I’ve been bowling for nearly a decade now, and I can tell you that equipment choices can make or break your game. Take the case of the hand brace, for example. Some might think of it as just another accessory, but I believe it’s crucial to any serious bowler’s toolkit. My average used to float around 180, but since I started using a hand brace, I’ve seen a steady increase, reaching around 200-210. It’s not just about the numbers; the brace gives me a sense of control and stability that I didn’t have before.
In the bowling community, you’ll often hear terms like RPM (revolutions per minute), axis tilt, and breakpoint discussed among competitors. I’ve noticed that bowlers with higher RPMs, often above 350, tend to use hand braces to maintain consistent delivery. The brace helps prevent injury by keeping your wrist in a neutral position, which is crucial given that repetitive stress injuries can sideline you for weeks, if not months. If you’re someone who bowls three to four times a week, that’s a lot of strain on your wrist and forearm.
A friend of mine, Sarah, competed in the U.S. Open and swears by her Ebonite React/R Jammer. At one point, she was on the verge of a wrist injury due to her high-rev delivery—she clocks in at around 400 RPM. After she started using a hand brace, not only did she find relief, but her scores improved as well. She averaged around 215 before the brace but pushed that to 225-230 with its aid. Her experience aligns with many others I’ve talked to; it’s not just anecdotal but corroborated by multiple bowlers at different skill levels.
Now, you might wonder, “Are hand braces just a crutch?” Far from it. They are an essential tool. According to a study conducted by the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America, the use of hand braces has been linked to a 15% reduction in wrist injuries among bowlers who log over 30 games a week. The study also showed a 10% improvement in scoring consistency. One of the pro bowlers interviewed even mentioned that he wouldn’t hit the lanes without his trusted brace.
But don’t just take it from me. Look at the equipment portfolios of major players like Brunswick and Storm. They offer a variety of braces engineered with different materials—leather, neoprene, and aluminum—to cater to various styles and needs. The prices range from $30 to $150, and the specs can get quite specific. For example, the Brunswick Bionic Wrist Positioner offers adjustable settings for different hand positions, which can dramatically influence your release and hook potential.
The market isn’t limited to just a few brands. Websites like bowling hand brace feature a wide array of options, emphasizing quality and durability. It takes some trial and error to find the right one, but once you do, the benefits are tangible. I personally use a Storm Power Glove; it costs around $65 and has these dual velcro straps that provide excellent wrist support. I’ve been using it for two years, and it shows no signs of wear.
Consider the biomechanical advantages as well. A brace helps in maintaining what we call the ‘cupped’ wrist position throughout the swing phase, ensuring that the ball rolls off your hand in a controlled manner. This reduces the variability in your release, contributing to better pin action and higher scores. Even biomechanical experts have weighed in, showing that consistent wrist positioning enhances bowling efficiency by about 20%.
Speaking of efficiency, let’s talk financials. Given that wrist injuries can lead to medical bills, perhaps averaging $500 per visit, investing in a hand brace is not just beneficial but also cost-effective. For someone who bowls regularly, the average expense on a good brace would be recovered in just a few months, making it a wise investment. When you consider the cost of replacing lost game time with practice sessions or the possibility of re-injury, the math is simple.
One last point to consider is the psychological edge. When you feel physically secure, your mental game improves. Competitive bowling isn’t just a physical activity; it’s a mental challenge. Knowing that you have that extra stability can boost your confidence, and that, in turn, reflects in your performance. Bowlers like Jason Belmonte, who won the PBA Player of the Year several times, are known to use braces during practice, and occasionally even during competition, especially when recovering from minor strains.
The conversation about whether braces are essential can go on, but from my experience and the experiences of those around me, the answer is a resounding yes. If you’re serious about improving your game and maintaining your physical health in the long run, a good hand brace should definitely be part of your bowling arsenal.