[Rebel Pirate]

I’ve always been a “garden variety” bowler and have bowled once every 1-2 decades whether I need to or not - never had bowling ball or shoes before. I’m now retired and have joined a league, so I bought the shoes and ball from a local, unnamed sporting goods retailer. The sales associate (former PBA tour pro and champion) measured me for a proper fit. I was completely up-front about never having had a ball before and having to rely completely on him for proper fit. I picked up the ball yesterday from a different sales associate at the store. (The associate who measured me was not at the store yesterday.)

The thumb hole is larger/looser than some of the house balls I’ve used recently that fit better. After he observed me with the ball, yesterday’s sales associate re-measured my thumb. Based on his work, I said “It looks like you would have measured me two sizes smaller.” He said “at least.” He also said he would have specified some pitch for the thumb hole; as drilled the thumb hole and finger holes are parallel with no pitch. (This is all new terminology for me.)

He proceeded to put about six strips of bowlers tape in the thumb hole and recommended that I bowl several games before league play and then one week of league play, to “try it out” then come in and they would probably plug the thumb hole (not sure if that was the term he used) and refit. My personal bowling adviser (experienced but not a pro) said “take it back now, don’t use it, tell them you want a new ball or a refund.” So, I now seek advice from the most experienced bowlers in our TOTV community – no doubt that are some former pros out there who can put this in proper perspective for me.

1. Is it somewhat “normal” for a new ball to be imprecisely measured/drilled such that it needs to be plugged/refit/adjusted? Should I just accept their adjustments? Or are they just trying to avoid the expense of “doing right” by a new/inexperienced bowler?

2. Should I return the ball and with good conscience expect either a new ball or refund?

When replying, please indicate your level of bowling expertise/experience. I will value the advice of a highly experienced pro more than that of another garden variety bowler who is also an expert shopper. Thanks in advance for sharing your opinions/advice!

** Rebel **