Ebonite moves into the world of digital coaching - New Products & Industry News - Ebonite International Inc. to sell coaching software developed by Bowler's Connection Inc

Bowling Digest, June, 2003

Ebonite International, Inc., has signed a licensing agreement with Bowler's Connection, Inc., granting it exclusive worldwide sales rights of Bowlers M.A.P. (Motion Analysis Program).

Bowlers M.A.P. is a digital coaching program developed by Bowler's Connection, Inc., founder Rod Ross, a renowned bowling instructor and Gold certified coach. Ebonite will sell the program to pro shop owners and operators, bowling centers, and certified bowling instructors. "With limited resources, we have been able to establish Bowlers M.A.P. as the premier coaching program," Ross says. "With Ebonite, we are able to take this program to the next level. They have a high-profile pro staff and an incredible worldwide marketing and distribution network."

Bowlers M.A.P. allows bowling coach to measure a bowler's game and offer a before and after comparison using video technology. It is available in two versions: Silver ($395) and Gold ($995). Similar systems cost thousands of dollars because of their hardware purchase requirements. Discounts are available to qualified purchasers such as certified coaches, IBPSIA members, and Ebonite Striking Effects Pro Shops.

"We're bringing a golf industry concept to bowling," says Ebonite president William T. Scheid. "Golf professionals have long used their status at their facilities to increase their income by providing lessons. Once they capture the trust of their customers by improving their games, they can then use these relationships to influence product purchases in their pro shops.

"It's also been proven that participants in any sport stay in the game longer when they improve. If we can help coaches in this area, it benefits the industry as a whole. As bowlers stay in the game and improve, they will also become more avid consumers of bowling equipment. This is a win-win."

In other Ebonite news, its Maxim balls have undergone a facelift. Ebonite's Maxim and Maxim Glow series--the most popular polyester balls in the sport for more than 25 years--are now available in four new styles: Green/White Sparkle, Bright Purple Sparkle, Captain Class (blue, purple, and white), and Captain Cool (black, neon green, and white).

"Maxims are the perfect first ball for those new to bowling. They are by far the most popular balls for women of all ages as well as young, recreational bowlers," says Ebonite product manager Brian Pursel. "They're designed to give bowlers the opportunity to reflect their personal style through their color choice."

The Maxim Sparkle balls are available in nine colors, giving bowlers a multitude of choices. The Maxim Glow Captains offer a different, cool look on the lanes, and are designed to raise the stakes of your cosmic game by glowing in ultraviolet light. Both the Sparkles and the Captains are available in eight through 16 pounds from your local pro shop or distributor.

Based in Hopkinsville, Kent., Ebonite International is a privately-owned company that services bowling centers, distributors, and retail outlets around the world.