Author Topic: First Thoughts on The 9s (Read 23533 times)

Steven · « **on:** August 07, 2015, 05:21:43 PM »

I picked up my new "THE 9" shoes today, and threw 3 games to make sure I didn't make an expensive mistake.

Here are some of my first impressions:

The 9s have a more streamlined profile than my SST8s. When I first looked at them, I almost thought they would be too small. But when on the feet, they're every bit as roomy as my SST8s. As advertised, the leather is soft, and they're comfortable without any need for break-in. It did take me the first two games to comfortably wear in the new S7 sole. I used one of my broken-in H7 red leather soles from my SST8s. The H5 that comes with the 9s is too much brake for my tastes.

The design of the 9s should correct a few of the major complains about the SST8s. First, there is finally a replaceable toe guard. It's built into the replaceable soles that integrate perfectly into the shoe. Wear out the toe guard? Simply replace the sole. It's a vast improvement over the clunky toe cap used on the 3G Ultras. Second, the 9s have built-in sole flex points that should largely eliminate the cracking many experienced on the SST8s. That's the problem that finally killed my SST8, although I got 5 years and close to 3,000 games out of the pair.

Only time will tell if the improved design translates to longevity. My initial impressions of the 9s is that they're solid and should last as long as I want to keep them. Given the total dollar investment, I'm hoping soâ€¦...

itsallaboutme · « **Reply #46 on:** August 24, 2015, 02:29:03 PM »

Besides unsuccessfully trying a few pairs here and there I haven't worn anything but Dexters in over 20 years. I tried a couple different pairs of Etonics and a couple of whatever the 3g shoes were called at the time I tried them, but always ended up giving them to the kids at the bowling center. I've used a pair of SST1's that I converted to be able to use changeable soles and heels for as long as I can remember.

Steven · « **Reply #47 on:** August 24, 2015, 02:44:23 PM »

Yea, I've tried some Etonics and 3Gs over the years too. I also ended up giving them away.

I like these discussions because I get perspectives I otherwise wouldn't consider. I'm especially amused when I read posters favoring a given shoe because it feels like a slipper. We're all guilty of evaluating things through our own personal lens, so it took a while for this shoe selection criteria to sink in.

I can see scenarios where some bowlers might favor 3G or TPU-X models. But there is also a large segment of bowlers who will gravitate to SST8s or 9s for their unique features. Hopefully, we can collectively have civil discussions where we can at least identify which shoe matches best to which profile of bowlers.

hammajangs · « **Reply #48 on:** August 24, 2015, 03:24:50 PM »

Any "Toe-Draggers" using the 9's? How's the durability of the toecap? I know it's replaceable and all, but is it durable? This is my main concern since I basically destroy toecaps. My Brunswick TPU-X right-side shoe Velcro is not holding on the tip and tends to catch the approach at times. I went as far as using Super Glue to keep it down, but it doesn't hold very long. Being that the 9's has the sole/toecap that is one piece and replaceable, this would pretty much be problem solved.

Steven · « **Reply #49 on:** August 24, 2015, 05:07:10 PM »

I'm not a toe dragger, and I've only had my 9s for a few weeks. I can only go by how it looks, but the toe material is hard and appears like it would be durable. Because of the design, you won't have the TPX-U issue of the toe catching and separating.

It might be a while before you get some real world input.

Brickguy221 · « **Reply #50 on:** August 24, 2015, 08:01:00 PM »

I tried the 3 G's the first year they came out and I liked them so well that I am still wearing the same pair today. I found the fit and comfort second to none. They felt like I had been wearing them for 6 months or more the first time I put them on. It is a relief to have a shoe that good and long lasting, especially after going thru a pair of Dexter SST 1's every 1-2 years prior to getting the 3G's

lefty50 · « **Reply #51 on:** August 25, 2015, 05:40:10 PM »

+1 for Brick. Exactly the same here. I'm replacing them this year, but only because it's been 15 years at least, maybe more... lost count. I hate the lack of response from ThomasR, and hate the lack of color options for lefties as you all know from previous posts, but in the end, I'm just waiting for the new ones. They have been that good.

Steven · « **Reply #52 on:** August 25, 2015, 06:06:10 PM »

Lefty, glad that both you and Brick like your 3Gs. My position has always been for anyone that if you like the shoe you have, why change? Especially if you already have a stash of extra soles and heels you can continue to use. Good decision on your part to continue with the 3Gs.

What's interesting about the new 9s is that for the first time, Dexter matches the features of any other shoe on the market. Their new replaceable toe implementation is much more streamlined than the rubber like knob sticking out of the tip of 3Gs. The leather on the 9s is extremely soft, but the shoe still retains some rigidity in places where a bowling shoe should have it. I happily bowled in my 9s again today, and it's clear that Dexter put a lot of time and effort into the design.

Still, "good" is in the eye of the beholder, and 3G will continue to have a loyal following. I hope your new 3Gs are as good to you as your old ones.

Aloarjr810 · « **Reply #53 on:** August 25, 2015, 09:57:48 PM »

I've been waiting for the PSO here to get his 9's in so I can get a look and opinion on them.

I talked to him tonight he hadn't got his yet because he's waiting to get some different soles. He can't use the one that comes with it.

Well while I was there I was talking to the GM of the house, came to find out he was Brunswick staffer and he was talking up the TPU-X's.

Come to find out he wore the same size as I do and let me try his, Well they fit nice. Any better than Dexter I couldn't say.

But it's got me wondering now.

They are cheaper than the 9's and according to him the latest ones, they have fixed the issues people had been complaining about.

Like for the toe draggers (which he was) he said they changed something about the front of the shoe, a lip or rounded something so you wouldn't peal the front of the sole up.

He didn't say anything bad about the 9's other than they are high priced and the soles cost a lot.

But it does have me wondering now, they do cost a lot less and the 9's haven't been out long enough for people to find any glitches in them yet). and according to him you could put a dexter sole on it (You just have to trim it) if you had a favorite one.

Steven · « **Reply #54 on:** August 25, 2015, 11:10:50 PM »

If you're worried about "proven", I'd want to see how this new toe design on the TPU-X works out, especially if I was a toe dragger. The old design doesn't seem to have worked out so well. If the new toe wears out in the matter of a year (or less), the shoes are toast, and so much for your up front savings.

Yes, the TPU-X soles are about $15 vs. the $30 for the 9s. But how often do you replace soles? For most bowlers, it isn't very often. Most bowlers get through a league season using the same sole. When you amortize the difference in cost over time, the additional outlay is minimal.

The buy decision should be more about feel, with consideration for how hard you generally are on shoes. If you like the TPU-X, and you're easy on shoe wear, maybe it's a better buy for you. If you abuse shoes, the design of the 9s suggest they'll probably last a lot longer than a pair of TPU-Xs. Time will tell.

Aloarjr810 · « **Reply #55 on:** August 25, 2015, 11:41:17 PM »

Theres the thing, I'm not a toe dragger. At least not like most of you guys, if I drag it throws me off. So I try not too.

And I'm easy on my shoes and take care of them, you might not believe it but I'm using the org. soles that came with my Dexters 8 years ago (and they have a LOT of games on them. Mainly I use the old tan sole, I've changed heels more than soles.

The main thing wrong with them now is the yellow traction sole which has got hard and cracking. The tan sole has lost some slide too.

Steven · « **Reply #56 on:** August 28, 2015, 09:01:22 PM »

I've taken the next step in my transition to the 9s with the purchase of orthotics. I went with the Superfeet Blue inserts. I was OK with the inserts that came with the 9s, but I use Superfeet orthotics in all my other shoes, and once you're used to them, it's hard to go back. In any case, everything feels as good as I could expect in a bowling shoe.

The journey hasn't been cheap. $190 for the 9s, $30 for a backup sole, and $45 for the Superfeet. That's $265 before tax. But, I have a pair of shoes that should last for many years even bowling 600+ games annually. The combination of comfort plus support means I can bowl long tournament blocks (15+ games) without damage to my feet.

Everybody has to look at how often they bowl and what they want out of the game to decide if the investment is worth it. There are clearly cheaper options (almost everything else). The final decision won't be the same for everyone.

lsf_21 · « **Reply #57 on:** August 28, 2015, 11:42:42 PM »

Picked up a pair of the 9s today before league started. Surprisingly enough I was able to use the stock slide that came with the shoe with the burgundy brake. I went ahead and picked up a few slides for when I decide to go bowl other places that are much slicker than the house I bowl in. Definitely not a cheap investment. 185 from PSO and extra soles at 25 a pop from buddies. But IMO after a few games these will be well worth the investment rather than purchasing another ball.

first impressions are "I love these" and "these are different"

Hard to explain. but something just felt right when wearing them. Slide was consistent which I struggle with on the pro anvilane at my house and the comfort is great for bowling shoes.

cant wait to try them out over a league night.

Author Topic: First Thoughts on The 9s (Read 23533 times)

Steven

First Thoughts on The 9s

itsallaboutme

Re: First Thoughts on The 9s

Steven

Re: First Thoughts on The 9s

hammajangs

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Steven

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Brickguy221

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lefty50

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Steven

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Aloarjr810

Re: First Thoughts on The 9s

Steven

Re: First Thoughts on The 9s

Aloarjr810

Re: First Thoughts on The 9s

Steven

Re: First Thoughts on The 9s

lsf_21

Re: First Thoughts on The 9s