Wrist Supports

[dthomp1231]

Can anyone tell me what would be a good wrist support to help me improve on my revolutions? Preferably suggested brands which have been successful in helping with this problem. Thank you

[dizzyfugu]

I won't give advice on a brand or product, but general things to consider:

Go to a pro shop and try several models. They range from simple gloves which enhance the grip onto the ball over small, light wrist linings to the huge "cyberarm" models.

You should feel comfortable with your device, and I'd go with the smallest/lightest one that will fit your needs. Especially the big ones can be cumbersome and feel really strange if you are not used to them, and the might limit the hand movement to a minimum. This can be desired, but also very limiting.

I'd also have in mind that the device should be easy to put on and off, with a consitent feel. This is very important if you take it off for spare shots.

Additionally, a wrist device will not necessarily help you develop a clean release for hook and powerful finish. This is a common misconception. It will add revs, yes, but as long as you do not get the thumb out of the ball in time and stay behind the ball, the effect on ball effectiveness (carry power and hook) might only be marginal. If this is behind your desire for revolutions, I'd rather invest some money in a coaching session.
A wrist device can still be necessary or beneficial, but it will simply not help you develop a "good" release.
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DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany
Wacky style video (Oct. '06)
"Put some make-up on your face -  Make this world a better place!" Kahimi Karie, 'Good morning world'

[Grayson]

Hi!

I tried:

Storm Strong Arm - this is very fast put on and of... also you can change the settings on the wrist itself for angle and side postion without taking the whole device of.
BUT: the wrist support only gives stability for one direction - you can always fold the wrist /cup the wrist

I only had tried on (never played with) a ProRelease:

Very stabilizing but if you want to change the postition of wrist "cupping" you have to take it of.

Both were too "much" and to strict for me.. I sold the StrongArm after one week.

I tried different gloves and also wrist "guards" etc.
more grib on the ball but still to strict.

Since two or three weeks I got rid of everything still with more revs by simply learning ...

A friend of mine always says:
"If you have a broken leg... you need a crutch. If your leg is fine... why use a crutch. A wrist support is somehow a crutch - why wear it if your wrist is fine?"... I know that is not everyone's oppinion... some say these wrist supports really increase revs and aiming...
For me it was just too strict.

Try it as Dizzy said and see how it works.
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"Have fun and bowl well!" - Grayson


Check out my Vid in my profile.. just short clips cut together about how I bowled and how I play today

and by the way... I am a "Fritz" a "Jerry"... I am from Germany! (And please don't call me Kraut! Cause then I call you Dumbarse)

[Hogsharley]

quote:

"...Does using a wrist device make you less than a true bowler?  No way.  Is a "wrister" a crutch?  Nope.  It's a tool that many bowlers have used to build successful careers."

Many pro's wear these and so do I. Just remember that once you start bowling with it and get used to wearing it, you may find it very hard to stop. I know bowlers that wanted to stop using them and found it difficult to transition out of them.

Just an observation.
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3 holes of fun!!

[baltimora]

i just transitioned out of my moro pro release. i actually get much better revolutions and pin carry without it. i had to shorten my span (due to wrist pain) but i get much better carry without a full wrist support. i now wear just a pro-grip sms force 10+ which is just a little rubberized strap that gives me a little extra stability without eliminating me coming through the ball. and yes transitioning away from a glove is hard to do. at least it was for me.
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[Kid Jete]

here's the one I picked up about a year ago...

http://www.buddiesproshop.com/product/2414/Robbys_Rev_II_Wrist_Support.htm


Honestly it made a night and day difference in revs and pin action.  Obviously everyone is different but it did wonders for me personally.  I'll let you know, though, it is a very very difficult transition to stop using a wrist brace... atleast for me it would be.  I have tried to get out of it and just can't seem to.  I finally decided just to use it for the forseeable future.  It works and I can't see a reason to stop using it.  You can adjust it for more or less wrist cup and can also chance the wrist position to create more or less axis tilt.  Not sure if this will help ya but don't be afraid to try a few out if you're like me it will be worth it.

[dizzyfugu]

Personally, I'd like to get rid of mine. But since I had a huge problem with my hand 1 year ago I have been using my ProRelease - and haven't had health problems anymore. Funny thing for me ist that I mainly use it to take the ball's weight off of my hand while I hold it in the adress position. I leave the hand strapper away so I can freely cup my wrist and have proper control.
I'll keep it until the season's end, but I think I will start practicing without it during the summer, hoping my hand is restored and I may get along without it, since I do not want to rely too much on accessories.

Nevertheless, the support has had a vital part in keeping up my favorite sport, so it is a kind of hate/love relationnship
--------------------
DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany
Wacky style video (Oct. '06)
"Put some make-up on your face -  Make this world a better place!" Kahimi Karie, 'Good morning world'

[baltimora]

dizzy i felt the same way you did. what i did is shortened my span, practiced with a 1 lb lighter ball, did reps with 2 and 5 lb weights and dealt with a month of pain while i got stronger. it did get better and now i have no pain. now i am just getting to be consistent shot wise which did go away a little while i was essentially relearning how to throw a ball. one step back to hopefully go two steps forward in the long run....
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[Grayson]

It is just my friend's oppinion...

And I tried and it didn't work for me.

I appreciate that the wrist support can increase the accuracy as the special jackets,shoes and stuff do for the people doing shooting.

So as I wrote: "Have a try and see how it works or not"

ok so far for that. Let's let that subject rest please.
--------------------
"Have fun and bowl well!" - Grayson


Check out my Vid in my profile.. just short clips cut together about how I bowled and how I play today

and by the way... I am a "Fritz" a "Jerry"... I am from Germany! (And please don't call me Kraut! Cause then I call you Dumbarse)

[Gazoo]

I would start out with something basic that does not cost to much and make sure you like it first before buying one of those roboarms. (Basic Robby's would be a good choice). I think a good compromise is the Mongoose Lifter. Very comfortable, not to restrictive, and easily taken on or off. The price is reasonable depending on where you get one. If you really want to turn the ball, one with an extended index finger provides alot of side roll which is what you need, but will be very awkard at first.

[crankncrash]

I have to agree with the folks here. If you get one it is real hard to get away from it.  I hurt my wrist AGAIN this year and dealt with a Robby's Revs for a couple of weeks and now I have difficulty ( due to soreness in the wrist ) getting away from it even though I don't the revolutions or the hit that I get with out it.  On another note, it did help me correct some basic armswing flaws I was dealing with prior to its use.  So, overall I would say if you are not hurt, I would not use one, especially if you want to learn to develop your game to adapt to more shots, but if it is an injury situation, sometimes you have no choice.

[thedjs]

First, this may not help because I am a senior bowler with slower speed and low revs and I only average in the mid 190's.

I have been using a Robby's Rev for the past three years.  After having my balls adjusted (span and thumb pitch) to fit using the support, I have found that I get a little more revs on the ball and am able to stay behind the ball better.  I do not have a problem with spares and I leave the support on even for the 10 pin.  

I do agree that after using it for a while, it is very difficult to bowl without it.

Recently I have tried the Ebonite Z-Loc 1 and found it increases my rev rate quite a bit, however, after a few games it made my wrist sore so I put it away and went back to the Robby's.  

I have tried other supports and gloves over the years and I think (for me) the Robby's is probably the best.  It is very light weight and can be adjusted without removing it.  It will not, however, suddenly make you a better bowler.  Its just a tool.

Hopes this helps.

[dizzyfugu]

quote:It will not, however, suddenly make you a better bowler.  Its just a tool.

Very well said. I think as long as any user is aware of this, everything is fine. Supports CAN be useful - when they fix a specific problem.

It is IMHO just important not to "succumb to the dark side of the force" and thing that you get revs, hook and accuracy just by spending some bucks and strapping on the largest "cyberarm" you can find.
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DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany
Wacky style video (Oct. '06)
"Put some make-up on your face -  Make this world a better place!" Kahimi Karie, 'Good morning world'

[Borincano]

dthomp1231

Do what baltimora just wrote. Strength your wrist and forearm by doing some exercises. This will give you the edge. I started with 5 and 6 pounds until I got to manage 15 and 20 pound dumbbells weights which are the bowling ball weights and more for extra endurance.

quote:dizzy i felt the same way you did. what i did is shortened my span, practiced with a 1 lb lighter ball, did reps with 2 and 5 lb weights and dealt with a month of pain while i got stronger. it did get better and now i have no pain. now i am just getting to be consistent shot wise which did go away a little while i was essentially relearning how to throw a ball. one step back to hopefully go two steps forward in the long run....
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[billy2gun]

I have the blue Ebonite "all in one" type gloves, combination wrist support and bowling glove. About two weeks ago I bowled six practice games. I'm still learing to hook using a 14lb. Scout/R. I threw some games with the full wrist support on, then a couple with the metal bar out, and then a couple with no wrist support. At present I am having success hooking with the glove on than without.

One thing I don't like about the Ebonite glove is that it was difficult to keep my wrist cupped throughout my swing. So, I took the metal bar in the glove and bent it like....3 to 5 degrees???, and I'm looking to bowl some practice games with the adjustment to see what kind of effect that'll have.

Edited on 2/13/2007 9:06 AM