Your tape is installed wrong or you are using the wrong tape.
It sounds like you are using the blue tape that comes on a roll and that will never work. That is supposed to go on your thumb. You need to use the grip strips. Like found here Turbo Grip Strips
It’s called My Bowling Scoreboard on Google Play, and just My Bowling on Apple App Store (Pro and Ultra versions also available at cost)
The MarketWatch story mentions AMF only buying the bowling alleys not the balls. It does look like they are trying to sell that division off too.
I'm no expert, but I think the damage could be from multiple reasons; from technique to the size of the hole.
I had the same issue, but this fixed it:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018ROMORM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_23AQ2XHFQ29KANRCJBFN
Premier Bowling Scorekeeper (BDSS!) - Apps on Google Play
This free version manages just one person. If you upgrade for $1.99 you can manage as many people as you want. Works well for managing your team or Baker bowling.
Here are my scores - Game 1 : 147, Game 2 : 99, Game 3 : 156 (https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=3E823E749E42BC00!1255&authkey=!AGGGLn1hn9DCjMg&v=3&ithint=photo%2cjpg) - had a 48 flat pattern this week, and my thumb shrunk so my Lock didn't fit me well so I had to struggle with the Bandit
With the name recognition of Brunswick, I doubt you'll see the brand/name die.
I very much understand that this is an assumption, but...
"Brunswick stated its current plan assumes that the eventual purchaser will retain both the manufacturing operations and the talented workforce of Bowling Products. During the sale process, Bowling Products will maintain ongoing operations and conduct business-as-usual, while keeping its employees, distribution network and customer base informed of the sale's progress." Source.
so... apparently I should not bowl in 12 days more often. last game showed me how important spares are, started off with 4 spares, missed a 5th then rattled off a 5 bagger with 9/ to end in the 10th for a 223.
243 173 223 639 link
got in right before youth tournament started at my lanes today after flying in last night around 11pm and flying out at 9am tomorrow.
/u/kckunkun - what you got?!
Mongoose "Lifter Bowling Wrist Band Support Brace Right Hand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IJN2JBI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_47FM6VM25BYGX005E9B7
This right here was the best money I spent when learning how to hook. Keeps your hand positioned, to teach you how your hand should be when at the approach. Best way I can explain it lol. Still, awesome product
I don't have an injury, per se, but I'll occasionally have some wrist pain probably unrelated to bowling (most likely a result of being on a computer all day with poor posture, though I've improved that significantly lately). I've been a little hesitant to ditch the brace because of a combination of that pain and just being significantly less consistent without it, but I'm willing to give it a shot. Does something like this fit the description of what you're talking about?
Thanks for the advice. I am definitely going to work on a straighter approach and staying lower at the end as well.
Bend your wrist backwards, you mean?
Depends on wrist strength and personal preference, I think. I, personally, wear one for league nights/tournaments, partially for consistency's sake and partially because my wrists are already sad from working as a keyboard jockey. It can help reinforce proper form so you know how to go without it as well.
I'll take it off about 50/50 for practice, though, to work on keeping a strong wrist as well as having more degrees of freedom to work on release.
I'm sure it's telling that nearly 0% of pros wear one, I can tell that it (by design) limits what I can do with my hand/wrist, but if it works for you, it works for you. I ordered several from Amazon and kept the one I liked. Ones like Robby's Revs (II and III) were too bulky and complicated; glove-style doesn't let me feel the ball, the small wrister style didn't feel like enough. Ended up with a Mongoose, I particularly like the open palm to let me feel the ball.
Ah gotcha. If you'd rather do it yourself, get a 2000-grit Abralon pad (like this one from Amazon) and sand it by hand.
I know you said you don't want a tow strap & small wheels because of the terrain issue, but if you're on asphalt/carpet/stairs/tile then that's not going to make a difference at all tbh.
As I've told others many times, I think the Vise 3-ball bag plus shoe compartment ($90 shipped from Amazon) is one of the best options out there. I have two of the bags plus one shoe compartment and love them. Has plenty of space for accessories but without the bulk that you get from those two bags that you linked. Plus, they're tough as nails (I flew with one of mine last month and the bag came out completely unscathed).
I use vise hada tape strips when I bowl. They're cheap enough and stay put even after 9 games or so... There's different slickness levels too.
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00EREJ49S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_0vILFbGZ3D88M?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Someone commented that this bag tips easily? I took a test drive today after loading it up with three 15 lb balls and gear and misc bull crap and didn’t see that issue. It’s 109 for this color and ten more for others on Amazon in case your wondering. Here’s the link hope it works.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EJCC69I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_LUa2AbJHR42SP
You may get lucky with your PSO maybe they have an old demo. Also check 5 miles app and letgo. Good luck. I’m very pleased with the bag. The storage is great.
It does not have ball strap in it. I’m going to rig something up parts from my old ebonite bag which has them. I loved that bag i got it for 30 used and it served me great. Even flew with it.
Like i said you may get lucky. Those deals go fast because bags are hella expensive.
So I am not sure if you are wanting something that goes past your wrist and covers your hand, if not I started to have wrist issues a few years ago and needed something to wear for support and I ended up starting to use the Brunswick wrister, it is basically a wrist only support it has really helped. Don't have much if you are looking more for a positioner.
​
If you read Mark Baker's book not having a crossover step during your power step is one of the most harmful flaws. Your third step really blocks your swing path and makes you redirect and come around the ball. It's a great book and inexpensive on amazon if you get the kindle version. https://www.amazon.com/Game-Changer-simple-improving-bowling-ebook/dp/B007SXHZTQ
I personally have been using tac-up for several years now and it does a great job on all of my gear (from several different manufacturers). Amazon link to a 32oz bottle for reference: https://www.amazon.com/Tac-Bowling-Ball-Cleaner-Ounce/dp/B006VPBT30/
I use https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.peterhohsy.mybowlingultra
I eventually upgraded from the free version to pro (to support an extra player besides myself) to ultra (to track multiple teams of 4+)
I used Pinpal for a while but switched back to Bowling Scorer for Android. Pinpal is more polished but I like the calendar-based interface of Bowling Scorer a lot more. It also exports to images nicely for sharing.
Try to work on the hand position first. That'll make it way easier to work on your release. Frankly, there's no point in working on that release if your hand isn't even in the right place. The throw will be unrecognizable when your hand is under the ball.
When you do start working on that release though make sure you're not just trying to twist your wrist/rotate your hand to create spin. It's not just about getting it to move left and right, you need to have that forward drive as well. When you hear people talk about "flick" that's a lot different than just spinning the ball. In the clip, you can see that it shoots off to the right a bit on contact... because it's spinning like a top and has no forward motion. You'll see that change when you get your hand under. You'll also feel that change pretty much immediately.
Chopsticks' drills seem pretty good. Also, if you have any wrist strength issues it's really easy to make something like this at home. You just need some kind of handle, a drill, a string, and a weight. Mine is a broken hockey stick with a shoelace that's ties around two 5lb plates.
Here is a two ball roller with a really big shoe compartment that should easily hold two pairs of shoes. If you get more balls later, you can get another bag then.
ELITE Basic Triple Roller 3 ball... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B82Z5VGH?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
This one is great for a beginner that needs 3 balls and two shoe slots. It’s basically the Amazon basics of bags so it’s not going to be the build quality of a storm back but I haven’t had any problems with it. Holds 3 balls has nice wheels and holds two pairs of shoes
Yeah it’s a lot of pressure planting. The slide sock will help you a lot. At first when I first tried it on it made me feel like I was sliding all over the place took it off after a few tries. And eventually kept coming back to it. May take a couple games to not feel awkward. slide sock I use
I just bought this tripod and it comes with a Bluetooth remote.
Do yourself a favor and get a tripod before you smash your phone with your ball.
Or anything similar.
I would just recommend some Loctite Super Glue, less than $5, and cures within a few seconds. I keep a bottle in the side pocket of my bag and it works great.
Its actually a well researched phenomenon...
Its a situation where the American populace has become much more atomized and doesnt really "do" things with each other the way they used to. Bowling leagues, softball leagues, etc...were the defacto things people did to meet their neighbors and community. It was an important part of the week to get out and be with people and get to know the people you lived around. Since the 80s, the focus became much more on "gotta get the kids to practice", Ill stay in and play video games by myself or more "selfish" hobbies that may be fun, but dont develop social networks built around adult networking.
Bowling, for me, is still something that I love doing, because I get to spend one night a week with a group of friends AND with a group of people that I wouldnt normally see in my day to day life.
Here is a great book on the topic...
https://www.amazon.com/Bowling-Alone-Collapse-American-Community/dp/0743203046
A lot of the two-handers I have bowled with have used finger wraps like this:
Unfortunately, it says it's not compatible with the SST9, but I'm not really sure why it wouldn't fit. Here's an Amazon link. It's not obvious from the listing, but it replaces the traction toe piece
The machines keep score, but in every league I've been in, there's a scoresheet that you have to fill out at the end of every game. You just copy down the ending scores from the screen. You don't have to write down every frame or anything like that. Typically there's only one sheet, so really anybody can fill it out, but the team captains have to sign the sheet at the end of the night. Typically the sheets look something like this.
If your league is still using cash, typically you'll also be the one that needs to make sure the envelope has the right amount of money in it and is filled out and turned in. Those will be something similar to these.
Then you'll also be the team's representative at any league meetings that might happen throughout the league. These meetings will vary in frequency, but in most leagues I've been in, there's one at the start of the league, and then any others are as needed and pretty infrequent. Those will be for things like voting on new league rules and stuff like that.
Real. Like in this link would work.
Store your reactive wraped in the large one when leaving the lanes. Cut to any size.
Sorry for the poor use of quotations.
I use these. https://www.amazon.com/Bowlerstore-Classic-Rental-Bowling-Shoes/dp/B00RSP54CE
I don't care what others think about "style". I get what I like and what works for me. I'm not going to spend $100+ for shoes that I'm not going to wear that often/everyday and only for few hours at a time. This is just how I feel about it, if someone wants/is ok spending their money on those shoes then that's great. They're not for me.
https://www.amazon.com/Dexter-Mens-DexLite-Black-Right/dp/B07SRMFRTK Got these ones from the local pro shop, and am loving them so far. Super breathable and a Little cheaper than the SST series, no interchangeable heel but they have the removable slide pads. Comes stock with S8 pad. The Bowlero I go to has some shitty approaches and I can no longer slide on that pad lol.
If you order a pair of dexter's online go with half a size down from your normal size. I'm usually an 11 and the shoes had a good inch in front of my toes. 10.5 fit perfectly.
I have no experience but in my 5 minute research, I think I'd go for something like this.
My 3 ball roller is just over 28 inches if you count the handle but that might fit through the bars there.
If you're afraid of putting tape down I've seen people practicing with these or similar
I have an older version of this one:
It's basically just a bucket with a regulated heater and fan on it. The balls bake for an hour, and you turn it every 15 minutes. It works well for me. I run it every two weeks on my solids and hybrids. My pearls never seem to soak up much oil so I don't it very often for those.
They are actually Hudson Bearings. (Case of 10) Hudson Bearings BT-1CS Two-Hole Flange Mounted Ball Transfer, Carbon Steel, 1" Diameter, 75 lbs Load Capacity. but I'm sure HF ones would work all the same.
The metal goes along the back of the hand and wrist. It's not regulation in the pro league anymore which is bullshit. I doubt local leagues will care. Aside from the flat steel bar along the back of the wrist, it feels like a standard glove.
It's this one.
I've been using these for a couple years now and they're great. Had to get used to how easily my thumb released, but I can't go back now
Well I’m still dealing with those shoes. My brother however got these and he does like them.
Brunswick Slingshot Black/White Mens Size 10.5 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089WG9GPF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_RKMDF2AFQGSR2PDTYYAY
what about something like these label holders you usually find on filing drawers/cabinets
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07ZKSN43C/
can print out his highest score and drop in as it changes (you could even gift it to him with them preprinted 100-300 in a little box that he can keep with the pin
Was loyal to storm as a kid. Tried being loyal to motiv but didn't work out well so now I just buy whatever does what I want. My last ball purchase was this
This helps. GOZATO Auto-Start Wrist Power Gyro Ball, Wrist Strengthener and Forearm Exerciser for Stronger Arm Fingers Wrist Bones and Muscle with LED Lights https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08372XV9M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_NK6Q0P7S4Q7KEKZA33FH?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Years of baseball, bowling, phone use, and as a software engineer I’ve had wrist and forearm problems. This makes everything stronger and less painful.
I have these: Brunswick Men's Slingshot Grey/Yellow Bowling Shoes https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SRVH4QQ/
Look nice IMO, not very clunky, and the single Velcro lace/strap is easy to work with.
I have skinny/narrow feet so I did hem in the Velcro strap about 1 inch for a more snug fit.
I think my pro shop had them cheaper than amazon, but they did need to order them. Might be worth a call. Trying them on and getting the right fight is always nice.
PC, these real leather chamois here have served me well this year. 5 bucks (no pun) for 2 and deerskin which is crazy absorbent and more so than other hides (a normal person can't want to know that). The guys ribbed me a bit (well, alot) but totally saw the performance and value. Like so big, equates to a beach towel for bowling ball but can cut.
Side questions, leagues ending? good year? Big in house drive to start spring leagues?
I put on a Storm Xtra-Grip occasionally. Minimum size, works with my simple release style and how I work the ball. I think the aluminum brace can be removed if choose.
Its comfortable and can control the strap to allow for slight cupping or wrist breaking if desired.
Some times i wear cuz its just supper cool. That said, my inner king pin will not allow me to were mechanical braces. Oh hell no.
You could also just get a pair of street shoes and add a slider to the slide foot:
https://www.amazon.com/BOWLINGBALL-bowlingball-com-Bowling-Shoe-Slider/dp/B07PH2L2VM
Honestly I think shoes are one of the biggest scams in the industry.
grab a dumbbell and do some wrist curls, also try this thing to help you learn how to properly position your hand/wrist
They are cheap. Here a link to amazon. Includes three sizes for 9 bucks. The large size wraps the whole ball up or can be cut. Storing my ball wrapped in it with leathers wicking properties, sure can't hurt. Wipe my ball with it between first ball shots, my reactive stays tacky.
Toyed with having a buddies wife turn one into a see-saw. It would be one of a kind. If I could market, sell a million and make 1 buck per.. be golden LOL
I just use thumb tape like this.
Cho-Pat Tennis Elbow Support - I use this for tendonitis and it helps eliminate pain in my upper forearm/elbow area. If tendonitis is what you're experiencing this might help.
If its a wrist issue this won't help. Best wishes getting to pain free bowling!
> #Week: 4
>
> | # | Divine Double Bacon Kings| - 1^(st) - | - 2^(nd) - | - 3^(rd) - | Series | Link |
> |:--:|:---------|:--:|:--:|:--:|:--:|:--:|:--:|:--:|:--:|:--:|:--:|
> | 1 | /u/DivineEnergies| |
| |
| [Pic]() |
> | 2 | /u/AbsofBacon | 215
| 248
| 266
| 729
| Pic |
> | 3 | /u/bacon_underwear | 213
| 186
| 209
| 608
| Pic |
> | 4 | King-Loser | |
| |
| [Pic]() |
Instructables has a few project ideas that use bowling balls.
^# | Parker Ray Weber, Jr. | - 1^(st) - | - 2^(nd) - | - 3^(rd) - | Series | Link |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
^1 | ^/u/BradOShizno | `` | `` | `` | ** | [Pic]() |
^2 | ^/u/efads | 122 | 178 | 143 | 443 | Pic |
^3 | ^/u/fizzster | `` | `` | `` | ** | [Pic]() |
^4 | ^/u/muchado88 | `` | `` | `` | ** | [Pic]() |
I have the green one. The red was a bit weak (might be good for rehab). I haven't tried the blue one though
I had the same problem. I used this and some weights. You can use laundry detergent, anything heavy to keep the pressure until it dries
https://www.amazon.com/Gorilla-Super-Glue-Gram-Clear/dp/B001IY82FM?th=1
This is what I use. Make sure not to have it to close to the opening otherwise the curve of the hole will cause the tape to come up.
I use this. I like it because it's one sided.
For some reason that color is not hitting the lower street prices. 15 less than I paid, a steal.
My inner kingpin wants to order shoe paints and go nutz on the white trim. Gold in a rattle can of auto vinyl interior paint think would quality for nutz.
Consider these laces if ever needing new.
I use this one. It's a good width, strong velcro, and not too bulky. I've had this one for years now and the velcro still holds good and snug.
I tried one of the thinner ones but had issues with the velcro not holding after a short (in my opinion) time.
​
Hope this helps!
I have the same issue and while the shoes are pricier, I got the Dexter C9 Knit BOA Shoes, because both soles are both removable and attached to the toe guard piece. My first round with them already started wearing off the toe of my plant foot, BUT it is only in the toe that this happens so when it becomes time, I can just buy a new rubber piece which has the new toe attached and it'll be like a brand new shoe.
Here is a link to the shoe. If you look at the picture, you can see the line around that toe guard which is attached to the sole of the shoe and allows a full removable piece without affecting the rest of the shoe.
I started using the “sock” style attachment that you wear over your shoe. I like it because it makes my slide consistent across different alleys. Good for tournaments. Something like this : Bowling Shoe Slider https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004KQ75ZS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_CP3H6H5X47QP56QZGT73?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
You should definitely get that checked out if financially possible, it'll work wonders on your game. Even if you leave a split, you need to make sure you get as many pins as possible per shot. I used to bowl collegiate and if you didn't hit the lead pin of a spare, you got sat. It didn't matter if you picked up the spare, you just had to hit the lead pin because if you don't, picking it up is impossible.
Also, we would never actually go for converting the big splits because to do that you have to barely clip a pin and you had a much greater chance of missing it completely than hitting it just right. If you left a split, the coach wanted you to hit the lead pin (6 pin in the case of a 6-7-10) straight on the nose. Yeah, it only adds 4 pins to the game had you done that, but in competition, 4 pins can be a couple positions difference, and 4 pins per game, with 5 players, over 6-8 games will make a substantial difference.
http://www.4shared.com/office/EbAwgOtp/TRIAXrh.html this is the spare system i use and it is very effective. It is a download, but worth having on hand.
I personally got these
KR Strikeforce Men's Flyer Mesh Bowling Shoes, Black/Steel, Size 10 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CV15PJV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_4Pyo4qTh7BSdC
I’m also pretty new to bowling “professionally” so I have no insight on what makes these better or worse than any other shoe but I can vouch that they’re very comfortable and more or less feel like a regular comfortable running shoe (almost to a fault where I’ve walked back to my car with them in without realizing because they feel so normal (alcohol also sometimes involved lol))
I can't speak to any of the ones you've asked about, but I got a pair of Strikeforce Aviators that I've been loving so far.
I'll admit I'm new to bowling and to buying gear, but these are comfortable and I get a pretty decent slide from them. So much so that house rental shoes feel like regular sneakers when I try to slide with them now.
I use The Bowling Buddy. It keeps track of my weekly league night scores and averages, plus my handicap and my overall average. Also, you can share your stats in the app via email (it shares it as a CSV file).
I have not done this personally, but this may be the easiest way to get started.
If you aren't already recording locally, something like Audacity may be worth looking into. It's been around forever and I believe several of the podcasts I listen to use it still.
I use 43 & 21 sized grips, and both small and medium size cots fit snug enough that it won't fall off, and isn't too tight. For me tape is good for a game or two, then needs to be replaced... I can use a cot for an entire practice session.
I initially tested these out by buying a small box of assorted sizes they sell at Walgreens, and they weren't that good... too thin... but at least I was able to check the sizes and get a feel for them. I found a thicker type on Amazon, and bought an entire bag of 750 for $20... and they've worked great. I use these black ones, because they look good, fit great, and aren't too thin... at 3 cents each. If you search finger cot on Amazon, you can find different colors, different thickness, and different materials.
bowlingballfactory.com 2 Pack Black Bowling Thumb Sock - Sizes: Large or Extra Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FRG6NYQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_24QJW6PF9FEEF2ZN6P0Y?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 these are amazing. You don’t have to deal with any reapplying of tape either.
Try these guys. They’re quite stretchy and well-built with thick soles. They’ll adjust to shoes of different sizes. I wear a 9 size shoe with plenty of space (still fits tightly) but someone said that it fits their size 13 shoe.
Hammer Shoe Cover Diamond Plate https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FOPX98U?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Nope. Not a single person asked for one. You can buy something similar for around $20 online here and here. It's cheaper for me to make them for myself, because I already the the materials on hand. Only costs about $2.50 per ball cup. After packaging and shipping, I could probably sell them a few dollars cheaper than the cheapest ones online... but it's not worth the effort really. If somebody wants one, I'll gladly make it for them, or direct them to the file so they can print it for themselves.
You can use Hickies or some other substitute. They replace laces and make any shoe slip-on and no tie.
Otherwise, they make these
For a more casual look, really like Amazon's "Goodthreads" Tactical. The bit of elastane gives enough to bowl in and have laundered very well with out ironing. Bought several colors, wear in Az summers but only slightly less weight than denim.
They are not a slim fit to me, more athletic.
Yup just bought these. Never knew getting the soles swapped out is a practice that is worth it for bowling shoes. I'd figure you just buy a whole new pair.
This is what I use. They have three different types depending on if you want more or less slip.
You should consider getting a wrist brace to help keep your wrist at proper angle. I've been using for couple of years and now I can keep proper wrist position even when not wearing it (however, most of the time I still wear it). I currently use the Optimum Mongoose .
If you want a good android app try Premier Bowling Scorekeeper. Great App. Great stats and a developer who listens.
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I lied.. I've had them for over 5 years. Just checked my Amazon order history. I have the 'Dexter Jack Bowling Shoe'
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TOSP2Y/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Looks like it has been replaced by the 'Dexter Jack II'
Quick to recommend these - https://www.krstrikeforce.com/products/Flyer-Black-Mag-Blue. Super comfortable like tennis shoes, last easily 3 years and $40 or so. At amazon - https://www.amazon.com/KR-Strikeforce-M-032-105-Flyer-Bowling/dp/B01CRPRUF8/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia
So there are ways to go about this. Amazon is a very good friend. Idk if there is a better deal but. - Pyramid Path Triple Tote Roller Plus Orange https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LZBH560/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_3CkXDb8V548C4 - This is a three ball roller with the shoe compartment for about 78 bucks. - If your willing to bring your shoes in your own bag like a backpack then you can save a couple bucks buy getting a three ball roller tote which avg about 60-71 dollars - Vise Three Ball Tote Roller Bowling Bag, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EREJE9I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_YFkXDb0S7K7WN - With the totes you can add an additional 20-25 and get a shoe compartment that slips on and off of the tote roller. But if your doing that I would say just get a regular roller unless your going to be traveling. If you travel a lot with your stuff the totes are the way to go as they are a bit lighter which we we all know carry on on airplanes = sad wallet time
I put blue (very thin) tape directly on my thumb. Takes some getting used to, but I put it on the palm side of my thumb, most people look at me as if the ball show fly behind me or something. But many people put it on the back of their fingers and/or thumb.
https://www.amazon.com/Vise-Hada-Patch-Pack-1/dp/B003ZCD20A
Please sponsor your local Pro Shop. I love amazon, but only linked it for informational purposes.
Plastic ball. Any plastic ball. You don't have to flatten your wrist or change anything with your swing or delivery except to line up properly. I assume you're not a tournament player that needs to worry about arsenal limits so urethane shouldn't be a multi-use option. With that said, I do love my Purple Hammer and would not discourage you from eventually adding urethane to your toolset. But for spares, just get a plastic ball and shoot across the lane at those pesky corner pins. You don't even have to get a new bag. Just pick up one of these and add to your current roller: https://www.amazon.com/KR-Strikeforce-Joey-Bowling-Black/dp/B000V85HFO/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=bowling+joey&qid=1602694679&sr=8-2
This stuff is amazing but so few people use it. It is what hospitals use to keep bandages on patients.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0773N1CL8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I'm not professional therapist but how do you know it's a strain?
As an overall athlete, I've had my share of sports injuries. I have found this book super useful for many points of pain.
Sometimes self massage can help
The 2-ball versus 3-ball part is a confounding variable - you're assuming that's the reason your bags fell apart.
I've used Vise 3-ball tournament totes (like this) for a very long time and love them. Those plus a backpack for shoes and accessories and I'm good to go.
Love the Motive Tape. It’s helped me and recently my friend have a much more consistent release. Takes a few games to get used to but I love it and won’t ever go bareback again.
Motiv Flex Protective Performance Tape Black - Pre Cut 40 Pieces https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KP41V2G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_SfYkFbMNGFJQD
They make it in a thicker. Slower release if you drop ball too much.
Can be tricky to keep on. But over time you figure out how to place it and put thumb in to keep in on for a string of games.
I got this 3 ball roller off Amazon.
Pyramid Path Triple Tote Roller Plus Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EJCCDWI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_oAVmEbBDNHJR
This is the cheapest I could find that would also hold my shoes and other equipment.
Creating the Difference TruCut Sanding Pads | 6 Pack (5") https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J28GJR5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_8UOiEbHS7KEPZ. Here’s a set of tru cut sanding pads. They are similar to abralon except for most people they typically last longer. If you just want 500-1000-2000 they do have a 3 set if you scroll down on the amazon store page for them for just those three.
I have a Hammer backpack that I like very much, it holds two balls and my shoes.
I also bring a 3 ball roller. I shoot on multiple sport shot patterns so I need the variety.
I would say stay away from pyramid brand if your bf is an active bowler, you get what you pay for, i had a global 900 bag for years and switched and within a year i am gonna switch back. This is why, interior stitching and material is wear, mine is already falling apart, the metal rivets they used for air to get into the shoe compartment fell off and the bag can't even stand upright anymore because there is no extra strap over the ball to hold it in and if you drag the bag accidentally the the plastic that they use to stand the bag upright wears down quickly. My son bought a used storm bag and the thing is still looking good . Wear and tear happens with all bags but cheap is usually cheap unless it is a good brand and used or gotten at a good deal. Check amazon, look at their used prices, sometimes its just new that people returned because they didnt like the color. my son picked this up for $160 , check the review, lol. https://smile.amazon.com/KR-Strikeforce-6-Ball-Roller-Bowling/dp/B06XQ7VG4M/ref=sr_1_17?dchild=1&keywords=6+ball&qid=1573601240&s=sports-and-fitness&sr=1-17
I wear a Robby's Original wrist support. It's nothing fancy, but it breaks in well and it's comfortable. I have tiny ass wrists and it's never felt too bulky:
I use something like this.
https://www.amazon.com/Ebonite-Ultra-Tool-8-Inch-Blade/dp/B000V7ZWPU#customerReviews