BallReviews

General Category => Miscellaneous => Topic started by: Jammer299 on June 07, 2018, 10:34:17 AM

Title: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: Jammer299 on June 07, 2018, 10:34:17 AM
In today's world everyone wants in on the latest & greatest trends. It's no different in the sport of bowling. Everyone flocks to the big name brands without ever giving the little guy a chance. To those people, let me ask these few questions.
1. Wasn't every company at one time a new and unproven product until tested by the bowlers?
2. Aren't all balls tested by the same standards and regulations?
3. Doesn't everyone wanna be at the forefront of change and evolution, especially for the betterment of what they love?
If you answered Yes to all these questions I only ask what is holding you and others back from trying these 4 great brands from a relatively unknown company in
California Bowling LLC. Most will say they've never heard of them before. Well now you have. A revitalization in the ball industry needs to happen now, especially with the changes coming in the next few years, and this is where it starts.
Please comment on why you or others won't give these smaller brands the opportunity and attention to impress you that they deserve. Thank you.
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: mechanic81 on June 07, 2018, 11:20:35 AM
I myself am not against trying smaller companies however price comes into play when you are looking at a company such as storm or the other big names you see alot of their equipment on the lanes and you get a 1st hand look at tha particular ball. So for me to spend 150 to 200 dollars on something that iv seen and i like vs something that i havent gotten alot of feedback on makes a difference.
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: milorafferty on June 07, 2018, 11:31:40 AM
Tried them and don't care for the current products.

Lane Masters/Legends once made fantastic equipment, but then started taking shortcuts. Lord Field seems to make a decent product line, but again, BORING.

Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: SVstar34 on June 07, 2018, 11:32:51 AM
Tried them and don't care for the current products.

Lane Masters/Legends once made fantastic equipment, but then started taking shortcuts. Lord Field seems to make a decent product line, but again, BORING.



I'm in the same boat. I also think the Swag line is dumb
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: Jammer299 on June 07, 2018, 11:36:09 AM
I completely understand your point, but let me ask you this. Have you ever purchased a ball and not got what you expected? The feedback and "eye test" meant nothing. Almost any ball can be manipulated by drilling or surface change to tailor someone's game. The ball is not suppose to make the bowler regardless of conditions. The bowler still has to make the ball look good as well. Just some food for thought my friend. Thank you for your response.
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: BowlingForDonuts on June 07, 2018, 11:38:03 AM
Smaller brands seem to have been disappearing lately.  Guessing being a smaller brand is easier if an industry has robust growth.  All that said lots of choices and only so much storage available for balls.
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: Jammer299 on June 07, 2018, 11:40:50 AM
Exactly my point SVstar. Have you tried any Swag equipment, probably not I'm guessing.
You can't say you think it's stupid because of the name without trying it. The name has nothing to do with performance.
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: Overhand on June 07, 2018, 11:42:14 AM
Going from brands I know and have success with to trying an unknown product?  If it was free, I'd have no problem trying them.   
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: Jammer299 on June 07, 2018, 11:45:44 AM
Just remember all balls are made and certified the same way my friend. Some just have bigger factories and operations.
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: milorafferty on June 07, 2018, 11:56:48 AM
Ah, it seems I misunderstood your post. I read it as you were possibly looking for a reason that bowlers aren't buying the product. I didn't read it as an invitation to a debate or to give you a chance to try to belittle people into buying your product.

My bad I guess.
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: tgs300 on June 07, 2018, 11:57:43 AM
I'm another that had a lot of older Legends/Lanemasters equipment and I'll admit that I haven't tried newer releases. That basically has to do with my satisfaction with what I have now and the lack of desire to part with my money for equipment that may or may not be better than what I current have.


Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: SVstar34 on June 07, 2018, 12:00:31 PM
Exactly my point SVstar. Have you tried any Swag equipment, probably not I'm guessing.
You can't say you think it's stupid because of the name without trying it. The name has nothing to do with performance.

It's also a business and whoever thought Swag was a good idea should be fired. As a business you need to understand your customer population. I can guarantee that Swag does not fit with 80-90% of the current bowling population.

Marketing 101
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: Impending Doom on June 07, 2018, 12:01:50 PM
I'm already throwing the best stuff there is. Duh.
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: Jammer299 on June 07, 2018, 12:19:21 PM
Milo. No belittling here. Just stating facts. You can't judge a book by its cover is what I'm saying. Just because something looks good for someone else doesn't always mean it translates to success for you.
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: Jammer299 on June 07, 2018, 12:24:08 PM
SVstar. The majority of bowlers in today's world are between the ages of 7 and 44. I think it fits into that demographic just fine in my opinion.
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: amyers2002 on June 07, 2018, 12:27:23 PM
To each their own. I don't disagree with the comments made but if your going to market as swag you might want that as your website and not California Bowling and you might want a 800 number listed on the site.
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: SVstar34 on June 07, 2018, 12:39:52 PM
You're not helping the company you represent by doing this.

You can't tell someone their opinion is invalid on why it's not selling because they haven't thrown a ball from the company.

You want me to try one? Send me one. I'm not going to waste my money when I know what works for me. The companies you represent have some unique core designs and my best success has been with balls that are simpler. I've tried a few balls from Lane Masters that I thought could work for me. They didn't work for me no matter what I tried.
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: BowlingforSoup on June 07, 2018, 12:50:30 PM
If anybody wants to try these brands go to the Website.Several balls in 15# for 35$ to 65$.Older stuff but can maybe give you a feel for what the brands are like.https://www.californiabowlingllc.com/index.php/closeout
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: milorafferty on June 07, 2018, 01:01:58 PM
Milo. No belittling here. Just stating facts. You can't judge a book by its cover is what I'm saying. Just because something looks good for someone else doesn't always mean it translates to success for you.

Yes, I CAN "...judge a book by it's cover..." when I'm spending my own money. In fact, I do it all the time.
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: DP3 on June 07, 2018, 01:17:31 PM
If anybody wants to try these brands go to the Website.Several balls in 15# for 35$ to 65$.Older stuff but can maybe give you a feel for what the brands are like.https://www.californiabowlingllc.com/index.php/closeout

Great. I just bought 8 more balls for no freaking reason.
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: jman76 on June 07, 2018, 01:33:37 PM
In my area, we seriously have a good 4-5 new "staff members" for this company. It's like they came out of nowhere. I'm not a pro by any means and know everyone has different talent levels, but this local "staff members" aren't exactly the cream of the crop in my area. I've seen them throw the new equipment and nothing has stood out that impressed me or wowed me in any way. I'm all for a new company to grow and survive, so I'll report back if I see anything eye-popping.
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: Jammer299 on June 07, 2018, 01:44:22 PM
SVstar. I'm not saying anybody's opinion is invalid. I'm saying your selling yourself short by not looking at ANY other companies equipment besides what you've seen thrown. Also Milo, if you wanna buy something because it works good for someone else go ahead by all means. I'm trying to open people's eyes and minds to think outside the box. Everybody has opinions and that's great, this is mine. Seems today nobody likes constructive criticism unfortunately. I appreciate and welcome everyone's opinions, but it doesn't mean I have to agree. Have a great day!

Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: milorafferty on June 07, 2018, 01:44:35 PM
If anybody wants to try these brands go to the Website.Several balls in 15# for 35$ to 65$.Older stuff but can maybe give you a feel for what the brands are like.https://www.californiabowlingllc.com/index.php/closeout (https://www.californiabowlingllc.com/index.php/closeout)

Great. I just bought 8 more balls for no freaking reason.

Those yeah baby balls would be tempting if didn't already go on Visionary buying spree.  Interesting core in those pieces lol.  Do like 2 piece balls but pushy reps not so much.

The original Yeah Baby was a fantastic ball, one of the better balls of that time. I've tried the current one and wouldn't pay to drill it even if I got the ball for free.
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: Impending Doom on June 07, 2018, 02:05:20 PM
Ahem.

As a representative for 900 Global (self appointed for a decade), allow me to speak on this issue.

You can not force someone to like your brand.

Certain people like certain ball motions that a company has to offer. Some people look at 900 Global and may be intrigued by a particular piece. They ask my opinion (which I'm ready to give an honest one) and try to work a ball into their ball based off of what they're looking for. Chances are, I can get almost any reaction a person wants from our line.

However, I do not cram my ideas down one's throat. I'll trumpet new releases, say where current releases fit in an arsenal, work with each individual until I believe I may have developed a small bleed in my brain from thinking so hard.

Nothing drives away potential paying customers more than being told that they are incorrect right off the bat.

You wanna talk about bowling company x and how a ball from my line can fit? Let's go! It's what I'm made to do! I'll take you to the lanes and do work until they're asking us to leave! At the end of the day, you may not match up with my suggestion (heaven known I haven't matched up with some balls), but I am not going to leave you with a bad taste in your mouth.
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: Good Times Good Times on June 07, 2018, 02:17:36 PM
OP, what is your response to ME being fine with "selling myself short" by sticking with Storm/Roto Grip and being happy with my variety of shapes in my current arsenal?

Do you find it sad?   :-\
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: Jammer299 on June 07, 2018, 02:37:51 PM
OP, what is your response to ME being fine with "selling myself short" by sticking with Storm/Roto Grip and being happy with my variety of shapes in my current arsenal?

Do you find it sad?   :-\

My response is I'm glad you found what you like. Go tear it up. I'm not cramming anything down anyone's throat. If it works for you that's great. I'm tapping into the group that has no favorite brand or preference. Humans are creatures of habit. You'll stick to what you know and that's fine. If you wanna explore and try new things that's great too. All I'm saying is if you only try something because someone else uses it, are you doing yourself a favor or a disservice?
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: Good Times Good Times on June 07, 2018, 02:44:00 PM
OP, what is your response to ME being fine with "selling myself short" by sticking with Storm/Roto Grip and being happy with my variety of shapes in my current arsenal?

Do you find it sad?   :-\

My response is I'm glad you found what you like. Go tear it up. I'm not cramming anything down anyone's throat. If it works for you that's great. I'm tapping into the group that has no favorite brand or preference. Humans are creatures of habit. You'll stick to what you know and that's fine. If you wanna explore and try new things that's great too. All I'm saying is if you only try something because someone else uses it, are you doing yourself a favor or a disservice?

Fair enough. 

I can't answer the last part, as I don't throw Storm/Roto because someone else does.
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: SVstar34 on June 07, 2018, 02:48:57 PM
Ahem.

As a representative for 900 Global (self appointed for a decade), allow me to speak on this issue.

You can not force someone to like your brand.

Certain people like certain ball motions that a company has to offer. Some people look at 900 Global and may be intrigued by a particular piece. They ask my opinion (which I'm ready to give an honest one) and try to work a ball into their ball based off of what they're looking for. Chances are, I can get almost any reaction a person wants from our line.

However, I do not cram my ideas down one's throat. I'll trumpet new releases, say where current releases fit in an arsenal, work with each individual until I believe I may have developed a small bleed in my brain from thinking so hard.

Nothing drives away potential paying customers more than being told that they are incorrect right off the bat.

You wanna talk about bowling company x and how a ball from my line can fit? Let's go! It's what I'm made to do! I'll take you to the lanes and do work until they're asking us to leave! At the end of the day, you may not match up with my suggestion (heaven known I haven't matched up with some balls), but I am not going to leave you with a bad taste in your mouth.

This is all you need to know. I get the OP's point he's trying to make but he's doing it very poorly. Sales and marketing is a lot more in depth than just saying you should give this a shot
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: JamminJD on June 07, 2018, 03:25:30 PM
The problem with LM/LF/CB & Swag :( is they have very,very little distributor help. SO. If you live on the East coast it costs a lot to get equipment shipped. They have also alienated a lot of the original staffers and in doing so they left.

The staff positions are not a great benefit at the lower levels because of shipping cost. They have way too many balls in there catalog for small companies. I don't know who does there covers but they are behind in the back end technology game. There stuff doesn't finish like the big boys stuff, so this makes them just a meh company to a lot of people when they see there stuff being thrown. I just don't know if this "be at the forefront of change and evolution" as you stated can be achieved by LM/LF/CB/Swag..

I could go on but I think this is enough.
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: Jammer299 on June 07, 2018, 03:37:34 PM
Our 2 piece balls (which hardly anyone produces nowadays) are mainly from our Legends line and are designed to last longer, keep pins low and elevate your carry percentage. We use high quality resins like any other company and have developed some exotic cores to give a wide range of ball motions to help enhance anyones game. I'm not a chemist nor do I try to sound like one, but the science that gets put into our equipment is on par with everyone else. We have an awesome range of equipment (Solids, Pearls and Hybrids) for any bowler starting at entry level and going all the way up to high performance pieces.
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: JamminJD on June 07, 2018, 03:44:52 PM
Our 2 piece balls (which hardly anyone produces nowadays) are mainly from our Legends line and are designed to last longer, keep pins low and elevate your carry percentage. We use high quality resins like any other company and have developed some exotic cores to give a wide range of ball motions to help enhance anyones game. I'm not a chemist nor do I try to sound like one, but the science that gets put into our equipment is on par with everyone else. We have an awesome range of equipment (Solids, Pearls and Hybrids) for any bowler starting at entry level and going all the way up to high performance pieces.

Oh I know about your equipment, I have thrown it. That's why I said what I did. Correct me if I am wrong but I don't think the California plant pores there own cores, is this correct?
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: Jammer299 on June 07, 2018, 04:30:06 PM
Our 2 piece balls (which hardly anyone produces nowadays) are mainly from our Legends line and are designed to last longer, keep pins low and elevate your carry percentage. We use high quality resins like any other company and have developed some exotic cores to give a wide range of ball motions to help enhance anyones game. I'm not a chemist nor do I try to sound like one, but the science that gets put into our equipment is on par with everyone else. We have an awesome range of equipment (Solids, Pearls and Hybrids) for any bowler starting at entry level and going all the way up to high performance pieces.

Oh I know about your equipment, I have thrown it. That's why I said what I did. Correct me if I am wrong but I don't think the California plant pores there own cores, is this correct?
You are correct sir
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: BowlingForDonuts on June 07, 2018, 05:10:04 PM
If anybody wants to try these brands go to the Website.Several balls in 15# for 35$ to 65$.Older stuff but can maybe give you a feel for what the brands are like.https://www.californiabowlingllc.com/index.php/closeout (https://www.californiabowlingllc.com/index.php/closeout)

Great. I just bought 8 more balls for no freaking reason.

Those yeah baby balls would be tempting if didn't already go on Visionary buying spree.  Interesting core in those pieces lol.  Do like 2 piece balls but pushy reps not so much.

The original Yeah Baby was a fantastic ball, one of the better balls of that time. I've tried the current one and wouldn't pay to drill it even if I got the ball for free.

Ah good to know and from what I understand the original Yeah Baby is not the one on that website as its long out of production and that is what many would say is an inferior remake.  Sorry deleted original post.  Just trying to keep a low profile and avoid controversy and not throw poop.
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: Bowl_Freak on June 07, 2018, 05:10:48 PM
My question is why do they have 4 different brands to begin with? I just recently bought a Mighty Kong from someone off FB and it does actually roll pretty good. Tell me, what sets the 4 brands apart from each other to warrant them all being out there??
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: Jammer299 on June 07, 2018, 05:29:13 PM
My question is why do they have 4 different brands to begin with? I just recently bought a Mighty Kong from someone off FB and it does actually roll pretty good. Tell me, what sets the 4 brands apart from each other to warrant them all being out there??


The new Swag brand has all new and exotic cores never before used. They are also equipped with an upgrade in coverstocks. They've all been recieved very well.
Legends by Lane Masters are most of our 2 piece balls that have had more time and cost put into their production.
Lane Masters in general and Lord Field are your typical companies line of equipment. Various different Solids, Pearl's and Hybrids coming in varying surfaces.
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: Russell Y. on June 07, 2018, 05:36:29 PM
What is the difference between the Blizzard, Black Blizzard, and Blizzard Hellfire???
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: earlyrolling on June 08, 2018, 12:45:49 AM
How come there are no test drives scheduled?
That would be a good way to let folks try out the equipment and see for themselves ball reaction, etc.

https://www.californiabowlingllc.com/index.php/test-drive
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: xrayjay on June 08, 2018, 11:26:51 AM
Oh, "SWAG" is a brand not a ball name??

when I hear the word "Swag" I think of many things. Someone or people who think someone is cool, got game. I honestly think that the word swag is kind of a ghetto persona attitude, pants dropped, and just not classy..... lol I remember someone telling me this.. S.W.A.G. "secretly we are gay"

Anyway, I wish every small business the best. I have tried their old stuff and they were good. But I got bored with them. I don't know what caused this, but just wasn't too appealing anymore - could be the bowlers who throw them locally and the ones I see on social media, just turned me off.

BTW, I'm not from a silver spoon. I'm just a regular dude who used to low ride and cruise the streets with the ladies, surfed with stoners, have ghetto friends, lived behind the DJ booth, and etc.. so the brand name SWAG isn't a catchy name IMHO.
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: Bowl_Freak on June 08, 2018, 11:45:29 AM
While i have tried these balls a couple years ago when they first came out, one thing i did notice is they all did the same thing, for me and that was just 'roll'. I think that if they really want to get their brands out there and sell the stuff, they do need more test drives so people can try the stuff and make the decisions that way. Instead of blindly throwing 130+ shipping on a ball that nobody knows hardly anything about. Plus, their lineup has too many balls to quickly confuse potential bowlers. And they seem to come out with something new every 2-3 weeks.
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: vwDiesel on June 08, 2018, 12:16:42 PM
Joe: Sometimes markets do not favor the "little guys." IMO this is one of those times, because currently all of the major players are offering outstanding equipment. It doesn't mean it will stay that way, but for the time being a smaller company would need to demonstrate extraordinary value in performance or price to compete. Sorry, but that is difficult to do currently.
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: billdozer on June 08, 2018, 02:52:10 PM
There is absolutely no need for a 4th brand when you're not even on tour and sales are less than when lanemasters was decently big, ie...when the first Terminator came out, the balls came with cleaners etc.

It's not to hate on the swag brand but c'mon.
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: DP3 on June 09, 2018, 04:29:25 PM
I've seen those Buzz series balls kill house shots. My total score was a Buzz Envy, 2 Buzz Drones, 2 Exodus Pearls (another good ball), Higgs Force and 2 Big Kahuna Tribals. I may never get around to throwing them all but I'm hoping to find a good look locally as I just moved and the house 5 minutes away HOOKS! And it has some great big money leagues. Long and smooth gets it done but a ball like my Badger is as aggressive as I can throw on their "fresh" league pattern, followed by a Track Logix.
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: bigbandito on June 10, 2018, 01:03:54 PM
Everyone wants what the pros are throwing ! to give 40-50,000 dollars to the PBA yearly is a lot of wasted money. the ball pricing is all about the same across the board. Most of the companies out there equipment only last about a year. Need resurfacing, oil removal, or cracking. L/M holds up !!! I thrown all of their equipment . It performs quite well ! You don't like it do throw it ! Its your loss !
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: DOWNTOWN on June 10, 2018, 05:10:39 PM
Was looking at trying a Judgement Devastation but $27.50 just to ship the ball is ridiculous. All the other companies even on close outs offer free shipping. I have throw some of the older lane masters and legend balls and liked them. Just not willing to shell out $27.50 just for shipping.
Title: Re: Lane Masters, Legends, Lord Field & Swag
Post by: batbowler on June 10, 2018, 05:16:35 PM
I've thrown a lot of the original Legends/Lane Masters and think they were really good. The covers are very durable and had a thicker shell. Go to bowlerx.com and buy one on the closeout with free shipping, if you want to try one! Just my $.02, Bruce