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Author Topic: ABS v. Dexter  (Read 6268 times)

Strider

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ABS v. Dexter
« on: August 18, 2003, 04:22:55 AM »
Now that ABS has been around a while, how do the people who switched from Dexter feel about them?  I've read the other posts, so I don't want to continue the common arguements.  I want to know if the ABS's are worth the extra money.  I like the styling better, but no one around here carries them.  Has anyone tried the new Dexter SST 6-LX's (the kangaroo leather version)?  For the people that bowl a bunch of games and had wear issues with the Dexters, how are the ABS's holding up?  How good is the adjust-a-heel?  Do you still resort to cutting a Dexter leather heel to get a good slide?  It seems both camps are happy with the comfort.  I've tried on the new Dexters.  How is the insole on the ABS's?  Enough support?
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nizzo

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Re: ABS v. Dexter
« Reply #1 on: August 18, 2003, 09:15:20 PM »
I had a pair of ABS shoes also, they were great at first but then what tenpinitis said, they do break in and get really soft. personally i dont like that real real soft feel i like the feel of support, so thats why i like dexter. i just ordered the new SST'6 Black LX from buddies today, and i cant wait to try them out.
Personally i like dexter better because they dont break in to the point were it feels like jello. i like how dexter shoes support my feet, since i had the older versions of the Black SST6 and i loved the way that shoe broke in to, and it felt great.
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stanski

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Re: ABS v. Dexter
« Reply #2 on: August 18, 2003, 09:55:00 PM »
i love the feel of my abs's. yes they did get very soft inside but i love that feeling. i've used the same heel and it has been great. also the sole has been suprising quite durable. i went thru many dexter soles and these have lasted forever. these are comparable to linds but much more comfortable.

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s1nger1

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Re: ABS v. Dexter
« Reply #3 on: August 19, 2003, 11:10:45 AM »
No problem with my ABS will never own another pair of Dexters. I find them to get soft but I don't mind that. They actually feel better soft. I used to have to buy a pai of dexters every year so far no prblems with the ABS. I bought the adjust a heal and picked up a new slide pad that wasn't sold when I bought mine and have been quite happy with them.
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Strider

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Re: ABS v. Dexter
« Reply #4 on: August 19, 2003, 03:21:31 PM »
Thanks so far.

How is the support in the ABS's compared to the Dexters?  My right foot and ankle have some pain after using my old shoes for a while.  Has anyone tried the slickest heel (or adjust-a-heel tab) on sticky approaches?  Was it enough, or did you want a full leather heel?
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Steven

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Re: ABS v. Dexter
« Reply #5 on: August 19, 2003, 03:46:47 PM »
Strider: If the ABS adjust-a-heel works as advertised, then ABS is probably worth a try. I tried ABS Ultras with the standard rubber heel, and they were too sticky for the approaches I generally see. Otherwise, I was impressed with the overall construction and the Kevlar tipped sole.  

I think the jury is still out on the ABS adjustable heel. I was disappointed when I found out it's only a partial heel solution (unlike Dexter), but maybe it works.

If you're in the group that swears by the Dexter red leather heel, I'd want to see first hand the new ABS system in action. You shouldn't have to pop $150 for the shoes, and then do surgery to a Dexter heel to make the ABS shoes usable.
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Strider

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Re: ABS v. Dexter
« Reply #6 on: August 19, 2003, 03:59:25 PM »
Thanks Steven.  I have an ancient pair of Linds.  I don't get enough support for my foot.  Something about my style makes me hang on the front edge of my heel, so that's my big problem spot.  I have no problems with the sole, but I know I want a slicker heel.  We have well maintained wood aproaches everywhere I bowl in town, but I still stick occasionally when no one else is having a problem.  I am concerned that I would wear out the tabs on the adjust-a-heel rather quickly.  At least I can find Dexter spare parts locally.

How much does the adjust-a-heel cost and how much are the extra strips?
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MI 2 AZ

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Re: ABS v. Dexter
« Reply #7 on: August 19, 2003, 11:53:06 PM »
Strider,

Check out this topic and read the post from Bullred dated 7 June, about the edge of the heel.  Perhaps this will help you.

http://www.ballreviews.com/Forum/Replies.asp?TopicID=28021&ForumID=16&CategoryID=5
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Strider

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Re: ABS v. Dexter
« Reply #8 on: August 20, 2003, 12:15:36 AM »
Thanks MI 2 AZ.  I remember reading that post when it was active, but it never hurts to have a reminder.  The front edge of my current heels is already rounded off naturally.  Like bullred said, I must not be doing something right.  One more thing to work on, LOL.  The heel is just a minor irritation.  It only hangs on me infrequently.  I want a slick heel as an option, but I don't know if I'll use it full time.  I do want good support for my foot.  After talking to more people, I'm leaning away from the ABS's.  I want more support, more heel/sole options, and the option of getting parts locally.  Dexter's may be ugly, but they will probably do everything I want.

Any comments on the SST 5 vs. 6?  Comfort, support, durability, etc..?  The white SST 5's look great, and I can always get a red leather heel if I need it.  Are the 6's enough of an improvement to justify the cost and styling hit?
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Strider

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Re: ABS v. Dexter
« Reply #9 on: August 21, 2003, 10:43:18 PM »
Any other comments on SST 5's vs. 6's?  Do the 6's really give you better balance at the line?  Is the 36% "wider platform to enhance stability" meaningful, or it the 1/4" (or whatever it works out to) inconsequential?
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nizzo

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Re: ABS v. Dexter
« Reply #10 on: August 21, 2003, 11:13:04 PM »
I never tried an SST 5 before so i couldnt compare the 2 , but i like the wider size platform on the SST6 since i have wide feet it helps me fit into a medium instead of a wider size since they dont make any for lefty bowlers.
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