Never had that problem, I had my fit on a turbo tech sheet... Faxed it to them and they paid to ship one of my balls back there to confirm the fit was right. Never had any issues at all, so I can't answer that question. I guess I pray that i don't run into that lol.
Your best bet is to find a local pro shop and give them your business. If the shop is reputable, they will take care of any and all problems that might come up.
"Doing a better job than your local pro shop" is a great goal but remember they are not seeing your hand, all they are doing is replicating a ball from your spec sheet or copying the specs from an older ball. They have no clue if your specs are correct, they just know what you tell them that its a perfect fit.
If there is no reputable shop in your area and you do not want to take a road trip, then try online. Just remember, all they are doing is replicating a grip, they are not verifying that your grip is correct.
I went to Ron Hoppe for my grip. Purchased a bevel sander for making light adjustments.
Bradl,
I used to run a shop. Then I went to work p/t for company A while still running the shop. Then I went to work for company B. Then I was out of bowling for a few years, came back and went to work drilling balls for one of Buddies online competitors. Now I sell balls for company C.
I can tell you that shop that you've been going to for 4 years still want to sell you a ball regardless of the brand. They could have switched brands for one of many reasons. They weren't renewed as a staff member, the staff agreement is better with company B, the rebates to the shop are better with company B. It doesn't mean they don't know anything about company A's balls any more, they just probably make more money by pushing company b's product. Just be straight with them and tell them what you want. There are a few deals where a shop can't display a competitors product in order to get a larger rebate, but there aren't any deals where they can't sell a competitors product.
If you are worried about working out a ball drilled by an online guy, your best bet is to either have them make a thumb mold or do an IT or Switch Grip. Then you won't have to work out every ball you get. Or if you think you're up to it, buy a bevel sander and a couple of workout tools and be a DIY'er.
As for the stuff about the online guy not seeing your hand and such, if you have a grip you are comfortable with and have been using it with success, there is no risk in having a ball drilled online. If you have problems with your grip tearing up your hand, something hurts or is uncomfortable, an online guy isn't for you yet.
Buddiesproshop.com is the absolute BEST place to have your ball drilled. Best service. Best price. Best quality. What more could you want?
update:
the folks at buddies did a great job with my grip, even when I went through the changes during my time with them. A++++
As of today, I have found a local shop that's about 45 to an hour drive and I have since got 3 balls drilled from him. Great guy, great service, and all three balls done perfectly. also, i have a friend who can drop or pick up balls for me :D so I save on gas.....
It was cool when it took only 15 20 mins to get to a driller in the city back in the day, but he left to put a bucket in front of his truck to dig up snow on his drive way. it's too bad he doesn't drill anymore (i think), best in town IMO.
update:
the folks at buddies did a great job with my grip, even when I went through the changes during my time with them. A++++
As of today, I have found a local shop that's about 45 to an hour drive and I have since got 3 balls drilled from him. Great guy, great service, and all three balls done perfectly. also, i have a friend who can drop or pick up balls for me :D so I save on gas.....
It was cool when it took only 15 20 mins to get to a driller in the city back in the day, but he left to put a bucket in front of his truck to dig up snow on his drive way. it's too bad he doesn't drill anymore (i think), best in town IMO.
Did what?? :o
It's for sale if you want to move to 06084.
There are real rednecks where we are now. Roanoke, VA.
I had you fooled, I might not have even been the best driller in our shop.