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Author Topic: Adjusting pads on shoes  (Read 3554 times)

lilpossum1

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Adjusting pads on shoes
« on: September 08, 2016, 10:19:38 AM »
I always thought it was pretty common sense, but apparently it isn't. For me anyway. How do you know which pad and heel to use? I have had issues with my slide heel turning outward like it is sliding further than the sole. And I tend to slide past the foul line an unfortunate number of times, almost always on my spare shots for whatever reason. Sometimes even being saved by coming up short because of my heel spinning. Anyway, last week I switched to a more agressive heel after fouling on a 10 pin spare. I stopped sliding across the foul line and the heel stopped wanting to slide more than the sole
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Good Times Good Times

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Re: Adjusting pads on shoes
« Reply #1 on: September 08, 2016, 10:33:20 AM »
Is it more of a consistent slide issue or more of a mechanics issue with you finishing way on top of the line? 

You shouldn't be up on the line and doing dances to avoid fouling.....and if that is the case treat the problem (the mechanics) at its source rather than using a lower number sole or more brakes on the heel.

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GTx2

2handedvolcano

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Re: Adjusting pads on shoes
« Reply #2 on: September 08, 2016, 10:56:37 AM »
Wet ones work great for the rubber part of your shoe
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Will expand arsenal after I polish my spares.

spmcgivern

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Re: Adjusting pads on shoes
« Reply #3 on: September 08, 2016, 11:26:14 AM »
If there is a problem with your approach, then definitely get that worked out as GTGT has stated.

However, if you are truly having issues with the shoes, here is what I try to accomplish.  I use the sole to determine my slide.  I try to have a sole that does not make me stop, yet not slip also.  I use my heel to stop.  If I am sliding okay, but my heel is not stopping me, then I need a "stickier" heel (the opposite is true for stopping to quickly).  This at least seems to be some of your problem.  You are sliding fine (no off-balance issues before trying to stop) but your heel isn't stopping you in time.

One thing to be aware of.  If you have been using the same sole and heel combo for a long time, they may actually need to have some maintenance done on them.  Everyone is different, but if any part is rough leather (suede-like) then an occasional brushing would be good.  If any part is rubber (Goodyear type), then the occasional lite alcohol treatment can keep the traction normal.  If it is somewhere in between (most heels are a type of rubber) then you will want to periodically remove any residue that accumulates (I will rub it on the carpet by simulating a lite sliding motion).  Be careful though since dirt and dust on soles will cause you to slide more and cleaning a large amount of this off your heel at one time will make you stop faster, maybe too fast.  So you may need to work in the heel some outside of competition.

And lastly, work in all of your soles and heals during practice sessions.  You don't have to actually bowl with them, but at least wear them and simulate using them.  This way when you need them, and you will at the most inopportune time, they will be ready to use without any breaking in.
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lilpossum1

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Re: Adjusting pads on shoes
« Reply #4 on: September 08, 2016, 02:05:29 PM »
I don't think it is a mechanic issue since I changed the heel. I think it was just a bad heel-sole matchup. The switch actually made me more balanced at the foul line since the heel isn't sliding out from under me. I just didn't know the proper way to decide what ones to use. I probably had a thousand games on that combination before I switched the heel and always did have the issue. (Yes the shoes are about done for.) I always wipe the dust and dirt off my shoes before each shot and scuff the soles about once a night with a rosin bag to help pull out any humidity picked up from carpeting
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Good Times Good Times

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Re: Adjusting pads on shoes
« Reply #5 on: September 08, 2016, 03:05:06 PM »
I have the Dexter SST6 shoe, I carry the S8 sole for tacky approaches, the S6 sole for most everything that is average and the S4 sole for slick approaches.

For heels I use the H5 for all approaches except the very slick ones, in which case I use the H2 Ultra Brakes (the maroon one).  Look into an H2 if you have Dexters, once it works in a bit it's a good heel. 

I feel with those 3 soles and 2 heels I'm prepared for most any condition.

If you feel the issue was the heel sliding out from under you, don't hesitate to add a brake heel to the bag of heels/soles.  Proper leverage at the release is essential!

Hope that helps some...
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cheech

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Re: Adjusting pads on shoes
« Reply #6 on: September 08, 2016, 04:33:26 PM »
for me its just a feel thing. trial and error making educated adjustments based on experience. the only time i have ever changed heels or soles came last summer at a tournament. it was a dead stop when sliding. thank god i always take the first shot half speed or else i wouldve been down by the arrows. i use the S2/H1 combo on everything. in this case i just changed the heel to the H5 so i wouldnt stop so fast and it worked. if it hadnt the next step probably wouldve to increase the sole number. remember you should be sliding on your toes with your weight forward so if youre starting to slide properly and you feel your heel come down and something goes wrong, its probably the heel thats the problem
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JazlarVonSteich

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Re: Adjusting pads on shoes
« Reply #7 on: September 09, 2016, 08:31:22 AM »
If you are using Dexter, they have a recommendation chart:
https://www.dexterbowling.com/soles-heels.aspx
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SG17

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Re: Adjusting pads on shoes
« Reply #8 on: September 10, 2016, 12:03:50 AM »
Quote from: lilpossum1 on September 08, 2016, 10:19:38 AM
I have had issues with my slide heel turning outward like it is sliding further than the sole.

the heal, regardless of which one, really shouldn't be moving around on the shoes while sliding.

My first question is: are the shoes in good shape?  has this occurred before the current season?

based on the description in your OP, it almost season like an equipment/shoe problem.  are the pieces of Velcro secured on both the shoe and the heal?

if you have ruled out the wear/tear of the shoes, and are focusing on the heal/sole combination I agree with Cheech that it is a trial and error process.  it was for me.

I carry an S6, S8, s9 (8/10 saw tooth) and the s10 soles and all the heals that came with my shoes (SST 8s).  I am using the S9 and h7 heal at one center and the s8 and h5 at the other.  both were trial error process to figure out.
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