How to buy your first bowling ball
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- čas přidán 23. 05. 2024
- In this video, Kaylee visited Gary's Pro Shop located at Air Lanes Bowling in Des Moines, IA. to purchase her first bowling ball. Like many others, she never stepped foot inside a pro shop and had no idea what to expect. Gary did an excellent job asking the right questions and explaining the process for purchasing a bowling ball.
Any pro shop employee should ask about your experience, your goals, what weight you throw, and with what style do you throw - straight or hooked.
Don't let the salesperson dictate how much you should spend or how the ball should feel, this is your ball that you need to throw every time you bowl.
Ask lots of questions, if they act bored then find another pro shop - you only get one chance to get the right ball the first time otherwise, you could lose hundreds of dollars on a ball you hate.
The best time to go to a pro shop is during the day before 5pm. After 5pm most of the league bowlers will start to congregate and waste everyone's time telling stories of how they rolled a 298 eight years ago.
Some pro shops only like to deal with experienced bowlers, so ask basic questions to see how they respond.
You can go online to purchase your bowling ball but we feel that is a huge mistake. Unless you know the difference between solid reactive, pearl, urethane, which may be either A-symmetrical or symmetrical - you should purchase your first ball or two from an experienced pro shop dealer.
If you had to CZcams anything about that last sentence, you are an amateur and there's nothing wrong with that!
This video was shot in just one take, if you want a fun drinking game, take a shot everytime someone says "ok". You'll be passed out by the fourth minute! Enjoy. - Sport
If I walk In to a shop and see a guy like like Gary say “hey kid, how are we doing?” I know Im in good hands.
🤣🤣🤣
The pro shop where I bowl you walk in and you hear I can drill you a ball in 15 minutes. Still did that a week after I got a ball from him. Won't go back for a ball there. Want someone like Gary. Someone that will watch you bowl and suggest the best ball for my style.
You love how you can tell Gary is happy and laughs off the inexperience
He took a lot more time sizing you than my pro shop guy did. 100% would visit his shop for a new ball.
This is exactly how they size new customers every time. Thanks for the comment!
This took a lot of pressure off of my anxiety about getting my first ball, thanks!
Gary seems to take a lot of pride in his work. You gotta love that. When they do take pride in their work, they tend to make mistakes less often. And reimburse or correct those mistakes quickly. The shop i go to, the guy was filling and redrilling both of my balls and it didnt cure properly so he redid it all over again and didnt charge me because of his mistake.
This was the closest to watching a wand being made for normal people. This was amazing.
Warning bowling is very addictive
Gives you something to do and Helps you stay clean off drugs trade one addiction for another
too late.
Looks like Mr. Gary loves his job. What a great guy
This is my bowling center!!! Gary is the BEST!!! So is Melody who also works with him too!!! I get all my balls drilled here and the team is always patient and understanding with everyone who walks in! They want everyone to enjoy the sport so they'll always be there to give you advice.
I drove right by this place yesterday and if I didn’t have to catch a flight I so would have stopped in and bought something from Gary. These are the type of people I want to give my money to.
The rasp in her voice is gold.
I literally did this yesterday. Went to our local pro shop and purchased my first ball. This was like reliving it all over again, even the age on the gentleman. I went in and let him know I was basically a beginner and this would be my first. I went with the ball that allows for me to learn curving and not just straight. Got the finger tips too. I asked lots of questions and as the guy that actually drilled the holes did his thing the older gentleman was giving me tips and pointers on different techniques. They also had a bowling tournament on the tv in the shop and he was teaching some stuff of what we were watching. It was really cool. My ball is 14lbs.
Sounds like you had a great experience! Enjoy your new ball
I’ve been thinking about getting a ball and your video makes me more comfortable approaching the guy in the pro shop. Thanks for this.
Great to hear!
Many pro shop guys love new bowlers in my experience. Sometimes they seem really busy but I’ve never had one ask me to come back later or anything. They’re always happy to teach. Getting your own ball changes the game. Not literally, of course.
Dude the pro-shop guys are always nice *( if you need something they don’t have they can usually order it for you as well even if it’s a bowling ball they have books of balls and if that ball isn’t in stock he’l order it for you at least my guy would )* and helpful there a business they know there gonna get people who know nothing about bowing, most first timers usually start out bowling straight with a plastic ball, I’m about to pick up a tropical surge *( I’m hoping it’s as decent as the tropical storm was )* here soon I gotta throw a 13 for a while then a 14 then I can go back to my 15lb equipment I had 2 spinal fusion 2 years ago I haven’t bowled in 6 years because of pain/surgeries/pandemic i had a left foot surgery 4 months ago that’s my slide foot/break foot *( i sim race and stream as a hobby I was a RL racer long time ago )* for when I play my video games hoping I can play some today I haven’t played in 120 days
I just got a new ball and got my ball drilled by a guy very similar to the guy in this video, just like Gary in this video he knew his job very well.
He is so professional and such great customer service.
Aww , wanted to see him help her at the lane with her new ball
The bowling alley went dark for laser bowling so we couldn't film
Gary the Pro Shop tech was so professional and helpful. Nice ball you got drilled for your hand. Hope you're enjoying it.
great sales guy low pressure and helpful!
Gary is awesome! If only he was driving distance… I’m there!
he’s the sweetest, so nice & educated , would love to go to him
this is very weird. i feel lile you keep trying to turn this into a ph video lol
@@xinanis63 your weird for thinking that way . get a grip
I drive out of my way to have him do my ball, he is what is termed a old timer, they are a rare breed to have
He is an amazing man who has been drilling for over 50 years. It was fun working with him.
I've been bowling for 1 and a half years and am a guy and I still learned from this video lol
I see a Swamp Monster at 12:00 in the video....That's my favorite bowling ball!
Gary knows what hes talking about knows his bowling for sure I just got my thumb plugged the guy in the pro shop was cool and knows what he’s doing can’t wait to receive it on Monday for league night
This like ASMR type ish to me , I get fitted tomorrow, hope he is as cool as this guy!
Gary drilled all of my bowling balls and did a great job.
I've been bowling a long time, and I learned stuff!
This is an amazing video!
Thanks so much!
I wish it was this easy to get a bowling ball. My biggest complaint about getting a new ball is waiting for the pro shop to order it and the wait for it to arrive lol. I've never actually seen it where someone walked out same day with a ball, unless maybe they got a used ball from the shop.
Good point. This pro shop keeps a good inventory of balls but ordering can be a slow process.
This man definitely knows his craft!🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
I love watching beginners get their own ball.
So technical and precise! I never knew!
Gary you are the man
Gary is a beast!!
Gary’s the GOAT
Awesome video!!! About to get fitted for my first ball in 25 years!
My second Bowling ball is a hook type, thank for sharing.
This is so informative. I always wondered what the differences were. Ty very much
what a good guy Gary!
I have that exact same bowling ball
I’m shopping and learning bowling balls and this guy is amazing top notch!
Gary did a good job overall in setting you up for your first ball. And it was great that he explained to you about throwing style and different grips. However, he should have pushed harder going the finger grip style and hooking the ball into the pocket. Even though its personal preference, fingertip is the correct way to roll the ball, and it helps you automatically generate hook. This will lead to significantly higher scores because you have more margin of error and when the ball hits the pocket it will strike much more often. Good luck!
True, but many professional bowlers don't use fingertip grips. For a first ball sometimes keeping it simple is best. We are filming a video, with Gary, on the options when having a ball drilled, stay tuned!
@@girlsgonebowling Some pro bowlers are doing 2 handed or no thumb but other that fingertip is what most Pros use to hook the ball. It's just as simple as conventional, but as Gary said you want to roll the ball, not throw it and fingertip is ideal for that. Looking forward to that video and your bowling journey!
Thanks for this info-video.
My takeaway from this is I should buy hand lotion before going to get fitted 😅 This video was so nice and informative.
Glad it was helpful!
This video reminds me of the first bowling ball that I bought in the year 2007. It is just a cheap 10 lb Columbia 300 WD (White Dot). It is much more cheaper than the Storm Tropical Surge in this video. Then I bought my second ball in the year 2011, which is 10 lb Columbia 300 Jazz. It is a little bit more expensive than the Columbia 300 WD, but I'm not sure if it is more or less expensive than the Storm Tropical Surge. I went to a pro shop nearby my location last month to buy a better ball as an upgrade. At first, I wanted to buy the newly released Motiv Blue Tank just because I would like to try other brand. The pro shop staff however advised me to go for the little bit older Columbia 300 Power Torq Solid based on my game play style and my upgrade intention. Even if I still want to go for the Motiv brand, the pro shop staff said one of the suitable models for my game play style and upgrade intention is the Motiv Iron Forge. Unfortunately, the 12 lb Motif Iron Forge is out of stock at all the pro shops in my country (Malaysia). I ended up buying the 12 lb Columbia 300 Power Torq Solid for my third ball as what the pro shop staff advised.
Great video. I'm just learning to bowl so it answered some questions I had. Lots to learn. Thanks for sharing. And from my hometown too!
Glad it was helpful!
cool! tnx im planning to get a ball and this help me decide which ball im gonna get. ^_^
I'm korean, so i like this video because of the korean sub. Thank you for your kindness.
No problem 😊
Great video
Exelent Is all I ned to know for now Thamks so much.
I just bought a bowling ball off Amazon, it came with no pre-drilled holes so this video has helped figure out my next step. Thank you SO much!! 🥰
oops...to everyone reading this....NEVER BUY a pre-drilled ball. Then you might as well roll a houseball (the bowling ball the alley has for you). There is a HUGE difference between a pre drilled ball and one where it fits your hand. Find a top notch bowling pro shop. I'd return the ball buy one without the pre drilled holes. It's worth the extra cost to get your hand fitted.
@@Braveheart0484 They didn't have pre-drilled holes though.
@@DanielLopez-sr5pv I would imagine most balls that you buy that're pre-drilled are used balls and not brand new balls.
Wish he was in my town, id buy a ball and get lessons from him
This is the exact ball I bought last month. I got 13 pounds. I think I should have bought one a little heavier. My guy wasn't near as thorough as Gary.
Most people start bowling with just a cheap $70 plastic ball throwing straight, what people that have bowled forever would consider a spare ball, later on you can get into the better more expensive balls when and if you ever learn how to hook the ball which with two handed style now anyone can do
Bro ur guys so nice wish we had that in bahrain
What a nice guy
He knows his stuff
Really professional gentleman
"I have no idea what i'm doing but i don't want to put my thumb in the ball and i want the strongest ball you have. make it do the most hook ever please."
"do you want it to hit the pins?"
"You let me worry about that, just make it fit my hand."
"good luck with your 87 average, champ."
Interesting dialog, it is true a strong hook doesn't = more strikes it usually means more gutter balls.
@@bulwarkgroup5408 a strong hook doesnt mean more pins or more gutter balls. That deals more with approach and arm swing/follow through. For example on the video of testing this ball, she doesnt have her shoulders square and essentially throwing at the left gutter.
@@Haterage from what I have experienced in league play, most amateur bowlers who are obsessed with trying to create a big hook actually have a lower average than those who are more focused on proper techniques and hitting the pocket. That was my point.
@@girlsgonebowling I worked at an alley for a few years. We had a couple guys with wild hooks that looked impressive but was hard to maintain consistency. Our best player by far rolled a constant curve hook, didn’t swing too far back, and ran a pretty mild ball.
Gary is a G!
Actually, he is a farmer in Central Iowa. But thank you for the comment!
@@girlsgonebowling What a badass🤘🏽
Lol... I have a friend who has never bowled before, but wants to join me in bowling. Before even asking me or a pro shop... he buys the brand new, just released Storm Phaze 4.
Wow, big mistake
I have no idea what i'm doing. Makes sense
I just bought the storm tropical surge
Man i wish my first purchase was from this knowledge man 😢
My anxiety when she started swinging the ball by the glass door
I'm going to learn how to curve a ball
purple look super great
I hope I can find a guy like this last pro shop I went to the guy seemed annoyed I was there
We posted this video to encourage those who are frustrated with pro shop employees. There are good ones out there, and Gary is one of the best.
Why not ask if she is going to bowl more than on a Sat.night once a month..in which case she should stick to house balls. Some pro shop operators will still sell her a reactive top of the range ball.!
Actually, even if you only bowl 4 or 5 times a year, having a custom-fitted ball will greatly help your game. In this video, he recommended a mid-level ball which is perfect for the beginner. How many people do you know own bikes or golf clubs they use once a year?
How do I get a Gary in my local bowling Alley? All we have around here are overweight teenage stoners
Not trying to sound funny but if you go into a pro shop and the owner is grey head or bold chances are you'll get good advice.
Ha! That’s my guy and that’s my home house!
I'm gonna have to come visit this shop it's in my home state
Great! Gary is there Monday and Thursday evenings during the summer
Cool your first bowling ball Kaylee about storm tropical surge purple do you still have that bowling ball Kylee have you have you gotten better at bowling now in 2023 ever since you gotten your first low hook bowling ball 2 years ago
At the beginning the woman hold the ball with the right fingers position then she says" I didn't know that we use middle finger and ring finger" 🤔
We showed her how to hold it during production. When she initially held the ball, she used her index finger and middle finger. It is a common mistake with first time bowlers.
@@girlsgonebowling Yes it is, Oh I get it now 😉
I would have pushed for finger grips and throwing a hook.
Agreed, we always recommend finger grips for a better release on the ball.
How much did getting the ball cost you?
It was around 130 for the ball and drilling of the fingers holes.
Do you have any left-handed balls? 😁
You can just tell this girl loves having all the attention on her self.
I wish I had this experience going to buy my first ball. My guy was the owner but such a douchebag and wasn’t even trying to make a sale. Immediately left the shop and went to throw with the house balls. Had all intention of buying one, he lost the sale.
We just bought our own balls
Who else expected a punchline? SMELL IT?
Many of those balls smell very good. I used to sand balls for people in the shop when my boss wasn’t available. Smelled a little sweet.
NEVER BUY A PRE DRILLED BALL !!!!!!!
I don't own a pro shop just love bowling.
If you have...return it....and buy one that isn't drilled and take it to your pro shop.
Good comment although a ball can be plugged and filled, the coverstock may be trashed - we recommend purchasing a brand new ball from a pro shop.
These guys are going to hate me....I want a pretty ball
Heck no, you have to look at your ball every game. There are a LOT of boring, ugly bowling balls out there.
Everyone knows it’s by the color.
What? No video of you trying the ball? I have to see it!
Same here!
We tried to film that night but Air Lanes went into midnight bowling, so we had to delay the filming. We will post a video of her throwing the ball very soon.
He just assumed she was right haned didn't even ask
Actually he watched her roll about 4 frames before we started filming.
If it smells like lavender I don't want it.
that tropical surge is grape according to the storm website. i had a storm invasion way back that was mulberry, my current storm ball has "frosted cupcake" and the ball i got back in 2019 was "butter pecan"
they don't use generic scents. if you don't by storm they smell like cleaning chemicals, it doesn't impact anything other than your own sense of smell
What does the green one smell like ? I could go with sour apple or watermelon.
The particular one that was drilled here is grape. But the different colors of the tropical
Surge smell different from birthday cake or rootbeer to cherry or melon. My old 2fast was also grape. And ive had teamates with blueberry and peach as well.
@@simplyexisting1125 green and black is vanilla
I have a storm pearl all I use to clean it use soft clothes and use soap water makes shor that you do not water inside of your bowling ball Thumbs be ok dry it towel be go to go
I think you are cute and will turn heads on the lanes.
Terrible acting, but great info nonetheless.
Thanks, they aren't actors they are real people. This was filmed in one take. Glad you liked the info!