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Equipment Boards => Bags, Shoes, Accessories => Topic started by: thewhiz on July 27, 2017, 07:31:23 PM

Title: 3 ball totes
Post by: thewhiz 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?
Title: Re: 3 ball totes
Post by: HackJandy 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.
Title: Re: 3 ball totes
Post by: BEAGLEBOWL 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.
Title: Re: 3 ball totes
Post by: Impending Doom 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.
Title: Re: 3 ball totes
Post by: sportcoupe 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.
Title: Re: 3 ball totes
Post by: JazlarVonSteich 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.
Title: Re: 3 ball totes
Post by: LookingForALeftyWall 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.
Title: Re: 3 ball totes
Post by: Luke Morningwood 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.
Title: Re: 3 ball totes
Post by: Cornerpin 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.
Title: Re: 3 ball totes
Post by: thewhiz 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. 
Title: Re: 3 ball totes
Post by: ignitebowling 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.
Title: Re: 3 ball totes
Post by: NDbowler13 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.
Title: Re: 3 ball totes
Post by: HackJandy 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.
Title: Re: 3 ball totes
Post by: big_bg 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.
Title: Re: 3 ball totes
Post by: dmonroe814 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.
Title: Re: 3 ball totes
Post by: Good Times Good Times on August 26, 2017, 12:58:11 PM
3 ball tourney tote w/shoe pouch and accessories on top plus a 2 ball tote for me.
Title: Re: 3 ball totes
Post by: lefty50 on August 26, 2017, 01:00:54 PM
One vote for a 4 ball roller. I wish I could still use my 3 ball roller, but I switched to 4 since the weight's easy to lift in and out. Going to a 3 ball and backpack strikes me as much more difficult than a 4 ball.
Title: Re: 3 ball totes
Post by: Impending Doom on August 26, 2017, 01:25:28 PM
I'm all totes and a backpack. Right now, I have 1 3 ball tote and 2 2 ball totes. I'm even wanting to just slim down more and get rid of the 2 ball totes in favor of ones without pouches. I tried a backpack and love it.
Title: Re: 3 ball totes
Post by: leftybowler70 on August 26, 2017, 01:42:30 PM
 A big fan of 3 ball totes (although I have a number of 2 ball totes). I'm also a fan of the removable 4 ball rollers as well.
Title: Re: 3 ball totes
Post by: bergman on August 27, 2017, 12:07:28 AM
I prefer the 3 ball roller totes. They are more compact (than the 4 ball rollers) and
there is no disassembly needed to get them into and out of, my trunk.

In and out of the trunk in one motion.
Title: Re: 3 ball totes
Post by: psycaz on August 27, 2017, 09:02:08 AM
I prefer the 4 ball rollers. Especially the Rolling Thunders. The handles retract very low. Easy to fit into either car we have. Easier to lift 30 lbs than 45.

As for moving around the centers, its a polite "excuse me", then I start slowing rolling away. Move your feet or get bumped. If there is no hole, then I just wait. Not that big of a deal. Smaller tote wouldn't help.
Title: Re: 3 ball totes
Post by: billdozer on August 27, 2017, 10:19:09 AM
I like the 3 ball tournament tote from storm and roto. The one with the removable shoe pouch and accessory pocket.

I get one of those and (typically it's the roto) and matching 2 ball totes, one deluxe one reg tote. 

One 3 ball tote, two 2ball totes means you can set up anyway you want!

3 balls in the roller
Or
4 balls in the two totes
Or
5 balls in a 3 ball roller and 1 2 ball tote
Or
7 balls in all three bags.

It's the most cost effective way to transport 7 balls in style too.  Especially if u buy rotos version from last year on closeout.  That's the roto method. Storm if you include the rolling thunder 3 ball roller they have matching bags.  Easiest way to go from house mouse to tournament bowler.  Cause u can't go to league with a 4 or 6 ball roller can you LMAO?  Noone does that anymore right?

Your welcome!
Title: Re: 3 ball totes
Post by: CoorZero on January 17, 2018, 06:37:02 PM
How well do the 3-ball totes do rolling across snowy (plowed or unplowed, it's uneven regardless) parking lots? That's a fairly big concern here in Michigan during prime bowling season. I'm trying to convince myself to save some money and for the totes over the full rollers, but it seems like the latter might handle better for this area. Unless someone has some experience contrary to that...
Title: Re: 3 ball totes
Post by: AlonzoHarris on January 17, 2018, 07:43:32 PM
How well do the 3-ball totes do rolling across snowy (plowed or unplowed, it's uneven regardless) parking lots? That's a fairly big concern here in Michigan during prime bowling season. I'm trying to convince myself to save some money and for the totes over the full rollers, but it seems like the latter might handle better for this area. Unless someone has some experience contrary to that...

My full roller struggles in Ohio. I cant imagine trying to pull my tote through it. 
Title: Re: 3 ball totes
Post by: CPA on January 18, 2018, 10:39:46 AM
I prefer the 4 ball roller for normal league play.  It is easier to lift two balls in and out of the car than a 3 ball tote.  Also the 4 ball rollers are more durable.  They are also more stable when pulling them.  For tournaments I use 3 ball totes and a backpack.
Title: Re: 3 ball totes
Post by: themagician on January 18, 2018, 11:06:29 AM
Been using 3 ball totes and a shoe bag or backpack for a while. Still have a few slim two ball totes for times where I want 5 balls with instead of 3 or 6.

I made the switch to the totes due to travel (flying) and ease of putting them in a car, nice to not disassemble, we stack bags on bags for road trips where my friends and I take a lot of equipment, works out well.