R & J Bowling Equipments

STRIKE!!!! YES, finally a bowling store that kinda cheap. I love going bowling, you might as well call me the kingpin of the sport.

I was tired of going to Serra Bowl and one day end up heading to this location. Let me tell you, this store is very clean and has very good selection of bowling balls and other items for the sport. The staff are very friendly ad willing to help you with anything, you need help on.

Don't go to places that make you feel like the GUTTER, come here for great customer service from a small Ma and Pa type of store.

$35 dollars for drilling a bowling bowl is cheaper than other location. Finding parking is a challenge, but this is such a cool shop, it's worth checking out.

Over all: Nice!!!

Go here, you turkey!!!!

Whenever I go bowling, I always ask for the shoes in mens' sizes. Me and my freakin' "ginormo for a girl" feet! So to pick up a pair of bowling shoes IN MY SIZE for $40 at R&J? Hooray for not having to wear some guy's yucky shoes!

10-15 trips to the bowling alley, and I break even.

Mine were of the uni-sex variety [in white or black], so that was acceptable. Ladies, if your feet are smaller than mine, there's another style that might be of interest - a little bit more attractive. However, when it comes to bowling shoes, it should be function over fashion.

As Rick of R&J puts it, "Another style? No.. They're bowling shoes!"

It was a quick and easy transaction. I'm sure they have everything you need to hit the bowling alleys and more! Balls, bags, shoes.

"Come back when you're ready for your balls!"

Why, yes, of course! I wouldn't trust my balls with anyone else. They are conveniently open 7 days a week.

For the non-drivers, R&J's not such a long walk from Daly City BART.

Foot fetishists please move on to the next review.

I have a thing about feet. I'm not into sharing shoes, toe sucking, or foot fandom. It's just not my thing. If it's yours, cool. Just dun suck on my toes and expect me to kiss you. m'kay.

I bowled a few times last year. One was in the battle of bridge and tunnels II. (SF won btw thanks to Salty Balls and Hayato) We practiced once and bowled again shortly after. I decided with my aversion to other people's toe jams and the fact that I bowled 3 times this year...4 times more than I have in the past 14 years, I should buy my own shoes.

I turned to R&J Bowling Equipment on the morning before I was to bowl again. They had 3 styles of shoes and a size that fit my wide feet. (You know what they say about guys with wide feet...they have a hard time finding shoes that fit)

So for $40 I got some great fitting bowling shoes. That $40 also bought me a free pass from your stinky toe jams and/or athlete's foot, some peace of mind, and shoes that help my form. They helped me slide up to the alley better.

I was very happy with the help I received. They were even open on a Saturday, which I like because all the pro shops have hours that accommodate only the retired.

I noticed a wide assortment of bowling balls and bags. Some of the bags looked like they held two balls. Great protection and support for your balls! They even have wheels now for moving them around easily! I bet it beats the old days when you had to carry them and they'd shift around or the handle would break.

Anyway, I'll be buying my own ball and glove soon... because I also have a hang up about sticking my fingers in the same holes that thousands of others have, with no protection.

Alas, I'm not sure if 12 lb balls are right for me. Perhaps a single 11 lb ball is sufficient. I don't know that I really need 2. Maybe if I had a gf, I might. What color should I get tho...I'm thinking blue balls remind me of High School for some reason and I should stay away from those. The red ones looked ok, but I don't like how marble has all those veins. I guess I'll have to go back and look at them again.

Now, who wants to go bowling? I'll even bring a towel to wipe the balls of the oily stuff it picks up from the alley.

I came for a bowling ball, stayed for the birds.

I do not bowl. My younger brother does (and he's good!) and he wants either bowling equipment or legos for Christmas.

Bowling ball: $70-150 DOABLE

Lego Death Star: $400 FAILFAILFAIL

These people really know their stuff. I am clueless when it comes to balls. Drilling is included with the price of the ball. Also they're very flexible so if my brother doesn't like it or wants a different weight ball, he can bring it in and trade it. WINWINWIN

Honestly, the owners did seem distracted with the football game but I can't complain that much because they did give excellent service when needed. Plus even if they didn't pay attention to me, I'd just be enraptured by their parrots.

I'm sure Rick is knowledgeable when it comes to bowling equipment. And I know for sure he is a damn good bowler. But there is something about the guy that just turns you off from coming here. I know you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, but I'm the type of consumer that enjoys great customer service. One time I went in there and noticed that he was forcing this woman to use a 14lb. ball when she kept asking for something lighter because she had shoulder problems, but he kept insisting. Unfortunately, that woman's husband ended up buying that 14lb. ball and the size ball his wife actually needed.

I don't doubt the mans knowledge about bowling and bowling equipment. I also know he sells quality products. If it wasn't for the guys obnoxious attitude I would've gone 5 stars.

:)exceptional service. Clean place, woohoo! As good as it gets!
Got two balls drilled here w/ a certificate from these bowling classes that I was taking, and wow! Only took about 20 minutes for each ball!! I also got two pairs of dexter's shoes for 35. That's pretty dang cheap compared to everywhere else that was at least 40.

They measured my thumb and the length of how far my reach w/ my ring finger and middle finger was. While they were drilling, I was busy talking to the parrot:) Both of the guys there were extremely friendly and took me in right away. I just can't get over how wonderful the experience was. Really made my day.

After they finished drilling it, they even had me test it out, I wasn't used to how tight it was on my thumb because I usually use the house balls, but I'll be sure to practice loads with the newly custom drilled ball!! So excited to bowl! I love r&j!!

I thought a 2nd time here would be a charm for the shit drilling of my ball back in 2010. It seems like things really don't change around here. FXXK THIS PLACE!!!

AND..with a PASSION.

Rick wasn't here and it was someone else. That guy was a Prick too.

PROS:
- Hm..there's pros?!
- Parking is convenient

CONS:

- Expensive
- Poor business ethics
- Ventilation is terrible
- I'd rather order online than come here.

OVERALL Experience:

NEVER AGAIN.

I started going to Rick's about 8 months ago or so. Bowled a bit while I was in the service with my battle buddies, met some new people who did it on the regular so thought I'd give it another try. Went with a friend and we both bought a ball and had it drilled that night. Rick actually stayed past closing to help us with our selection. We drove to 2 different bowling alleys before we could finally test our balls. Being that we bowled straight with house balls and were learning to hook, that night was disastrous. Took us awhile before we finally found our form to "actually" appreciate how well the ball was drilled.

Each time I go I get more and more help from Rick and Pogie whether its tips about what ball to watch out for, or how to change up your positions for each lane condition. Everyone in the shop is very friendly, I almost see these guys every week either at the shop or bowling. Rick is right, you WON'T see any other shop go as low as the prices he's listed. He'll be the first to tell you how much money he will make off you if you're truly think you're being taken for a ride. Don't get me wrong, he's sure is cocky, but he's got a great sense of humor. The whole shop is filled with people who even though are there for themselves would stop to take the time to answer any of your questions if you genuinely want to learn. Don't expect everyone to get up to shake your hand now, the only actual employee is Rick. He's got certified drillers to help him if he's ever sick or out but Rick is usually there 7 days a week.

The fitting takes a bit to get used to, then again half the people who dismiss this shop seem to prefer house balls anyways. Sure you bowled fairly decent with a house ball, but a reactive ball won't just stay in a straight line like how the plastics do. I current have 5 balls and I'm still adamantly trying to find different manufactures and ball reactions to compliment my ever-evolving style. Every little tweak to your inserts or sanding your ball to a different grit would give you many different outcomes to battle against the lane condition of your choice.

Before going to Rick's I researched meticulously on bowling pro shops and gotten input from all my regular bowling buddies as to which would be the best choice for someone starting out. Each shop I went to was always the same, buy the latest and greatest. The best equipment is the answer. Rick said try these tried and true balls from the golden age before you throw big money down for the big boys. It's gonna be awhile until you get in the groove with your own style. For a while I thought he was trying to sell me his old merchandise but the more I used my Fury Pearl, the more I loved it. I only wished I took better care of my first ball before the oil took over its coverstock and killed my reaction. He was the only person and shop to offer me a replacement if I was not happy with my drilling. You rarely find that old-school guarantee from any place around there, which is why most of his customers travel all the way down from Fremont, San Jose etc.

Give it some time, you might just get sucked in like I did.

Rick took the time to explain things to me and recommended a used ball that was heavier. I have to say I was very skeptical. But he knows what he's talking about.. and I... well, definitely clueless!

I watched him get the ball ready, fit my fingers with inserts, measure my reach and natural form. Then off he went drilling and re-checking. I watched as he drilled and admired all his high scores. Two other guys who are regulars were there cleaning and prepping their balls--it was a great friendly atmosphere. As other patrons have noted, the place has lots of parrots and one was particularly vocal.

He had me roll the ball--that made me uncomfortable--since a newb like me is showing a pro what I do...especially since I bowl wrong :P Afterward, I got a pair of shoes and a bag and was out the door--promising to post a review that said: Rick is Crazy. He's a crazy guy.

Experience and balls is what this establishment has plenty of. Rick is very helpful in helping you select the right bowling ball for the type of bowler you are. I have to say off the bat, if he has lots of customers in the store you might want to come back another time because he seriously gives you attention.
And have a sense of humor cause life is short. Get a ball a bag, some shoes and your set for a while.
I only come here for my bowling supplies cause there isn't anyone better in the area.

Decor: 5 (Birds)
Service: 5

Would I go back? You bet your bowling balls I would!