Author Topic: Wrist Brace -Muscle Memory ? (Read 7550 times)

Jeffrevs · « **on:** July 29, 2003, 07:12:45 PM »

Lately my release has sucked!

Not consistent, grabbing the ball, pulling it, etc, etc.....

I've been confirming my thumb pitches because I've been hanging up and not really coming out smooth all the time at release also.

QUESTION: Would a wrist brace (I don't use one now) help me to lock into a release position better, more consistently, then after a while, it would transfer to muscle memory and I could take it off ?

Does this make sense ? Any and all thoughts please ! THX......
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JEFF
Just chimin' in !

kalannar · « **Reply #1 on:** July 30, 2003, 11:06:47 AM »

Jeff,

I don't think it would help. It would probably make things worse when you took it off. I use mine to keep my wrist locked in place but if I don't use it my wrist breaks back right before release and it goes really long. I think you would be doing more harm than good. I wish I had never started using one 10 years ago. I don't have enough free time to get used to bowling without one. Wish I did. Just my 2 cents.

Kalannar
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That which does not kill us strengthens us.

Michael DeSantis · « **Reply #2 on:** July 30, 2003, 11:37:50 AM »

Over the years, I have used wrist braces at times and at other times I have done without them. Below, is just my personal opinion.

If you have weak wrists or cannot keep your hand under the ball, the wrist brace may help with that. However, a wrist brace will not correct fundamental flaws in timing and release. I found them most useful if I wanted to get a bit more roll on an oily surface because it slowed me down and seemed to help me hit up on the ball a little more.

If you do not have any physical limitations, I think you would be better served to learn how to bowl without a brace. I find it is easier for me to change hand positions without a brace and my release seems less forced and more fluid.

Now, I certainly don't think it s a bad idea to experiment with a brace if you feel comfortable with one and you notice it improves your execution and overall game. We are all looking to optimize our results, and for some, a wrist brace (and there are many kinds available) is of great benefit. Brace or no brace, you need to develop an effective and consistent set of releases for various sets of conditions.
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"Chopping Wood For over Two Decades"

LuckyLefty · « **Reply #3 on:** July 30, 2003, 11:52:10 AM »

Earl Anthony used one his whole career.

He was pretty good!

I have a friend that has a Striker wrist brace, he's become a money winning force on our local bowling scene since he got his several years ago.

I can't imagine him not using it.

For me I was much better when I consistently used one.

Other friends had them(Pro Release looked great) and then decided they wanted to be more politically correct and don't use them anymore.

There averages are down they don't really look as good but they are wearing the now larger culliones that come with saying"I don't need a wrist brace".

REgards,

Luckylefty
PS THe PGA tour does not allow players to use wrist devices as they believe they are an aide. I wonder why not!
PPS Why do bowlers always say they want to get off them. This is sweeping our center too!

Steven · « **Reply #4 on:** July 30, 2003, 12:27:11 PM »

Jeff: I've used a wrist brace over the past few years due to medical necessity -- no brace, no bowling. So here are my thoughts:

You will experience a more consistent release. If you're a stroker/tweener by nature, you'll also probably see an increase in your revolutions. Because the brace locks you in to some degree, the ball is literally forced out of your hand, so you'll be surprised at the different roll.

But like most things in life, there is a trade off. The brace falls into the category of "be careful what you wish for -- it might come true". It will be more difficult to alter hand positions to combat different oil patterns. In this regard, you might have to make a ball switch where you would have previously just flattened out your hand. As a practical matter, the things get really sweaty in poorly ventilated centers, and that can be really annoying. And finally, you will lose some feel for a natural release. When I take my brace off to practice without it, I have little feel/control for where the ball is in my swing. I'm sure "feel" would come back over time, but the more you bowl and the longer you use it, the more dependent you become.

If you want to experiment, first try a Mongoose Equalizer. It's about the most comfortable brace available, and it's not too obtrusive. If that's not enough and you want to move up to something more restrictive that promotes more revolutions, consider the Robbys Revs II. It's a solid adjustable, but it's light, leaves free movement in the fingers, and very durable.

Let me know what you decide to do.
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"Advertisers -- you too can have access to this prime demographic"

seadrive · « **Reply #5 on:** July 30, 2003, 12:31:53 PM »

quote:
If you want to experiment, first try a Mongoose Equalizer.

Steven, do you know what the difference is between the Equalizer (blue?) and the Lifter (black?)
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seadrive
Cogito ergo bowl

OLI · « **Reply #6 on:** July 30, 2003, 12:51:18 PM »

The difference is length.

The Equalizer goes to the knuckles. The Lifter goes up to the finger allowing you to wrap the middle 2 finger or middle 2 and pinkie.
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OLI - USAF Retired and Pro Shop Operator

Jeffrevs · « **Reply #7 on:** July 30, 2003, 01:00:16 PM »

What's the difference betweent the Revs II and original Revs. Looks like the original is longer than the 2 ?? That's odd. The III has the finger support...definately don't need the III.

Anyone know?
--------------------
JEFF
Just chimin' in !

Edited on 7/30/2003 1:21 PM

Steven · « **Reply #8 on:** July 30, 2003, 01:10:15 PM »

seadrive: OLI is correct in his description of the difference between the Lifter and Equalizer, but I'll elaborate further. I have both models, and they are completely different animals.

The Lifter, is longer and your hand attaches to the brace with a finger strap that wraps around the base of your fingers. You can wrap the strap around any combination of fingers that you find comfortable, but the picture on the instructions show the index finger free. I know many who wrap just the the middle and ring finger. Again it's individual preference.

The Equalizer is shorter, and your hand attaches to the brace with a strap across the palm.

As far as practical differences, the Lifter provides greater support, but I find the strap around the fingers really annoying. After a lot of games, the strap starts irritating the crease at the base of my fingers. However, this is a very popular model, so maybe it's just my own issue.

The Equalizer almost doesn't feel like it's there. It's shorter, and the palm strap conforms to the natural movement of the hand. There is some freedom of movement in the Equalizer, so you don't walk around with a constricted feel. The only downside is that some folks might need more support than this model provides.

In my case, I use the Revs II for most conditions, but use the Equalizer when I need to tone down the shot on dry conditions. Obviously, this will be different for everyone.
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"Advertisers -- you too can have access to this prime demographic"

charlest · « **Reply #9 on:** July 30, 2003, 01:18:21 PM »

quote:
quote:
If you want to experiment, first try a Mongoose Equalizer.

Steven, do you know what the difference is between the Equalizer (blue?) and the Lifter (black?)
--------------------
seadrive
Cogito ergo bowl

They both come in colors. My equalizer is black. If I might offer my point of view ...

Equalizer is more standard, basic wrist device; it helps support the ball with a wrist backing plate, which, in turn, makes you use less muscle to hold the ball, again, in turn, reducing the pressure on your thumb. The wrist backing only comes as high as the first set of knuckles on your hand.

The Lifter is designed more to help your roll the ball, rather that spin/rotate it. The wrist backing comes up to the 2nd set of knuckles, the higher set in the middle of the finger (the first finger joint). If you want to stop spinning th eball, try the Lifter.

The difference between the Lifter and the Equalizer is similar to the difference between the Scorpion and the Eagle.
Scorpion:
http://www.bowlersparadise.com/shop/wristsupport_gloves/teamcobra/scorpionIII.shtml
Eagle:
http://www.bowlersparadise.com/shop/wristsupport_gloves/teamcobra/eagleIII.shtml
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"Those who do not remember history are doomed to repeat it."

Steven · « **Reply #10 on:** July 30, 2003, 01:19:08 PM »

Jeff: I have both the RevsII and the original (longer) Revs.

The original Revs provides both wrist and finger support. The device actually covers the entire back of the fingers. With this additional support, you can theoretically get more revolutions.

I went to the RevsII because I personally found the original Revs too restrictive. Just for the heck of it I put my old Revs on to try it out the other day (last use was two years ago), and I felt like I had a cast on my hand. I find the RevsII much less restrictive, but it provides most of the support provided by the original Revs.

But some people love the original Revs. My doubles partner swears by his and won't leave home without it

If you get into wrist devices, you soon find they are different for everyone.
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"Advertisers -- you too can have access to this prime demographic"

charlest · « **Reply #11 on:** July 30, 2003, 01:23:54 PM »

Jeff,

I strongly recommend the Mongoose Equalizer, IF YOU WANT TO TRY A WRIST DEVICE.
I am using it to help me transition to 16 lbs from 15. It greatly redcues stress on the thumb. If you like, I also suggest using it only in practice. Try it for 3-5 games, then take it off and see if it has helped you for the next 2-4 games.

I also used it to help me be more consistent. If I take it off, I tend to make many more adjustments, with hand positions, as I am in the middle of my armwsing. With the Mongoose on, I am much more consistent, but it also enforces medium revs. Without it, I can change a lot more readily, which, I have learned, is not always a good thing.

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"Those who do not remember history are doomed to repeat it."

LuckyLefty · « **Reply #12 on:** July 30, 2003, 01:27:28 PM »

Lifter supplies more turn. Has a curved end.
Equalizer is straighter and supplys more lift and less turn.

I at one time said I was going to do a 6 wrist brace review.

Snuck out of the office and bowled about 6 hours 1 hour with each wrist brace almost!!!

To be reviewed a little comment by each:

1.Columbia Stabilizer Pro - simple and great!
2.Mongoose Lifter, lot of turn
3.MOngooe Equalizer - eh?
4.Robbies standard - good combination of lift and turn, can sometimes pop ball off early(metal in hand)
5.Robbies extra a little increase in lift over Robbies Standard
6.Robbies Revs - of the adjustable metal wrist braces my least favorite, and least comfortable(does their large run too small for my large forearm)
7.Pro Release Comfortable, good release, good results complicated
8.Cobra Dragon Surprisingly comfortable and lots of flexibiltiy(bends forward during backswing if you cup your wrist during backswing(like Storm Power Paw).
Supplies a ton of finger lift(almost too much). Makes clacking noise that sounds like this "Nicanor, Nicanor" while throwing.
9.Striker wrist brace - Not adjustable but supplies one TON of lift at release, due to a build up of foam under the fingers. (My friend who uses one is very smooth and even through ball and supplies adjustments himself with "finger dancing") a la Magic Carpet.

Of the above my favorites are the Robbies etra, and the Striker, Pro release of the adjustables.

REgards,

Luckylefty
PS Ooops 9 reviews.
PPS, I don't know why the Robbies Rev feels so bad, it also does not let me feel that I can penetrate the shot. I feel like Kendra Gaines always going around the ball, picture her follow thru when it's not going well. Instead of thru the ball, Do I maybe need an Xtra Large in this wristbrace?
Didn't want to spend extra money to find out!

9andaWiggle · « **Reply #13 on:** July 30, 2003, 01:54:53 PM »

I see some good info here, so I've got another question regarding wrist braces.
A while ago (before having my spans shortened) you guessed it, pain in the fingers. Even now, it still bothers me on those conditions when I need a little "extra" on the ball and really rip it. My wrist doesn't need the support, but would using one of these for a while take some pressure off my fingers and let them heal despite bowling 2-4 days per week? I've heard these injuries can take a long time to heal - and I'd hate to give up the game for a season or two. Thanks for any help.

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9-

Why, WHY won't the last one just fall?? It's WIGGLING for cryin' out loud!!

Jeffrevs · « **Reply #14 on:** July 30, 2003, 02:13:12 PM »

OK, now......once I make a decision....where do you find is the best place to get these braces ? Buddies ? Wildoctopus? Anyone recommend one over the other ? OR, have a 'favorite'?
--------------------
JEFF
Just chimin' in !

Author Topic: Wrist Brace -Muscle Memory ? (Read 7550 times)

Jeffrevs

Wrist Brace -Muscle Memory ?

kalannar

Re: Wrist Brace -Muscle Memory ?

Michael DeSantis

Re: Wrist Brace -Muscle Memory ?

LuckyLefty

Re: Wrist Brace -Muscle Memory ?

Steven

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seadrive

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OLI

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Jeffrevs

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Steven

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charlest

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Steven

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charlest

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LuckyLefty

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9andaWiggle

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Jeffrevs

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