Post by: Elite_Digger on November 14, 2011, 02:48:12 PM
Looking to get a 4-ball roller and I'm looking for the stackable 2 + 2 version that I can take apart. Had an inline 4-ball and hurt my back lifting it in and out of my car. =(
Just seeing what others would recommend, either from owning one, or observing one in action...I have one in mind, but I want to see if there's any others I should be looking at.
Thanks,
Digs
Never argue with an idiot....They'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience!
Post by: scotts33 on November 15, 2011, 12:21:29 AM
Scott
Post by: Sunshine n Lollipops on November 15, 2011, 05:18:44 AM
Hope you realize that just about all bowling bags are made by KR.
Don't believe in the Uzi, it just went off in my hand. I, I believe in love.
Post by: badbeard on November 15, 2011, 05:31:37 AM
Post by: ccrider on November 15, 2011, 07:00:50 AM
Those that can do. Those that can't complain. Pimpin ain't easy, but it's mandatory.
Most things we like, we don't need. Most things we need, we don't like. Don't confuse your likes with your needs.
Post by: vkowalski1970 on November 15, 2011, 07:40:23 AM
Ebonite Grand Tour....easy to pull apart and has lasted great
Nano................55x4.25x45.........500/2000
Nomad Solid.....60x4.5x35............1500 polished
Rising Star........60x4x40 1000 polished
Midnight Vibe.....60x5x40....4000 polished
Red Backlash......70x3x30....4000 polished
Post by: milorafferty on November 15, 2011, 09:28:12 AM
I love my Storm Rolling Thunder. You can get a 6 ball one and only use the separate components to make it a 4 ball until you need the extra room or you can just get the 4 ball version. The Storm bag isn't as large and bulky as the KR and Brunswick 6 ball roller.
I wouldn't get the Streamline model though, it doesn't seem to be a durable as the Rolling Thunder line.
Edited by milorafferty on 11/15/2011 at 10:30 AM
Post by: charlest on November 15, 2011, 09:50:08 AM
When I was looking last year, Storm's Rolling Thunder 4 ball (2 balls on top of 2 balls) had the best space arrangement and pockets, the best warranty (5 years) and the best wheels. It has been holding up very well rolling over some horrendous parking lots.
Now K&R and Brunswick has joined Storm in providing a 5 year warranty, one of the main reasons I went with Storm.
ALso I still prefer lifting only a 2 ball bag into the trunk of my car. The top bag sits on the bottom and I never attach them. So I have no trouble separating them if and when necessary. As for 3 ball bags, I think you need to be a weight lifter to constantly dead-lift that much ungainly weight (long bags) into and out of your trunk or the bed of your truck, time and again., WITHOUT doing some damage to your back. They're not that heavy, but they are awkward to handle and to maneuver into and out of your trunk or your truck. One twist the wrong way and ... pop! When you're 18 or 25 or 35, you're all but invincible, but even people that age have had back problems. Once you get older, the chances get higher for an injury without apparent danger.
"None are so blind as those who will not see."
"A comedian says funny things. A comic says things funny."
Post by: on November 15, 2011, 10:41:15 AM
My Brunswick Pro Player is in it's 7th year, and there is no end in sight. I bought my son the KR Lane Rover (same bag) about 5 years ago, and it still looks nearly new. Both of these have had 5 year warranties for as long as I can remember.
My advise is to spend the extra and get the best / strongest / frame / handle / wheels you can find. In the Storm line the Rolling Thunder is also very good. Do stay clear of the cheaper versions of these bags. The little extra you pay will be rewarded by years of use instead of months, and all the accompanying headaches.
Lane Carter, Strike Zone Pro Shops - Salt Lake City, Utah
Brunswick Pro Shop Staff
Brunswick Pro Shop Staff
The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation.
Edited by notclay on 11/15/2011 at 11:41 AM
Post by: MK on November 15, 2011, 01:28:13 PM
I have a KR Lane Rover bag and my son has a Brunswick Competitor Player bag. Both are made by KR and both are great bags. I would recommend.
I looked around at tournaments/leagues and asked folks what they liked and didn't like about their 4 ball bags before I bought mine. My criteria ended up being: (1) company reputation (KR only makes bags), (2) big wheel size/quality for easy rolling, (3) beefy aluminum extensions for strength and durability and a (4) good warranty (5 yr).
My only complaint is that two of the nylon connectors have broken off my KR after 6 months and I have to ship it to KR in Illinois to fix. They are standing behind their warranty but customer service has been slow to respond.
MK
Post by: Elite_Digger on November 16, 2011, 11:36:42 AM
Never argue with an idiot....They'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience!
Post by: Elite_Digger on November 22, 2011, 08:17:39 AM
In the end, I decided to spend a bit more $ and get the 4 ball Storm Rolling Thunder. I got it yesterday and was impressed at the quality. Large wheels, solid construction, good looking, lots of space, etc. They even threw in an extra buckle which is a nice touch. Not sure if I'm even going to buckle them as Charlest has stated...just stack them up and roll. Looking forward to putting it through it's paces.
It'll be alot easier lifting two 2-ball bags into the car than one 4-ball bag that's for sure!
Never argue with an idiot....They'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience!
Post by: scotts33 on November 22, 2011, 08:25:46 AM
I am too cheap one 3 ball tote and one 2 ball bag. Both can be carried. 5 balls. Wait til it starts snowing....you roll that bag thru the snow and drag it into Dream Lanes. 
How many tmes do we see this in northern climates. Water in the setee area by duffuss's rolling their stuff down there with snow that melts instantly. Not saying you do Scott but ya now what I mean.
Let it snow....let it snow! 
Scott
Post by: Elite_Digger on November 22, 2011, 12:07:47 PM
Pretty much the main reason for me getting a 4-ball roller is I don't want to carry anything. So getting a 3 ball tote/2 ball bag wouldn't work for me. Don't necessarily need 4 balls much less 5...I'd still have to lift 3 balls into the car with one and carry a 2 ball bag with the other. Even carrying a two-ball bag any distance is hard on my bad back. Rather save my back strength for what counts...bowling. Never had any problems dragging my previous 4-ball bag through the snow. This isn't any lower to the ground albeit a bit wider. This has some pretty big/tall wheels...It will be fine.
As far as dragging snow covered equipment down into the settee area...well, that's pretty lame and dangerous besides. Hasn't been a problem on my league in the 6 years I've bowled on it. We have more problems with drunks spilling their drinks. 
Snow? Well, that's coming soon but heck, I'm still wearing shorts to bowling and will be golfing on Friday.
Never argue with an idiot....They'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience!
Post by: Walking E on November 22, 2011, 01:02:06 PM
I caught this topic a little late but also wanted to chime in with praise for the Storm Rolling Thunder. I like the durable wheels, 3-wheel design and the easy-to-detach upper bag. I also don't want to lift more than two balls into the trunk at once, so I would never consider a 3-ball bag (not that I'm in the market for a bag as I love my Rolling Thunder so much). I do, however, occasionally carry only two balls into the center, and the Rolling Thunder's upper section is a really nice two-ball bag in itself. The wide, strong shoulder strap makes it much easier to lug around than a typical 2-ball tote.
Official Member of the BrunsTrackColumStormHammEboRotoBuzzAMF Nation!
Also a member of ROB STONE NATION
Post by: Artimust on November 22, 2011, 01:03:53 PM
Good choice Elite! I have a silver/black Rolling Thunder and had it for about 4-5 years, and it is still solid. Best made 4 ball roller and the best looking imho. I'm definately getting another one when the time comes around to put this one to rest.
what color did you get?
I know it sounds like I'm in denial, but I'm not.
Post by: Elite_Digger on November 23, 2011, 08:08:25 PM
I'm not a big fan of blue...was looking for red or black of some sort so I settled for the silver/black combo. Took it to league last night and it worked great and I got a few compliments on it. Only complaint is there's so many storage pockets, I forgot where I put stuff...lol.
Never argue with an idiot....They'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience!
Post by: jbungard on November 24, 2011, 12:04:33 AM
I've been using a blue Storm Rolling Thunder 4-ball roller for over a year with no complaints. Good quality material, 5-year warranty, and plenty of storage. I also have a KR 6-ball roller that is good quality. I switched to the 4-ball roller as it is easy to separate the top bag from the bottom bag/roller, and is much easier on the back in lifting two balls at a time out of and into the car trunk. I still carry 6 balls most of the time but use the Rolling Thunder 4-ball roller and a Hammer tote 2-ball bag. Again, picking up 2 balls at a time is easier on me than the 6-ball roller which separates into one 2-ball bag and, unfortunately, the rest of the roller package which includes 2-bags, 4-balls and associated frame. The last I checked, the Rolling Thunder comes in blue and a crimson red. For what it's worth, I use Morich and Lane Masters equipment but respect the quality of the high end Storm 4- and 6-ball rollers as well as the KR high end 4- and 6-ball rollers. I like the Storm set-up marginally better but both meet the need and then some. I also echo charlest's and milorafferty's comments without exception.
MoRich DestroyR: 50x4x35, P3, P500/4000
MoRich Aggressive Motion: 60x3.5x30, P2.5, 500/resurrection
MoRich Perpetual Motion: 60x3.5x30, no hole, 1000/resurrection
Lane Masters Buzz: 70x4.5x50, no hole, factory polish
MoRich Mojave: 60x4.75x50, no hole, P4000
MoRich Spare, label negative, no hole, P4000
MoRich Aggressive Motion: 60x3.5x30, P2.5, 500/resurrection
MoRich Perpetual Motion: 60x3.5x30, no hole, 1000/resurrection
Lane Masters Buzz: 70x4.5x50, no hole, factory polish
MoRich Mojave: 60x4.75x50, no hole, P4000
MoRich Spare, label negative, no hole, P4000
Edited by jbungard on 11/24/2011 at 1:10 AM