I started bowling last year and since then have gone through a state of buying balls at local pro shops and off ebay and individual bowling suppliers. I like the ease with which one can search on the internet for price and products and information about lthe various balls and what available etc. I agree the best advice for a novice would be to go to a Pro Shop but the fact is the price difference for a bowler collecting an arsnenal of balls is just too great to rely soley on small local pro shops. The price the local pro shops here ask for there name brand fairly new issue balls is just tredemously marked up plus you have to pay tax on top of that. But it usually does come with free drilling. Your ball driller and Pro Shop owner are there to help but not control the bowlers. My Pro Shop guys drill my balls for 30$ and never give me any lip about not buying from them. Its our right to save a little where we can, but for advice on your setup and drilling I would always got to and have a driller that new what I was doing rather than having it drilled by someone who didn't know or understand your needs. So in short buying on the internet is not so bad but sometimes one can get a blem, epecially from the ebay sellers but I have gotten several good used balls there. An real good service and deals on new balls from some of the major suppliers. Also some of the ball manufacturers sell blems at a good price. best of luck.*0)