While it's hard to gauge these without actual merchandising numbers, I feel that the Contour Pro Sports are more popular than the Tenth Frame, which many places seem to be trying to dump from lack of sale. I don't know how true this is in actuality, but that is my perception.

I find Contour and Vise-Grip the softest ( I like soft); I find Turbo harder than these two. I didn't like Tenth Frame (can't remember why; it's been too long).
I think Vise-Grip has a couple of different hardnesses, as does Contour.

Regarding Tenth Frame inserts:

Is it because they are sticky?

I bought some when they were on sale last year but I never used them because they were so sticky, gooey.  I don't know if that wears off quickly or not as they are still in the plastic bag I put them in.


Edited to add:

I don't mean tacky.  That implies a grip or resistance to one's fingers.  I mean sticky as it leaves a sticky residue on the fingers when handling them.

Quote from: charlest on March 12, 2016, 07:39:27 PM

While it's hard to gauge these without actual merchandising numbers, I feel that the Contour Pro Sports are more popular than the Tenth Frame, which many places seem to be trying to dump from lack of sale. I don't know how true this is in actuality, but that is my perception.

I find Contour and Vise-Grip the softest ( I like soft); I find Turbo harder than these two. I didn't like Tenth Frame (can't remember why; it's been too long).
I think Vise-Grip has a couple of different hardnesses, as does Contour.

Regarding Tenth Frame inserts:

Is it because they are sticky?

I bought some when they were on sale last year but I never used them because they were so sticky, gooey.  I don't know if that wears off quickly or not as they are still in the plastic bag I put them in.


Edited to add:

I don't mean tacky.  That implies a grip or resistance to one's fingers.  I mean sticky as it leaves a sticky residue on the fingers when handling them.

Sorry, Gary, I really don't remember. Besides with Contour and, as an option, Vise, I have all the choices I need or want.

FYI Sizes are slightly different by brand. In Contour I use 25/32" and 3/4"; In Vise-Grips, I use 49/64" and 47/64"

The primary difference between Turbo & Vice is the shape of the inserts as the ovals are different thus fitting differently
Hardness is rather minimal in factuality but it is a feel thing...
Turbo & Vice are easily the leaders in sales..and mostly territorial....Vice west and Turbo east...

Back to the original post...  There is a pitch difference (1/4" I think), between lifts and ovals.  Ovals probably felt better and your hand lays flatter because you just gave yourself ~ 1/4" more forward in your fingers!

"So inserts with lift will change the pitches of the fingers?"

A knowledgeable driller will add enough reverse pitch to the pilot holes to offset the forward in the lift grips so you end up with the pitch your fingers need.  --  JohnP

It also, no matter the angle of the hole, effects the release speed...one has a ledge and other does not

There is still a difference in a drilled hole and an insert...inserts are designed to increase support on the fingers and slow the release speed...lift or otherwise
The material adds to the effect

It has to do with texture...that's almost everyone is missing...the primary factor is the texture vs a drilled hole and they are used to secure the grip better
If someone preferred the feel of the ledge in the lift but their flexibility dictates more away in the grip, then a qualified driller compensates with the angles
Feel as important as anything in gripping a bowling ball and supporting it properly...gripping or squeezing deters a proper release and understanding this improves a bowlers chance of a strong supportive grip that releases properly...due to gravity