Hello all, I've been bowling with a support for over 5 years now, and my Mongoose is finally getting too old now.

For all of you that have either the Master power paw, power paw pro, or the Storm xtra hook, I would like to know your opinion on these.

I need something that will give me more movement on the lanes, because I've been bowling pba experience on old washed out wood lanes, and the oil carrydown makes HEAVY oil down the lane.

So ya, which one would give me the most hook???

Learning to bowl without one will give you more hook than any brace could.

Can't help with the question you asked.

the Mongoose is really good, why not just buy another one if yours is worn out?

the hook comes from you, the wrist support is just to help keep the wrist firm. some of us need them due to hand/wrist problems, but if you have a healthy strong wrist then try bowling without one for a while. you can be more versatile with your release.

yup ditch the device and go naked. I made the change about a month ago, took a week to get used to it but now it's more consistant and more control.

another idea, you can get a simple stretchy 'wrap' that will give your wrist some support but not hinder your motions. you might want to try something like this before going completely naked. LOL

EddieK, that's what I do and it works well. I only wear a wrist wrap to keep tendons a little tighter and less stretched.

From time to time, I will have wrist pain. It is when I strain lifting something. I have one of the Master wristers. It puts just enough pressure on the ligaments and tendons to relieve the pain. They are about $15-20. It doesn't really do a lot for support. A buddy of mine wears one all of the time. For those who don't know what it is, here is a pic.

I often use a stretch wrist wrap. I went to the local Sport Mega store to look for one. There were none in the bowling section. There were none in the elbow, knee wrap section. then I went to the weight lifting section where I bought the one I have. I met the factory rep there, and she told me this one was better, and gives more support than any one from the first sections I was in. And, she should know, she sold them all.

Not for me. When I go naked (those that know me are shuddering right now), I tend to go early, top it, etc., etc. The glove doesn't do the work for me, but it sure does a good job of reminding me of proper release position. I use a Robbys' III.

Have to agree with you guys on ditching the device. It is also learning how to have a better release. The wrist plays an important part,in my opinion the wrist support hampers the cup and uncup action needed for a smooth release.
Dianne

yup i switch devises my self. i was using an Ebonite el1 which was a peace of board attached to you arm. then a guy that i bowl with gave me a Robbys revs 3. its helped out a lot. i keep thing where they are suppose to be. i use my wrist a lot at work. i everything i lift is over 15 lbs so i need to keep in shape. there strong . just want to make sure they stay that way.

I use a Pro Release wrist support for various reasons. I first put it on to keep my wrist from turning, and to retrain my arm. It also, gave me support to train my wrist to cup. It has enough flexibility that I can cup and uncup.

I also use it when I feel some hand strain form doing things like digging up my wife's garden, painting a lot or other things around the house.

I take it off when my wrist feels OK. Then, I use the elastic band on my wrist which gives me just enough support on the back of the wrist, that I need.

If I get into a bad habit of turning, or not cupping, I quickly strap my full wrist support back on as a re-training device.

To me, it's just another tool in my bag.

I use the Mongoose too and I like it. I tried removing the brace this summer, and for a few weeks I did ok. But then I started to struggle badly, and had trouble keeping my wrist firm. It would flop and break(bend) after a game or two. So with some urging from my coach I reluctantly put it back on and my game has started to come back. I guess 12 years as a meat cutter and the strain of an 8-9 hour day with a knife in my hand took its toll.

yes working with your hands and wrist is pretty ruff. i think of my wrist brace as an add bonus. with the revs 3 i got i can adjust to cup and uncup. and can break it for spares. all with a flick of the switch. so i'm getting use to it and its getting to be 2nd nature.

I work with my hands and wrist and I find wrist supports as being too restrictive and cumbersome. I did use a glove with a removable metal plate on the backside that kept me from snapping my wrist too hard when I started to use my thumb but after a a year or so ditched it and did better without it.

I understand the 2 reasons for wearing a wrist support.

1. You have a weak wrist due to past or current injury that is hindering you from executing your release.

2. As a training device, used during practice, to develop a good frim wrist position when executing your release.

But, as good as some wrist devices/supports can be, and are effectively used on a daily bases, they end up weaking your wrist over time (unless you fall under number 1 above).

Do I carry a basic wrist support in my bowling bag? YES, incase I strain my wrist during league or tournament. But, it stays in the bag until needed.

Unless you are you so used to wearing it, that you can't get used to not wearing it, then yes purchase another, otherwise take a chance and learn to bowl without.

You would think that the work I did would have strenghtened my wrist,..but it had just the opposite effect. The cold environment, and the constant strain weakened it unfortunatly. I loved the freedom of not wearing a brace, but my game suffered.

Constantly working in the cold doing something that is strenuous on the hand and wrist can do that, it contributes to arthritis and tendinitis. I know when a job site isn't properly heated I have some issues in the winter with my wrist.

Doesn't a wrist support of some kind (I wear the light Master neoprene support) help with consistency in your release? I would think that something light doesn't necessarily restrict your motion.

It's a matter of what you are comfortable with. True, you should try to be without one for the best feel of the ball. But, there are many, many reasons to use one. There is no reason to oncur any pain. Just put one on, if it helps.

if you don't need a full-on 'splint' type wrist support, the neoprene bands or 'wristlets' are great, they save a lot of wear and tear on your wrist without restricting you much. they can improve your release slightly, but their main advantage is preventing injury and fatigue.

I have on occasion used a Columbia glove w/metal wrist support and a Pro Release wrist device. Both have pro's and con's at least for me. Going "au natural" like some have stated does allow supple changes in hand and wrist movements. Working on strengthening my wrist has helped me be less depended on wrist support, but I still pack them for those times when the wrist is tired and worn down.

Plus if you believe that your wrist device makes you bowl more consistently, more the better. Remember the Mental aspect to bowling.