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Thread: Experiences getting ball drilled online?

  1. #11
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    I just bought an Invasion online for 139.99 and some tape for 12.00, the with the 10$ coupon. it came out to 142.00$ then I can go get it drilled for 50$.. so for about 190.00$ i get the ball.. at the pro shop he has it for 247.00$ so I am saving about 55.00$ mine as well take the savings, but I would never have a ball pre drilled for me online.

  2. #12
    SandBagger
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    I think the only way I'd do it would be if I told them to use the dual angle system, provided the angles for them to use, provide my pap info, and have them drill it for switch grip/Vise IT. A thumbhole is just too personal.

  3. #13
    Member Evilash71's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Voltin View Post
    What pro shops have you gone to? I have nothing but good experience with the pro shop inside of Bowl El Paso (sorry can't remember the name) on the Eastside. I personally have purchased 2 balls from him, and my family has purchased 4 others. His prices are fairly reasonable (more than online, but he includes fitting and drilling.)

    Sorry for the late response.

    I have used that exact pro shop. What drew my attention to the "hit or miss," was that when i went and got coached the coach measured my equipment and the three balls all were off in terms of being the same span etc. Then the two drilled there were illegal by weight, even though i watched him weigh them. So probably scale was not calibrated. My wife's also ilegal. Two other ball there they showed me, also illegal. So attention to detail is lacking here. If you want to play nationals they could weigh your equipment. So i had my equipment plugged and re-drilled, and much much better result.

    Im not saying he isnt a nice guy he is. And overall i like that shop. But those little things mean a lot to me. My coach noticed i was coming out of the ball differently on each ball. So that's what made him measure everything again and measure the holes on the ball and look at the weight etc.

  4. #14
    Ringer DanielMareina's Avatar
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    First of all, it amazes me that not one person used an online pro shop and responded. Secondly, I run a pro shop, and trust me when I say, there are many bad pro shop drillers out there. It is hit or miss till you find someone you like. I fix equipment drilled at my competition all the time. I don't think having a person you can't talk to drill your equipment is the answer either though. How would you decide what layout to use, or that your PAP is correct. I try my best to match whatever price an online retailer will sell it for, but their prices are lower than I buy it for sometimes. Here is why I think the local pro shop is a good idea,(except if you really can't trust them, in which case you are screwed) If I drill a ball and it cracks 3 months later, I will exchange it and get it replaced through my contacts in the industry. I doubt bowling ball.com or buddies would do that. Also, if it isn't perfect, I will do small adjustments till it is. Hard to do from states away. Not to mention, if you get bad advice from whoever you are trusting to help you with ball choice and layout, there is no one to stop you. I know way too many people that end up with layouts that work for their friend, so they want the same one, or ball choices that people pick because they saw a good video online and they want their ball to do exactly that. I can talk to people and find out what they want and make those recommendations from there.
    Daniel Mareina
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    Bowling Center Manager/Pro Shop Operator/Bowling Coach

  5. #15
    Member Evilash71's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by DanielMareina View Post
    First of all, it amazes me that not one person used an online pro shop and responded. Secondly, I run a pro shop, and trust me when I say, there are many bad pro shop drillers out there. It is hit or miss till you find someone you like. I fix equipment drilled at my competition all the time. I don't think having a person you can't talk to drill your equipment is the answer either though. How would you decide what layout to use, or that your PAP is correct. I try my best to match whatever price an online retailer will sell it for, but their prices are lower than I buy it for sometimes. Here is why I think the local pro shop is a good idea,(except if you really can't trust them, in which case you are screwed) If I drill a ball and it cracks 3 months later, I will exchange it and get it replaced through my contacts in the industry. I doubt bowling ball.com or buddies would do that. Also, if it isn't perfect, I will do small adjustments till it is. Hard to do from states away. Not to mention, if you get bad advice from whoever you are trusting to help you with ball choice and layout, there is no one to stop you. I know way too many people that end up with layouts that work for their friend, so they want the same one, or ball choices that people pick because they saw a good video online and they want their ball to do exactly that. I can talk to people and find out what they want and make those recommendations from there.
    All good points. I prefer a brick and mortar shop no doubt. Down here though it's tough. One shop will do the work fast, and pretty good, and give you great prices. The other will take their time, do a great job but you will pay out the nose for it big time, and it takes while to get your ball. The third, and one Im using mostly now because my coach is there, is sort of in between. He is fair in price because Im his student, but also the ball he re-did for me is a dream. So now im having him redo all my equipment to get that feel. I also think he keeps up with both old school and new school techniques, he's a silver level coach, excellent bowler and overall a good guy. So well see how this works out.

  6. #16
    Ringer DanielMareina's Avatar
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    Sounds like you are with the right guy out of the three. Personally, I have only been drilling balls for almost 3 years. I go to a pro shop school every year, read reviews online, watch video of different layouts, have two drillers that have been doing it for over 20 years ready to answer questions via phone call, and drill equipment many different ways to see what it does, and after all this I still feel like there is no way to know it all. I think the difference between finding a good pro shop guy isn't experience, but rather the fact of whether he cares if the fit is perfect or just good enough. It sounds like you have found a good guy to work with. I seperate myself because If I for some reason decide to change a pitch, or have to reslug the thumb hole, or change grip sizes, I pay for it out of my own cost. I don't feel like anyone should pay for me not realizing that they have a unique hand. Luckily, my competitors in the area don't do that for people, and I am making a name for myself quite quickly. I really hope this new guy works out for you! Another thing to look for is if the Pro shop is owned by the bowling center, or rented. Pro Shops owned by the bowling centers will have lower costs a lot of the time, and they have more to lose if they **** you off. Most independent pro shops just lose a guy who may never buy another ball, while the bowling center loses someone that may bowl league, eat and drink at the center, and even practice throughout the week. That gives you a little leverage
    Daniel Mareina
    Storm Staff Member
    Bowling Center Manager/Pro Shop Operator/Bowling Coach

  7. #17

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    I know my pro shop guy does it the same way as bowlersparadise.com

  8. #18
    High Roller hondo's Avatar
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    If you send in your specs and you know your lay out it saves quite a bit of money. BowlingBall.com guarantees the specs if you send them in yourself or if they pick up a ball to copy. I use a IT with a mold and the drilling is always the same. I save time and money and always get the specs and ball that I want.

    If you need help with the layout the tech staff at BowlingBall.com will be more than helpful. They don't glue the inserts in unless you request. I found that easy to learn.

    Hope this helps,

  9. #19
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    I had a Cell drilled by Buddies Pro shop a couple of years ago. I sent in a ball that fit well, drilled by a local pro shop that had drilled 12 balls for me over the years. They matched it perfectly. Would I do it again, probably not. I just had a $150 gift certificate to Buddies given to me by my sister.
    Style: Power Stroker/Tweener - 16.5 - 17.5 mph, PAP 4 1/2 x 0

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    Retooled with 15 lb equipment.

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