High Priced vs Mid Priced

[Merman]

Just suppose I get 2 new bowling balls. One is a brand new top of the line high priced ball. The other is also a brand new ball that is of similiar specks but is a mid-priced ball. They are drilled exactly the same or as close as possible to make them both react the same. Now I'm ready to bowl. I throw them both the exactly the same and get the same results. Did I waste my money on the high dollar ball? or will it last me longer than the mid priced ball? or does it really matter as long as I am consistant in how I throw the ball? My question is... Is it the ball or the bowler?

[Sceptic]

Its both. The ball driller cannot install the talent, but a good bowler can't beat a mediocrebowler if the lesser bowler is match ed up and he isn't.

[trekbowl300]

You ask a few questions which all bowlers who have to watch their spending think of when buying a new ball. I did and decided on what was comfortable for me. Anyone else may have a different opinion because it’s how you value your choice.

As far as lasting longer I guess it’s how much wear you put on the ball (style) number of rev’s, lane conditions, ball maintenance by you, care of the equipment, and coverstock. Some balls may wear out because their softer. There are many factors that can be considered. I had a mid price ball that I had used for 5 season’s before shooting my best scores. Would a high price ball have made me get there sooner, I don’t think so because it took me that long just to get better and more consistent.

If you consider that the high price ball produces the exact same result as the mid price then it’s simple, how do you feel about the ball you purchased? If you feel good about your choice then it does not matter because this will help you to continue to score. If you feel cheated then that in itself may cause a few more bad shots and more bad feelings.

Now consider you shot a 279 or 299 with a 790 series with the mid price ball. One more mark or strike to make the 300 and 800 series. At this point do you think if I had used the high price ball I would have bowled the 300 and 800 series? If you think this way then buy the high priced ball because you could never win with the mid price ball in your own eyes. It does not matter how good you bowl it will never equal what you may have bowled with the other ball.

On the other hand if you know you did your best and there was no room for any luck and as you first stated all is equal the mid price ball was all you needed.

I presently have three balls that I could use for my strike shot. Although the prices were close to the same, one is new and the other two are 4 and 5 years old. Does that mean my newer ball is going to knock down more pins because it’s supposed to be better then the older ones? Almost like high price vs mid price. As I have found out it does not work that way. I have now learned through low scores to use the one that will score better. I may want my new ball to work better but forcing the shot is not as easy as a natural one, and does not score as well for me.

So, I agree with Sceptic it’s both, and also which ball makes you feel better may help you to score better, if all else is equal as you stated.

Dennis G.

[KAJMK]

Its both. The ball driller cannot install the talent, but a good bowler can't beat a mediocrebowler if the lesser bowler is match ed up and he isn't.

Just as a follow up to this.
If you watch the pros on TV and you have some knowledge about the equipment price structures, you'll note that they use balls from various price levels. They are picking the best tool for the time and place as they see it.

[200average]

why would you get a ball with the same specs. what would be the purpose. wouldn't that be like bringing a knife to a gunfight? there's only 3 basic condition that you have to deal with...OILY / MEDIUM and DRY. unless you throw a "straight" ball, then only 1 ball can be used for all three condition (spare ball or plastic) money is only wasted if you don't have the knowledge to use your ball properly. other than that, i think it's all a matter of preference..

Throwing a strike when the game starts is only a minor obstacle. Throwing a strike when you really need it in the 10th frame can be awhole different beast.

Parker Bohn III

[Critic]

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[Guest]

I have a Monster Frenzy that's mid-price. I've had that ball for about 4 years now. I must have bowled like over 500 games with it and that's also the ball I use the most during league play. It still has the awesome skid and snap reaction that I love. It is so aggressive to the pocket and everyone on the league still makes comments on it. So I am very happy with my mid-price purchase.

I also have an X-Factor Vertigo but I barely use it now because I don't bowl on heavy oil lanes anymore. At the time I was purchasing it, I deciding between that, BVP-Goliath and the Flash Flood. The Goliath was boring looking and the Flash Flood reaction didn't look too hot. So I went with the Vertigo. I'm also happy with the higher price purchase but would have been happier if Storm or Brunswick had a mid-price ball that was more flashier looking for heavy oil.

Personally, when I look for a ball...
First I decided whether I want a light, medium or heavy condition ball.
then if I want smooth arc or a snap look,
then the colors on the ball because I want to look sharp while I bowl.
I don't really look at price range.

Just my opinion.

[spmcgivern]

one other possible aspect to pricing that companies may use is the same as drug companies. bowling ball manufactures spend a lot of money is research and development and thus want to recoup their expenses as fast as possible. once cores and coverstocks get older, they become cheaper. that is when you will hear of balls with "X" coverstock at a price point that is cheaper, because they want to introduce a "new " technology. then what was new becomes slightly new, which will eventually be cheap. the powerkoil 18 coverstock used to come only on the top of the line balls expensive balls, now you can get it on just about anything.

basically, just because a ball is "mid-priced" or whatever, you can score just as well with it as any other ball.

just my opinion


Sean McGivern