New Shoes

[The Frankster]

I got a pair of Dexter SST 1 for Christmas. When I tried to use them I could'nt slide with them. How do you break in a new pair of shoes? Please help. I've been using my old ones but would like to use the new ones

[coooon44]

If im right the sst's have the interchanglable sole. i might be wrong if i am plz correct but if so you may have a slide that is for less slide on it. If it isnt interchangeable then i walk around in the pit with the shoes on get stuff on the bottom.

[agroves]

SST 1s are not interchangeable.

Alittle 400 grit sandpaper will help. Sand front to back. Alittle baby powder rubbed into the sole will help as well. Don't step on it, rub it into the sole with your fingers.

[BubbaRay]

You could also take a small wire brsh and brush the slide sole a few times. Be careful using powder on the sole . One thing it is illegal to use while bowling and it makes your slide very very slipery. Take a lead pencil and rub it on the sole alittle to help you slide also.

[Lonewolf300800]

BubbaRay, just a point of clarification about "powder" being illegal to use while bowling. only "baby powder" is illegal for use, a product called "easyslide" is legal and used all the time. i use it, but mainly for my thumbhole and only occasionally for my shoes. if used properly it will not affect any other bowlers at all.


You could also take a small wire brsh and brush the slide sole a few times. Be careful using powder on the sole . One thing it is illegal to use while bowling and it makes your slide very very slipery. Take a lead pencil and rub it on the sole alittle to help you slide also.

[The Frankster]

thanks I'll try all

[BubbaRay]

BubbaRay, just a point of clarification about "powder" being illegal to use while bowling. only "baby powder" is illegal for use, a product called "easyslide" is legal and used all the time. i use it, but mainly for my thumbhole and only occasionally for my shoes. if used properly it will not affect any other bowlers at all.

I know Lonewolf but agrove's post specifically stated baby powder.

agroves SST 1s are not interchangeable.
Alittle 400 grit sandpaper will help. Sand front to back. Alittle baby powder rubbed into the sole will help as well. Don't step on it, rub it into the sole with your fingers

[Lonewolf300800]

no problem BubbaRay, just wanted to be sure everyone was clear on that. agroves did say "baby powder" but you only said "powder".

[BubbaRay]

Sorry about that. I did say just powder but i should have said Baby Powder. Thanks Lonewolf. It's appreciated.

[Lonewolf300800]

just wanted all to be clear on that, you know how literal some people on here take things...lol

[jackhammer]

Wire brush works great as well as sandpaper. You know I never thought of the lead from a pencil. Good tip:)

[bluerrpilot]

a product called "easyslide" is legal and used all the time. .

FYI....Its legal until someone complains. Then you will need to stop using it or forfeit.

[PinSlayer]

You could also take a small wire brsh and brush the slide sole a few times. Be careful using powder on the sole . One thing it is illegal to use while bowling and it makes your slide very very slipery. Take a lead pencil and rub it on the sole alittle to help you slide also.

I sometimes use Baby Power on my thumb to get a faster realease. Is that Legal by todays rules?

[idlehourlegend]

Yea thats true what Blue said, and IMO it should be illegal to begin with. If your having a problem sliding get interchangable soles with a more slick slide or get an Ebonite(or any brand for that matter) Slide Shoe for over your slide. Nothing should be able to be put on the surface of your shoe then put on the approaches IMO, affecting the other bowlers and putting them at a chance for injury because your timings wrong and cant slide (usually the problem not the shoe) should not be allowed IMO. Sorry for the little rant just dont see the need for it these days...

[Lonewolf300800]

PinSlayer, BabyPowder is not legal by todays rules. that is why i use easyslide, and mostly on my thumbhole. very rarely will i use it on my shoes unless someone spills something in the bowlers area. and Idle, i do use a pair of Dexter SST 6's but very rarely switch the heels or soles. and Blue, you should've seen one bowler we bowled against at the begining of the year. he just laid on the easyslide to such an extend that he left footprints all the way up to and on the approach. i kindly asked him to stop after we wiped up the footprints. guy was a new bowler and didn't know how to properly use the product. he was very thankful for the advice on how to properly use the easyslide and everything went fine the rest of the night.


I sometimes use Baby Power on my thumb to get a faster realease. Is that Legal by todays rules?

[PinSlayer]

PinSlayer, BabyPowder is not legal by todays rules. that is why i use easyslide, and mostly on my thumbhole. very rarely will i use it on my shoes unless someone spills something in the bowlers area. and Idle, i do use a pair of Dexter SST 6's but very rarely switch the heels or soles. and Blue, you should've seen one bowler we bowled against at the begining of the year. he just laid on the easyslide to such an extend that he left footprints all the way up to and on the approach. i kindly asked him to stop after we wiped up the footprints. guy was a new bowler and didn't know how to properly use the product. he was very thankful for the advice on how to properly use the easyslide and everything went fine the rest of the night.

Thanks.. I don't use it much and never use it on my shoes. Just my thumb if I need to.

I wish my new shoes were here already I have to bowl league at 7 tonight..
O well I will get them Tuesday and bowl with them Wednesday or Thursday to figure out what combo to use on the heel/sole.

[bluerrpilot]

you should've seen one bowler we bowled against at the begining of the year. he just laid on the easyslide to such an extend that he left footprints all the way up to and on the approach.

We had some lady in a summer league a couple years back. She would leave a bag of easy-slide on the approach just under the rack and then step on it every time she would get up to bowl.

[CAKING2001]

You can also use ashes from the ash tray in your bowling alley if that is around along with a wire brush.

As others have mentioned the use of any type of power is not highly recommended to break in the actual slide part of the shoes as it can put other bowlers at risk for injury. I can say that from past experience and even from this week at a tournament there was a guy that had put so much easy slide powder on his shoes that there were several of us that were having to dig our push off soles into the approach just to stop.

I know that I had to bring it up to the bowler and then we had to clean the approach off that is just how bad it got. Also you may want to practice with the shoes before you use them in league or tournament. Reason being is if you have upgraded in shoe quality there will be a difference in how the shoes are going to slide and stop. If your not use to this and you have to change your approach from say a five step approach to a three step approach you could find yourself sliding wrong or not sliding at all and getting hurt.

Hope all of this helps.

[TenPinSniper]

Baby Powder in the thumb hole or on your thumb is legal, end of story. You just need to wipe your ball off after applying. You can't not get it on anyone elses bowling ball. The reason this is legal, is that it can be done with out affecting the game of others.

Now Easy Slide or any of the others are ILLEGAL PERIOD. Sure you have to get caught, but why push the rules and cheat. It's called Defacing the Approaches.


One of the bowlers is having a difficult time sliding on the approach and applies a commercial product purchased at the center pro shop to the bottom of his/her shoes. The product is designed to help a bowler slide. The secretary says she has received a complaint from the opposing team and notifies the individual to stop using the substance or the game will be forfeited. Can an officer tell a bowler to stop using the substance and declare the game forfeited?
Commercial products, talcum powder or any substance applied to the shoe or approach could be in violation of Rule 12. If a league participant uses a substance and somebody complains that it prohibits him/her from having normal conditions, the league officer should require the individual to immediately stop his/her action. If the individual refuses, his/her games are subject to forfeiture.

[PinSlayer]

Baby Powder in the thumb hole or on your thumb is legal, end of story. You just need to wipe your ball off after applying. You can't not get it on anyone elses bowling ball.

Now Easy Slide or any of the others are ILLEGAL PERIOD. Sure you have to get caught, but why push the rules and cheat.

I don't even put it in the thumb hole I have a little container I kind of just lay my thumb in it and just get a little on the outside of my thumb. So I guess I'm legal.. LOL

[Lonewolf300800]

better check all your rules there Tenpinsniper. babypowder is not an approved substance, easyslide is.

if the improper use is affecting other bowlers and they are asked to stop then they should do so. but if it is used properly it will not affect others. if people are instructed properly on how to use it everything will be fine.



Baby Powder in the thumb hole or on your thumb is legal, end of story. You just need to wipe your ball off after applying. You can't not get it on anyone elses bowling ball. The reason this is legal, is that it can be done with out affecting the game of others.

Now Easy Slide or any of the others are ILLEGAL PERIOD. Sure you have to get caught, but why push the rules and cheat. It's called Defacing the Approaches.

[TenPinSniper]

No offense, but I posted the rule on approches (Rule 12). So show me or tell me in the rule book where it addresses baby powder, besides Rule 12.

The quote you use of mine is on two totally different subjects. One part was on the thumb the other was use on shoes.

Neither of these products are approved for use on the shoes. As it is against the rules to deface the approches/bowling surface.

What I was referring to was baby powder in the thumb. Don't recall anything on this subject, other than don't get anything on another person bowling ball. So that means making sure it does not come out of the thumb hole and get on your ball or another persons ball. Sure the USBC does not want us talking any powdery substance to the ball to alter reaction.

Pretty sure there is not a list of approved products that list Easy Slide or Ultra Slide.

[TenPinSniper]

I've seen friends and others hit the approch when people use Easy Slide type products incorrectly. So I take issue with this one.

They make Slide Socks, Teflon Slide Pads and adjustable shoes.

[Lonewolf300800]

if used properly easy slide works great and is intened for use on shoes, hench the name. the use of the rule you stated about "defacing the approches" is only possible when someone misuses the product. i'm sorry this is such a touchy subject for you but please look at it with some clarity and not base your words on past circumstances. if you insist i will look into the rule book and get you a better rule, or at least a better example.

[TenPinSniper]

if used properly easy slide works great and is intened for use on shoes, hench the name. the use of the rule you stated about "defacing the approches" is only possible when someone misuses the product. i'm sorry this is such a touchy subject for you but please look at it with some clarity and not base your words on past circumstances. if you insist i will look into the rule book and get you a better rule, or at least a better example.

So "what is proper application"? Because if it gets on the approach is not being applied properly. That will alter the approach for other bowlers.

My main use for Easy Slide is my thumb, to dry it or help it get out of the ball. Don't use it often. (Believe I have used it to dry a slide sole a long time ago. Brush the crap out of my shoe.

After you see a teammate fall, wife twist her knee and my knee was sore from sliding on ice. Yeah, I'm touchy. As for clairity on the subject I got know the rule. (Rule 12) Which I copied and pasted above. If you think there is a rule permitting the use, please post. Heck I could be wrong. It's been a while since I have read the book cover to cover.

I'm understanding and open minded. But, there are products to help if you have slide issues.

http://www.masterindustries.com/product.php?id=153

-The original shoe sole conditioner; a tested and proven best seller
-A few dabs on the sole of the shoe helps you slide safely after stepping in moisture
Ideal for use in areas of high humidity Individually packaged in zip-lock bag; assorted colors

Even after stepping in beer or a wet spot, you won't need to apply this after each frame. Humidity I know what thats about the AC does not work in the summer to well where I bowl. Still personally don't have issue on synthetic approaches.

If you have issues you need to look into work arounds. Maybe one of these will work for the person. I know I'd want a better solution than a powdery substance.
http://www.masterindustries.com/product.php?id=169
http://www.masterindustries.com/product.php?id=168
http://www.masterindustries.com/product.php?id=171

[BubbaRay]

I use the slide sock from Ebonite all the time. With a Knee that gets sore from not sliding properly all too often because of sticky approaches , thi sgives a cinsistent slide and does not affect other bowlers. One thing you do have to watch out for with one though, if someone is using easy slide or powder and you have one of these on, you are going to slide like you have Healy's on.


Rule on defacing approaches.

12. Approaches Must Not Be Defaced


The application of any foreign substance on any part of the approach that detracts from the possibility of other players having normal conditions is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to talcum powder, pumice and resin on shoes, and/or soft rubber soles or heels that rub off on the approach.


Commonly Asked Questions – Rule 12

12/1
One of the bowlers is having a difficult time sliding on the approach and applies a commercial product purchased at the center pro shop to the bottom of his/her shoes. The product is designed to help a bowler slide. The secretary says she has received a complaint from the opposing team and notifies the individual to stop using the substance or the game will be forfeited. Can an officer tell a bowler to stop using the substance and declare the game forfeited?

Commercial products, talcum powder or any substance applied to the shoe or approach could be in violation of Rule 12. If a league participant uses a substance and somebody complains that it prohibits him/her from having normal conditions, the league officer should require the individual to immediately stop his/her action. If the individual refuses, his/her games are subject to forfeiture.

[bluerrpilot]

The application of any foreign substance on any part of the approach that detracts from the possibility of other players having normal conditions is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to talcum powder, pumice and resin on shoes, and/or soft rubber soles or heels that rub off on the approach.

12/1
One of the bowlers is having a difficult time sliding on the approach and applies a commercial product purchased at the center pro shop to the bottom of his/her shoes. The product is designed to help a bowler slide. The secretary says she has received a complaint from the opposing team and notifies the individual to stop using the substance or the game will be forfeited. Can an officer tell a bowler to stop using the substance and declare the game forfeited?

Commercial products, talcum powder or any substance applied to the shoe or approach could be in violation of Rule 12. If a league participant uses a substance and somebody complains that it prohibits him/her from having normal conditions, the league officer should require the individual to immediately stop his/her action. If the individual refuses, his/her games are subject to forfeiture.

There have been many discussions about this with many different USBC reps and rules interpreters in my area.

The basic consensus was explained to us like this. Easy Slide is legal to use on your shoes, PROVIDED no-one complains and it does not cause problems with anybody else on the approaches.

[BigDog]

Putting talcum powder on the floor in the bowlers area is bad - really bad. A teammate of mine did that earlier in the season. I ended up blowing a nice 600+ series because I was sliding on one lane, and was sticking (relatively speaking) on the other.

I've switched to the felt slide sole for my Sport Ultras. No problems with sticking so far in open play - I'll know tomorrow when my league resumes.

I miss wood approaches :(

[Lonewolf300800]

thanks Bluerrpilot. what you posted was what i've been trying to get across.




The application of any foreign substance on any part of the approach that detracts from the possibility of other players having normal conditions is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to talcum powder, pumice and resin on shoes, and/or soft rubber soles or heels that rub off on the approach.

12/1
One of the bowlers is having a difficult time sliding on the approach and applies a commercial product purchased at the center pro shop to the bottom of his/her shoes. The product is designed to help a bowler slide. The secretary says she has received a complaint from the opposing team and notifies the individual to stop using the substance or the game will be forfeited. Can an officer tell a bowler to stop using the substance and declare the game forfeited?

Commercial products, talcum powder or any substance applied to the shoe or approach could be in violation of Rule 12. If a league participant uses a substance and somebody complains that it prohibits him/her from having normal conditions, the league officer should require the individual to immediately stop his/her action. If the individual refuses, his/her games are subject to forfeiture.

There have been many discussions about this with many different USBC reps and rules interpreters in my area.

The basic consensus was explained to us like this. Easy Slide is legal to use on your shoes, PROVIDED no-one complains and it does not cause problems with anybody else on the approaches.

[BubbaRay]

Exactly. But is someone complains it's totally different. That person must (accdording toi the rule) be notified to stop using it due to it is causing problems with others on the approach.

[bluerrpilot]

Exactly. But is someone complains it's totally different. That person must (accdording toi the rule) be notified to stop using it due to it is causing problems with others on the approach.

That is correct

[PinSlayer]

I miss wood approaches :(

Back when my house went to synthetic lanes they kept the wood approaches.. :D :D :D

Now if they would just cut back on the oil a little bit... It's pretty bad when my Sauce is being used for a down and in ball. (with a Strong drill)
The lanes are no longer oiled for a tweener or stroker. The Crankers ball will come back just fine. Sucks for me cause I am more of a stroker with the speed of a cranker.. (low revs fast speed) But I have been working on slowing my ball speed down.

[BigDog]

Back when my house went to synthetic lanes they kept the wood approaches..


Nice. I'm thinking about making my own sole and cleat system for my Sport Ultras (they don't sell the cleat sole separately :()


Now if they would just cut back on the oil a little bit... It's pretty bad when my Sauce is being used for a down and in ball. (with a Strong drill)
The lanes are no longer oiled for a tweener or stroker. The Crankers ball will come back just fine. Sucks for me cause I am more of a stroker with the speed of a cranker.. (low revs fast speed) But I have been working on slowing my ball speed down.

Heh - My Widows (Bite and Pearl) were burning up last night so I threw my Black Urethane Hammer. I shot a 209 and a 170 with it, with me sliding all over the place ;) I've been thinking about trying that ball for spares...

[PinSlayer]

Nice. I'm thinking about making my own sole and cleat system for my Sport Ultras (they don't sell the cleat sole separately :()



Heh - My Widows (Bite and Pearl) were burning up last night so I threw my Black Urethane Hammer. I shot a 209 and a 170 with it, with me sliding all over the place ;) I've been thinking about trying that ball for spares...

Di tget naje a Cleat system at all? Mine should be here today... I got the black and burg Ultras

There not burning up.. There is just too much oil out there unless your a cranker. Even if I pull out a ball to go longer it will just skid all the way down. Towards the 3rd game the ball will start to hook. The other 4 alleys I have bowled at since buying all the new balls I have not had any issues with the reaction..

I guess I am going to have to work on getting my revs up..

[BigDog]

Di tget naje a Cleat system at all? Mine should be here today... I got the black and burg Ultras

I bought my Sport Ultras 3 years ago - They were Dynaroos, and no cleat sole. I think only the Tour Ultras come with the cleat soles. No worries, I'll be able to create my own cleats - I already cut the soles out (I did my 2nd deerskin sole, and a new felt sole right after Christmas).

There not burning up.. There is just too much oil out there unless your a cranker. Even if I pull out a ball to go longer it will just skid all the way down. Towards the 3rd game the ball will start to hook. The other 4 alleys I have bowled at since buying all the new balls I have not had any issues with the reaction..

I guess I am going to have to work on getting my revs up..

They were indeed burning up - My Urethane Black Hammer was moving nicely from the 10 board into the pocket - from the second set of pro marks at ~40 feet - I didn't have the wiggle room that I did from my reactives. It was also open play all day - My stuff definitely burns up on that - my Doom and Vibe would have worked better...

[TenPinSniper]

Nice. I'm thinking about making my own sole and cleat system for my Sport Ultras (they don't sell the cleat sole separately :()

Call and talk to Dale Thomas at 900 Global, or email them.

Do agree on the previous issue, if it not reported on powder, easy slide, ultra slide, etc... then it not "a issue or illegal".

[PinSlayer]

I bought my Sport Ultras 3 years ago - They were Dynaroos, and no cleat sole. I think only the Tour Ultras come with the cleat soles. No worries, I'll be able to create my own cleats - I already cut the soles out (I did my 2nd deerskin sole, and a new felt sole right after Christmas).


They were indeed burning up - My Urethane Black Hammer was moving nicely from the 10 board into the pocket - from the second set of pro marks at ~40 feet - I didn't have the wiggle room that I did from my reactives. It was also open play all day - My stuff definitely burns up on that - my Doom and Vibe would have worked better...


OK Dumb question here.. How do I know what is more or less slide on the sole and heels? There are no directions or anything. The soles are numbered 3, 4 and 6 Is 6 being the most slide?? I am guessing there is a 5 in there that I can get?

There are 3 heels the one that is reddish in color is going to slide the most. I know that then they have a flat one and a grooved one. I am guessing the flat will slide more than the grooved one? (that's the way it is with the linds discs)

http://www.900global.com/shoes/sportultra

Ya never know I may end up liking the linds better due to the discs. (cleats) But I think that was part of my problem was the cleats. Guess I will find out since the shoes came in today. The fit good. A little snug in the width but not bad.

[BigDog]

Call and talk to Dale Thomas at 900 Global, or email them.

Do agree on the previous issue, if it not reported on powder, easy slide, ultra slide, etc... then it not "a issue or illegal".

They only had size 6-8 soles - I called them yesterday...

[BigDog]

OK Dumb question here.. How do I know what is more or less slide on the sole and heels? There are no directions or anything. The soles are numbered 3, 4 and 6 Is 6 being the most slide?? I am guessing there is a 5 in there that I can get?

There are 3 heels the one that is reddish in color is going to slide the most. I know that then they have a flat one and a grooved one. I am guessing the flat will slide more than the grooved one? (that's the way it is with the linds discs)

http://www.900global.com/shoes/sportultra

Ya never know I may end up liking the linds better due to the discs. (cleats) But I think that was part of my problem was the cleats. Guess I will find out since the shoes came in today. The fit good. A little snug in the width but not bad.

It's the other way on the soles - the lower the number, the more slide you get - Felt is 2, Chrome leather is 3, Deerskin is 4, Oiled leather is 5, and Backskin (red) is 6.

You're correct on the heels....

[PinSlayer]

It's the other way on the soles - the lower the number, the more slide you get - Felt is 2, Chrome leather is 3, Deerskin is 4, Oiled leather is 5, and Backskin (red) is 6.

You're correct on the heels....

Great that's going to suck if I have a new pair of shoes and need to order the felt just to use them.... That was one reason I was looking a the SST8's because they come with more slide options for both heel and sole. (Not that I need more for the heel) I should use the flat on the heel like I did the linds.

On the linds I had 4 discs in the sole. Two were on there fastest slide and the other two was one step down from the fastest.

I do like the looks of them more than the SST