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Author Topic: First Thoughts on The 9s  (Read 23386 times)

Steven

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First Thoughts on The 9s
« on: August 07, 2015, 05:21:43 PM »
I picked up my new "THE 9" shoes today, and threw 3 games to make sure I didn't make an expensive mistake.  ;D 
 
Here are some of my first impressions: 

The 9s have a more streamlined profile than my SST8s. When I first looked at them, I almost thought they would be too small. But when on the feet, they're every bit as roomy as my SST8s. As advertised, the leather is soft, and they're comfortable without any need for break-in. It did take me the first two games to comfortably wear in the new S7 sole. I used one of my broken-in H7 red leather soles from my SST8s. The H5 that comes with the 9s is too much brake for my tastes.
 
The design of the 9s should correct a few of the major complains about the SST8s. First, there is finally a replaceable toe guard. It's built into the replaceable soles that integrate perfectly into the shoe. Wear out the toe guard? Simply replace the sole. It's a vast improvement over the clunky toe cap used on the 3G Ultras. Second, the 9s have built-in sole flex points that should largely eliminate the cracking many experienced on the SST8s. That's the problem that finally killed my SST8, although I got 5 years and close to 3,000 games out of the pair.
 
Only time will tell if the improved design translates to longevity. My initial impressions of the 9s is that they're solid and should last as long as I want to keep them. Given the total dollar investment, I'm hoping so…...

 

Olderdude

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Re: First Thoughts on The 9s
« Reply #1 on: August 07, 2015, 06:09:17 PM »
Do they only come in right handed?  I look on line and there is no left handed option

Impending Doom

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Re: First Thoughts on The 9s
« Reply #2 on: August 07, 2015, 06:14:46 PM »
Now we need a comparison of them and the TPX-U's.

Steven

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Re: First Thoughts on The 9s
« Reply #3 on: August 07, 2015, 06:17:44 PM »
OlderDude:  It's a single sole/heel design to accommodate either left or right handers. They call it their symmetrical outsole system.
 
Doom:  Does the TPX-U have a replaceable toe cap??
« Last Edit: August 07, 2015, 06:21:09 PM by Steven »

Olderdude

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Re: First Thoughts on The 9s
« Reply #4 on: August 07, 2015, 06:31:31 PM »
thanks

Impending Doom

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Re: First Thoughts on The 9s
« Reply #5 on: August 07, 2015, 06:59:01 PM »
No idea, man. Just heard that they're as comfy as all get out. Too bad I wear size 7s. :(

eglleftcoast

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Re: First Thoughts on The 9s
« Reply #6 on: August 08, 2015, 07:58:42 AM »
Now, only if they came in white......

billdozer

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Re: First Thoughts on The 9s
« Reply #7 on: August 08, 2015, 08:48:55 AM »
I keep hearing people wearing out the toes on the tpus....
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...???

hammajangs

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Re: First Thoughts on The 9s
« Reply #8 on: August 08, 2015, 11:50:50 AM »
You sold me on REPLACABLE TOE CAP!  My TPU-X toe cap is slowly wearing down.  Slowly because I put tape on that area to protect it. The 9's may possible be my next shoe.

directdrill

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Re: First Thoughts on The 9s
« Reply #9 on: August 09, 2015, 06:09:20 PM »
I keep hearing people wearing out the toes on the tpus....

That's exactly what happened to mine.  After approximately 12 games, the velcro pad on the plant foot wouldn't stick.  Received a replacement sole, and after about 12 games, it did the same.  I got my money back and went back to 3Gs.

dougb

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Re: First Thoughts on The 9s
« Reply #10 on: August 09, 2015, 06:54:13 PM »
The toe cap is what is finally going to retire my SST 8s after 7+ years.

sixfiend

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Re: First Thoughts on The 9s
« Reply #11 on: August 18, 2015, 10:08:06 PM »
i should be picking up a pair this week, will update on my first thoughts real soon!
------------
sixfiend

SG17

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Re: First Thoughts on The 9s
« Reply #12 on: August 20, 2015, 09:59:07 PM »
I have been considering getting THE 9.  one of my biggest issues with my black/red SST8 is that as a toe dragger I tend to leave marks on the approach.

The marks seem to come from the side of the sole, not from the leather top of the shoe.

any one have information regarding if THE 9 marks up the lanes if I drag the toe?  my old worn out SST5s, SST6s and Tour ultra's that I have had over the years never did this.

Azaelv

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Re: First Thoughts on The 9s
« Reply #13 on: August 21, 2015, 04:35:19 AM »
The toe cap is what is finally going to retire my SST 8s after 7+ years.

I had to retire my traction shoe after couple months of use (3 months) because the velcro pad will not stick anymore, so I use my asics as traction shoe, I guess I'm an ultra toe dragger
Motiv Paranoia 40*4*55
Motiv Jackal Carnage 40*4*55
Hammer BWRLS 50*4*55
RG Haywire 40*3.5*50
Storm Rocket 4.5*4*2
Motiv Burn 50*5*40
Motiv Tag 50*5*40
RG Devour 55*5.5*60
Motiv Venom Shock 45*3 3/4*35

PAP 4 3/4" left 1/2 up
Revs: 400.     Ball Speed: 16 mph

BackToBasics

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Re: First Thoughts on The 9s
« Reply #14 on: August 21, 2015, 09:25:44 AM »
The TPUX are by the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn. What is ridiculous about the bowling shoe industry is that they seem to focus on bowling needs first (15K replaceable heel and soles) and not shoe and feel comfort (i.e. golf shoes).  The TPUX seems like the first shoe where they emphasized the shoe first and added bowling features second.

I tried SST8s a few years ago and they were horrible for my arch and heels.  Sold them after a few weeks.  The 9s seem like they continue with that same flat base support which is ridiculous given the price.