BallReviews
Equipment Boards => Bags, Shoes, Accessories => Topic started by: lefty50 on October 17, 2016, 08:10:20 AM
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I guess it's time for me to change gears and admit that in 1-2 more years lifting a 3 ball inline out of the car isn't going to be as much fun as it used to. Time for me to buy a detachable 4 ball instead of a 3.
I know some brands do NOT stand upright in a trunk. I definitely prefer a brand where the lower bag can stand upright in a standard car trunk.
Recommendations?
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I have Honda Accord and my 4 ball Storm Streamline, the bottom half stands upright in the trunk
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After 6 years with my first Storm Rolling Thunder, I just bought my 2nd. For me there was no alternative. It has one of the best warranties (5 years), it is the sturdiest and the most useful. It has 3 large wheels, not just 2. Its side pockets are the largest and the new ones zippers have the previous ones beaten and they were good. The handle is square and very strong; it takes a lot of abuse
When I push the handle down, the total height is about 21". Whether it fits in your trunk depends on the size of your trunk, but, again, it is one of the shortest. Personally, I like it laying down; standing up, it is too easy to roll around.
It is not the cheapest ($220 delivered from most good internet dealers) but it is the best, in my opinion.
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I've owned 3 four ball bags from storm - steam line and thunder models. The lower half fits our 2001 jetta, 2008 nissan alt, and my frontier with a tonneau cover. (the bad is short and low. the bag being upright, the handle sticks up a little when the cover is closed.)
But I switched to a 3 ball vise roller and use a single or double bag. With so many 4 ball bags in our league and limited space, I had to make the switch.
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Agreed, 4 ball rollers take up a bunch of space, but my backs getting worse as I age, I need to face up to it..... lifting 2 is easy, 3 and longer es no bueno.
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Did you ever consider using a 2 ball roller and a 2 ball tote with shoulder sling. I know what you are saying about being a senior, I'm thinking about going this way.
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I actually did exactly that a few times, but it's no better. Between the back and peripheral neuropathy, carrying the shoulder tote (of which I still have 2 for storing extra balls results in shoulder and lower back numbness. Goes under the category of stuff happens. I just need to adapt.
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Another alternative is two 2-ball rollers. Those are probably easier to lift in and out of vehicles than separate halves of a 4-ball roller.
As for your original question I agree with the others that have said the Storm bags have the smallest profile and are probably your best bet if you go that route. My brother has the red, white, and blue Roto Grip bag that was available a couple years ago and that also has a fairly low profile when the top is detached. Doesn't have enough storage for my tastes, but I carry everything with me and it's fine for the majority of people.
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I only own 3 ball totes due to primarily tournament bowling; however, I sub in leagues occasionally and bring 4 balls. 2 x 3-ball totes, 2 in each tote, and I use the extra space for towel, abralon pads, tape roll, accessory bag. Shoes and water bottle in a gym bag/backpack. Very manageable weight to lift out of a car/truck, and a fraction of the cost of a 4-ball roller.
I stopped using 2 ball totes because of the compression forces on the spine and causes some muscle imbalance and fatigue of postural muscles; sometimes even throws off my swing after hauling the 2 ball tote from the parking lot to the lanes all the way to the extreme ends of the house.
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my go-to bag is the storm rolling thunder series.
In my current bag, the someone bent the handle at a tournament when unloading from the truck. storm sent me a replacement, no questions asked.
Between my 2 bags and the 2 my dad had in this series they have given us a lot of warranty parts, free of charge and usually free of shipping/handling. Never even had them ask for proof that the bag in question was still under warranty.
I think the bags are top notch and the customer service has been second to none. a lot of different businesses could from it.
if the price is acceptable, I don't think you can go wrong with the rolling thunder series from storm.
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hands down, best bags out there - KR strikeforce
I have this one.
http://www.bowlingball.com/products/bowling-bags/kr-strikeforce/9571/lane-rover-4-ball-roller-blackwhite.html?gclid=CNGBqPyn488CFQccaQodLfcIvA
Its taken so much abuse between airlines and cars, stout set-up.
Returned some kind of Columbia bag because it lasted like 3 months
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hands down, best bags out there - KR strikeforce
I have this one.
http://www.bowlingball.com/products/bowling-bags/kr-strikeforce/9571/lane-rover-4-ball-roller-blackwhite.html?gclid=CNGBqPyn488CFQccaQodLfcIvA
Its taken so much abuse between airlines and cars, stout set-up.
Returned some kind of Columbia bag because it lasted like 3 months
Sorry, Dave, but the front and the side pockets f the new KRs are much smaller than they used to be and much smaller than the Rolling Thunder's. That's why I didn't get the KRs.
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i use a 2 ball roller with a single ball joey bag. it doesnt take up much space and its easy to,load and unload and cheaper .
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Dave, I've heard nothing but great things about the KRs, but I agree with Charlest, the latest models sure look like they downsized the accessory bags.
Jeff, my BMW trunk is 20.5 vertical clearance, so upright might be tight. I prefer upright just because I never know what will end up in the accessory bag and have tipped/spilled stuff before.
Mechanic, good thought on the Joey If I can find one I trust... I'll consider that.
Gotta say I like the new Hammer Carbon series, especially if they've fixed the quality problems by going to KR now. I love my detachable bag, and it has one.
Thanks to all.
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>>Sorry, Dave, but the front and the side pockets f the new KRs are much smaller than they used to be and much smaller than the Rolling Thunder's. That's why I didn't get the KRs.
I had a long conversation with KR about their ever shrinking pockets on their 4 ball bags. I told him I like to put an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper, folded once, in the top front pocket and that I can no longer do so. League rules and schedule were what I was talking about. He took my comments and seemed to understand. We'll see what happens with the next new 4 ball bag. I know have a Storm Rolling Thunder. Biggest pockets currently on a 4 ball bag.
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Hmm, didn't know that, mine is 4+ years old.
KR is making all the EBI stuff now as well
Interesting to see what they look like
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that's the thing with 4 ball rollers and me..... there's so much space, especially the Storm bags, that I feel the need to fill those pockets up. (Great when I travel out of town for all weekend tourney)
I remember putting portable fans, extra pair of socks and shirt, bag of chips, drinks, and extra towels for the balls and one for my face.