Expert: Chip Aki - 5/30/2006

Question
I'm looking into buying a Scorchin Inferno this month. I have seen it rolled many times and looks like it has a great, smooth hook and hits the pins really hard. Have you had any experience with this ball? Do you think anything of it? I was also wondering where to buy it. Now I know the Pro Shop is best for having a ball fitted, but my Pro Shop wants $209 to drill and buy the ball. Bowlers Paradise online wants $120 but that doesn't include drilling. Is it okay to buy the ball online for $120 and then have it drilled by my Pro Shop and save myself some money? What is your opinion?

Answer
I have only sold a few of them here.  They are good for medium to heavy oil and seem to have a pretty smooth break point.  Of course, if you polish the ball it will hook later and sharper and be better on the medium to light oil conditions.  Ball speed and rotation will have an affect as well.

I drill ball that come in from internet sites.  It can be cheaper for the customer, depending on the drilling fees and charges for inserts and slugs, if used.  The only caution I tell customers, I wont warranty the ball here when it comes to defects.  Defective products must be returned to the place the product was purchased.  I will help with the process, I just wont replace it from my stock.

If the total price after paying for drilling is really close, I would just go with the pro shop and purchase there.  Usually, you can get some extras thrown in like ball cleaning or polishing if needed.  

Good luck,
Chip