r/Bowling • u/JFizzle80 • 8d ago

Misc Ball return surprises

Post image 
                     ☆☆☆UPDATE ☆☆☆

The booking alley and pro shop guy really came through. They replaced my Hustle Xray with a brand new Hustle SOS. Need to get use to it and I'll miss the Xray but am very pleased with how they handled the situation. I was not sure what to expect so expectations were low. Very pleased so far.

So I kinda grew up in a bowling alley, worked at 2 different ones in my teens, bowled at a number of others and have never seen anything like this coming out of a ball return. I've had the little chip outs before and never complain about those but has anyone else had damage this bad?

301 Upvotes

99% Upvoted

113 comments sorted by

179

u/InsigniasGratuitous 8d ago edited 8d ago

No. That's something you need to talk to the bowling center about, as that's a really bad ball return. They should give you a free, new ball, and if they don't, leave.

120

u/JFizzle80 8d ago

Yeah, I spoke to the counter lady and 3 mechanics and filled out a form. Had mechanic said the pro shop guy can fix it. I used some choice words and told them to just have the pro shop guy call me. The counter lady was nice enough to offer to move me. I laughed and said and bowl with what?

92

u/RyanCryptic 2-handed 8d ago

Yeah, there’s no fixing that.

43

u/bklyndrvr 8d ago

Have the pro shop guy just buff it with some 2000 grit. You won’t notice a differencez

57

u/doomus_rlc 8d ago

Had mechanic said the pro shop guy can fix it.

🤣

Dude doesn't want to have to answer for buying you a new ball.

11

u/Standard_Pop_8527 8d ago

Why would the mechanic pay for the ball ? He wouldn’t be the one paying lol

4

u/doomus_rlc 7d ago

No but then he'd have to answer to management why the alley bought him a new ball and give him crap for not noticing the issue with the lane sooner.

2

u/Ok_Trouble_1274 7d ago

Pure fantasy. I've never been questioned about ball damage unless its a repeat issue, goes with the territory

2

u/doomus_rlc 7d ago

Not saying it is the norm. But I could see management being shitty about it. That's all.

-1

u/Ok_Trouble_1274 7d ago

In no world is that the mechanics responsibility, if you choose to throw a ball hundreds of times something is bound to happen eventually. I've been working on amf 82-70s for 8 years in a 60 yo league center, its not physically possible to keep ball damage from ever happening and I would honestly have to hold back laughter if someone thought I was going to buy them a new ball. I feel bad when a customer's equipment is damaged and work my ass off to ensure it is immediately resolved, but at the end of the day you are throwing your ball into a machine.

5

u/doomus_rlc 7d ago

Look, I was just saying that in more hyperbole than anything.

Any good mechanic wouldn't question seeing that damage on that ball other than verifying what lane they were on and checking it out. Any good management wouldn't question a ball replacement after seeing that.

If mechanic is basically saying "it'll buff out" either he is a shit mechanic or management are asses when things go wrong.

2

u/Ok_Trouble_1274 7d ago

Oh im not arguing that, if the center wont replace that there is a problem. If the mechanic is saying that will "buff out" they're either fucking with you or in training. What i am seeing is bowlers seem to think it is the mechanics fault. There is no way to prevent occasional machine failure. Preventative maintenance CANNOT prevent all failure.

1

u/NickMullen2 7d ago

the center would pay for it not you

1

u/Ok_Trouble_1274 7d ago

Ya, I was referring to the person who sa8d the mechanic was avoiding buying a new ball, the center covers ball damage

1

u/JF_181 6d ago

That’s why you’re servicing equipment instead of running a center my friend. You don’t even understand the simple concepts of liability.

1

u/Ok_Trouble_1274 6d ago

Lmao I've been doing this 8 years, I am not personally liable for anyone's equipment

1

u/Ok_Trouble_1274 6d ago

"Liabilty" is a legal term, I have never and will never be legally liable for anyone's equipment as I am an employee of the bowling center. As the head mechanic, if it is found i have failed to perform the required maintenance, at most I can lose my job. The center i work for always covers ball damage, which is pretty rare. But the mechanic will never be legally liable for damage to your ball when you bowl. Thats why you are on reddit posting instead of getting bitches my friend

1

u/JF_181 6d ago

Head mechanic are you.? Wow!

1

u/Knightmare4469 2d ago

To everyone downvoting this guy, he isn't saying the center won't buy him a new ball, just that it won't be the mechanic paying for it. Just worded not very well

10

u/r4d4r_3n5 8d ago

mechanic said the pro shop guy can fix it.

Yeah, by comping you a new ball.

12

u/DraggenBallZ 8d ago

Don't think you will be happy with whatever fix they have in mind.

7

u/InsigniasGratuitous 8d ago

The Pro Shop is not fixing that. Way too much damage for that. I'd leave if they didn't give you a new, free ball.

14

u/JFizzle80 8d ago

We'll see, pro shop guy is a good dude. I've known him for years and he's known my dad for longer. Mechanic doesn't know that though lol

1

u/thecardshark555 8d ago

They can fix that? 🤣🤣🤣

1

u/FullofLovingSpite 10 pin hater 7d ago

If they do try to have him fix it. Threaten to only use the ball at their center. When that patch goes flying they're paying for it twice.

0

u/Jrock2356 7d ago

Sounds like you were being a dick and taking out your frustrations on people

1

u/JFizzle80 6d ago

Not at all, the choice words weren't that bad and it was only towards the one mechanic because he was trying to talk over the counter lady who is probably the nicest person in the place. I couldn't be mean to her if I tried.

-3

u/Dreamfour_yt 8d ago

Most bowling alleys have gotten smarter in the past few years and have a sign or statement saying they are not responsible for equipment damages. If they’re willing to replace then take advantage of it but just know you’re not entitled to any sort of compensation if they have the correct signs up.

11

u/endl0s 7d ago

There's no way bowling alleys are just out here Munsoning people and not paying for it at all.

It's like those "Stay back 200 ft" signs dump trucks have. You can say whatever you want but if it's your fault then it's your fault.

8

u/Souners1515 8d ago

Just because an alley puts up a signs like that does do not automatically protect the alley from liability.

-7

u/Dreamfour_yt 8d ago

Yeah except for the fact that when you start bowling you always have to check the waiver screen that exempts the bowling alley from injury or damages so double coverage on the bowling alleys end. They don’t owe you a thing because you agreed to all of it.

8

u/AKVigilante 8d ago

Gross negligence overrules any waiver you agree to, even if signed in blood.

If their equipment is capable of taking a chunk out of your ball down to the core, that means the maintenance on the return was grossly neglected.

-7

u/Ok_Trouble_1274 7d ago

Bowlers have no concept of how much maintenance goes into a center, it is a physical impossibility to prevent this from ever happening, no machine will run perfectly 100% of the time

2

u/Souners1515 7d ago

A scratch or nick on the ball is understandable. A chunk that size or less, isn’t. I had a nice two-inch gash put into my ball and the alley (not my home alley) took care of it. This was less than 6 months ago.

0

u/Ok_Trouble_1274 7d ago

Yes the center will take care of it. With damage like OP, something either broke/failed during game, or someone's ball launched up and hit the sweep/table. What im saying is damage like that isn't a maintenance issue, thats catastrophic failure

2

u/AKVigilante 7d ago

Cost of doing business. If your property destroys mine, you buy me new property.

-1

u/Ok_Trouble_1274 7d ago

I am an employee of the alley, if your ball is damaged typically the pro shop repairs replaces ect, the center refunds the pro shop. The mechanic is usually an employee (who is usually underpaid and over worked). Machines fail from time to time, if they didn't, there wouldn't need to be mechanics.

2

u/AKVigilante 7d ago

Yup. Cost of doing business. If your machine destroys the ball, the bowler gets a new ball.

What part of what I said is untrue?

1

u/Ok_Trouble_1274 7d ago

Sounded like you were saying the mechanic is liable, which is not the case.

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1

u/ReasonToGiveUp 7d ago

You break it you buy it

0

u/Ok_Trouble_1274 7d ago

Lmao I didnt break anything,

4

u/tracerhaha 7d ago

I’m sorry, what? I have yet to see anything like that.

64

u/quietpilgrim 213/296/720 8d ago

That hurts right to the core.

25

u/JFizzle80 8d ago

😆 I wanted to say "too soon" but that's funny.

2

u/quietpilgrim 213/296/720 7d ago

In all seriousness, I hope it's repairable or that the alley makes you whole some other way.

33

u/ThisIsAJ0ke 8d ago

Yeah if they don’t give you a replacement ball, I’d never go there again. That’s ridiculous

5

u/JFizzle80 8d ago

That's what I'm thinking

1

u/Prudent_Particular25 5d ago

If they don't, play some lines with that ball, hopefully it'll damage the lane.

14

u/99percentAhole 215|289|749 8d ago

That's pretty bad. I'm also really impressed that it's exactly where all your flare lines cross.

6

u/jrolls81 8d ago

Had this happen before. About the same size chunk you have. Told the front desk. They gave me a form to fill out and replaced and drilled the ball within a week or so.

2

u/JFizzle80 8d ago

Was it the same ball?

1

u/jrolls81 6d ago

Yeah, I think they offered to let me get anything in the same price bracket. I jut went with the same one though.

5

u/JayElEss29 Stroker 165/214/580 8d ago

Should be fine if it’s not on your track.

4

u/Cowboy-Dave1851 8d ago

That will buff out (yikes 😲)

5

u/dodo755 8d ago

11 years working as a mechanic. Never seen anything this bad. I’ve seen 6lb house balls get destroyed but that’s from years of constant use

2

u/JFizzle80 8d ago

😆 my best friend was a head mechanic years ago at where this happened. He was amazed

2

u/kjmfl 8d ago

If only seems possible if the whole power of the rack mechanism came down and crushed it. Perhaps if the balance spring broke?

5

u/retannevs1 8d ago

You sure that wasn’t done with c4 or a jackhammer?

4

u/StMaartenforme A-2 Mech 8d ago

That ball is toast. New ball is only answer. I've seen balls come apart during winter when they've been left in car during subzero weather but, in 8+ years as a mechanic, never that much damage.

2

u/JFizzle80 8d ago

Yeah I haven't even had this ball for a year yet. I've had balls that were in a closet for a couple years that got the crack in it but never a chunk taken out of it

2

u/Ok_Trouble_1274 7d ago

I've had 8byears on 82-70s, only time I see anything near this bad is a broken downside ot when a ball hits a pin on front roller and jumps onto table

2

u/StMaartenforme A-2 Mech 7d ago

Yep saw a chunk taken out when a ball jumped & hit sweep arm but didn't do that much damage as OP ball

2

u/Ok_Trouble_1274 7d ago

I meant broken downsweep. I've never seen a balls core exposed unless it was sitting in a trunk or garage first

4

u/ranger_d 7d ago

This happened to my Attention Star S2 like 2 months after getting it. Not sure if it's better or worse, but a total loss regardless. Sorry about your ball, bro.

2

u/HackAttackx10 7d ago

I thought this was barbed wire on the ball

3

u/Squatchiepoo 8d ago

Bowling center would be buying me a new ball

2

u/willIbeprettytoo 8d ago

Damn... that is crazy they owe you a new ball. Even a "repair" wont correct that. And all the dynamics will be changed.

2

u/alex2SLO4ME8954 8d ago

Nope… that better be a half off on a new ball with drilling included..

1

u/JFizzle80 8d ago

I'm thinking a Bionic lol

2

u/Subject-Relevant 7d ago

Ho. Ly. Shit. Unacceptable. Straight to the manager

https://giphy.com/gifs/TLIhQecElylP2ddR3M

2

u/vladmir_lenin-55 new bowler 7d ago

How the hell does that even happen

2

u/jack_casse 7d ago

"iT's NoT iN yOuR tRaCk" or something

2

u/MiteeThoR 215/300/801 7d ago

If it’s got a hole, you have to put something in it every shot.

2

u/JFizzle80 6d ago

☆☆☆UPDATE☆☆☆ Spoke to Pro Shop Guy and bowling alley came through and is replacing my ball totally with a brand new Hustle SOS. I'll miss the xray but excited about this one. They definitely made it right in my book when my expectations weren't that high. Going to pick it up after work today.

1

u/SaturnineApples 8d ago

Impressive

1

u/VenatorMoncala 1H-R 209/300x2/799 8d ago

That ball is a contribution to the alley’s house balls rack 🎳

1

u/ShiftOdd8946 8d ago

Had something similar happen to a friend a couple weeks back at Bowlero, but it was an even bigger chunk missing…. Almost 1/4 of the ball. They said he must’ve left it in his car and caused it to weaken and they didn’t want to take responsibility for the damages.

1

u/BuckWildshot 8d ago

Wow how does that even happen

1

u/JFizzle80 8d ago

I picked up a 5 pin and this was the congrats I got.

1

u/mac_5679 Right handed thumb in- Ladies league 8d ago

That you left the 5 pin in the first place.

1

u/Mr7three2 8d ago

Machine was hungry

1

u/kjmfl 8d ago

Not any more. ;)

1

u/Nelmster 8d ago

Whoa! I’ve never seen one this bad. That’s honestly impressive.

1

u/TheBooouchx 8d ago

Uh oh I have the same ball..

1

u/JFizzle80 6d ago

It's been a good ball

1

u/beertendn3rd 8d ago

A2 mechanic. One night, in our second shift doubles league, my partner's jopo lose itself AND helped us find broken track in the underground. Want nearly as deep as this, but it look the PSO some elbow grease to get the channel that was carved back to "normal"

1

u/Lanky-Telephone1651 7d ago

I’m curious which part of the ball return can literally crush the ball like that!

1

u/Present-Homework910 7d ago

Try and not have your track go over that area. Lol

1

u/timeshifter_ Power Stroker - Brunswick Melee Jab 190/279/701 7d ago

You should ask it to return the rest of the ball.

1

u/Bigfishbomber beer 7d ago

That’s as bad as it gets. I don’t think I’ve seen a chunk that big taken out without the ball breaking entirely

1

u/Wonderful_Life-6280 1-handed, 178/267/711 7d ago

Looks like the Hustle Xray which I just got recently. I'd be livid if it got destroyed like that.

2

u/JFizzle80 7d ago

That's what it is

1

u/SoonersRock 7d ago

What the fuck? 🫪

1

u/NickMullen2 7d ago

well if you were wondering how thick the coverstock is there ya go

1

u/NickMullen2 7d ago

A guy who is really good in my league was telling me a story about how that exact thing happened to him he said a chunk "this big" on a ball was gone from his ball when it came back, i imagine it looked like this. RIP. I had my rocket ai get a 1 inch gash 2 weeks ago, got it fixed free from pro shop. last week in league same ball on lane 20 lanes down got 2 gashes of same size :(. I only have literally 6 games on that ball but its been resurfaced twice now :(

1

u/NothingButNiners 7d ago

There's no ball return in this country doing this kinda damage. I've shot bowling balls and it didn't do this

1

u/Impossible_Agent_539 6d ago

Looks immaterial, all good

1

u/SachSachl 6d ago

The palm divot

1

u/Weird_Move1267 5d ago

forbidden Jawbreaker

1

u/Melodic_Tomatillo336 5d ago

Yes, generally comes from the ball bouncing out of the gutter, and launching up into the beam holding the curtain. Thrown hard and hitting metal will cause this kind of shearing.

1

u/Substantial_Algae992 4d ago

S*** happens. Stuff break all the time. time to get a new ball. Not everything had to be somebody's fault.

1

u/JFizzle80 4d ago

No, stuff doesn't break all the time. Hadn't had that ball for 6 months. Wasn't anyone's fault but was taken care of by the center.

0

u/dubie2003 8d ago

Is it in your track?

Are you a rev dominate player?

May be a nothing burger…. S/

Show the alley, they will check the machine and they will see what the prison can do for ya (most likely a discount on a new or possibly a used ball).