All EBI balls are made in Kentucky I believe. I don't know where Lane Master balls are made, but the prices are outrageous. Storm are in Colorado maybe?
I agree with your storm/roto although it seems like maybe its the PSO's who tend not to discount them as much. My PSO told me the distributor was having a deal that for every Alpha Crux and Lock combo they bought they were giving him 3 free Hyroad Solids (storm's biggest clunker lately) but I seen the Hyroad solid on the counter he was still selling it for $179 which is about what he would have charged for the ball anyway. So it maybe more the PSO's are more confident in selling Storm/Roto merchandise so they don't pass the savings on. I don't see may discounted Hammer Balls either.
Radical, Colombia, DV8, and Ebonite I'm not sure why anyone ever pays full price for because you can find them on discount 3 months later $50 to $75 bucks cheaper. Brunswick seems to be discounted more here lately but even their initial prices seem to be lower than some of the other brands for new release of comrable equipment again maybe the Mexico factor.
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Current arsenal
900 Global Badger Claw - Radical Ridiculous Pearl - Spare Ball Ebonite T Zone
All EBI balls are made in Kentucky I believe. I don't know where Lane Master balls are made, but the prices are outrageous. Storm are in Colorado maybe?
Lane Masters are made in Walter Rays old stomping grounds in Stockton, California.
Storm = Utah
That explains the cost of Lane Masters. That company went under once.
I've noticed the same thing regarding DV8. I've seen some pretty discounted prices on closeout stock at all the major online retailers. I've seen some of their mid performance stuff dip to the 60-70 dollar range on one of the sites.
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The ball manufacturers set the minimum price. If a ball goes clearance then it will be discontinued. All PSOs can return inventory to their distribution center. If one online store has it lower than another that is just from one willing to make less on the ball while still being at or above the minimum allowed. This is one reason many pro shops will have a shelf price higher than what they actually charge as this keeps them out of trouble with the ball reps when they visit.
I just checked my Hammer Scandal and Ebonite Warrior Elite and both are stamped "Made in USA". Storm and Roto-Grip are manufactured in Utah. Not sure if 900Global moved to the same manufacturing facility. Motiv is made in Michigan.
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In 2014 I returned to bowling after a 25 year hiatus.
A friend sold me his #15 Ruckus Schizo for $40, and after I got it re-drilled I have been steadfast to the DV8/Brunswick line.
Since I have a bad shoulder that has been deteriorating, I rarely use it. But I still have it "just in case".
Since August I have picked up a Thug Unruly and the Vandal, and I am more than happy with this arsenal. (Brunswick T Zone for spares)
Unfortunately there are those who wish to not like my arsenal because they are made in Mexico.
I chose the DV8/Brunswick because they are good balls and they fit my style of game, just as there are those who use Storm, Global, Hammer, etc., because it fits their game.
We all have choices we can make when we buy something no matter what it is.
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