Can anyone explain to me exactly what these are?

Most people will tell you that its just cosmetic issues. But to me those are "blems". 2nds are going to have weird pin placements (too far pins or too close pins) in addition to the blem issues. Also the CG may not be actually where they say it is. But that goes for some manufacterers "firsts" too. But seconds can be some very weird pin to cg placements which makes the ball hard to drill and perform. Plus if the ball has a mass bias then you've added a whole new additional problem to the equation. Without a very talented driller, I would not expect much from a "second". Because you really don't know what you're getting.

If you are not an experienced driller and high level bowler....do not buy seconds from the internet. For you, you still have a fantastic learning curve to take advantage of, don't let a second rate ball slow you down for any price.

Lets look at it from a different point of view. If you are learning something (doesn't matter if its bowling, Track or playing piano). Doesnt' it make sense to have the basic component (the ball, the correct shoes or the piano) to be in its best working condition? Or how else will a learning person know if they are being held back by poor equipment?

Erin

I see, I was just wondering what it was exactly. I know for sure when I see "blem" the red flag goes up. I dont plan on buying anything thats a "blem" the word just sounds defective. It probly doesnt matter anyways, b/c I think my mind is made up on the pearl ball I was shopping around for, and I'm just gonna order it from my pro-shop.

Mkee,

If you are still wondering, "NIB", is an internet abbreviation for "new in box".
Anyway, I like your diea of buying from your Pro Shop. That is a nice way to go.

Yea, I was trying find the best "bargain". I bought my last two balls from the Pro Shop, was was hoping I could catch a steal. Ohh well, human nature I guess...lol

As my general rule of thumb, NEVER EVER get 2nds, blems, bonanzas and balls that you have no idea what the pin placement and top weight is.

mkee19 - The thing you have to look at is what your Pro Shop is going to charge you to drill the ball and add grips and a slug (if you use them). In the end you probabaly won't save all that much, and they probably won't take care of you as well. If I figured out all the things that I got discounts on or didn't get charged for at all, it's probably still cheaper than buying balls on the Internet.

EDIT: I still will buy things like tape and finger grips in bulk on the Internet though.

Its probably good to be careful when you get a Blem, but my favorite ball at the moment is a Blem. I got it shortly after I started and didn't really know any better, of course if you buy a blem on eBay you really can't be sure what your getting so be carefull. But heck you can get one for $40-$50 most of the time, another $30 to get it set up - could be worth the risk. I mean after all at worst case you're out $100 or so, thats not that bad. If you don't like it you can always throw it away and get another its not like you're married to the ball or anything.

I bought my first two balls from my Pro Shop. I was tryin to see if I could cut any corners on price. It doesnt matter, I went ahead and got a Super Sport Pearl, they should have it in tomorrow. My Pro Shop guy is too cool, I just couldnt get myself to look elsewhere. He watches me bowl all the time, and I sometimes bowl right with him, so he already knows my style. I'm sure he's gonna get the reaction I'm lookin for with this one. I cant wait to throw it!