Author Topic: BAG PROBLEMS (Read 12153 times)

strikecing · « **on:** July 25, 2008, 03:21:48 PM »

SO I have had Columbia and Storm bags and they all seem to not hold up very well. Either the zipper breaks or the material tears!!!! Does anyone else have this problem?? Am I just to hard on my bags?? Should I try another companies bags???
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Raceway Lanes FOREVER!!! ROYAL PIN YOUR WHATZ WRONG IN INDY!!!!

Maine Man · « **Reply #1 on:** July 25, 2008, 11:29:39 PM »

Whoa, glad that this thread is only about bowling bags, you had me worried there for a second with that title!

Seriously, though, I use the KR Strikeforce 3-4 ball bags and have had no problems at all. I used to have the Columbia 3 ball roller, and the wheels only lasted 1 season. Good luck!
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MainePBA
"I'd rather be a conservative nut job than a liberal with no nuts and no job."

T_Bone · « **Reply #2 on:** July 26, 2008, 08:02:37 AM »

The thing that makes me upset is all the manufacturers use those damn nylon zippers, they know thay the zippers are junk and I think thats also a marketing ploy knowing that a cheap nylon zipper will only last so long and then most people will buy another bag with another junk zipper. I found a shoe repair store in my area that will replace my cheap nylon zipper with a sturdy steel zipper for around $12.00. Now I believe my bag will last for a lifetime. So, if your having issues with broken zippers and you want to save money try to find a place in your area that can replace zippers. Just a thought!
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Todd

charlest · « **Reply #3 on:** July 26, 2008, 09:05:49 AM »

T-Bone,

The main problem is that bags, as most things, have to be made to a specific price point. That includes all pieces that go into the making of it.

I find it ironic that with people constantly complaining about how much things cost (the price of bags HAS gone up a lot in the past 5 years) to find a post about such an item as plastic zippers. I'm not saying it was specifically complaining about high prices but you get the idea.

I have a Columbia brand 4 ball roller for about 5 years now and my main problem is the handle that slides back into itself. It's gotten worse, although some airplane bagger handler might have affected it.I have had no problems with the plastic zippers.

If all pieces of bags were upgraded to the equivalent of steel/metal zippers, have you any idea what the price of a current 4 ball roller would be? The good ones now go for $165 as the cheapest DELIVERED discount price on the net. If you added steel zippers AND upgraded every other piece of each to the equivalent quality level, the price would probably be $300-$350.

FYI K&R makes probably 75% of all bowling bags or, used to, for every so-called bag manufacturer. But they make them to the manufacturer's specifications. I suspect they are not that far apart in overall quality for the top of the line. I know K&R used to make bags for Brunswick, Columbia, Track, AMF, EBonite and Hammer AT ONE POINT IN TIME. I suspect the make them for at least Brunswick now.
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"None are so blind as those who will not see."
Unofficial Ballreviews.com FAQ

shelley · « **Reply #4 on:** July 26, 2008, 09:27:17 AM »

I had a 3-ball Storm Streamline and it was a great bag. One of the zippers on the front pocket stopped working, but it was all the way on the end, so I could use the other zipper no problem. Held up really well otherwise.

I've got an AMF 4-ball roller now and a year later it's still in nearly-perfect shape.

SH

justdale · « **Reply #5 on:** July 26, 2008, 09:41:38 AM »

I have a 4 Ball Roller from Columbia I have had for 6 years now, and the only problem I have encountered is the need for a little WD-40 for the wheels, they squeak a little in the winter months. I have a 3 Ball Roller ( Columbia) that I have never had a problem with. 3-4 2 ball totes, and I have never had any zipper problems.
Now I think the reason they have lasted for me is that I don't throw them around in my trunk or any where else. ( I'm not saying any of you have done this).
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Dale Williams
Columbia 300 Utah Amateur Staff

CPA · « **Reply #6 on:** July 26, 2008, 09:57:59 AM »

I have never had a problem with a KR bag. A couple of years ago I had an old bag that had a handle break where it attached to the bag. I contacted KR. They said they would send me a replacement handle or I could send the bag to them and they would replace it. They suggested they replace it due to needing to attach the handle to the bag. I sent them the bag. They fixed it at no charge. My only cost was a small shipping charge I paid to UPS. That is the only KR bag I have ever had any problems with and it was quickly taken care of.
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USBC Bronze Coach

T_Bone · « **Reply #7 on:** July 26, 2008, 10:10:52 PM »

I am not so sure that a bag would double in price if steel zippers were used. My repair shop is taking out the old nylon zipper and installing a new steel zipper for under $15.00. Yes thats only the bottom bag of my storm 4 ball roller but even if he did both it would still only be around $30.00 and thats including taking out the junk zippers. So, to me that would mean a minimal extra cost to the bag manufacturers. Now maybe Charlest is right, the manufacturers might just charge everyone $300.00 a bag because now with a good quality build these companies wont be able to continue selling as many bags in the future and would want to get as much money they can from the consumer. I really like my Storm bag for the most part. I just cant help but think that if Storm would have made the bag with a different handle design and a better zipper and continue to use the heavy thread count and quality ball cups and base then that bag could possibly last forever.
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Todd

A_P_K · « **Reply #8 on:** July 26, 2008, 10:44:28 PM »

I had a Brunswick (KR) 2-3-4 option bag that lasted a few seconds as the handle was broken once the box it came in was opened.

Recently, I purchased the red Roto Grip four ball roller and the zipper on the top bag was defective immediately. I feel like complaining about it but that will only get me so far.

Maybe I just have bad luck.
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With every action, there comes consequence

Used to be known as Pin_Krusher or Divine_Dragon

charlest · « **Reply #9 on:** July 26, 2008, 11:22:09 PM »

quote:
I am not so sure that a bag would double in price if steel zippers were used.

Sorry, I didn't say that it would double in price if JUST steel sippers were used. I said if all pieces that go into making a 4 ball wheeled bag were upgraded in such a way as to emulate the change of a cheap plastic zipper to a top-of-the-line YKK steel zipper, THEN the price would go up substantially.

AND most bowlers would scream and yell that they were being cheated & robbed.

quote:

My repair shop is taking out the old nylon zipper and installing a new steel zipper for under $15.00. Yes thats only the bottom bag of my storm 4 ball roller but even if he did both it would still only be around $30.00 and thats including taking out the junk zippers. So, to me that would mean a minimal extra cost to the bag manufacturers. Now maybe Charlest is right, the manufacturers might just charge everyone $300.00 a bag because now with a good quality build these companies wont be able to continue selling as many bags in the future and would want to get as much money they can from the consumer. I really like my Storm bag for the most part. I just cant help but think that if Storm would have made the bag with a different handle design and a better zipper and continue to use the heavy thread count and quality ball cups and base then that bag could possibly last forever.
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Todd

Todd,

My only point is that everything is made to a price point. We have to live with that.

Bowlers are as cheap as anyone else. No more, no less. We all whine, myself included.

But I have to say I have gotten excellent mileage out of my COlumbia 4 bag wheelie/roller over the past 5 - 6 years. I suspect it was made by K&R but I don't know that for certain.

My handle has been sticky for a while now, but regular treatments with WD-40 cures it. I blame some airline baggage handlers, not Columbia or K&R, for that problem.

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"None are so blind as those who will not see."
Unofficial Ballreviews.com FAQ

T_Bone · « **Reply #10 on:** July 27, 2008, 07:11:47 AM »

Charlest, you are right! I know when it comes to looking for a deal or in my case, looking to get a steal (cheapskate) I am close to the top of the list! LOL and I wonder if someone came out with a bag that was bulletproof and airport handler proof guaranteed for 10 years or more and the price was $300.00 would I bite the bullet and get one? I just dont know. But, I would have to look hard at that bag. I have had my Storm bag for 6 yrs and it is still works and looks ok. I think I paid around $150.00 for it. If I put in new zipper I think I can get another 5 plus years.
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Todd

« **Reply #11 on:** July 27, 2008, 07:28:42 AM »

Buy the higher end bags when you're looking at 3 or 4 balls, etc. They cost more up front but the frame, handles, wheels, zippers, fabric are all more durable. Over a period of time that's a lot of weight we ask them to bear (which is why we're rolling them instead of carrying them).

I have used the Storm Thunder Roller 3 ball with great results in the past, and have currently used a 4 ball Brunswick Pro Players (made by KR) for four years, and it is still in perfect working order. It's got a five year warranty on anything that might go wrong (handle, wheels, etc,).

charlest brings up a great argument. They are made for a certain price point. Some people don't bowl very often and will be completely satisfied with a bag at a lower price point. But we who bowl constantly, and are taking then in and out of trunks, in and out of bowling centers, up and down stairways... you name it, need to get a heavier frame and components or they just won't handle the abuse.

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Lane Carter, Strike Zone Pro Shops - Salt Lake City, Utah
Brunswick Amateur Staff

booyakashah69 · « **Reply #12 on:** July 27, 2008, 08:46:00 AM »

So, I just bought a Ebonite Grand Tour III roller bag. The warranty is for 2 years. Should I have any worries about its durability? Thanks...

Brickguy221 · « **Reply #13 on:** July 27, 2008, 11:05:35 AM »

I've had a Storm Rolling Thunder 4 ball bag for around 5-6 years and have had NO problems with the zipper, handle or anything else. On the Storm ball bag I had prior to this one, I had to replace the handle and one wheel.
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"Whenever I feel the urge to exercise I lie down until the feeling passes away."

Brick

Atochabsh · « **Reply #14 on:** July 27, 2008, 11:33:45 AM »

Here's how most people shop for things like bowling bags. The # of balls it fits, the color and then the price. If the first two items on say......3 bags (quad rollers) were all the same but one had steel zippers on the three main compartments (lower, upper bag and shoe compartment) that would be (using your price) $36 more for metal zippers. Most people shopping would not even consider that they might want that $36 upgrade. They might also ask about warrenty and if the bags were warrentied over 2 to 5 years then they would figure they could take care of any problems that way and pay $36 less. Even though it was more durable, I don't think alot of people would consider the metal zippered bag for $36 more.

The pro shop might mention it as an option for special order, but I don't think many would keep something like that in stock.

People are rough on roller bags. Older centers have more steps and stairs, which puts more wear and tear on the roller bags. Children are incredibly tough on them, twisting the handle as they fling it down the last couple steps of the center, or from the concourse to sette area. I even saw one adult with a quad roller, coming in the door with a 4 year old toddler riding on top. They get flung into car trunks and truck beds. Unloaded and dropped to the pavement. 15lb bowling balls tossed into them and zippers angerily ripped from open to closed depending on how the night went on the lanes.

We always emphasize customers to keep their receipts for any roller bag, because they very well might need it.

Erin

Author Topic: BAG PROBLEMS (Read 12153 times)

strikecing

BAG PROBLEMS

Maine Man

Re: BAG PROBLEMS

T_Bone

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charlest

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shelley

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justdale

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CPA

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T_Bone

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A_P_K

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charlest

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T_Bone

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booyakashah69

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Brickguy221

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Atochabsh

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