Return to bowling - Wrist device advice

[jd78]

I had previously mentioned in another thread that I had not bowled in about 4-5 years. I started again about 3 weeks ago and just bowled my first league series last night. When I first started practicing to get back into it, I think I over did it and did something to my forearm. After that I only bowled 3 games a week until the week before the league where I bowled 6 games (3 days apart). Each time I bowled the first throw would send a sharp pain into my forearm (left or underside) and last for about 5 minutes. As I continued to bowl the pain went from tolerable to non-existent. For the last 3 game practice I got a Robbys Cool Max Plus for support... The pain still occurred, but I continued to wear it anyways.

Then game league night (last night). I figured the same thing would happen, but figured the pain would be gone by the end of practice bowl. To my surprise the first roll did not cause pain, and stayed that way the entire night. I bowled with the Robbys for the 1st game and half of the second game, but just never could stay consistent with my release. The Robbys kept my wrist straight, but too straight and I felt myself trying to overcompensate with my hands. Half way through the second game I went back to bowling with just a glove (for grip), but still had consistency problems with my release.

I have a feeling that my time away from bowling plus previous forearm pain has prevented me from re-training my wrist and hand on how to properly release the ball. I was considering getting a "Wrist Positioner" to aid me with the re-training. I had previously used the Pro-Release in high school, but was looking for something a little more low key. The Storm Gizmo was the first one to catch my eye since from pics it looks smaller than most, but from a video I saw it does not seem to stay "connected". I was hoping to get some recommendations/ideas.

I know some might say to go to a pro shop and seem if they will let me try one, but that's an issue... First, I live 30+ minutes from any bowling alley (even the one I bowl at) and both pro shops are closed for a week for a tournament. I will have to order it online, so am hoping to get it right the first time. :o

Sorry for the long post, but I appreciate any advice you guys can provide.

Thanks,

JD

[GeorgiaStroker]

The problem I've had with wrist supports like Robby's and some others is that they have so much padding and metal in the palm area. This puts the ball in awkward position for me. I have used the Scorpion from Cobra products in the past and it worked pretty good. There is only a small flat strap across the palm. It pays to purchase a wrist liner if you use something like that as it can cause a sweating problem if you dont.

[Florida Bowler]

I use a Mongoose. It is a little big, but the strap across the palm is very narrow. I agree with GeorgiaStorker about the wrist liner. It is a lot easier to put that in the laundry on a weekly basis to avoid the funk that can build up in a brace.

-DJ

[jd78]

I use a Mongoose. It is a little big, but the strap across the palm is very narrow. I agree with GeorgiaStorker about the wrist liner. It is a lot easier to put that in the laundry on a weekly basis to avoid the funk that can build up in a brace.

-DJ

I looked at the Lifter, at least as much as I can see and read about it online... It mentions something about "tucking" the little finger and I also read something about a finger strap. I'm not completely sure what they are referring to and most wrist devices just have a strap going across the palm and another around the forearm (after the wrist). I think that is one I would really have to see in person If I can't find more/better pics of it.

I appreciate the the suggestions so far, thanks.

[kev3inp]

I use a turbo bulldog without the palm strap. My wife uses a mongoose that was recommended to her by Susie Minshew. I used to use a cool max, but I removed the palm metal brace and self adjusted the upper metal to accomodate the amount of wrist positioning I wanted.

And if you sweat a lot the dye will run on a few of the wrist devices, so it pays to either buy a wrist "sleeve" or to cut a thumb hole in an old sock and remove most of the toes part.

[jd78]

Definitely plan on using a wrist liner, just have to decide which wrist device.

[jd78]

Thanks for the suggestions... I decided that I didn't want to get a fully adjustable wrist device (i.e. Pro-Release, etc.) as I feared it would become a crutch for me. I have talked to one of the closer Pro-Shops and he's ordered a Lifter and Optimum for me to take a look at. The Lifter seems to be the most recommended, but I am a little concerned about tucking the pinky. The Optimum seems like it might be a better option, but I haven't been able to find much feedback about it.