This is GREAT NEWS to hear, perhaps maybe my long-time bowling idol, Brian Voss just might once again be a threat to contend for titles, even at his age. I think it's great to hear that Storm and Roto-Grip-sponsored players may soon have yet another set of weaponry they can use in their ball arsenal, the power of a Storm/Roto-Grip/900 Global merger would be HUGE for not only the bowling industry, but also, the PBA, and those 3 companies' staffers, and we already know about the heavily-promoted merger of Brunswick with AMF and BowlMor Lanes.

I don't think it's the case that Storm equipment will be used by 900 Global staffers, Chis Barnes stated "He can't", when asked about it. Voss has been using another ball, does he just dump them? Also, Voss was fairly adamant about what he thinks of the new equipment anyway, would he make a good spokesperson?

I think the bigger question here is who will get the Brunswick equipment business? One rumor was Ebonite, but I think a new suitor would be better for the business.

In the interview Barnes did with InsideBowling, Mike Flanagan mentioned that Chris was in fact using Storm and Roto during the Team USA Trials. Chris said he was allowed to use them, to fill holes in his arsenal, but as the Global line expands he will use Storm/Roto "less and less." I don't know if all Global staffers will be allowed the same luxury (or vice versa for Storm/Roto staffers) or if this is a special offering to sweeten the deal for Barnes.

Voss has been throwing Seismic the last few years in overseas tournaments, not sure if he's still on staff with Global or what the deal is. Global does pour Seismic's balls in the US but it's a different company and it's not PBA registered so he can't use it if he bowls on PBA or PBA50.

Also regarding Brunswick apparently they have a few suitors but it won't be Ebonite from what I've heard. Will be interesting to see who buys it. Not only would they be getting the bowling ball side of the business but also the lane equipment side too, so that might draw some additional interest.

wronghander, thanks for sharing the interview. Good stuff. My favorite part starts 21:20, where Chris was asked, "How do you put together an arsenal for international competition?"

Paraphrasing his response:
"6 balls is a realistic limit. 2 balls for heavy oil (1 control, 1 angular), 2 for medium oil (1 control, 1 angular), 2 for dry lanes (1 control/spare, 1 angular)."

"I want 6 balls that hook at different distances. Basically, a ball that hooks enough or goes straight enough no matter what I see. The worst feeling ever is to be shut out by a lane man."

Funny, I came to a similar conclusion building my current arsenal for regional PBA competition, but substituting more continuation for more angular. It will be interesting to see which 900 Global balls Chris Barnes chooses to fill those slots.