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Author Topic: 3 ball totes  (Read 7610 times)

thewhiz

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3 ball totes
« on: July 27, 2017, 07:31:23 PM »
I see a lot of people using 3 ball totes and a backpack.  I don't see much advantage to this.  If you had a 4 ball roller you can put all your stuff in it.  What is your preference and why?

 

HackJandy

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Re: 3 ball totes
« Reply #1 on: July 27, 2017, 07:51:14 PM »
I have a three ball roller I bought a long time ago I love.  Just ordered an extra Hammer 3 ball tote (no extra storage) basically for tournaments (don't need full roller as won't use often).  Probably would have just a four or five ball roller if bought everything today.
« Last Edit: July 27, 2017, 07:54:45 PM by HackJandy »
Kind of noob when made this account so take advice with grain of salt.

BEAGLEBOWL

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Re: 3 ball totes
« Reply #2 on: July 28, 2017, 12:11:26 AM »
I think it has a lot to do with flying. Carry on the backpack and for whatever reason those rollers work better when flying. As for myself I bowl in different centers with very different shots and Lane surface. Have balls devided up per center. So I just grab one 3 ball roller and back pack. Never have to shuffle balls, always have all my other stuff.

Impending Doom

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Re: 3 ball totes
« Reply #3 on: July 28, 2017, 06:56:40 AM »
4 ball bags are much harder to get in the car and move about the center with.  I switched to totes and a backpack about a year ago and I love it.

sportcoupe

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Re: 3 ball totes
« Reply #4 on: July 28, 2017, 08:50:04 AM »
I've switched from 4 ball roller to 3 ball roller tote and 2 ball totes.

The main reason: 3 ball totes are much easier to maneuver in the bowling center... especially if the center requires navigating steps to get through the front door. Also, there is no stupid retractable handle to deal with. Much easier to load in/out of the car, and I now prefer using a detachable shoe/accessory bag.

Normal league night:  Just the 3 ball tote.
Sport shot league/tournament:  3 ball tote plus a 2 ball tote and maybe a backpack.

JazlarVonSteich

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Re: 3 ball totes
« Reply #5 on: July 28, 2017, 09:26:47 AM »
I just made this switch as well. Tired of the bigger bags having issues with wheels, handles, etc. They take up more room and not as easy to get around with. I generally just bowl at one house for leagues, and leave some of my stuff in the pro shop. Now I can just leave some balls there and take my back pack home with me and still have all my shoes/accessories if I decide to go practice or bowl somewhere else. Easier to deal with at the lanes as well if you are bowling a tournament where you have to switch pairs.

LookingForALeftyWall

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Re: 3 ball totes
« Reply #6 on: July 28, 2017, 09:34:56 AM »
Personally, I'm not a big fan of the 3 ball totes as the main carrier of my equipment.  I have one for tournaments but do not use it for league play. 

The analogy that I think is apt here is a sports car vs. SUV.  The 3 ball tote as others have said is easier to maneuver,smaller, and more nimble.  However, I just like the smoothness and lux feeling of a good 3 ball roller.  I'm really liking my KR Krush Triple Roller with its big wheels and ample storage space.

Luke Morningwood

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Re: 3 ball totes
« Reply #7 on: July 28, 2017, 10:49:17 AM »
3 ball totes and 2 ball totes for me as well. Load easily and simple to steer around. Shoes and kit accessories fit in a detachable bag, so I can clip it to a 3 ball roller or carry it separate if i'm bowling a tournament and moving all over the center. I have a full size 3 ball roller, haven't used it for years, except for ball storage at home.

Cornerpin

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Re: 3 ball totes
« Reply #8 on: July 28, 2017, 01:31:59 PM »
Another factor is cost, a decent 3 ball roller costs about $150-$200, while 3 ball totes usually sell for $70-$80.

thewhiz

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Re: 3 ball totes
« Reply #9 on: July 28, 2017, 08:04:35 PM »
a four ball roller is just as wide and long as a 3 ball tote.  Then it goes straight up.  Can't see how it takes up any more floor space.  So I guess it's whatever you prefer. 

ignitebowling

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Re: 3 ball totes
« Reply #10 on: July 28, 2017, 08:11:43 PM »
I use two 3 ball totes from vise grip and one has the clip on shoe bag.

Smaller and lighter and easier to use vs a 3 ball bag and carrying a 2 ball tote or a one ball add on.  Lots of times I use one 3 ball tote with 3 and the second with just two balls. Still easier to roll around vs carrying a two ball bag.
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NDbowler13

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Re: 3 ball totes
« Reply #11 on: August 25, 2017, 08:26:26 PM »
I use a 4 Ball Roller and a 3 ball tote.   I think it really depends on what you feel comfortable hauling.
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HackJandy

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Re: 3 ball totes
« Reply #12 on: August 25, 2017, 08:41:53 PM »
Now have a 3 bag roller and two three ball totes in my closet (including storage pouch attachment if roller ever breaks).  Probably not supposed to store balls in them long term but looking like that is my plan.  Don't plan on ever using more than six balls at a time.  Will still rotate them from time to time.
Kind of noob when made this account so take advice with grain of salt.

big_bg

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Re: 3 ball totes
« Reply #13 on: August 25, 2017, 08:44:10 PM »
When I came back to bowling I used my original 4 ball roller and it was a pain in the old school centre where I play. I've since switched to 3 ball totes and it's great. I have one shoe bag that I store all my shoe stuff in and that tote generally gets most of my accessories, I then have two other that I use for various patterns. The totes allow me to store all my gear in a smallish closet in my basement and saves my back. When i have to carry the balls I far prefer picking up two three ball totes putting one on each shoulder then trying to split a 4 ball and having an akward handle going up stairs. I have never used a back pack as everything I need fits in the pockets of my totes.

And yes the cost is certainly a benefit.

dmonroe814

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Re: 3 ball totes
« Reply #14 on: August 26, 2017, 08:39:49 AM »
4 ball roller when I can travel by car and a 3 ball roller/tote when I fly.  Keep all of my stuff in my 4-ball for league and local tournaments.  3 ball roller/tote keeps my under the 50 lb baggage weight limit for flying.  4-ball breaks into two 2-bags for loading into cars much easier than a big 3 bag roller.
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