My personal favorites are the Pro Sports System Contour Power Super Softs inserts with the lift tips. They are one of the softer models out there on the market, and they are easy on the fingers. One drawback to these is that they can wear out a little faster than some of the other brands of inserts, but part of the wear factor depends on what size inserts you need. I use 27/32" and 3/4" Super Softs, and the 3/4" hold up pretty well....but the sidewall on the 27/32" is quite a bit thinner, so I see more wear on the 27/32" and have to change the larger insert out about twice as often as the smaller one. Bowling several times per week, I'll change out both inserts about every 4 months or so.
What I've noticed about insert wear is that it is similar to shock absorber wear on vehicles. You are using the inserts on a regular basis, so you never really detect a sudden drop off in performance. However, when you put in a new pair of inserts, you can tell that they did indeed need replacement, although you really weren't seeing the warning signs.
Tenth Frame inserts hold up longer, but they are also a lot harder than the Super Softs. I prefer the feel of the Super Softs, even if I have to change 'em out more frequently. I buy the inserts in bulk and change 'em at home.
Speaking of changing inserts at home, don't go overboard with the super glue when installing the new inserts. I typically line up the new insert in the hole, take a small screwdriver and hold back the edge so that I can get the super glue down at least 1/2" inside the hole, then I'll put one drop on that side. Then I repeat the same on the other side of the insert, and I'll repeat the same on the bottom side of the insert (the side towards the thumbhole). I leave the top section of the insert unglued, so that I can put in a shim to snug up the hole if I need to. The 3 drops total of super glue is plenty to hold the inserts in place, and I've never had any come flying out of the ball when done this way.
I will add that when changing brands of inserts, you might find that the actual size needed might change from one brand to the next. For example, with Tenth Frame inserts, I need 3/4" and 7/8", where I use 3/4" and 27/32" with the Super Softs. So, keep that in mind when swapping brands....not all sizes are directly interchangeable as far as the fit goes.
Also, I got real speedy delivery from Bowler's Choice....I had a hodge podge of stuff that I ordered (including a pair of Linds Exxxtras), and it all came in within just a few days.
Edited on 5/9/2003 2:08 AM
