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Author Topic: Big B TPU, and other versions of this shoe  (Read 8990 times)

billdozer

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Big B TPU, and other versions of this shoe
« on: October 01, 2019, 09:17:53 PM »
Overall thoughts over time now they have been out for such a long time?

Got a deal on some kr strikeforce raptors...I'm ok if they wear out in a season or two...

Didnt they also make the hammer forces, pyramid Hpx and possibly some others?

Thanks
In the bag [Infinite Physix, Volatility Torque, Night Road, Phaze III, Burner Solid, Hustle AU]
*Now Testing* IQ Ruby, Renevant, another IQ Tour solid
Coming soon...???

 

Steven

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Re: Big B TPU, and other versions of this shoe
« Reply #1 on: October 02, 2019, 09:57:57 AM »
I've had the Pyramid HPX for over 2 years, and the recently released Hammer Boss shoes for a few months.
 
It's hard not to like the feel of this line of shoes. They're very soft and the ortholite insoles literally form to your feet. But like everything else, nothing is perfect. The weakness in all these shoes is the outer toe area construction. If you're a toe dragger or otherwise dig your big push off toe into the approach (like me), the fronts aren't going to last long. I think that's true even for the Hammer Boss, where the claim-to-fame is their new Krystalized rubber outsoles. 
 
My solution for my HPX shoes was to have a shoe repair shop reinforce the outer toe with a strip of tough leather. It looks like a natural extension of the toe, and it's given the shoes at least another year of good life. I did the same leather reinforcement to the Boss push off shoe, and at the same time had the shop replace the original strip on the HPX. 
 
If you're easy on push off toes, then you're good to go. The KR's should give you some good life.
« Last Edit: October 02, 2019, 10:07:23 AM by Steven »

Bowlaholic

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Re: Big B TPU, and other versions of this shoe
« Reply #2 on: October 02, 2019, 12:49:17 PM »
I have owned the Brunswick TPU's for four years this November. I bowl 20-25 games per week (2 leagues, plus practice) and these shoes are still like new condition (did have to replace the shoe laces due to wear).
The above poster is correct about toe drag.  However, I fixed this with a 3 inch piece of Velcro (fuzzy side) attached over the factory toe guard which really isn't much of a guard at all.  The Velcro lasts a long time and you can easily monitor wear which tells you when to remove and install a new piece.  For me about every five to six months.
These shoes are so comfortable and I feel they give me very good support as well.  When they finally do wear out, I hope KR Strikeforce will still be making them under whatever brand, as I will be buying them again.

Steven

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Re: Big B TPU, and other versions of this shoe
« Reply #3 on: October 02, 2019, 01:20:06 PM »
Bowlaholic, how do attach the velcro?

Bowlaholic

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Re: Big B TPU, and other versions of this shoe
« Reply #4 on: October 02, 2019, 02:57:08 PM »
Steven,
I buy the self adhesive black Velcro.  About 3/4" wide.  Use the fuzzy strip side (I never tried to use the hard loop side) and cut into pieces about 3' in length.  Just apply to the front toe guard with the lower edge of the Velcro strip right up against the front edge of the push sole (for a right hander).
The adhesive on the Velcro strip is very strong, but not strong enough where you can't remove it.  When I change the Velcro strip I don't even clean the factory guard as any adhesive residue just helps the new piece stick even better.
As I stated I have been doing this for four years about every 5-6 months and it's no problem at all and only take a couple of minutes to do.
Hope this answers your question.

Steven

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Re: Big B TPU, and other versions of this shoe
« Reply #5 on: October 02, 2019, 04:59:09 PM »
Yes, question answered.
 
I understand that your Velcro solution has worked well for your personal wear on the front. I’m not sure the Velcro by itself would help much with the friction points I create. It will be about 2 years until the leather I added wears down. I’ll try to remember to test out Velcro when that happens.

MI 2 AZ

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Re: Big B TPU, and other versions of this shoe
« Reply #6 on: October 03, 2019, 03:12:07 AM »
I have owned the Brunswick TPU's for four years this November. I bowl 20-25 games per week (2 leagues, plus practice) and these shoes are still like new condition (did have to replace the shoe laces due to wear).
The above poster is correct about toe drag.  However, I fixed this with a 3 inch piece of Velcro (fuzzy side) attached over the factory toe guard which really isn't much of a guard at all.  The Velcro lasts a long time and you can easily monitor wear which tells you when to remove and install a new piece.  For me about every five to six months.
These shoes are so comfortable and I feel they give me very good support as well.  When they finally do wear out, I hope KR Strikeforce will still be making them under whatever brand, as I will be buying them again.


I own the TPUs also and I also put a strip of the loop velcro on the front edge of my non-sliding shoe.  That was at least two years ago and the shoes still look good.  The only thing I noticed was that my laces were starting to wear and I wanted something that I could remove my shoes easier without having to tie them all the time so I put a pair of the Lock Laces on them.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HPD3638/

Recently one of the new senior bowlers noticed that his shoes were leaving marks on the approach so we put a strip of the loop velcro on the front of his non-sliding shoe and it eliminated the marks on the approach. 

.
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billdozer

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Re: Big B TPU, and other versions of this shoe
« Reply #7 on: October 03, 2019, 09:33:36 PM »
Well just to let everybody know the or strike force raptors were on eBay for $44+16 shipping. I got me and a friend a pair at that price....
In the bag [Infinite Physix, Volatility Torque, Night Road, Phaze III, Burner Solid, Hustle AU]
*Now Testing* IQ Ruby, Renevant, another IQ Tour solid
Coming soon...???

billdozer

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Re: Big B TPU, and other versions of this shoe
« Reply #8 on: October 05, 2019, 08:52:12 AM »
Tried em on at home, felt like a pair of Nikes. If they hold up and I'm ok on different surfaces, these are totally the way to go.
In the bag [Infinite Physix, Volatility Torque, Night Road, Phaze III, Burner Solid, Hustle AU]
*Now Testing* IQ Ruby, Renevant, another IQ Tour solid
Coming soon...???