BallReviews
General Category => USBC Tournament => Topic started by: lefty50 on March 08, 2016, 10:21:19 AM
-
I decided to switch away from using BBE this year since my wife is checking her luggage, and I get a free bag anyway. I may hate myself later, but it saves $150 and pays for my lesson... :) I used to take balls in checked baggage years ago, and know that they can be manhandled. Looking for current packing suggestions and wondering if there are any really good options for travel bags, which always seemed to be lacking in the past. I plan on taking three balls (3x15) plus bag = close, but safe on 50lbs...
All input appreciated.
-
you will need to use a tournament tote. The ones with wheels will depend on whose you have but with the totes i have and 15lb bowling balls my bag normally comes in at 49.5Lbs. I weigh each ball and plan which balls are in the bag. Good Luck.
-
Last year I used a Radical 3ball tote with wheels for the flight to El Paso. The bag itself only weighs 5 lbs, and I had 3 14lbs in it.
-
Be aware that your scale may not agree with the airline's. I usually weigh at home with two different scales and the airlines always say it is heavier.
-
For the last 10 years or so I have used 2 ball totes.
I've seen far too many wheeled bags busted up. And as stated above 3 ball carriers are pushing the 50 lb limit.
-
i have always used the vise triples. with 3 15 pound balls they come in about 48.5lbs. ive never had a problem. we used to even put a 16 and 2 15s in one and never had a problem
-
Follow-up question, particularly for those using the tournament totes, which are much more flimsy... at least mine is. Do you pack anything around the balls in case the baggage bozos attempt to qualify for an Olympics distance throwing event using your equipment bag?
-
Follow-up question, particularly for those using the tournament totes, which are much more flimsy... at least mine is. Do you pack anything around the balls in case the baggage bozos attempt to qualify for an Olympics distance throwing event using your equipment bag?
I put them in the bag just as I take them to league. I have never had any issues. Balls are tough.
The sturdier (tougher) your bag the less likely it will come home that way. I have specific bags for nationals as they are bags that have been destroyed by the airlines already.
-
I usually just do a double tote. A third ball isn't going to dictate me bowling good. Also most 2 ball totes can fold down and be put in a suitcase. So can a ball. Lol travel light and put a ball in each suitcase Bahahahahaha
-
Two ball tote and carry it on. Fits under the seat in front of you!
-
If your flying southwest you can check 2 bags 1 suitcase and 3 ball tote(kr meets requirements) then you can carry on 2 bags also 1 2 ball tote fits under the seat and a back pack that fits in the overhead or check 2. 3 ball totes take a carry on suitcase and a back pack that will go under the seat.
-
I have used the same Vise 3 ball tote the last two years. I have not had any problems or damage.
-
I have a Motiv travel bag, the whole top unzips (clear plastic on top zipper on each side) little plastic handle pulls both zippers at the same time. I'm sure everyone know the type. Anyway on my trip to the Military Bowling Championships in Vegas I forgot to tuck the little plastic handle under the Velcro and some TSA or baggage handler tried to pick the bag up by it and broke it. Only damage I've had with it and I've used it for years.
-
Thanks for all the feedback. I will admit I'm really surprised people are using the tourney bags and even more surprised you aren't using padding of some sort. Those bags just aren't that strong or protected.... I know ballls are tough, but baggage people aren't going to handle the bags like you would. Very interesting feeeback.
-
Two ball tote and carry it on. Fits under the seat in front of you!
Be careful of this. Depending on the TSA agent, bowling balls can be considered lethal weapons and they won't let you carry it on. It happened to a friend of mine. I use a 3-ball travel. Used to use Vise, an with 3-15lb it was at a high 49lb. Purchased a Storm and it had longer straps. Longer straps put the 3-15lb at 50.3. I purchased a 14lb spare and am now back under 50lb.
-
I'll add one thing to that. Years ago before I started using BBE I had one USBC trip where TSA said I couldn't carry on because X-ray wouldn't see thru the ball and they couldn't guarantee it. While we were arguing his supervisor came up (A bowler thankfully) and let me get on. Stuff happens....
-
Yeah.. I had some questions passing through LAX one year. Cores look cool on the x-ray