BallReviews

Equipment Boards => Bags, Shoes, Accessories => Topic started by: xrayjay on October 11, 2016, 11:13:50 AM

Title: finger inserts, what brand?
Post by: xrayjay on October 11, 2016, 11:13:50 AM
What brand of inserts do you prefer?

I switched from turbo's to Vise three years ago, Vise seems a little firmer which I prefer.

I remember using  inserts that were even firmer than the two mentioned, but I don't remember the brand.
Title: Re: finger inserts, what brand?
Post by: WOWZERS on October 11, 2016, 12:01:16 PM
I like tight bridges as I used to use no grips, but getting older has caused me to use grips so I do not tear up my fingers, so I use Turbo Women grips...they are soft and very thin (which allows me to keep a tight bridge) but man do I have to replace them fast.
Title: Re: finger inserts, what brand?
Post by: SVstar34 on October 11, 2016, 12:02:51 PM
I switched from Vise to Turbo, I like the firmer feel of Turbo Quads better. Right now I'm testing out some Ultimate Inserts and I really like them so far
Title: Re: finger inserts, what brand?
Post by: xrayjay on October 11, 2016, 01:02:56 PM
I switched from Vise to Turbo, I like the firmer feel of Turbo Quads better. Right now I'm testing out some Ultimate Inserts and I really like them so far

are ultimate inserts much firmer?
Title: Re: finger inserts, what brand?
Post by: SVstar34 on October 11, 2016, 01:09:54 PM
I switched from Vise to Turbo, I like the firmer feel of Turbo Quads better. Right now I'm testing out some Ultimate Inserts and I really like them so far

are ultimate inserts much firmer?

I like the firmer feel of Turbo Quads, but sometimes I get a pair that is a little too firm and they tear the sides of my fingers every once in awhile.

The Ultimates I'm trying out are a little softer, but I've had no issues. Vise was just too soft for me
Title: Re: finger inserts, what brand?
Post by: itsallaboutme on October 11, 2016, 01:59:41 PM
Turbo classic pro if you want firmer inserts
Title: Re: finger inserts, what brand?
Post by: TWOHAND834 on October 13, 2016, 08:06:19 AM
I used to be a big advocate of Tenth Frame inserts.  I tried Turbo but they were too firm for me.  I then tried Vise and they have a closer feel to the Tenth Frame.  So that is what I currently use.
Title: Re: finger inserts, what brand?
Post by: BackToBasics on October 13, 2016, 09:57:06 AM
Turbo classic pro if you want firmer inserts

I used to use Turbo years ago when they first started. There Power Oval was my favorite becuase it was significantly firmer than the Contours at the time. I don't remember the Durometer Hardness though.   Any clue if the Classic Pros are as firm?
Title: Re: finger inserts, what brand?
Post by: itsallaboutme on October 13, 2016, 10:18:14 AM
I have no idea what the power ovals were, their current literature says the classic pro is 50 hardness and all their others are listed as 40.
Title: Re: finger inserts, what brand?
Post by: xrayjay on October 13, 2016, 10:45:07 AM
the quads I had before were softer than my current vise, but I think it was due to the age of the turbos and where the bags were stored. The turbo inserts were exposed to garage heat vs. the newer bag of inserts are stored in a climate controlled (AC) storage facility.

btw, I change out my inserts frequently on balls that get a lot of lane time. I don't use much glue (placed at 3 and 9 o'clock), but does the glue weaken the ball material over time?
Title: Re: finger inserts, what brand?
Post by: charlest on October 13, 2016, 12:05:21 PM
the quads I had before were softer than my current vise, but I think it was due to the age of the turbos and where the bags were stored. The turbo inserts were exposed to garage heat vs. the newer bag of inserts are stored in a climate controlled (AC) storage facility.

btw, I change out my inserts frequently on balls that get a lot of lane time. I don't use much glue (placed at 3 and 9 o'clock), but does the glue weaken the ball material over time?

I use and change inserts as often as anyone. I would say that if you use a discreet amount of glue, it will not weaken the resin coverstock. I put my glue more at 8:30 and 2:30 so it doesn't spread upwards; I need the top of the insert free to put shims in and out often.

I usually put the one drop of glue about 1/4 - 3/8" below the top of the ball. One drop of good glue at each side will keep an insert glued in place forever, until you pry it out.

I haven't had one ball crack at the fingers (other than one plastic ball that hit the gutter edge too hard) in 15 years or so. Heck, I haven't had one ball crack, period.
Title: Re: finger inserts, what brand?
Post by: J_w73 on October 13, 2016, 12:08:12 PM
I prefer Vise over Turbo.  The feel and sizing of the Vise seem more consistent.  The different colors in both brands have different firmness.  This isn't a marketing thing, it's just a physics thing. Different pigments have different properties.  I prefer the orange vise power ovals.  I would call them a medium-firm feel.  Clear are the softest.  I think the black or white inserts seem to be the hardest.
Title: Re: finger inserts, what brand?
Post by: Kegler300800 on October 14, 2016, 11:10:36 AM
The tried and true Contour Power Grips from Pro Sports Systems are still the best.
Title: Re: finger inserts, what brand?
Post by: xrayjay on October 14, 2016, 11:34:00 AM
the quads I had before were softer than my current vise, but I think it was due to the age of the turbos and where the bags were stored. The turbo inserts were exposed to garage heat vs. the newer bag of inserts are stored in a climate controlled (AC) storage facility.

btw, I change out my inserts frequently on balls that get a lot of lane time. I don't use much glue (placed at 3 and 9 o'clock), but does the glue weaken the ball material over time?

I use and change inserts as often as anyone. I would say that if you use a discreet amount of glue, it will not weaken the resin coverstock. I put my glue more at 8:30 and 2:30 so it doesn't spread upwards; I need the top of the insert free to put shims in and out often.

I usually put the one drop of glue about 1/4 - 3/8" below the top of the ball. One drop of good glue at each side will keep an insert glued in place forever, until you pry it out.

I haven't had one ball crack at the fingers (other than one plastic ball that hit the gutter edge too hard) in 15 years or so. Heck, I haven't had one ball crack, period.


thanks for that info.

I used to shim to when inserts get "loose" or softer over time. Actually did that a lot with turbos inserts. The Vise have the right size fit for my fingers that I don't need shims....
Title: Re: finger inserts, what brand?
Post by: ekster on October 14, 2016, 03:19:46 PM
If you want softer inserts, Turbo Ice or Black are their softest two.  The others are firmer.  IMHO.