Guest Author - Gary King

I previously wrote an article about bowling manufacturers needing to get their act together. I stated that, with the exception of Columbia 300, the manufacturers of bowling equipment DO NOT really pay that much attention to bowlers. I further stated that I found that the only bowling manufacturer who ever really listened to me or paid any attention was Columbia 300, but even then, when I tried to tell them some things, it seemed to fall on deaf ears.

This article is to correct a wrong! Columbia 300 has proved to me that they DO have their act together and they DO listen to bowlers and act accordingly. Since writing and publishing that previous article, several things have happened which show just how far a company will go to prove how receptive to bowlers comments and wishes they really are.

I have been in contact with Del Warren at Columbia 300 numerous times and they have been working with me to show just how much they do care. I bought a Columbia 300 WOW ball at one time and while bowling with it in the Iowa Games, it was damaged because of nicks and scratches from a ball return. I was given the option, like other bowlers on that pair of lanes, to have it repaired by the center we were bowling in or at a pro shop of my choice. I chose the latter. But, after that, at least to me, it never seemed to be the same. It did not work well in oil and it just did not seem to perform as well.

I spoke with Del Warren about this and he tried numerous times to contact the pro shop where the ball was repaired, but due to their limited schedule in the summer, as of the writing of this article, he had not been able to speak with them to find out how the WOW was repaired. Since it is a particle ball, it needs to be repaired in a certain manner with specific equipment and items.

The bottom line is that Columbia 300 replaced the WOW with a NEW BALL, free of charge and it arrived two days ago. The day before that ball arrived, Del Warren called and told me a new ball was on the way and to have it drilled like my favorite ball. This new ball is a Columbia 300 BULLY ball. So I did have it drilled, exactly like my Columbia 300 WICKED, which I had a 300 with, and used it on a Sport condition. It worked exceptionally well and I love the ball.

Columbia 300, domestically, markets their products through distributors and pro shops. Their products are perceived as the quality and performance leaders. Columbia relies very heavily on its excellent reputation among professional bowlers and has its own team of internationally recognized bowlers. Additionally, many well-known free agent professional bowlers choose the Columbia brand as the most consistent way to make a living. Who are some of these professionals: Dave Husted, Tim Criss, Mike Wolfe, Chris Barnes, Steve Wilson and Wes Malott, to name a few. Senior PBA staffers include Teata Semiz and Gary Dickinson.

Columbia's success the last few years is attributed to a strong, versatile management team and far-sighted leadership. Columbia continues to build on its core competency "Relationship Based Business Mindset," while readying its research and development to carry it to the next level. It is believed Columbia has the most extensive research and development effort in the industry, with millions of dollars dedicated to taking Columbia to the next plateau of "Product Technology."

You know what I think about Columbia? I am deeply impressed that they paid attention to my article and listened to what I had to say. Not only that, they listened when I told them I felt my Columbia WOW was damaged and I felt it was either not repaired right or it just did not work right once it was repaired. They have really been on top of finding out HOW it WAS repaired and they want to know. I feel they want to know because they want to ensure that they find ways to make sure we get the best and we have the best of luck with their products.

I have two bowling balls that are not Columbia 300 balls and they are good bowling balls, BUT, their support has a long way to go to measure up to the top-notch caliber of the support offered by Columbia 300. I have spoken with other bowlers since this has all taken place and they have great respect for the Columbia name and the Columbia products.

I have one particle ball made by another manufacturer which I have had great success with. I also have another ball by yet another manufacturer which I have had a 300 game with. YET, I have no doubts that when I do buy a new ball for the coming season and Traveling League, it will be a ball manufactured and marketed by Columbia 300. The kind of quality they are putting on the market and the superior support, technical and otherwise, that they provide makes it easy to choose, especially since I want the best results with the equipment I feel is the best one can buy.

I have come to the conclusion that at the money we pay to buy our bowling equipment these days, we need to really get our money's worth. And that means Columbia 300. Otherwise, you may end up on the short end of the sick and HOME ALONE!