Best ball plug??

This forum is for topics related to pro shop operation and bowling center maintenance.
Usual topics include: shop gear, fitting, drilling and lane maintenance.

Moderator: Moderators

User avatar
kwettig
Pro Shop
Pro Shop
Posts: 359
Joined: November 15th, 2010, 6:57 am
THS Average: 212
Positive Axis Point: 4 1/2 over 5/8 up
Speed: 17
Rev Rate: 380
Axis Tilt: 12
Axis Rotation: 60
Heavy Oil Ball: Morich DestroyR
Medium Oil Ball: Morich HookR
Light Oil Ball: Motiv Venom Strike
Preferred Company: Morich
Location: New Richmond WI

Best ball plug??

Post by kwettig »

Just want some opinions on the best ball plug material from more experienced pro-shop operators. We are currently using Powerhouse and it works great but was wondering if anyone has a lot of experience with the quicker setting plug resins and their durability? Need to re-order soon so I might want to try something different if there's something a lot better/faster.
Kyle Wettig
IBPSIA Adv. Certified Tech.
Breakpoint Pro Shop
New Richmond WI
TMack
Member
Member
Posts: 177
Joined: January 23rd, 2010, 3:46 am
Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana

Re: Best ball plug??

Post by TMack »

We use Tech Line and have never had a failure. Plugs and repairs.
guruU2
Trusted Source
Trusted Source
Posts: 1057
Joined: March 31st, 2010, 7:27 pm
Location: Camp Springs MD

Re: Best ball plug??

Post by guruU2 »

One shop uses Power House exclusively and has very few problems. My main shop has dab in them all: the new Strom product is good, Techline is good, Power House is very good as well as Lane Concepts' Pro Choice which is my slight favorite when I have a large amount of work to do and I need it done in a shorter period of time.
-Gary Parsons
If one does not know one's product, one can not manage nor promote the product one does not know.
KWagner1977
Pro Shop
Pro Shop
Posts: 210
Joined: August 17th, 2010, 3:24 am
Preferred Company: Storm

Re: Best ball plug??

Post by KWagner1977 »

I will say that the Ebonite Ultra Safe ball plug is the most unpredictable ball plug I have ever used.

It's prone to flat spots and seems to shrink too much after cutting down and resurfacing, leaving a flat spot almost every time.

I'm at the point where I have to plug the ball, let it sit a few days instead of the 10-24 hours. Cut it down, let it sit again a few days and then put it on the Haus machine to get the plug uniform in size.

If I do not wait at least a few days on each step, after the ball gets uniform in size by the Haus, over night the plug shrinks and makes bad flat spots. The ball could be perfect and then hours over night its got flat shrunk plug.

It's not very cold where I plug, and I have tried bringing balls home in a stable temperature environment and I get the same thing. A nicely cut ball that turns into flat spots after a few hours.
User avatar
bsbowlerama
Member
Member
Posts: 10
Joined: January 28th, 2010, 3:26 pm
THS Average: 232
Positive Axis Point: 4 3/4" over 7/8" down
Speed: 16-18 mph
Axis Tilt: ?
Axis Rotation: ?
Heavy Oil Ball: TR2
Medium Oil Ball: SR2
Light Oil Ball: Visionary Ogre Urethane
Preferred Company: MOTIV
Location: Berkeley Springs, WV

Re: Best ball plug??

Post by bsbowlerama »

We used to use DBA ball plug... had a lot of problems with bonding, and cracking. Tried Tech Line, and what a difference. Have not had a failure since switching! Finish time is probably cut in half with their product also. I put some left overs in ice cube trays to fill in some bigger holes... made them too big, and tried to break them with a hammer. They are almost indestructible. They have a rubbery quality, which is why I think the plug works so well.
Get MOTIVated!
User avatar
kwettig
Pro Shop
Pro Shop
Posts: 359
Joined: November 15th, 2010, 6:57 am
THS Average: 212
Positive Axis Point: 4 1/2 over 5/8 up
Speed: 17
Rev Rate: 380
Axis Tilt: 12
Axis Rotation: 60
Heavy Oil Ball: Morich DestroyR
Medium Oil Ball: Morich HookR
Light Oil Ball: Motiv Venom Strike
Preferred Company: Morich
Location: New Richmond WI

Re: Best ball plug??

Post by kwettig »

Thanks for all the opinions. We have a little powerhouse left and I think from a couple of these answers I might try Tech-Line next.
Kyle Wettig
IBPSIA Adv. Certified Tech.
Breakpoint Pro Shop
New Richmond WI
User avatar
odddood
Member
Member
Posts: 179
Joined: February 10th, 2010, 6:42 am
THS Average: 200
Positive Axis Point: 4 1/2 and 0
Speed: 16 mph
Rev Rate: 300
Axis Tilt: 20
Axis Rotation: 45
Heavy Oil Ball: Vivid /Rex
Medium Oil Ball: Yeti
Light Oil Ball: IQ Tour
Preferred Company: Radical / Motive / Storm
Location: So Cal
Contact:

Re: Best ball plug??

Post by odddood »

kwettig wrote:Thanks for all the opinions. We have a little powerhouse left and I think from a couple of these answers I might try Tech-Line next.

don't waste time trying other use TECH LINE is nigh n Day lol
StrikeTheory
Pro Shop
Pro Shop
Posts: 711
Joined: December 16th, 2010, 5:05 am
Heavy Oil Ball: Motiv Cruel or Mutant Cell Pearl
Medium Oil Ball: Rising Star
Light Oil Ball: Silver Recon or Frenzy
Location: WV

Re: Best ball plug??

Post by StrikeTheory »

Gone through a gallon or two of Pro's Choice by lane concepts, and it works really well.

I
steve s
Member
Member
Posts: 391
Joined: January 30th, 2010, 1:25 am
Preferred Company: none
Location: cape girardeau , mo

Re: Best ball plug??

Post by steve s »

I agree with the Tech Line product......no problems at all ....Steve S
User avatar
kwettig
Pro Shop
Pro Shop
Posts: 359
Joined: November 15th, 2010, 6:57 am
THS Average: 212
Positive Axis Point: 4 1/2 over 5/8 up
Speed: 17
Rev Rate: 380
Axis Tilt: 12
Axis Rotation: 60
Heavy Oil Ball: Morich DestroyR
Medium Oil Ball: Morich HookR
Light Oil Ball: Motiv Venom Strike
Preferred Company: Morich
Location: New Richmond WI

Re: Best ball plug??

Post by kwettig »

Tech-Line it is...

Anyone ever use the spray to get rid of air bubbles on the surface?
Kyle Wettig
IBPSIA Adv. Certified Tech.
Breakpoint Pro Shop
New Richmond WI
kingpin
Member
Member
Posts: 1
Joined: October 30th, 2010, 8:19 pm

Re: Best ball plug??

Post by kingpin »

Has anybody tried the Thunder Plug by Storm yet? I've been using DBA for years and I'm interested in making a change. I'm all but sold on Tech-Line but want to entertain all possibilities.
User avatar
fufu
Member
Member
Posts: 451
Joined: January 29th, 2010, 10:39 pm
THS Average: 230
Positive Axis Point: 5 right, 3/8 up
Speed: 16
Rev Rate: 320
Axis Tilt: 17
Axis Rotation: 55

Re: Best ball plug??

Post by fufu »

I only order tech line
http://www.rotogrip.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://www.facebook.com/Round-Holes-No ... 602077080/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
User avatar
Dustin
BCU Graduate Layouts
BCU Graduate Layouts
Posts: 892
Joined: June 5th, 2010, 11:55 am

Re: Best ball plug??

Post by Dustin »

Have been using DBA & was thinking about switching. After reading this, next order will be Tech Line.
* MPH @ aarows
* RPM
AR *
AT *
PAP 3 3/4"
(* rebuilding)

“The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it.”
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
Raiderh20boy
Member
Member
Posts: 45
Joined: November 16th, 2010, 1:35 am
Preferred Company: Storm

Re: Best ball plug??

Post by Raiderh20boy »

I have been using the Storm Thunder plug for a while now. I think it is OUTSTANDING! It is a 2:1 plug and is very durable and easy to work with. I have not had any problem with shrinking issues. I usually plug before closing and cut down the next day and drill. Their color kit is fantastic.
User avatar
dougsterner
BCU Graduate Layouts
BCU Graduate Layouts
Posts: 282
Joined: July 4th, 2009, 3:49 am
THS Average: 209
Positive Axis Point: 5-1/4 RIGHT 1/2 UP
Speed: 17 off the hand
Rev Rate: 325
Axis Tilt: 11
Axis Rotation: 30
Heavy Oil Ball: Swagga
Medium Oil Ball: First Blood
Light Oil Ball: Grape Vibe/ Blue Hammer
Preferred Company: Hammer
Location: Binghamton, NY

Re: Best ball plug??

Post by dougsterner »

When I started in the pro shop business 12 years ago I used DBA 321 since it was THE stuff to use. Well it was still a good product 5 years later but I had trouble getting it so I switched over to TechLine....wow!!! The quality was better, the cracking was very minimal and the color match was much easier. I tried the DBA Pro Cure quick plug when it came out and was VERY disappointed. All I ever got was air bubbles...had the same trouble with trhe Donkee Insta-Plug or whatever it is called.

2 years ago I had a coupon for Ebonite Powerhouse Everclear and it was on sale to boot!!! So I gave it a go....I fell in love. This is the best plug I have used. I had to get some TechLine again the last time I needed plug since my supplier didn't have any Everclear and I needed plug and I can tell the difference. The color matching of the Everclear is superior to the T-L and the total set time is more consistent.

I have heard nothing but good things about the new Storm plug. Wait, I lied.... I have heard 1 negative....it's $50 more than the other brands :-)

If you are dealing exclusively with Quick Plugs, then Wizard is the way to go but use it with caution....unless you use their color tints it is very difficult to get the color to match due to the milky color the plug turns as it cures. I use it to plug up the big holes from thumb slugs or switch grips. I pour the hole 3/4 full of that, leave it sit for an hour and then finish off the top 1/4 with T-L or Everclear to get the color match my customers have come to expect.

Doug Sterner
Doug's Pro Shop
Owego, NY
Doug Sterner
Doug's Pro Shop
Owego, NY



Proudly providing the southern tier of NY with the
best pro shop experience in the area.
Raiderh20boy
Member
Member
Posts: 45
Joined: November 16th, 2010, 1:35 am
Preferred Company: Storm

Re: Best ball plug??

Post by Raiderh20boy »

:?
$50??? My supplier 129 for Thunder Plug and 118 for Everclear!
User avatar
kwettig
Pro Shop
Pro Shop
Posts: 359
Joined: November 15th, 2010, 6:57 am
THS Average: 212
Positive Axis Point: 4 1/2 over 5/8 up
Speed: 17
Rev Rate: 380
Axis Tilt: 12
Axis Rotation: 60
Heavy Oil Ball: Morich DestroyR
Medium Oil Ball: Morich HookR
Light Oil Ball: Motiv Venom Strike
Preferred Company: Morich
Location: New Richmond WI

Re: Best ball plug??

Post by kwettig »

Ever had any problems using both the wizard with the everclear? That's an interesting way of doing it...

I agree that the everclear stuff is great for matching colors. And I don't have many problems from air bubbles. Maybe I'll just get both as its only an extra $100 or so to see the difference for myself...
Kyle Wettig
IBPSIA Adv. Certified Tech.
Breakpoint Pro Shop
New Richmond WI
User avatar
MoRichBowler300
Pro Shop
Pro Shop
Posts: 349
Joined: October 29th, 2010, 12:32 pm
THS Average: 217
Positive Axis Point: 4 7/8 x 7/8 up
Speed: 16 at 40 ft
Rev Rate: 350
Axis Tilt: 14
Axis Rotation: 60
Heavy Oil Ball: Radical Guru Master
Medium Oil Ball: Radical Jackpot Solid
Light Oil Ball: Radical Rack Attack Pearl
Preferred Company: Radical
Location: Hallowell, ME

Re: Best ball plug??

Post by MoRichBowler300 »

Using powerhouse, haven't had a problem. The real issue with ball plug is that it never stops hardening and will eventually crack. It may not be for years down the road, but the simple chemistry of it just makes the stuff harden and harden forever. But whatever, you do what you can and hope the guy buys a new ball before the plug gets too weak. :)
www.nicksproshop.com
Guru Master 65 x 4 x 30 DBL thumb
Fix 70 x 4 1/2 x 40 p3
Jackpot Solid 60 x 3 1/2 x 55 p2.5 hole
Rave On 75 x 4 x 50
Rack Attack Pearl 90 x 4.5 x 70
BTU Pearl 125 x 2 1/4 x 45
Tilt: 14°
Rot: 60°
PAP 4 7/8 x 7/8
Hi Gm 300x5
Hi Srs 793
Fitz5872
Member
Member
Posts: 1
Joined: April 25th, 2018, 10:51 pm
Preferred Company: Hammer

Re: Best ball plug??

Post by Fitz5872 »

Im having problems plugging a Tenacity. I filled the thumb hole half way, let it cure and then fill it the other half mixing purple with pearl and a drop of red. It hits the color beautifully and then proceeds to heat up too quickly and ends up cracking. Then I have to start over again.the hole was a 1” 7/16 hole we used for an It insert. I use DBA plugging and put two pumps resin and two pumps hardener. I still have some left over when I’m done so I know I’m not using too much. I’m so frustrated, some advise please. Thank you.
User avatar
snick
BCU Graduate Layouts
BCU Graduate Layouts
Posts: 759
Joined: August 31st, 2014, 8:00 pm
THS Average: 196
Sport Average: 180
Positive Axis Point: 5.5625" x .625 up
Speed: 17 off hand
Rev Rate: 360
Axis Tilt: 17
Axis Rotation: 55
Heavy Oil Ball: Storm Physix
Medium Oil Ball: Storm Streetfight
Light Oil Ball: Rotogrip Hustle Pearl
Preferred Company: Rotogrip
Location: Tucson, AZ

Re: Best ball plug??

Post by snick »

I use CS Hybrid to fill large holes to 3/4 depth, wait 6-10 hours and top it off with techline. Works very well, with no shrinkage or cracking after cutting down, as long as I wait at least 24 hours before touching it.

I believe some shrinkage, etc... problems with ballplug may be due to a secondary chemical reaction that occurs when it heats up again during cutting and finishing. Allowing the compound to cure longer before cutting usually results in a better finish.

BTW, I have not had any problems with techline overheating after using about 4 gallons of it.
Benchmark Bowling Pro Shop
Byron

RH
PAP: 5.5625 x .625 up
REVRATE: 360
SPEED: 17mph at release
AR: 55º
AT: 17º
Post Reply