I remember the first time I tried out a bowling wrist support during a league game. My average was around 160 at the time, not terrible but not where I wanted to be. I had seen pros on TV using these intriguing devices and had read up on their benefits, but nothing beats personal experience. The moment I strapped one on, specifically the bowling wrist supports, I felt a remarkable difference in how my wrist and forearm aligned during my throw.
These supports work by keeping the wrist in a steady position, preventing it from bending backward too much during the swing. This stabilization improves accuracy, and I noticed an increase in my strike rate from 30% to 50% over the course of a few weeks. This is not just anecdotal; a survey done by the US Bowling Congress found that bowlers using wrist supports saw a 15% improvement in their game on average. This might not seem like a lot at first glance, but in competitive settings, every pin matters.
I even think about pro bowler Jason Belmonte, who once discussed how critical wrist positioning is to executing a hook. Hook shots, which account for 80% of strikes in professional bowling, require a precise wrist action. The support ensures that my wrist stays firm, delivering the ball with the perfect amount of spin. Before using this gear, my hooks were inconsistent, often resulting in splits or gutter balls. But with the support, my consistency improved so much that I managed to bowl a personal-best game of 245 in just two months.
Comfort is another aspect that bowler enthusiasts can’t ignore, and wrist supports are designed with this in mind. With materials like neoprene and velcro, they offer the right blend of rigidity and comfort. The design ensures airflow, keeping the wrist cool and dry even in the heat of a high-pressure series. The support I use costs about $40, a small price to pay for a 20-pin increase in your average score. I've seen supports range from $20 to $100, depending on the materials used and additional features, such as finger inserts or adjustable straps.
This is not just something individual bowlers feel; it is an industry-recognized benefit. Many bowling equipment shops report a 30% increase in wrist support sales during amateur league seasons. I recall speaking with a shop owner who mentioned that they often sell out during tournament seasons. He said, “The demand is high because these supports are proven to work. They help amateurs mimic the form of pros, evening out the playing field a bit.” That’s a big claim, right? Yet, it’s backed up by statistics showing that wrist support users have a strike rate that’s 10% higher, on average, than those who don't use them.
I also need to mention the psychological effect. You know how some athletes have a favorite jersey or lucky shoes? It’s similar with wrist supports. Once you've bowled a few good games wearing one, it acts like a talisman. Confidence is crucial in any sport, and bowling is no different. Knowing that my wrist is supported frees my mind from worrying about form and lets me focus on aiming and power. This mental clarity can improve your game by another 5-10%, according to some studies on sports psychology.
One evening, a fellow league member was skeptical about trying one. His average hovered around 150, and he wanted to improve but wasn’t sure about investing in more gear. I lent him my support for a game, and he scored a 180, his best score in months. He ended up buying his own the next day. This tangible, immediate improvement showcased the potential benefits beyond just the hard numbers. Sometimes, seeing is believing.
For those wondering if it makes sense to spend $30-$50 on what appears to be just a piece of Velcro and plastic, the answer lies in the results. Improved accuracy, consistent hooks, and even enhanced confidence levels contribute to a much better performance. My league performance went from being in the middle tier to frequently contending for top spots, thanks in part to my wrist support. And that, more than anything, is why I continue to use it.