San Diego Bowling Supply

Bill is great and I trust him with all my equipment. There’s a reason why they have been around for over 30 years! Thanks Bill –Marco

Bill does a great job helping you pick out the right equipment and answering any questions you have about bowling. I liked the selection of stuff he had in the shop and it was all at reasonable prices. Bought a new Roto Grip Hysteria 15 lbs and now i’m hitting more strikes then ever. Drilling didn’t take long he had it done within an hour and a half. Came back and got my girlfriend a new ball too. Will return to get a second one and a spare ball.

Reading the rave reviews from Unilocal,I went here to get my first reactive ball drilled. I was hoping to get some knowledge about the game I didn’t have before because at the time I was relatively new. It was a little busy at the time and Bill was trying to service several people with two people behind me waiting. I had explained to him that I was a two-​handed no-​thumber who was looking for his first own reactive ball drilled for that kind of delivery.
We walked through some of the balls available and he recommended me the Roto Grip Wrecker which we settled on. So then we started talking about the layout and I explicitly told him several times that I do not use my thumb on either my spares and threw it with two hands. He’s old school so he recommended that I throw it with one hand and I was okay with that. He insisted I have a thumb hole for my spares even though I told him I throw a plastic ball two handed no thumb at my spares. So thinking that hey this guy must know a lot, I just went along with it. So he measured my fingers and thumb, got the measurements, and went off to help the other customers. I didn’t get asked about any engraving I wanted but I guess from the other reviews that’s included. The ball was drilled in a timely manner and I came back a couple hours later to pick up the ball. Another person helped me because Bill was in the back to make sure the ball fitted fine. I informed that person again that I was a two handed no-​thumber and he responded that he’s old school, it’s a fad and that I won’t be able to throw it that way into my old age. Again, that’s fine. He helped me to make sure that the ball came off cleanly from my hand when I bowled with one hand.
Ball felt fine for when I threw it with one hand. But for the way I threw it with two hands, it felt off. I didn’t like the way it felt and I pretty much didn’t use it. I didn’t really understand why I didn’t like it until I got more knowledgeable and it’s because it’s not drilled for a two hander even though I kept informing the staff to that capacity. So why did it feel off? First off, the fingers are pitched forward to help one handed people grip the ball. For two handers, the pitch is usually reversed to help release the ball more cleanly. That thumb hole that I said I didn’t need? Well the thing proved problematic as well. As a two hander, I track pretty high and lo and behold my track flares over the thumb hole repeatedly so it goes thunk thunk the first couple revolutions down the lane which is a detriment to the ball reaction. The last thing that I didn’t know until I went to another driller is that technically the way the ball is drilled and because I throw it without my thumb, it is illegal in USBC sanctioned events, i.e. leagues and tournaments. Because I throw it without my thumb it has to be statically balanced where my grip is, at the center of the bridge and not the center of my palm.
In the end I got an illegal ball which I didn’t like. I think Bill is probably very knowledgeable to help one handed folks but did not know how to drill for a two hander. I underestimated the value of having the pro shop guy actually see me throw the ball who is up to date. So now, I’m probably out another 50 bucks to get the ball redrilled for the way I throw it.
TL;DR Two handers look elsewhere for a driller

First time in the shop through friend recommendations. Came into the shop and was instantly greeted by bill. I told him I wanted a new ball and he broke everything down for me. He told me that if I wanted to change my form I had to start inserting my thumb into the hole. I told him that’s fine so he helped me get the feel of everything I needed. He told me which balls I cud choose from that was my weight and he helped me find the length I needed for using a finger tip ball. Once scathing was ready we drilled the holes and I got to try it out. The ball feels great in my hand A+++ a really great shop

Bill is the guru of bowling. Large selection of balls, shoes, bags, …pretty much every accessory for bowling. Balls start ~$ 50 and go up from there. Sizing, drilling, engraving (up to 7 letters) included in the price. There is also a catalog for pretty much every ball u can imagine. Next day delivery is an option. Drilling/​sizing takes ~15 mins.
5 stars for customer service. Bill is very Knowledgeable, professional and kind. He explained the difference between 13lb & 14lb cores, and was very thorough choosing the perfect fit for my hand. Not too many people can spot a double jointed lefty right away. He stayed open late to give a few free practice lessons how to use my new custom fit fingertip ball. I’ve gotta say I’m a newb, but he was very patient with me. On top of everything I mentioned it was my birthday and he threw in a free cleaning towel :) I highly recommend this shop and will definitely return :)

Stopped in today to purchase shoes. Had gone to Sports Authority, Big 5 and Dick’s to find that they don’t carry bowling items in store, only on line. Crap! Anyhow, glad they didn’t cause I found this place and got personal service from a very polite, efficient gentleman. He told me what shoes were in stock and what he could order, where the men’s shoes were vs the women’s shoes. I tried on two pair and made my decision. My husband tried on one and took those. We were in and out in under 12 minutes! Beat that you big box sporting goods stores! We will return for anything we may need and will recommend to others.

I believe it is Bill that was working today. He is super knowledgeable and helpful. He’s kinda slow, but I feel like he cares about each customer. His help is worth the wait.

I went here because the Unilocal reviews were so high and everyone was right. I had to make my own Unilocal account just to post this. I had already pre-​purchased my ball online and went in to get it drilled. Bill is super awesome, and showed me all the drill specs and how to properly align my form with the drilling. He added my name to the ball and everything. My only regret is that I didn’t buy my ball in the store (actually would have been a slightly cheaper). I definitely plan to come back again for any future bowling purchases.

Owner was very nice, I went in there asking a bunch of questions and he answered them with confidence. Got a nice ball drilled, with my name on it for 140 bucks

Bill is extremely nice, helpful and knowledgeable. He doesn’t rush the customers but takes time to explain products and make recommendations. We are very happy with San Diego Bowling Supply.

I went in to San Diego Bowling Supply Saturday for a new ball. Bill, the owner was there and we had a ball picked out in minutes then waited 45 minutes for Bill to perfectly drill my ball. The selection was great and my ball turned out perfect. Bill really knows what hes doing. If your a new bowler you can get a ball, bag and shoes with a 10% discount. I highly recommend this place.

Wow! Love this place.
I came here to get new bowling shoes. They have a nice variety of Dexter shoes for men and women. But being a bowling newb, it all looked good to me.
We came back a month later to get my first bowling ball. The owner is awesome. He showed me the balls that would be good for a first one. He showed me the difference with the weighted balls. But since I’m working on basics, I told him I’d be back for one in the future when I (maybe) start working on a hook.
He made sure the ball fitted me properly. I’ve been using the ball for a month now, and it’s perfect in sizing. My score has improved greatly.
Anyways. Super knowledgeable. I even got some tips and pointers for my game. Tons of bowling supplies and accessories. And if you don’t see it here, he can order it for you. I wouldn’t go anywhere else. Not even those «pro shops» in the bowling alley.

This place is great. Bill is so knowledgeable. The prices are better then any «Pro shop» I have ever been to.

My husband bought me a NFL Chargers bowling ball for my birthday. I live by Parkway Bowl and there’s a bowling store in the bowling alley that drill holes too. But after reading the Unilocal reviews on The Bowling Supply Store I decided to make the extra trip and take my ball there. I’m glad I did! Bill is awesome! He not only fit me for the holes, but took the time to educate me on the type of ball I had. Awesome customer service :).

I refuse to go anywhere else to get my bowling balls drilled. Bill is the man! He knows his stuff when it comes to bowling. If you’re in the market for a bowling ball or supplies BUY IT HERE! He’s beaten every internet price on bowling balls online with drilling, and naming included. If you know what you want, he can usually have you in and out within about an hour. If there’s something you want that he doesn’t have in stock he can usually get it for you within a couple days, which is still faster than online stores (believe me).

I was visiting San Diego from the Bay Area and just happened to see this place as we were driving. I stopped in, found some accessories I had been thinking about, and really liked Bill. Thanks for making it easy and fun. I wish the shop was up here instead. San Diego bowlers are lucky.

I give this place a 5 star! Whether you are new to bowling or a pro, this is the place to get your supplies. You will actually get more than a shoe, bowling ball or a bag. Bill is so very helpful and knowledgeable about the bowling ball and how to drill them exactly to your own specifications. He can look at the tracks of your old ball and knew exactly how you throw the ball and how he will drill it. He is not just selling you a ball, but he will give you all the information and tips on which ball is better for you. His customer service is superb! He acknowledge every customer that comes into the place and yet continue to pay attention to you. The best thing is, the drilling and engraving your name is included in the price of the ball! He can also drill it the same day you buy the ball as long as you don’t come it at 5 pm, otherwise, you pick it up the next day. Even my son, who is 13 said, he liked Bill.

The owner knew everything there was to know about bowling! He helped me choose a new bowling ball, find the perfect hole sizes for my fingers, and convinced me to choose a slightly heavier weight than I normally use. He made me feel very comfortable and the prices are reasonable! Your name engraving, hole-​drilling are included in the displayed price, as well as adjustments if you ever find yourself feeling uncomfortable with your finger holes!
It took me only about 15 minutes to choose a ball, fill out papers, and get sized. My boyfriend’s, my sister-in-law’s, and my bowling balls only took an hour to get drilled, so we went to get boba at Tapioca Express while we waited. I couldn’t believe how quickly I decided on a ball and how sudden everything was! I woke up that morning thinking I was going to browse bowling balls, but moments later, I had my own! We couldn’t wait to test them out, so we went to the bowling alley right after to play for an hour. I’m really happy with my new Tropical Storm. It smells like mango, too!

So I’ve finally made an account on Unilocal!
This place was great! Small, convenient, helpful. I’m a brand new bowler who just joined a league this week. I was just in to buy bowling shoes (which, by the way, apparently are hard to come by in San Diego!) and the price and selection were great. I wasn’t pressured AT ALL, but Bill was 100% available and checked on me every once in awhile. There was a steady stream of traffic coming in the doors and Bill greeted about half of them by name. I was impressed. I stayed awhile to listen to him give advice to the more experienced bowlers… I didn’t know there was so much to know about bowling! I will definitely be back… perhaps when I ask for a bowling ball for Christmas? :-)
Only one negative. (Sorry, to be fair…) — the shoelaces are different lengths and I didn’t notice it in the store, but I’ll just stop at the next shoe store and get another pair; problem solved.
Next to the customer service, the best part about this place is what I left with: hot pink bowling shoes! :-)

I was VERY pleased with my experience at this store. Bill, who I assumed was the owner of the store, was very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable.
I had recently had a bad experience with another bowling shop before I cam here. I didn’t even realize how bad the drilling was from the other place until I came here to get a new ball. Bill knows how to measure your hand exactly right for a perfect fit, look at the oil tracks on the ball to find the best place to drill the wholes, and even give you tips on how to use your new ball.
The best thing about this place… if you get there with enough time before they close (don’t get there at 5:30 like I did when they close at 6), you can get your ball drilled while you wait. You don’t have to wait days for them to drill your ball like other places. Get there early enough and you can bowl with your new ball THAT NIGHT! Can’t beat that!
When your ball is ready, he has a small little padded area that looks like part of a bowling lane to try out the ball. He will make the minor adjustments that are needed. You will end up with the perfect fit!
Also, the selection of balls, shoes, bags and accessories were good. He has something for all levels of bowlers and most budgets.
If you need a new bowling ball, bag or shoes, this is the place to go!