Recently it seems, AMF has become bowlings "red headed step-child", so to speak. When bowlers here talk about the latest, newest, most innovative products, I really can't remember AMF being in the conversation, at least not since the late 1980's, but that really isn't the case.
When they were a part of the Columbia300 umbrella, they were used as an R&D type division, and were actually the ones who did MUCH of the development of the Epoxy coverstock. That ball had GREAT potential, but was rushed into production by the PARENT company (under the parent name Columbia300 EPX T-1) before it was perfected, and it flopped. But it was very innovative and cutting edge. Some of the smartest people in the industry are working with, and for, them, so new technology isn't the problem.
Is it performance? I really can't see where anyone would have any reason to doubt the performance. The tech department there is cutting edge, even developing the SRC core in the G900 BANK, so the core tech definitely is competitive with others on the market.
And coverstocks? Don't even go there, because the guy who runs the place is Phil Cardinale, the same guy who owned Dyno-Thane and developed the first "soaker" coverstock. NOBODY knows more about cover tech than Phil. You will NOT find a reaction from ANY other company that you will not find from G900/AMF.
Is it looks? C'mon, I'm serious. Because if it is, you just aren't paying attention to what they are putting out. Color combinations that not only make the ball look good sitting on the shelf, but look good drilled and, many times, making it easier to see exactly what the ball is doing on its journey down the lane.
How about customer service? I will tell you now, BAR NONE, I have yet to be disappointed with either their responsiveness OR their willingness to help me with information, advice, or equipment. You will not find any other company that has been any more helpful to any bowler than AMF has been to me. Eric Thomas is an asset to his company and the industry.
Good covers on good cores, great service from great people, and performance as good as any other balls on the market. Why don't more people give them a try?
"Yeah, I throw AMF. What's it to ya"?
Everybody else does all these things too Jugg. They aren't doing anything to stand out from the competition imo. That's not to say that their stuff isn't great....even just as good as everyone else's, but in todays market people see the stuff scoring around them and go get one.
Have been hearing great stuff about the Banks. Hopefully this will help Global but it is always questionable whether it will filter down to AMF.
ALL STAR BOWLING & TROPHY
LANGAN'S ALL STAR LANES
IBPSIA MEMBER
WALLED LAKE MI
AMF equipment is just as good, but some shops have contracts with the other companies. You will usually see signs in the proshops; Storm/RotoGrip, Columbia300 or Brunswick Proshop Staff. 900G/AMF probably does this on a lower scale, just as when my driller was on Morich, the center his shop was in saw a lot of Morich balls sold. A shop in LI, NY is pushing 900G in that center as he has a proshop deal. Otherwise we don't see much of AMF/900. Only a few select bowlers in my area dare to venture against the normal.
I have NIB a Sideways, Clutch, Heist and Heist Pearl , plus my trusty Original Nighthawk and Ninja
My 02.
We all can hit the pocket, just carry the damn corners
2010-11 In the bag:
Siege Defender
Wicked Siege
Revolver
Damage
Danger Zone
Slingshot
Edited by 9orbetter on 1/29/2011 at 3:03 PM
I really like the AMF and Global products. I buy a lot of balls per year and the AMF Mega Recovery is the best ball I have ever owned. I have two, one box with low pin and one 4000 plus polish with pin above ring. These took over 1st place from my beloved Widow Bites. For my style and revs these balls are phenomenal.
I had my second 300 with a Bounty Hunter. Really good rolling balls for a stroker.
Currently in my rotation I have a Shred-it (pin under), 2 Sideways (1 up/1 down), Clutch Pearl(pin up), Hype urethane (Pin up), Heist Pearl (pin up), N-Code (pin down), Code (pin up). They make great pieces of equipment that will cover a wide variety of conditions
Castaway's Bowlers Pro Shop
Calumet City,Il. 60409
(708) 862-1602
Arsenal: Aftermath, Bank, Break Point Pearl,Sideways x2,Profit x2, Clutch Pearl,Maniac x2,Lunatic,Heist Pearl,Link,Hype urethane,Epicenter, Desperado,Mars, Grenade Pearl,T-Zone
http://s485.photobucket.com/albums/rr220/stormed1/My%20Arsenal/
Bowlingboards.com
I am shocked to hear that your Bank doesn't hook at all....What are your stats (speed, RPM, tilt, rotation,PAP)?? I am just curious as to why it would not hook. Mine is a beast, It will get "outhooked" once the lanes start to open up by other equipment. But on the fresh it hooks as much as anything else I have ever thrown.