I will not comment too much on the quality concerns other than that every company has issues, ours are just magnified by many because of our move to Mexico. We have addressed every issue that occurs and either eliminated the problem or reduced the percentage of mishaps. In this type of production it is impossible to eliminate flaws, you can only hope to reduce and control them as best as possible. It will continue to be an ongoing issue for all ball companies. Keep in mind, were not producing the same products over and over and over. Everytime we introduce a new ball it comes with new production procedures and effects that have to be adjusted too. Most balls, with success, are only produced on about 3 runs, then it's on to the next new ball. Hard to perfect anything in this type of environment, you can only hope to minimize the hiccups.
With that being said, there are many "good" balls on the market. Most "good" balls are usually "conditional" type balls, looking their best when used on the proper conditions. What makes a ball great, in my opinion as a bowler and long time shop owner, comes with many factors that all fall into place. It must be driller friendly, meaning that it's not a guessing game as to what the ball will most likely do for each and every bowler. It must have a cover that is easily tweakable in order to completely match the ball to the bowler and still not change it's intended characteristics. It must have good ball life with less need for ball maintenance. And, believe it or not, it must be good looking and have a good name. Oh yeah, and it must be good for almost every type of game and usuable on multiple lane conditions. Of course, no one ball will be awesome in oil and great on dry, but when you can take one ball and make it, say, great on oil and very usable on medium, then you've done something.
Well, we did something. We did the MAXXX ZONE. This is, in my opinion, the best ball we've made since the aforementioned Absolute Inferno. I honestly believe I can put this ball in 95% of bowlers hands on 75% of lane conditions. The Twisted Fury Destruction is good, but when used as a strong skid/flip ball, not a heavy oil ball. The Avalanche Slide is a good ball, but only when used on medium to dry conditions that don't see a lot of carrydown. Like I said, every company has their really good balls, as do we when bowlers use them on the right conditions that the ball is meant for. But, if you need that one ball to really widen your eyes, it's the MAXXX.
Believe me folks, as hard as some of you guys are on us about quality, we come down even harder on our ball plant in an effort to continue to improve. If you think for one minute that we ignore these issues, you're greatly mistaken. If you think we deny having these flaws, again, you're wrong. But, are we getting better, you bet your butt we are. And, it's never ending. Each new ball has it's own challenges. I was amazed the first time I saw what went into producing a bowling ball. I, too, used to think..."How hard could it be". LOL. You'd be shocked out how hard it actually is. But, that's part of the challenge of being in the bowling ball business, and we're in it for the long run, longer than anyone in the business by far.
Thanks to all of those who love our products. Thanks to all of those who have at least tried our products. And even thanks go to all of those that keep us on our toes. Just don't hate. Really. It's bowling balls we're talking about, not life and death. This game is meant to be fun, and the balls we use to play it are just part of the joy and excitement. Don't let the balls, the lane conditions, or your counterparts take away from loving this game. Always try to find a way to enjoy each outing on the lanes. AND, spread the word about bowling. Let's not hang it out to dry, let's all do our part to repair it and bring it back to a healthy life. We wouldn't be on these forums if we didn't like the game.
Okay, that's all. I'll step off the box. LOL
RoB LaW
--------------------
I'm gettin' old, I'm hurtin', but I've got Brunswick balls.......Color me competitive.
