Q: What’s the difference between drilling offered by e-tailers vs in person? 

A: There are some e-commerce stores that offer a “basic drilling” so the ball can arrive at your doorstep drilled. While this is a very convenient option, and Virtue Bowling Supply could offer it, we don’t.

We believe having a trained expert measure your hand and custom drill the ball greatly improves the chance of you enjoying bowling with no pain and encourages the correct habits if you choose to get more competitive. 

Q: Is there anything else included in the drilling besides the holes?

A: It depends on the store and technician. Make sure to always ask what is included as drilling prices can vary across service providers depending on what is included.

At Virtue Bowling Supply, we will ask questions to ensure you are choosing the correct weight, grip, ball, and layout. For the more competitive clientele it also often includes watching you bowl and finding your PAP.

Q: If I want to throw a curve, what should I know before getting my bowling ball drilled? 

A: WORK WITH AN EXPERT! Even if it isn’t Virtue Bowling Supply, please make sure you work with a trained expert. There are many factors to take into consideration when purchasing a ball to throw a curve, and “online research” will put you at the mercy of marketing, price and popularity algorithms. 

Q: What is warranty drilling and how does it work? 

A: Most bowling balls have a 1-2 year warranty and can crack for various reasons. If it cracks while under warranty, Virtue Bowling Supply can replace it and re-drill it while you wait.

Similar to the warranty on the parts for your car, labor is not included in the ball warranty. However, we offer 50% off when drilling warranty replacements purchased at VBS.

Q: I see you give a $20 discount for balls purchased through Virtue Bowling Supply. How does that work with price-matching? 

A: Yes, that is correct, we offer a $20 savings on drilling anytime the ball is purchased at a VBS.

If we price match a bowling ball, then we would price match without the $20 discount to match the situation we are price matching.

Q: What is Plugging and why would I have it done? 

A: Plugging is when we pour a special chemical called Ball Plug into previously drilled holes. It hardens over time to fill in or “plug” the old holes. Then we can drill new holes in a new place to accommodate a different hand or style of delivery. 

Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of multi-day vs same-day options? 

A: Multi-day will result in a better-looking and longer-lasting plug job. Same day is still a very durable result, and looks nice, but is only recommended if you need the bowling ball ready same day or the next day.  

Q: What is a pitch plug? 

A: This is used when you only need to change the size or pitch of the hole. Pitch is the angle the hole is drilled and can greatly impact comfort and consistency. 

Q: Repairing bowling balls? Shouldn’t balls be durable enough to not get scratches or gouges, and if they do, aren’t they under warranty? 

A: We only sell the highest quality products. Those products can still get scratches or gouges due to unforeseen circumstances with bowling center machines or bowling bags. These circumstances are not the standard environments ball manufacturers are designing the ball for. Because of this, they are also not covered under the manufacturer’s limited warranty.

If the damage happens at a bowling center, due to the machines, you can ask the center about paying to repair or replace your bowling ball. If they do not, we also offer the ball repair service. The price varies depending on the amount of damage.  

Q: Why is ball maintenance important? 

A: Most reactive balls that “curve”, will absorb dirt and oil. New balls are like tires with fresh tread. As they get used, that tread fills up with dirt and oil making it harder for them to “grip” the lane. Ball maintenance helps to keep your bowling ball performing well for longer. 

Q: What is the difference between cleaning or polishing? 

A: Cleaning is often also called “sanding” which is using an abrasive and/or chemical to help your ball grip the lane more and restore performance.

Polish applies a compound that makes the ball shiny and makes it go longer before curving or hooking. 

Q: What is the difference between cleaning, sanding and resurfacing? 

A: Cleaning uses chemicals only to remove dirt and oil.

Sanding uses chemicals and an abrasive to remove dirt and oil and also lower the grit of your bowling ball causing it to hook sooner.

Resurface uses chemicals and many abrasives to remove a small layer of the bowling balls coverstock leaving a fresher, less used layer of ball material on the outside. 

Q: What is oil extraction, how does it work and it safe for my bowling ball? 

A: There are various ways that oil extraction is done. However, the safest option is to have the ball submerged in water. The water will heat up which opens the pores in the bowling ball so the dirt and oil can come out. Some will also use ultrasonic waves to dig the dirt and oil out of the ball’s pores.  

It is very safe and can be an effective method of restoring the performance back to your bowling ball. 

Q: What are finger and thumb inserts? Why should I use them? 

A: These are various materials that go into the bowling to create different fit and release options. You should use them if recommended by a trained technician.

Hands vary significantly in texture (dry vs. clammy), flexibility, shape, and size. Inserts help to create more options so everyone can have a great fitting and releasing bowling ball regardless of their unique hand characteristics. 

Q: What are interchangeables and why should I use them? 

A: Interchangeables allow the same finger or thumb holes in every ball. A sleeve is installed into the ball where your thumb or finger hole would normally go. This sleeve or “Outer” will receive an insert or “Inner” for your thumb or finger. With these sleeves installed in every ball, you can move your finger or thumb hole (inner) from ball to ball ensuring the same fit and release from every ball. 

This is can be a great option for the following situations: 

– Customers that use 3 or more bowling balls. 

– Customers that have thumbs that change in size a lot

– Customers that have a hard time getting thumbs to feel the same from ball to ball. 

There are various brands and styles of interchangeables. Make sure to speak to a trained expert about which brand and style is best for you.

Q: What are custom thumb molds and why should I use them? 

A: This service uses a chemical poured into an existing thumb hole to create a mold. We then use that mold to create thumb inserts that are the same shape as the mold. 

This method will not create as consistent of a result as interchangeables. However, it doesn’t require any mechanical aspects to use like interchangeables, which makes it far less vulnerable to durability issues.

This is can be a great option for the following situations: 

– Customers that want more consistency between thumb holes, but have physical limitations with removing of interchangeables. 

– Customers that want more consistency between thumb holes and keep breaking or dislike the interchangeable options.