Post by: riggs on February 22, 2011, 11:13:50 PM
I am thinking it is wrong to use my new VIRTUAL GRAVITY NANOs in any competition until March 1, when they become available to the public.
You all agree?
PBA rules prohibit the use of any ball until after its release date of availability for PBA members. (They were OK for the USBC Masters.)
The No. 1 source for bowling news, analysis and opinion is my blog, The 11th Frame, which is here:
http://host.madison.com/sports/recreation/bowling/
Post by: Locke on February 23, 2011, 07:18:08 AM
Always be sincere, even when you don't mean it
Post by: Cobalt Bomb on February 23, 2011, 07:38:30 AM
Riggs, I have a somewhat different take on this than you do. Used to be in the PBA the ball had to be out and AVAILABLE in sufficient quantity for ALL the members before it could be used in competition. Now, staff players and those given balls by the reps can get them usually a week or 2 before the other members, and other members can get them a week or so before the general public.
I understand that the ball companies do this to generate "buzz" and getting the ball in the hands of better bowlers first can help demonstrate the product.
I recently used a Rising Star in a local tournament, a few days prior to its public release, took 4th place. There are certainly balls out there that hook more, just seemed to match up pretty well to the condition. The way I look at it is that its one of the perks of being a PBA member.
With that being said, most new balls are "just another ball" unless you are talking about something as revolutionary as the Black Hammer or Excalibur, and I would not make a big deal about whether someone was using a new ball or not. Storm obviously wants you to use the ball or you wouldn't have it. Go ahead and use it.
Joe
Edited by Cobalt Bomb on 2/23/2011 at 8:39 AM
Post by: riggs on February 23, 2011, 07:50:28 AM
Locke especially you are completely missing the point. It is not the real-world impact -- I'm one of those who think that ball technology has essentially peaked and don't think there would be any huge advantage in using the NANO. I don't think we'll ever see anything like the XCALIBUR again.
This is a matter of principal and doing the right thing and being a sportsman. I am 100 percent sincere with this. If you don't get any of that you clearly are NOT a sportsman.
The No. 1 source for bowling news, analysis and opinion is my blog, The 11th Frame, which is here:
http://host.madison.com/sports/recreation/bowling/
Edited by riggs on 2/23/2011 at 8:50 AM
Post by: 3835 on February 23, 2011, 08:13:26 AM
I see your point completely Riggs. Using a product early may give you an advantage. However, that is a PBA rule and I am not aware of if this is a USBC rule or not, but I assume not.
As a PBA member, you are and should be held to a higher standard than your house bowler, because you are a Professional. Being a professional sometimes means going beyond the normal realm of what a normal person would do.
Let us know what you decide, but, if you do not compete in any PBA competition, I could see someone making the case that they could use the ball legally, but ethically, the picture may be greyer.
3835
Post by: scotts33 on February 23, 2011, 08:14:48 AM
Jeff,
Are we talking USBC or PBA? I've seen many staffers get seed balls and use them before the release date on USBC sanctioned leagues. I've always actually wondered how they could count scores when the ball hasn't been released to the public? Say you shoot a 300 in your Thurs. night Sport league at 10 Pin? How does that work?
Scott
Post by: 300 dan on February 23, 2011, 08:15:38 AM
Riggs, I have met and bowled against you in a few tournamnets. Meeting and talking with you I think it is ethical and I respect you for feeling the way you do about using the NANO prior to release to the public. I agree with you on this topic look forward to your review when you write it.
Good luck and good bowling to all...
Post by: Cobalt Bomb on February 23, 2011, 08:34:55 AM
I understand your point, and to an extent, I agree with it. You can, however, take it a step further and say you should be using an alley ball, since some bowlers can't afford their own ball. In your typical league or local competition, I just don't see using a new ball as that big of a deal.
In my opinion, the bigger "injustice"(and I use that term very loosely) is that staff players and those given a ball by a company rep, can get a new ball for use in PBA competition before the general membership. Under those circumstances, people are bowling for a living and at that talent level, a very small equipment advantage can mean the difference between winning an event and not. Since I don't make my living bowling this is not a big deal to me in the grand scheme of things.
I applaud you for standing up for your convictions, though. It certainly can't hurt to wait a couple of weeks to use the ball. I just don't think its that big of a deal, and anyone that complains about it would be complaining about something else. It was always my impression that the very reason you have that ball early is to stir up interest for the company by using it.
BTW: Keep up the good work on your reviews.
Post by: riggs on February 23, 2011, 08:57:53 AM
PBA has a specific rule on new balls -- none can be used until they are available to the membership and PBA keeps a list of "eligibility" dates for balls.
At the Masters, for example, anyone could walk out to the truck and purchase a NANO and drill it.
USBC has no rule, which makes using it in non-PBA USBC competition a decision that is purely ethical.
The No. 1 source for bowling news, analysis and opinion is my blog, The 11th Frame, which is here:
http://host.madison.com/sports/recreation/bowling/
Post by: ToiletLogCore on February 23, 2011, 09:13:48 AM
If you really feel you are going to lose sleep over this then don't use it. Also you should probably go to confession for even thinking about using it.
Good luck with your decision I hope it doesn't haunt you for the rest of your life.
You've just been handed a little TLC
Post by: Good Times Good Times on February 23, 2011, 09:26:10 AM
This is so true! I don't think you'll burn in hell Riggs for it
GetOffMe10Pin
-"If you want to make enemies, try to change something." - Woodrow Wilson
Post by: Cobalt Bomb on February 23, 2011, 09:30:57 AM
Jeff, perhaps at the Masters, it was possible for a PBA member to go on the truck and actually purchase a ball. I wasn't there. In my experience, since the "new" PBA, it was not possible for me as a non-staff player to get a ball off the truck unless given a slip from a rep. If this has changed in the last 2 years since I bowled a national event, I will stand corrected. If you mean by "available to the membership" that I could get it thru a rep, well that rep has to want to give me one. Under the "old" PBA, balls were not cleared until all the members could have purchased and had shipped to them the balls in question, and any member could buy off "the truck". I have bowled against staff players in PBA Regional events using equipment that is not available to me (a Full Member) at that particular time. Even if the balls are in transit, they are not available for me to use. It's not all that big of a deal to me, but facts are facts.
I look at it this way: whatever a staff player did to earn his position, he earned it. If I want to be a staff player and have those perks I need to earn it thru performance and by giving that company value. If anything, my beef would be with the PBA.
I don't want you to take this the wrong way, Jeff. I think you're doing a good thing. If anything, perhaps the USBC should not clear the balls for anything other than PBA events until the balls are available to the public. My guess is, if they thought it was a big deal, they would.
Post by: jbungard on February 23, 2011, 09:34:17 AM
Good subject and good discussion,
I have no problem with you or anyone else using a ball before its release date as long as the ball is listed on the USBC approved list. By showing up on the approved list, your Nano meets the same standards as all other new balls must meet. You have earned a staff position with Storm based on your ability, character and perceived ability to impact sales by your use of their equipment in competition, league and tournament play.
In the Phoenix area, we have a number of professional and amateur bowlers on ball staffs, as well as some of the larger, well established pro shops. I see them rolling the Alpha Max, Mission Domination/$250K, etc. and have no problem with their use. I'm happy they use them as I have an opportunity to see how the ball rolls and transitions in considering if they are on my radar for a future purchase. I don't see the new ball as an inherent advantage. I know my equipment; how it's going to react, how it's going to transition, and where it fits in my bag. In my mind, this offsets the potential advantage of any new/fresh surface ball.
Storm is counting on you to use their balls, score well with them, and favorably impact public opinion regarding their new release. By not using their equipment as soon as it's available and USBC approved, you're not doing all you can in fulfilling your role with them.
One mans opinion ;)
MoRich Mania, RipR, Craze, Perpetual Motion, MOjave
LM Black Pearl, Xtreme Damage, The New Standard, MoRich Spare Ball
Post by: Daleswmn on February 23, 2011, 10:00:07 AM
Is just being available enough? How long does it take you to evaluate a new ball where you are confortable in using it and or write a review on it?
Post by: riggs on February 23, 2011, 10:44:26 AM
I have not bowled a PBA TOUR event since 2002 so I was not aware of how it is with the Truck out there now.
Personally, I don't think anyone should be able to use any ball in any competition until it has become available for purchase by anyone else bowling in that competition. This is simple fairness. Being "better" (on staff) shouldn't enable me or anyone else to get a POTENTIAL advantage in any competition.
If everyone at the Masters couldn't go to the Truck and buy a NANO then no one should have been able to use it, IMO. The only advantage staff should give is getting breaks on equipment, not getting it before the public can.
FYI: I've been saying for some time that no ball introduced after the start of the USBC Open Championships should be able to be used by anyone in the tournament. It's the same principal.
Ball tech has pretty much peaked, IMO, but what if there is another XCALIBUR and some get to use it at USBC OC and others don't?
The No. 1 source for bowling news, analysis and opinion is my blog, The 11th Frame, which is here:
http://host.madison.com/sports/recreation/bowling/
Post by: riggs on February 23, 2011, 10:45:29 AM
And I generally use a ball on 2-3 conditions for at least 10 games before I want to write an initial review ... and I try to come back and update after using it more.
The No. 1 source for bowling news, analysis and opinion is my blog, The 11th Frame, which is here:
http://host.madison.com/sports/recreation/bowling/
Post by: Cobalt Bomb on February 23, 2011, 10:49:43 AM
See, we're really in agreement on this issue!
Joe
Post by: T C 300 on February 23, 2011, 11:10:33 AM
wonder ppl know this "is a rule" and have ever tried to protest it in a league or tourny..???
sounds like it would be enforced...
Post by: Cobalt Bomb on February 23, 2011, 11:57:55 AM
If the ball is on the USBC approved list, its legal in all USBC competition. This would include most leagues and tourneys. Most balls are submitted for approval well before even the staffers get them and before PBA approves them.
Post by: Daleswmn on February 23, 2011, 12:11:02 PM
I don't know how the staff thing works so I will defer to Riggs on this but from what I understand is that you get a few of a new model to put them through their paces so many days before the rest of the membership and so many days before the release date. \
Is that not an advantage over your competitors for at least a block in a tournament?
Great discussion!
On a side note, would like to hear more about what your obligations are to be on staff Riggs. Do you give feedback to the company as well as review the new stuff? I am not interested in compensation as it is none of my business.
I did buy a Victory Road after reading your review.
Dale
Post by: Daleswmn on February 23, 2011, 12:34:59 PM
Is the NANO legal for use this week at the US Open?
Post by: SKIDSNAP on February 23, 2011, 12:48:40 PM
Jeff,
By your own admission that there is no new groundbreaking equipment that would provide you with an extreme advantage; then what is the difference whether you are throwing a blue ball or a purple ball or a teal ball as long as it is USBC approved for competition?
Why wait for the release date when it is your privilege to have the opportunity to throw and report on a new model?
In golf; professionals are often using prototype equipment that might never be available to their competitors. As long as it meets USGA and R&A rules the clubs are acceptable for use in competition. There does not seem to be a competitive issue in their world.
In bowling you still have to repeat shots to score. The equipment, by your own words, does not have a significant effect on the results versus the equipment currently available.
What do you think???
Post by: raiderh20boy on February 23, 2011, 12:53:22 PM
Ethical-not ethical???
I have been fortunate to be "staffed" and get seed balls for quite some time now. I have not used these balls in tournament/league competition before they are available for general use BUT.... I made sure I "showed them off" before league practicing and then changing to different equipment for league to show the differences.
UNFORTUNATELY I will be having a knee replacement Mar 1 and I am not able to "SHOW OFF" this latest ball from Storm even though I drilled it 3 weeks ago !!!!!!
Use "IT" and BOWL UP A STORM!!
Post by: David Lee Yskes on February 23, 2011, 01:24:34 PM
Jeff,
while i did post a response to the same question on your Facebook... I'm going to say this which is basically the same, but also with a different answer too..
If you are conflicted personally with using the ball before anyone else in the general public can use the ball then dont use it... But Storm did send you the balls for a reason, and that is to use the ball in league's and tournaments, before the general public can get thier hands on said ball. So thats kinda the perk of being a Staffer. While I do agree that i doubt we as bowlers will ever see a explosion in new technology like the Excalibur, I dont think the Nano is really any different from any other ball.... It's the indian not the arrow....
Unless the carry on this ball is Sick, IE carry's everything in the pocket.... i dont see this ball being any advantage over the Marvel / Victory Road or anything else that is new from Storm or Roto Grip...
But thats just my 2cents... I dont think whatever your choice is when you goto Nationals, anyone is going to question your character about it. if they do then, they obviously dont know you personally... ( not saying I do ) but I do understand where you are comming from....
" Lift Your Skirt Grab Your Balls and Learn How to Bowl "
For my vids on youtube - search DLYskes1976
or look for me on facebook
Post by: tburky on February 23, 2011, 02:29:33 PM
"I am thinking it is wrong to use my new VIRTUAL GRAVITY NANOs in any competition until March 1, when they become available to the public.
You all agree?
PBA rules prohibit the use of any ball until after its release date of availability for PBA members. (They were OK for the USBC Masters.)"
No you are a PBA member so you should be allowed. I got the vip ball from my pro shop and drilled it with the understanding I could not use it in league until the public release date. That is with all vip balls I end up drilling.
Edited by tburky on 2/23/2011 at 3:30 PM
Post by: Track_Fanatic on February 23, 2011, 03:00:26 PM
I totally agree with him that any new equipment that comes out after the start of Nationals should not be used during the Nationals since it is an ongoing tournament.
With the availability to PBA members before it comes available to the public, do you think the pro's should be allowed to use the equipment in PBA tournaments if a non-member bowls in the same tournament?
I think everything can be debated about this subject. What is really ethical in these scenarios?
Ethical vs rules. Why do they have to be different? Why can't they all be the same?
Post by: riggs on February 23, 2011, 07:37:00 PM
NANOs were PBA cleared for the Masters so they definitely are for the US Open.
They were USBC approved before anybody got them ... so it's not about rules. Thanks for all the thoughts from everyone. Probably won't use them this weekend.
Definitely think no balls introduced after start of USBC OCs should be legal for that tourney!
The No. 1 source for bowling news, analysis and opinion is my blog, The 11th Frame, which is here:
http://host.madison.com/sports/recreation/bowling/
Post by: urbanshaft on February 23, 2011, 08:01:10 PM
youre a staffer,isnt your job suppose to be promote the brand?for me it be like the same as if i got a overseas ball that nobody around could get.just because nobody else has it doesnt give me a advantage.and who even says its the right ball for the tournament.just should use it and have a blast doing so and consider yourself lucky
Post by: Locke on February 23, 2011, 10:10:26 PM
I am completely seeing your point, but what I am saying is that if it is not one of those balls that changes the technology profoundly it is just another ball. I can not see how it is giving you an unfair advantage so I do not see how it is unsportsmanlike. If it bothers you don't use it but I would have no problem using it since it is just another ball. And like I said before, if you wait until March 1 how many people you face will have the ball? So then isn't it only right to wait until everyone has had several days after the release date to make sure that if they want to get it they will. i am not looking to start a fight here but it really is just another ball and I would have no problem using it because it just will not give me an unfair advantage.
Always be sincere, even when you don't mean it
Post by: riggs on February 24, 2011, 06:53:58 AM
Locke those are good points. Did roll them for a bit Wednesday afternoon and they definitely do roll great but they are not anything revolutionary like an XCALIBUR -- don't think we'll ever see anything like that again.
Have a person or two to talk to on this before I make a final decision.
The No. 1 source for bowling news, analysis and opinion is my blog, The 11th Frame, which is here:
http://host.madison.com/sports/recreation/bowling/
Post by: TJonesJr on February 24, 2011, 07:13:52 AM
Riggs- I have had the opportunity to bowl in the same tourneys as you numerous times in the madison/milwaukee area. With that said, I would have no problem if you had a NANO and I did not. My tourney team is Brunswick sponsered and had the opportunity to drill an Alpha-max about 2 weeks early. The way I see it, your accomplishments have awarded you a ball contract and this is one of those benifits. I feel the chance to show the ball off early "stirs the pot" and generates that interest to create sales. Its not like its a year early. People will have their chance usually about 2 weeks later than a staffer
Post by: Sikfish on February 24, 2011, 07:24:41 AM
Jeff,
This is clearly going to be your decision on if you want to do it or not. Many will say "no" he has a advantage with that ball.....many will say "yes" throw it, its just another ball. I too am a staffer and fight with this very subject. I will not throw "new" stuff in anything but leagues....tournaments, I throw what everyone else has the chance to buy....I see equality at that point. The reason I do in leagues is because that is where the 50-70% of sales is generated for my area for that ball manufacturer. I too agree on the USBC OC comment about a ball released after the start date....
Brian
MOTIV Staff
www.motivbowling.com
Post by: Dan Belcher on February 24, 2011, 07:39:48 AM
Well Jeff, if it would ease your conscience any to see a non-staffer throwing the Nano, you could always send me one. 
Post by: riggs on February 24, 2011, 09:44:30 AM
After digesting all of this and considering it and talking with a couple of people, I have decided that throwing them would not really be ethically wrong.
The key point that swayed my thinking was that new balls must be cleared by USBC and meet all of the existing rules before being thrown so while they may be different in some ways from some existing stuff they won't be exceeding the standards and therefore provide an unfair advantage.
The XCALIBUR, on the other hand, WAS different. And if I recall correctly balls weren't getting USBC stamps of approval before being released back then (correct me if I'm wrong.)
If I drilled something new and throw it and it does appear to be different and better in some way USBC does not regulate, I would feel differently.
Clearly, the NANO is not revolutionary in the way the XCALIBUR was.
So it will be in my bag.
Thanks to everyone for chiming in on this fascinating topic. You changed my mind and made me think in ways I did not expect.
The No. 1 source for bowling news, analysis and opinion is my blog, The 11th Frame, which is here:
http://host.madison.com/sports/recreation/bowling/
Post by: 230-n-up-or-bust on February 24, 2011, 10:34:11 AM
Jeff, let's start an over/under while you throw your NANO's....blower 7-10's vs 9-pins...
Our Nationals squad is headed up to Willow Creek this weekend...wonder if that would be a ball to use there...????..
Return with your shield or on it. Strength and honor. Help control the population of Avenging Unicorns. Arm yourselves accordingly. MTIXE
"I'd give my right arm to be ambidextrous."-Nick Faldo
Post by: riggs on February 24, 2011, 10:39:29 AM
230 = LOL. Based on what I saw yesterday, not sure if I will be able to use them Saturday -- old wood surface on Kegel Beaten Path. Maybe Sunday on challenge shot on HPLs in Joliet.
Willow = depends which of their conditions they put down. 
The No. 1 source for bowling news, analysis and opinion is my blog, The 11th Frame, which is here:
http://host.madison.com/sports/recreation/bowling/
Post by: 230-n-up-or-bust on February 24, 2011, 10:49:16 AM
3-5 stronger than a VIRTUAL GRAVITY?
Return with your shield or on it. Strength and honor. Help control the population of Avenging Unicorns. Arm yourselves accordingly. MTIXE
"I'd give my right arm to be ambidextrous."-Nick Faldo
Post by: 230-n-up-or-bust on February 24, 2011, 10:50:42 AM
Return with your shield or on it. Strength and honor. Help control the population of Avenging Unicorns. Arm yourselves accordingly. MTIXE
"I'd give my right arm to be ambidextrous."-Nick Faldo
Post by: chatnboy on February 24, 2011, 11:01:51 AM
i think you are making the right choice riggs...but i think you are right on asking for a variety of opinions about this "dilemma"!!!!it's refreshing to see the various responses to such a dilemmma and to see different peoples thoughts about this!!!too bad you dont live in delaware!!!
Go hard or go home!!!!!Bowl your best...ALWAYS!!!
Post by: lsf_21 on February 24, 2011, 11:54:27 AM
Its a bowling ball.... Me seeing somebody else use a ball has never made me consider buying one.
If you think its the best ball for the shot chuck it down the lane.
It would be different if your question was "I have this ball that storm gave me its not sanctioned.... Should I use it" But since the ball is already USBC approved toss it down the lane and dont look back.
Post by: john rambo on February 24, 2011, 04:30:42 PM
Your on Storm's Staff for a reason! You are Jeff Richgels!! a Hall of Fammer throw what you want when you want.
Post by: lefty50 on February 24, 2011, 09:09:49 PM
Sorry,but I have to chime in after reading this... Let's see if I've got it right...
- Staffer comes in, feigns ethical dilemma when this can't possibly be the first ball he's had a chance to throw in competition ahead of release date
-Eventually decides to throw ball.
With respect, is everyone that gullible? Can you possibly, for whatever reason, be so gullible as to believe this?
Hilarious...
Signature? I dont need no stinking signature...
Post by: SKIDSNAP on February 24, 2011, 09:36:48 PM
You obviously do not know who you are talking about. Jeff is a respected USBC Hall of Faner and a journalist. There was nothing fake about his thoughts. The quality of the responses give credence to the respect that people on this board have for Jeff. You seem to have missed that as well.
But being from Arizona I can understand why you might so quickly cast doubt upon someone's integrity without knowing who or what you are saying. Go back to watching the border you ignoramus.
Post by: riggs on February 25, 2011, 07:51:56 AM
lsf 21, this is the key point:
"It would be different if your question was "I have this ball that storm gave me its not sanctioned.... Should I use it" But since the ball is already USBC approved toss it down the lane and dont look back."
So long as it's USBC approved is what's important.
The No. 1 source for bowling news, analysis and opinion is my blog, The 11th Frame, which is here:
http://host.madison.com/sports/recreation/bowling/
Post by: riggs on February 25, 2011, 07:57:28 AM
Lefty, I have no idea who are and don't really care.
But for the record, I wasn't "faking" anything. I have thrown an uncountable number of balls ahead of public release time in the past, but I'd never thought of this issue before until someone asked my about Tommyfry throwing the NANO at the Masters and what the rule was since it's official release date is March 1.
Essentially, this thread was a chance for me and other to think out loud on what was a real and I feel legitimate question.
After digesting everything, I made the decision I made. I intend to right about it in my review that I post because I think it is a legitimate ethical dilemma.
If you want to criticize me for anything, make it be that I'd never considered the issue before when I should have!
The No. 1 source for bowling news, analysis and opinion is my blog, The 11th Frame, which is here:
http://host.madison.com/sports/recreation/bowling/
Post by: riggs on February 25, 2011, 08:04:26 AM
No way is it 3-5 stronger. It's the same core with an enhanced cover but not 3-5.
The No. 1 source for bowling news, analysis and opinion is my blog, The 11th Frame, which is here:
http://host.madison.com/sports/recreation/bowling/
Post by: 230-n-up-or-bust on February 25, 2011, 08:25:50 AM
riggs, the mere fact that you've achieved more in your lifetime than just about anyone else who posts here and still takes a moment to "take our temperature" on a question of ethics proves any number of things.
#1) From a guy that epitomizes what the "sport" of bowling should be, you have few, if any equals within the sport.
#2) Stopping in here from time-to-time and not rubbing every damned success story about tournament successes or big scores shot in league proves you're not about the bling, you're more about substance. You're NOT a man of the people, you've risen above that moreso with what you DO NOT say rather than what you actually say or type. You choose to report about a story, a tournament, or an issue from the kind of first hand perspective a lot of folks can only dream about providing.
#3) Knowing what you know about the internet, you should have known better than to try and pose a truly ethical question to the masses. As tough as this might be for you to say aloud, you've earned the right to tell someone, "..you're a real PITA...now please move out of the way as you're blocking the beautiful glare that emits from the base of my second of my four USBC Eagles."
All that's left is to throw the NANO. Win the tournament. Stop by with a worthy RIGJAM.
Return with your shield or on it. Strength and honor. Help control the population of Avenging Unicorns. Arm yourselves accordingly. MTIXE
"I'd give my right arm to be ambidextrous."-Nick Faldo
Edited by 230-n-up-or-bust on 2/25/2011 at 9:30 AM
Post by: Daleswmn on February 25, 2011, 09:33:45 AM
After reading this post, I am surprized you are using them.
After countless threads about having the right ball in your hands being important because you can't out execute bad ball reaction, anything different may have the potential to match someone up faster,better or on something that may not have matched before. Different is different. Does a true sportsman want any advantage?
Dale
Dale
Post by: kidlost2000 on February 25, 2011, 09:35:06 AM
I have not read the previous four pages,
Are you a PBA member?
If yes and it is against PBA rules then I wouldn't do it.
If not then yes I would use it when ever you came across a shot that allows it. You have no advantage. There are many bowling balls not available to everyone for one reason or another. In the end it comes down to the bowler and the adjustment made. Many will have an advantage because often times someone tries to use a ball that is new because its new and not because it is the right ball for the condition.
Be good, or be good at it.
Post by: on February 25, 2011, 10:08:52 AM
I have not read every answer to your post, Riggs, but I personally will use a ball once it has been USBC and PBA approved. Any date past that time is one that the manufacturer has strategically picked for sales. Am I wrong?
Having said that, I do respect your view and think it is admirable. The big difference between my case and yours is that you are a great bowler who is a threat to win a title every time you lace them up. I am content to bowl my leagues, city and state tournaments, and I attend Nationals (my record is less than stellar). On the shots I play on my new release may or may not be an advantage over another ball in my bag.
Whenever Brunswick releases balls to it's staffers they give us the magical date when they were approved by USBC and PBA. I have yet to receive one before that date. Maybe it has something to do with the pecking order with staff contracts, too. The PBA bowlers do get theirs before I get mine.
Riggs, in the end, you have to decide what you are comfortable with, and then stick to it. Don't let someone else tell you what you believe in. It's you and the mirror.
Lane Carter, Strike Zone Pro Shops - Salt Lake City, Utah
Brunswick Pro Shop Staff
www.brunswickbowling.com
The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation.
Post by: Rotoguy300 on February 25, 2011, 03:07:00 PM
A couple years ago I ran into a problem relating to this very issue. An individual and a couple of his teammates approached me during league one night and literally started screaming at me and making physical threats because they thought I had an unfair advantage at the tournament we had bowled over the prior weekend because I had, as a staff member, access to a Cell Pearl and nobody else did. My team won, I averaged 240 for the first 6 games, but there were no rules against it.
I say if there is no rules against it, then it is perfectly fine to use whatever is at your disposal. If there are, of course it would be unethical- it would be illegal.
For the record, how awesome does your ball reaction have to be to get this kind of response?!?!?
I love Roto Grip.