I haven't purchased a ball from Alvin (yet), but I reached out for my first-ever bowling lesson (I just got back into the game after walking away for 25 years). I had a balance issue, even back in the day. Alvin quickly diagnosed the cause, and got me on the right track, and we spent time discussing modern lanes and the philosophy of adjusting to the oil. I'm so excited to play again!! read more

I recently wanted to get back into bowling with my girlfriend, and we tend to go hard when we get into hobbies. However, we weren't as knowledgeable as we would've liked, but all we knew is that we wanted some balls. We visited this shop about 2 months ago. Upon entering, Alvin spotted us as newbies and helped us with absolutely everything. Explain each ball, their cores, and what they do. He recommended us balls for each of our styles and perfectly explained everything. I can't express how much gratitude I have for Alvin because we've been bowling for the past few months and have been loving our new balls. We loved them so much, we decided to get two more! That's when we went in the other day. Alvin wasn't around, but the younger gentleman Leo was in there and man, he was just as great as Alvin. We got our two new balls drilled and he was very informative as he recognized our order from last time. We mixed it up this time around but Leo made sure we were informed before making the change. All in all, there aren't many choice when it comes to drill rooms/bowling stores but this is definitely a good choice. Amazing staff and great service. I know I'll be back many more times. read more

Great little family store instead of Parkway bowl. had my son and my balls drilled no complaints

Anthony took great care of me and my family ! Got my ball drilled fast and to my liking! great service!

Excellent service!! Highly recommended!! Alvin is very informative and communicative.

Alvin is a great guy and very knowledgeable when it comes to his craft: bowling and all things related. I stopped in his shop after a few beers/frames and even though he was very busy, he took the time to walk me through some questions I had with great detail. A week later I purchased a ball and he did a great job fitting me and getting it drilled. While I waited for my ball to get finished up I told a few bowler friends of mine that I bought a ball and where I went and most of them had nothing but great things to say about him. This guy grew up at Parkway Bowl and working in the shop had been his life. I highly recommend going to Alvin if you're interested in purchasing a bowling ball. BTW - I threw a turkey the very first time I tried out my new Black Widow. Good omen! read more

Alvin Lou's Drilling Room - Wry first time I threw my new Black Widow - Sporting Goods Near Me - El Cajon, California

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He a great guy that takes care of your bowling ball ask which bowling equipment you will need

After getting back into bowling, it was hard to decide what ball to get, how to drill it etc. Alvin made me feel very comfortable and provided a lot of good advice. I will only come to this spot for all of my drilling needs. read more

Been here two times now, and felt very welcomed each time. Over the past couple of months I've really been getting into bowling, so going into a pro shop was very intimidating to think about. On my first visit, I just wanted to get bowling shoes for myself to save money on renting house shoes every time I would go to bowl. Alvin was very informative when it came to detailing the differences between the lower-end shoes and more expensive ones. I never felt pressured to buy whatever was the most expensive, as he made sure what I bought would cater to my needs (a frequent bowler but still learning + barely joined my first bowling league). My second visit, I came in for my first custom bowling ball. Since the ball that fit me best was in stock, it only took about 30 minutes from the time I walked into Parkway Bowl to me walking out with a new ball and bag in hand. The ball reacts exactly the way I wanted it, and was drilled in such a way to where it would work on different house patterns. The biggest thing I can say about this shop is that I was explicitly ensured that EVERY ball drilled here is legal by USBC standards. I don't think I see myself going anywhere else for future bowling needs. read more

Went to get a bowling ball for our son. Alvin answered all our questions and based on the skill level and bowling style, recommended a ball for him. He absolutely loves it and is bowling much better with a ball fitted for him. I ended up getting a heavier ball for myself, too. What I liked the most was that Alvin understood we are beginners and did not try to sell us the top of the line but suggested what would be the best fit. Professional and great customer service. read more

The only reason I could even give this place 2 stars was because the workers are nice people and they have a decent selection of bowling equipment. Unfortunately, this is where the positives stop. I am not some pro bowler and don't know a whole lot about equipment, but I do know that way they drilled my first bowling ball was ALL WRONG. I didn't really realize how bad it was until I got a new ball from another shop in San Diego and it was drilled correctly. I am not alone in my thinking too. My friend that bowls league with me got his ball from there too and had the same experience. He fought with his poorly drilled ball as long as he could before getting a new one also. We were also speaking to some people from our league the other night and they said they have heard of the same problem from other people. Addition: Oh, and I had to wait 3 days to have my ball drilled and ready. Go to San Diego Bowling supply instead. You get a ball drilled properly while you wait. read more

I have been coming to this bowling shop for six years and have never been disappointed with Alvin's. The owner, son and daughter are very knowledgeable! My boyfriend and I have bought four balls and they've been uniquely drilled each time for the best shots. I remember starting with an average of 80 until I got a ball drilled to my liking. Now I'm up to 140! The employees take their time with you, and you get your money's worth. Thank you for your help! read more

Top-notch customer service from Alvin and he is the most approachable shop owner I've ever met. I have bowled for the last 8 years with my father's old ball but decided I wanted something new for myself. He was happy to answer all of my questions and helped me decide on a new Roto Grip Hustle Camo which he also drilled for me. I'm extremely happy with my ball and the experience I had here and don't see myself buying a ball anywhere else in the future. read more

Alvin is the "MAN"! I joined a new league, took my ball out and found that it had cracked. Alvin whipped me up a new ball in under an hour and i went on to throw a 219 that night. Now two other friends got balls from Alvin, and both love their's as well. read more

Thank you Alvin for helping me pick out the right ball and doing a excellent job drilling the holes which fit my fingers perfect. Fast service too even with a ball that had to be ordered. It was ordered on a Friday and I picked it up the following Monday. Alvin Lou's drilling room does a good job and you deal with a expert bowler. Thanks again, Linda Catlett read more

Let me tell you the owner knows what he is doing. I just got a brand new ball and its better than ever. I was averaging 116 now im averaging 170 plus. Family business and they love what they do. read more

It's nice people there and good prices for bowling balls.and they treat people good.next they have good workers there

My new go-to pro shop. Located inside parkway bowl. There are 4 other pro shops closer to me, but I choose to make the drive. I've had work done on 3 separate occasions and each time has been very consistent since they keep your drill layouts on file. They're very helpful and knowledgeable, particularly if you already did your research and have an idea of what you're looking to accomplish in your bowling arsenal. They are very welcoming. No pressure sales. They do a very thorough examination of your hand and how your thumb joint moves to make sure they get the fit right. read more

Alvin Lou's Drilling Room is the best pro shop in San Diego. Where else can you go to get a wide range of products with the added advice of a two time PBA champion? No other shops in San Diego can say that. Alvin always has the time to provide his professional opinion on all the new equipment as well as tips on how to improve your game. I had a ball that was drilled horribly for me that was done at another shop & within five minutes Alvin could tell that the ball was drilled wrong for me. He set me up with a new ball & drilling that suited my style & within no time I was bowling waaaay better than I had been with the previous ball. He also gives private lessons which are worth their weight in gold! Lessons from a PBA champion at an affordable hourly rate. I had a lesson on Tuesday & with Alvin's advice I bowled a 771 the very next night! My highest series ever! I can't say enough good things about how good of a shop this is & how intelligent Alvin is when it comes to the game of bowling! I'll never shop anywhere else to get bowling equipment & I'll never trust anyone else's advice on the game of bowling as much as I trust Alvin's. I'd give them 10 stars if I could! read more

Alvin is great. Very helpful in helping me choose the right ball. Drilled it perfect!

I have never patronized the Drilling Room, but I will share the following about Alvin: I was a 15-year-old boy who worshiped bowling and the pros who won on the tour. Alvin won his 2 PBA titles that year, and I cheered for him so loudly I was hoarse until 1981. About 10 years ago, I cold-called him at his home to share my memories of his success back in the day, and he couldn't have been nicer and more congenial. He spent about a half-hour on the phone with me, a total stranger, and the personable and approachable man I saw on TV then was the same as the one I spoke with that day. I am sure that he performs his business ventures just as he does his personal interactions...with time and care and concern and appreciation. Cheers to you, Alvin....Kung Hee Fat Choy! :) Hal Parker, Moloka'i, Hawai'i read more

Found the ball I wanted online, went and talked to Alvin he ordered the ball drilled it and had it in my hands four days later. He really takes his time measuring out your hand for the holes and it pays off fit perfect. Strongly recommend! read more

This place is fantastic! Mr. Lou is extremely knowledgeable and personable and made my entire experience extremely satisfying! I came in to get my bowling ball drilled and beveled and was out the same day! Mr. Lou understood what I wanted and even made suggestions that I never even thought about. I would highly suggest coming to Alvin Lou's Drilling Room for all your bowling needs! read more