Buying online vs. a pro shop

[xiek376]

i'm just getting back into bowling this season after about a 10 year layoff.  I know I need a new ball, but I'm not sure if I'm going to visit the pro shop or purchase online.  Interested to hear people's thoughts on both options. 

 

I'm leaning towards heading to the pro shop because I don't know a whole lot about different drilling patterns or ball layouts.

[Cobalt Bomb]

A good pro shop will watch you bowl and be able to recommend the appropriate equipment and layout for your game. May save you money in the long run.

[dizzyfugu]

Pro shop, no doubt - at least one with educated staff, where your hand/span is checked and your game watched before any ball or layout decision is made. In 10 years a lot has changed, not only yourself, so better start with sound foundations. It's IMHO worth some extra bucks.

DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany
2010/11 Benrather BC Club Champion
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[JohnP]

For your first ball, I agree, use your pro shop.  Be sure they watch you bowl and measure your positive axis point (PAP).  If they don't do this go somewhere that will.  After your first ball it depends on the shop's pricing for their balls and for drilling an internet ball.  But remember that you get no guarantee from the shop on an internet drill.  If you can get the ball from the shop for within $25 of the total cost for an internet ball I'd recommend staying with the shop (by the way, I run a shop).  --  JohnP