BallReviews

Regional Action => NorthCentral => Topic started by: splendorlex on April 30, 2005, 03:32:14 PM

Title: Northern Illinois Bowlers....good Driller?
Post by: splendorlex on April 30, 2005, 03:32:14 PM: It seems really hard to figure out where to get good work done, but I want to make sure that my next ball is done right the first time. It just seems that everyone you ask has their guy that they've gone too forever, ya know? I've gotten all my work done thus far at Hawthorne Lanes, and I'm definitely not unhappy with it, but just want to get a feel for some of the good drillers in the area.
Title: Re: Northern Illinois Bowlers....good Driller?
Post by: loose5682 on May 04, 2005, 07:52:34 PM: Rich Blake at Chicago Bowler's Shop in Brunswick Zone Niles drills a mighty fine ball. Very knowledgable, takes his time and listens to what the bowler wants.
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Andrew Loose
"Evolutionary. Revolutionary."
Title: Re: Northern Illinois Bowlers....good Driller?
Post by: splendorlex on May 04, 2005, 09:49:54 PM: I actually had Jeff open up the thumb hole for me at a tourney once, I've bowled in Mount Prospect a couple times.
Title: Re: Northern Illinois Bowlers....good Driller?
Post by: loose5682 on May 04, 2005, 09:53:40 PM: Will Clark at River Rand Bowl is good as well
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Andrew Loose
"Evolutionary. Revolutionary."
Title: Re: Northern Illinois Bowlers....good Driller?
Post by: adman on May 05, 2005, 07:21:58 AM: William Clark at the Bowler's ER at River Rand Bowl in Des Plaines.
Title: Re: Northern Illinois Bowlers....good Driller?
Post by: bowler0821 on May 10, 2005, 10:08:53 AM: My pro shop guy is good I kind of work for him his name is Jim K and he is at Mont Clare bowl that is a little more south about 30 mins from River Rand
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Mike

Track = Hit + power that gives u scores
Title: Re: Northern Illinois Bowlers....good Driller?
Post by: BrunsMike on October 17, 2005, 12:17:50 AM: Ok, i know the last post here was over 5 months ago but I still want to chime in. I Bowl at Sunset Lanes and Bertrand Lanes (both in Waukegan IL) but my ball driller is Timmy at Sheridan Lanes in Kenosha WI. The last 5 balls he has drilled for me have been beautiful. Come off my hand really nicely and is very comfortable.
Title: Re: Northern Illinois Bowlers....good Driller?
Post by: adman on October 17, 2005, 08:29:00 AM: I second that. The Bowlers ER, WILLIAM Clark. Awesome guy and driller. Good supply of Bowling balls too.
Title: Re: Northern Illinois Bowlers....good Driller?
Post by: splendorlex on October 17, 2005, 09:17:52 AM: Wow, hehe....this was one of the first posts I made on this site.
Title: Re: Northern Illinois Bowlers....good Driller?
Post by: EFFEN 10 on October 17, 2005, 07:07:20 PM: Tim's Pro Shop located at
Crystal Bowl in Crystal Lake.
Title: Re: Northern Illinois Bowlers....good Driller?
Post by: 102101 on October 17, 2005, 07:15:37 PM: Not sure how far west you are but Loren at
Blackhawk Lanes in Sterling is very good.
Great selection of equipment also.
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102101? Hmmmm
Title: Re: Northern Illinois Bowlers....good Driller?
Post by: coltfoet5 on November 02, 2005, 03:58:38 PM: Greg Evans & Tony Hall at Reactions Bowling Supply in Don Carter Lanes in Rockford,IL. lots of experience, both worked for pwba and greg worked for brunswick in montana couple years back.
Title: Re: Northern Illinois Bowlers....good Driller?
Post by: stringer on November 11, 2005, 10:57:12 AM: Can anyone recommend T+D bowling Specialists in Joliet?
Title: Re: Northern Illinois Bowlers....good Driller?
Post by: blackdog on November 15, 2005, 11:27:17 AM: quote:
Can anyone recommend T+D bowling Specialists in Joliet?

T&D is a good place, they serve a lot of bowlers, and have been operating for a long time. Went up there to buy and drill up an Arsenal Reactive about a week ago (I live in Urbana, 2 hours south), and after a slight adjustment to the thumb slug it does great. They did it while I waited, took about 20min if that.

Best part is that they carry a wide range of ball lines in shop; I know a lot of pro shops that only carry one or two manufacturers, and generally push only those balls for sale.
Title: Re: Northern Illinois Bowlers....good Driller?
Post by: splendorlex on January 30, 2006, 02:26:38 PM: Bump...any other thoughts on this?
Title: Re: Northern Illinois Bowlers....good Driller?
Post by: scotts33 on January 30, 2006, 03:17:39 PM: Hey Rick Wunder, Gene Kanak and Duke Harding....where do you guys go? Your buddies? Your ABT friends?

Inquring minds wanna know!

Also for those and I think Rick might know Bill Spigner. What does Bill Spigner charge for coaching?

splendorlex Bill Spigner probably is expensive but also probably one of the very best in Chicago area.
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Scott
Title: Re: Northern Illinois Bowlers....good Driller?
Post by: adman on January 30, 2006, 03:42:36 PM: William Clark at the Bowlers ER in Des Plaines.
Title: Re: Northern Illinois Bowlers....good Driller?
Post by: northface28 on January 30, 2006, 03:51:24 PM: River Rand Bowl, Will Clark, Bowlers ER .
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Chuck Norris doesn't bowl strikes, he just knocks down one pin and the other nine faint.

My Pics http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/northface28/album?.dir=/9f09&.src=ph
Title: Re: Northern Illinois Bowlers....good Driller?
Post by: Raven829 on January 30, 2006, 03:55:24 PM: Another nomination for Will Clark at River Rand Bowl...great guy and great driller. He even calls me once in awhile to ask how the equipment is doing. It's a nice touch and he will continue to get all my new ball business.

Don
Title: Re: Northern Illinois Bowlers....good Driller?
Post by: DanH78 on January 30, 2006, 03:56:08 PM: quote:

Also for those and I think Rick might know Bill Spigner. What does Bill Spigner charge for coaching?

I believe Bill is up around $80/hour. He gives discounts if you purchase a "block" of lessons and has a lower price for Jr. bowlers.
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What are you gonna do? Beat me with your Jesus stick?
Title: Re: Northern Illinois Bowlers....good Driller?
Post by: Speedburner89 on January 30, 2006, 03:56:58 PM: quote:
River Rand Bowl, Will Clark, Bowlers ER .

...and bowl their house shot while you're at it, its in my opinion the hardest house shot in a 30 mile radius, truly a tough reverse block, a toasted center with an absolute flood past 8.
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Don't trust the moustache
Title: Re: Northern Illinois Bowlers....good Driller?
Post by: northface28 on January 30, 2006, 04:03:26 PM: Yeah River Rand isnt exactly known as "high-scoring" house.
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Chuck Norris doesn't bowl strikes, he just knocks down one pin and the other nine faint.

My Pics http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/northface28/album?.dir=/9f09&.src=ph
Title: Re: Northern Illinois Bowlers....good Driller?
Post by: DukeHarding on January 30, 2006, 04:38:06 PM: Excellent driller:

Ed Moores Custom Pro Shop

Located in West Chicago, 30W140 W. Roosevelt Rd., inside
Bowling Green Sports Center.
Excellent driller, takes his time, good pricing.
Will watch you throw a couple of balls on the lanes.

If you're further north, Lyle Zikes does a good job.
He owns Beverly Lanes (along with Les Zikes), runs the Pro Shop, and
is a very good coach...

http://beverlylanes.2gobowl.com/

Rich Blake shop is inside of Brunswick Niles Bowl on Milwaukee and Waukegan Roads.
He is also a good driller.

Bowlers Custom Pro Shop is run by Ron Dompke. His shop is located at Belmont Central in the city of Chicago. He's been drilling for 35 years. Good driller.

--------------------
Duke Harding
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Bowling Coaches Web Site Link (http://"http://www.bowlingcoach.com/")

When cryptography is outlawed, bayl bhgynijf unir cevinpl!

Edited on 1/31/2006 0:40 AM
Title: Re: Northern Illinois Bowlers....good Driller?
Post by: Rick Wunder on January 31, 2006, 07:51:34 AM: Splendorlex already knows all of this, but I'll post for the others who have asked.

I do know Bill Spigner, and everything that has been said here is correct. Brian Chilcutt, owner and operator of Striking Difference Pro Shop is another resource for instruction, as well as fitting and drilling.

Go to http://www.hawthornlanes.com/proshop.html for information on both Bill and Brian. Although it's not mentioned on the website, Brian uses Ebonite's Bowler's Map, as well.

Both Brian and Bill were recently listed in BJI's Top 100 Coaches feature.
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RW (THB)
Title: Re: Northern Illinois Bowlers....good Driller?
Post by: splendorlex on January 31, 2006, 08:01:00 AM: Did Brian just start using Bowler's MAP recently, Rick? I don't remember him having it before.
Title: Re: Northern Illinois Bowlers....good Driller?
Post by: scotts33 on January 31, 2006, 08:11:43 AM: Thanks Rick...wish I was closer to Chicago I'd go see Bill.
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Scott
Title: Re: Northern Illinois Bowlers....good Driller?
Post by: Rick Wunder on January 31, 2006, 08:18:32 AM: Yes, Brian has just started using Bowler's Map. It's very spiffy!
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RW (THB)
Title: Re: Northern Illinois Bowlers....good Driller?
Post by: splendorlex on January 31, 2006, 08:21:01 AM: Nice, I'll have to get in there so I can finally tell people what the heck my speed and rev rate are!
Title: Re: Northern Illinois Bowlers....good Driller?
Post by: BrunsMike on January 31, 2006, 01:23:48 PM: Not a huge fan of Brian Chilcut. $55 for drilling not including inserts. On top of that, he made my span too big then when i brought it back requesting the span to be shortend some he said theres nothing wrong with the span and wanted $70 to do the work. Maybe it was one of those rare moments with him but I didnt like it and will never be going back to him for anything. Bill on the other hand, nothing wrong with him and his coaching. I do plan on going to him this summer for coaching.
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Mike Zadler
NE Lake County IL
Brunswick Equipment
Sanctioned Highs:
775 Series/288 Game
Sanctioned average (2004/2005)
194
Title: Re: Northern Illinois Bowlers....good Driller?
Post by: EFFEN 10 on January 31, 2006, 06:08:54 PM: Try Tim Wierschke of Tim's Pro Shop inside Crystal
Bowl in Crystal Lake. Extremely knowledgeable of
our sport and has VERY REASONABLE prices for
balls and drilling.
Title: Re: Northern Illinois Bowlers....good Driller?
Post by: Old Coach on February 01, 2006, 07:04:40 PM: Anyone around the Joliet area might try Tom Hinz at T&D Bowling and awards inside Town and Country lanes. Top 100 Coach again this year. Good bowler, made the cut again this year at the Masters. Teaches some of the top high school bowlers in the state. Has Bowlers Map and in two weeks will have the NEW DIGITRAK system. I think one hour on the Bowlers Map and Digitrak will be about $75 for an hour plus he gives you a CD or DVD of the lesson. He does a great job.
Title: Re: Northern Illinois Bowlers....good Driller?
Post by: wholagan on February 21, 2006, 12:03:44 PM: I use Brian Spiller (Bolingbrook AMF lane) He has great customer service skills and is knowledgeable in bowling. He also coaches. I also have kids, Brian takes time to talk to them, and that makes them feel special. Like they our not number. That is why I go to him. I had my work done somewhere else but they made you fell as if you do not know krap. In All Brian knows what he is doing
Title: Re: Northern Illinois Bowlers....good Driller?
Post by: BrunsMike on March 08, 2006, 08:59:29 PM: quote:
If you are near Rockford Illinois Tom Carter at Bowlers Universe inside of Cherry Bowl is one of the best in our area. He has helped me quite a bit and has realley helped my game. He has alot of expertise and knowledge of the game.
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Ron

I had a YABA IL State tournament at those lanes nearly 10 years ago, I needed a ball for more oil so he drilled me up a Brunswick Zone Proactive Azure for the doubles and singles event, great person to deal with.
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Mike Zadler
NE Lake County IL
Sanctioned Highs:
775 Series/288 Game
Sanct. Ave. (2004/2005)194

Tweener by day, Stroker by night
Title: Re: Northern Illinois Bowlers....good Driller?
Post by: BrunsMike on March 08, 2006, 10:25:06 PM: quote:
You might be thinking of somebody else. Tom Carter just moved into the Cherry Bowl recently. None the less Tom Carter is good, he drills all of my stuff.

Quite possible.
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Mike Zadler
NE Lake County IL
Sanctioned Highs:
775 Series/288 Game
Sanct. Ave. (2004/2005)194

Tweener by day, Stroker by night
Title: Re: Northern Illinois Bowlers....good Driller?
Post by: BAPSBill on March 08, 2006, 10:33:46 PM: In Elgin try Bowlway Lanes Ask for Greg He did all my drillings for 8 yrs til I moved to Tennessee
Title: Re: Northern Illinois Bowlers....good Driller?
Post by: axeweldr on April 19, 2006, 09:39:28 AM: Greg Grocke from Bowlway Lanes in Elgin has been layed up for a little while. He had emergency surgery, so he has not been to his shop. I bowl with him on Thursday nights. He has been pretty sick. So say a few prays for him.

John

PS I put my vote in for Ron Dompke as a quality ball driller. Been drilling my stuff for about 25 years now. Keep getting talked into going other places, but always end up in the same place. Ronnie is a good guy, and know his stuff.

Edited on 4/19/2006 9:39 AM

Edited on 4/19/2006 9:41 AM