finger inserts! Makes me proud to be an American!! LOL The land of reasonable priced bowing balls!!

Maybe a move is in order Hampe!!

[bowlerRob2]

I try to support my pro shop as much as possible. Not that I buy bowling balls very often but I will only buy them from my pro shop. When you factor in that the pro shop includes drilling, their price is not that much higher than buying online. If they make a few bucks from the deal, fine, at least I am supporting their business. Reusable things like tape -- another story. They simply don't have the assortment that I can find online and there is not much point in having them order tape for me.