BallReviews
Equipment Boards => Hammer => Topic started by: istrike36times on December 16, 2013, 03:00:00 PM
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https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10200350041752429&set=a.2105731861657.81729.1796340003&type=1&theater
Some new hammer ball is coming out and apparently only through Bowlers Mart.
NBT Solid coverstock . Sounds like a must have ball. I was a huge fan of the First Blood.
Can anyone help me out here?!?! i need to get my hands on this
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If it's solid blue, why not the Blue Blood? Could be marketed as having a very elite pedigree. My thoughts anyway. . .
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Core: Symmetrical
Coverstock: NBT-XR SOLID
Factory Finish: 500, 500, 1000, 2000 Polish
Radius of Gyration (RG):2.510
Differential (Diff): 0.0390
Only making 300 of them. We've released detail information each day. Check out our link --> https://www.facebook.com/CBPSOfficial <--- (to keep up with our new rock being made). XR stands for Xtra Rare. Ball rolls really really good!
@iStrike36times If you loved the First Blood, you will buy 2 of these :-) I promise you
PRE ORDER NOW - IF PURCHASED AFTER DECEMBER 18TH IT WILL SHIP AS NORMAL
**World Wide Release Date is December 18, 2013 At 12:00 AM EST
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I want 4 of them, thats a no brainer. I know them core numbers. Im going to message the FB page to get set up.
Thank you so very much
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Interesting.. anything about this ball on the USBC approved list? That may be a telling factor on usability.
Also, there may be an overseas ball that Hammer put out with those numbers. I can't remember if Legend-Star may have something, in case you want a peek at how it will perform.
BL.
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we had USBC hold the approval to list online until we launch the ball on wednesday to help keep it a secret.
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we had USBC hold the approval to list online until we launch the ball on wednesday to help keep it a secret.
Sneaky!
Though I have to wonder if this is a Hammer ball at all.
The way that the pin looks in that picture, and to be honest, that colour of blue, it is oddly reminiscent of a Columbia Yellow Dot crossed with a Big Blue.
BL.
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Seems really similar to vibe core numbers. Could be wrong. Big Blue Vibe? that'd be cool.
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If CBPS pays hammer to make it I doubt they would put a columbia label on it. No doubt it is pretty. Cant wait to see the name and logo.
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Not sure if i understand hammers marketing motive. Everyone is paying top dollar for the new jet black vibe on ebay and im sure these will sell out very quickly too. If you know people are willing to buy these balls like crazy why wouldnt you mass produce them. But then you mass produce a ball like the nail titanium that nobody wants. Just a little confused.
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Vibe with nbt cover
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The Hammer Vibe XR is a great idea for a release!. I also can't wait to see what replaces the vibe series.
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Here it is..almost sold out.. its been available only for 1 hour and 29 mins so far
http://bowlersmart.com/exclusive-hammer-vibe-xr
Hammer Vibe XR
The new Hammer Vibe XR features the proven First Blood cover. We then removed the pearl additive to make it a solid version of the NBT cover for even more overall hook. We call it NBT XR. We put the surface at 500, 500, 1000, 2000 and polished it for more down lane reaction, the most EVER provided in a a Vibe release.
We used the Vibe core shape but increased the density to lower the diffirential and raise the rg. These numbers allow the ball to store energy and work well with the NBT XR cover.
Finally, we chose a vibrant blue as our color. A vibrant, bright, yet rich eye catching color that shows it is from a rich bloodline of quality. With only a limited number available, we felt it was best that Vibe XR stood out in a crowd yet showed its class making it suitable for the Private Stock.
A must have for all SERIOUS hardcore Hammer fans.
The new XR Private Stock line of bowling equipment has extra attention given to all of the details. Every one is specially numbered (001 through 333) and comes with a Special Oil Free Hammer Towel. A little extra time is given to these making them the Xtra Rare Private Stock.
Remember, only 333 have been made and when they are gone, they are gone forever.
Color: Electric Blue
Core: Symmetrical
Coverstock: NBT-XR SOLID
Factory Finish: 500, 500, 1000, 2000 Polish
Reaction: Length With Strong Backend
Radius of Gyration (RG):2.510
Differential (Diff): 0.0390
** RG and Diff are based off of 15 lb. balls
Recommended Lane Condition: Medium
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No ability to order TW or pin distance on-line...most would pass I'd think. $130/ea is a bit steep IMO. Vibes can be still had and other pieces that have the same ball motion and total hook for $90 - $95.
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A little extra time is given to these making them the Xtra Rare Private Stock.
What does that mean??
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It gives the option under comments during checkout to add pin and tw options. As far as price I'd say $129shipped is very fair. Considering people were spending $170 plus on the black vibe on ebay this should do the same.
Is this 333 total or per ball weight?
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333 total
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Wow. 111 per ball weight
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96 in 14-lb
213 in 15-lb
24 in 16-lb
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Thanks. I'm excited.
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already sold out the 15's and 16's.... while smart on Bowler's Mart, this was extremely dumb on the part of hammer. Why make the ball rare and sell so few when you could mass produce and probably top all your sales for the year. That's bad business. No wonder they're not selling well.
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because anyone with 20k to spare can get a batch made.
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It's too bad the hashtag is probably going to be #blueballs
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already sold out the 15's and 16's.... while smart on Bowler's Mart, this was extremely dumb on the part of hammer. Why make the ball rare and sell so few when you could mass produce and probably top all your sales for the year. That's bad business. No wonder they're not selling well.
If they thought it was a guaranteed money maker, they would have done it already.
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Already sold out? Wow.
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Hammer is dumb if they don't bring back the vibe line. Really dumb. It will sell if they actually market it. It won't sell if they don't hype it. It's up to them.
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Very dumb. And thats why i dont throw hammer.
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Would this ball overlap my Track 300c Solid?
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The vibe series will be gone and replaced with the exact same style product at the same price point.
Why complain about a slightly different core, new name, and the continued use of hand me down covers from the popular higher end bowling balls into a lower price point?
All companies revamp a series. I am a big Brunswick guy and they did it with the Power Groove, to the Slingshot, to the new Strike King. I am always happy to see how they further something.
I guess unless you think Hammer doesn't know how to revamp a product line or make the vibe series better , then I guess that could be a concern
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No ability to order TW or pin distance on-line...most would pass I'd think. $130/ea is a bit steep IMO. Vibes can be still had and other pieces that have the same ball motion and total hook for $90 - $95.
WELP WE SOLD OUT IN 12 HOURS 15 AND 16 LBS ... 14LBS WE HAVE 13 REMAINING
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Wow, very impressive. I think you picked the right ball to do for this private release.
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I cant wait for my blue balls to get here! Its gonna be such a relief to know I dont have to worry about blue balls anymore
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No ability to order TW or pin distance on-line...most would pass I'd think. $130/ea is a bit steep IMO. Vibes can be still had and other pieces that have the same ball motion and total hook for $90 - $95.
This is not just a normal vibe
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vibe core - first blood cover
sounds good to me
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No ability to order TW or pin distance on-line...most would pass I'd think. $130/ea is a bit steep IMO. Vibes can be still had and other pieces that have the same ball motion and total hook for $90 - $95.
This is not just a normal vibe
Why do you say that?
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Well that would of been nice to have. Oh well.
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Because its a limited edition not mass produced by hammer
No ability to order TW or pin distance on-line...most would pass I'd think. $130/ea is a bit steep IMO. Vibes can be still had and other pieces that have the same ball motion and total hook for $90 - $95.
This is not just a normal vibe
Why do you say that?
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already sold out the 15's and 16's.... while smart on Bowler's Mart, this was extremely dumb on the part of hammer. Why make the ball rare and sell so few when you could mass produce and probably top all your sales for the year. That's bad business. No wonder they're not selling well.
If they thought it was a guaranteed money maker, they would have done it already.
I agree with you. However, I think they dropped the ball on this one. I don't like the fact that they undercut themselves making equipment that they either already have or don't need. They really not pumping their mid price stuff and the mid price stuff that is actually usable on most THS, they don't come out with.
I think that they worry more about the next big High Performance release. The Vibe Line carries weight, as reported 12hrs to pretty much sell out of these bowling balls. Had the Jet Black Vibe and Vibe XR come out as nationwide releases I'm pretty sure Hammer would have sold a boatload more of those than they probably sold of all their mid price stuff combined this year. I know I would have Two of each, lol!
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No ability to order TW or pin distance on-line...most would pass I'd think. $130/ea is a bit steep IMO. Vibes can be still had and other pieces that have the same ball motion and total hook for $90 - $95.
This is not just a normal vibe
Why do you say that?
I was bout to ask the very same thing, Charlest? I think $130 is high on a used ball, but for a limited release new ball? This is a steal!
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Absolutely terrible marketing for Ebonite International. Let's make a ball and only offer it to one pro shop to sell. As a pro shop owner I would have liked to purchase some and make a profit as I would have sold them. I am a Pro Shop Gold member and had no opportunity when they do this garbage. Each Pro Shop Gold member should have opportunity to order 4. Guess I will offer my customers Storm products as they have much better products.
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This was a private pro shop release
Absolutely terrible marketing for Ebonite International. Let's make a ball and only offer it to one pro shop to sell. As a pro shop owner I would have liked to purchase some and make a profit as I would have sold them. I am a Pro Shop Gold member and had no opportunity when they do this garbage. Each Pro Shop Gold member should have opportunity to order 4. Guess I will offer my customers Storm products as they have much better products.
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I have to agree with that. It is not a "normal" Vibe. Personally I think it should not even be called a Vibe. Given the strength of the core and the change in the core's specs ( I wonder why they did that? The specs of the original Vibe core were part of what had made the ball great.)
I wonder how much legal work was required by Barnes' organization to get Hammer to allow Barnes to call it AND MARKET it as a Vibe.
I also wonder if the speed with which Barnes sold 333 Vibes, would inspire Hammer to make 1000 or whatever quantity of "normal" Vibes?????
Because its a limited edition not mass produced by hammer
No ability to order TW or pin distance on-line...most would pass I'd think. $130/ea is a bit steep IMO. Vibes can be still had and other pieces that have the same ball motion and total hook for $90 - $95.
This is not just a normal vibe
Why do you say that?
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Dont think this much different than when k&k came out with black widow poison in limited quantities
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Then don't market it as a Vibe. When the Jet Black Vibe was made, Hammer state it was a limited release in only 15lb and you had to buy 4 Cold Bloods to get it and that was the last Vibe to be made yet promise!!!!
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Yes,last vibe produced as part of there line-up of balls
Then don't market it as a Vibe. When the Jet Black Vibe was made, Hammer state it was a limited release in only 15lb and you had to buy 4 Cold Bloods to get it and that was the last Vibe to be made yet promise!!!!
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Then don't market it as a Vibe. When the Jet Black Vibe was made, Hammer state it was a limited release in only 15lb and you had to buy 4 Cold Bloods to get it and that was the last Vibe to be made yet promise!!!!
I don't get why you are so flustered over this. All you have to do is a few minutes of research to find that Hammer had nothing to do with the marketing of this ball. This was a private release that Bowlers Mart (Cliff Barnes Pro Shop) paid to have made and Hammer allowed them to use the materials.
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Dont think this much different than when k&k came out with black widow poison in limited quantities
The Black Widow Poison is actually an international ball made by Hammer, just like the Black Widow Danger, Black Widow Assassin, the 3rd and 4th versions of the Black Widow Spare, and the Black Widow Fear.
Most of these are sold in Japan and the Far East. But they were not made specifically for K&K.
You can find all of these at http://www.legend-star.com/
BL.
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Per internet posts
K&K bowling services in Las Vegas had them made for them. Only 70 were made specially for K&K. Thankfully I know a few guys that work there. They are selling them for $169.99 until they are sold out. You can visit their website or grab one off ebay.
15LBS
ONLY 70 EXIST EVER!!!
“Introducing the K&K Bowling Services exclusive bowling ball – the Black Widow Poison! This ball features the proven Grand Theft Reactive III Pearl loaded with a modified M.P.A. core. Are you ready to poison the pins? Bring them down with the extreme backend from the limited edition Black Widow Poison!â€
Dont think this much different than when k&k came out with black widow poison in limited quantities
The Black Widow Poison is actually an international ball made by Hammer, just like the Black Widow Danger, Black Widow Assassin, the 3rd and 4th versions of the Black Widow Spare, and the Black Widow Fear.
Most of these are sold in Japan and the Far East. But they were not made specifically for K&K.
You can find all of these at http://www.legend-star.com/
BL.
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15LBS
ONLY 70 EXIST EVER!!!
“Introducing the K&K Bowling Services exclusive bowling ball – the Black Widow Poison! This ball features the proven Grand Theft Reactive III Pearl loaded with a modified M.P.A. core. Are you ready to poison the pins? Bring them down with the extreme backend from the limited edition Black Widow Poison!â€
http://www.legend-star.com/ball-black-widow-poison.html
BLACK WIDOW POISON <ブラック ウィドー ポイズン>
●Coverstock : Skid/Flip Aggressive Edge Reactive
●Core : Gas Mask Core with Flip Block
●Color : Purple/Black/Red Pearl
●Hardness : 75-77
●Factory Finish : Polished
●RG : 2.50 ΔRG : 0.060
●Flare Potential : High
●Performance : Good Length with Agrressive Backend
●Best Lane Condition : Medium to Heavy Oil
●Available Weights : 12-16
●Price : 47,250 (45,000)
待ちわびていた彼女が帰ってきた
“走りâ€と“切れâ€と言う2つの牙を携えて
気をつけろ！… その牙には猛毒がある
彼女の鋭い牙に狙われた獲物には、もはや逃れる術は無い。
Hammer Booth had them during Nationals, and stated that it was an international release.
BL.
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That is not the same ball k&k was selling...ball they had didnt use gas mask core and was different color
15LBS
ONLY 70 EXIST EVER!!!
“Introducing the K&K Bowling Services exclusive bowling ball – the Black Widow Poison! This ball features the proven Grand Theft Reactive III Pearl loaded with a modified M.P.A. core. Are you ready to poison the pins? Bring them down with the extreme backend from the limited edition Black Widow Poison!â€
http://www.legend-star.com/ball-black-widow-poison.html
BLACK WIDOW POISON <ブラック ウィドー ポイズン>
●Coverstock : Skid/Flip Aggressive Edge Reactive
●Core : Gas Mask Core with Flip Block
●Color : Purple/Black/Red Pearl
●Hardness : 75-77
●Factory Finish : Polished
●RG : 2.50 ΔRG : 0.060
●Flare Potential : High
●Performance : Good Length with Agrressive Backend
●Best Lane Condition : Medium to Heavy Oil
●Available Weights : 12-16
●Price : 47,250 (45,000)
待ちわびていた彼女が帰ってきた
“走りâ€と“切れâ€と言う2つの牙を携えて
気をつけろ！… その牙には猛毒がある
彼女の鋭い牙に狙われた獲物には、もはや逃れる術は無い。
Hammer Booth had them during Nationals, and stated that it was an international release.
BL.
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That is not the same ball k&k was selling...ball they had didnt use gas mask core and was different color
That would then mean that we are both right. When did the K&K ball get released? The International ball came out in 2009..
BL.
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Mid 2013 I believe it was out
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Proshops no matter gold level or not all have the opportunity to spend $$$$$$$ o their own money and do the same thing. If you do not have the $$$$$$$ to do that then you are not relevant to complain because you didn't get an opportunity to buy this ball. It was a custom order. However if you wanted you could have ordered some direct through the shop that did pay the $$$$$$$$ to have this done. I did, it was really simple.
It is a bowling ball. It is limited in numbers. People are mostly crying because they do not or will not have one and feel it is unfair. I get that, most people do. It still doesn't change the fact that for some it may be a really great ball.
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I usually stay pretty positive on here. Vibes sell well for me and gets frustrating when customers ask and I have to tell them sorry, I can't get it. Jet Black Vibe would have been hard to keep on shelf, but can't order 32 cold bloods to get 8 vibes. My market is too small and higher end Hammer Balls to fly off my shelf. I would have liked to get a few of these but at 129.00 is a no way.
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Proshops no matter gold level or not all have the opportunity to spend $$$$$$$ o their own money and do the same thing. If you do not have the $$$$$$$ to do that then you are not relevant to complain because you didn't get an opportunity to buy this ball. It was a custom order. However if you wanted you could have ordered some direct through the shop that did pay the $$$$$$$$ to have this done. I did, it was really simple.
It is a bowling ball. It is limited in numbers. People are mostly crying because they do not or will not have one and feel it is unfair. I get that, most people do. It still doesn't change the fact that for some it may be a really great ball.
Frankly, no one cares how good a ball is if they can't get their hands on it. Believe it or not I was at work the entire time this thing was up for sale, didn't even know it existed til I got home from work and then it was too late.
I don't blame K and K, I blame Hammer for having an obvious strong market for this line of balls and not putting anything out unless you want to buy a bunch of balls you don't need.
Some of the decisions EBI makes with their brands just befuddles me sometimes.
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I agree totally on the Black Vibe. I think that was a $hitty way to do things. This is different because someone paid to have this done. It has happen several times before by several manufactures. BB.com I believe did several through Brunswick with re-releases of some classics. This proshop decided to have something custom done.
I was at work and ordered mine off of my phone at 2am in the morning. Wish I had ordered a case instead of just two.
Will there be as much complaining if the next ball that replaces the Vibe series looks and sells better if it doesn't have the "Vibe" on the side? Say they replace the Vibe core with the anger series core and continuing using the older HP covers on the entry line ball. (GTR3 ect ect)
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At this point why would you take the Vibe name off it? They obviously still have a strong following and a good name with bowlers. I don't think they need a replacement, I think you need an expansion tbh, much like Storm did with their Tropical line.
This to me is where Storm is ahead of the game compared to everyone else. They have lines, all of those lines have progressions, and they tend to get weaker or stronger as you go up or down the progression. They also get cheaper and more expensive as you go up and down that progression. Some other brands are close to this, but just not done nearly as well.
Just from what I've seen from checking out various sites and pro shops, Hammer has a lot of great mid priced to high end equipment, but they have jack on the bottom end and lower mid price end. Online you are gonna get the Cobalt Vibe and Blue Hammer for about 85 bucks or so, then it jumps quick to $120 for the Nail, then another jump to the $140's and then you jump to the $180's.
Frankly EBI should be the company dominating the market, but they make some seriously poor decisions that keep them from doing it.
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Will there be as much complaining if the next ball that replaces the Vibe series looks and sells better if it doesn't have the "Vibe" on the side? Say they replace the Vibe core with the anger series core and continuing using the older HP covers on the entry line ball. (GTR3 ect ect)
Take that a bit further.
From various quotes found online and on Hammer's own forum from a few years ago, we were told that the Black Widow Nasty was going to be the last in the BW Line. And for a fair number of people, the Nasty was upsetting, because it was the only Black Widow that didn't have the Gas Mask core in it. Luckily, the Taboo series continued with it...
But somehow, 3 Black Widow Spares, Black Widow Killer, Black Widow Venom, Black Widow Hazard, Black Widow Danger, aforementioned Black Widow Poison, Black Widow Wise, Black Widow Violent, Black Widow Assassin, Black Widow Monster, and Black Widow Fear have all been released overseas since, all with the Gas Mask core, not to mentioned the Gas Mask Clear spare ball.
I think the biggest thing that would be cause for complaining is availability, and knowledge that the ball even exists. There was marketing done by Barnes here for us to find out, but without looking overseas, would any of you have known that 14 other Black Widow balls were released since the announcement of the "end" of the Black Widow line of balls?
I know that overseas is a different market and a beast of one altogether, but there you have it.
BL.
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I always look at the overseas stuff because it usually looks better then what's released here. Obviously this market cannot bare the same number of releases. I think preception of sales vs actual sales is part of the problem people can't see.
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People have been been making private label stuff forever I dont see why people are getting so butt hurt about not being able to get one. If they made 5000 of them it wouldnt exactly be a limited edition. TBO its great so many people are talking Good or Bad about this topic for them.I bet next time they come out a bunch of us will be waiting in line like its black friday to get one!
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http://www.ebay.com/itm/281229641045?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2648#ht_1619wt_924 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/281229641045?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2648#ht_1619wt_924)
Just in case anyone is curious. ;D
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I'd be willing to bet the actual ball specs and #1-333 will be posted to the auction tomorrow.
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There is one listed with buyitnow of 169$ so dumb to bid 200
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There is one listed with buyitnow of 169$ so dumb to bid 200
the 169.99 buy it now was posted after the other one. so it sucks for the high bidder on the other auction.
been checking ebay since I have one of these coming to my house Monday. not sure what im going to do with mine