UKBouldering.com

the shizzle => diet, training and injuries => Topic started by: Houdini on June 12, 2007, 09:09:27 am

Title: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on June 12, 2007, 09:09:27 am
These. (http://www.powerballs.com/)

Any thoughts on this wonderful little gyro-trainer? 



A few months ago I used one for 10 mins each hand for a month or so; my pinch strength went through the roof.

Just taken receipt of a new one, @ 25€ inc. p&p it's a total bargain, addictive too.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: SA Chris on June 12, 2007, 09:26:45 am
Fun toys, but never noticed any strength benefit from them.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: unclesomebody on June 12, 2007, 09:30:51 am
Be careful with your elbows if you're going to be using it daily. Just make sure to stretch after using it.

So, post up your record RPM. Outrageous claims will need photo/video evidence.  ;)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on June 12, 2007, 09:40:43 am
Post up your record RPM.

No can do: I jewed-out and went for the basic (without rev. counter) model. 

Never noticed any strength benefit from them.
 

I have: when open-handing slopes with full bodyweight on the wrists.  My wrists have always been weak and fractionally dislocate on slopey terrain.  Since using the ball this phenomenon has ceased.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: unclesomebody on June 12, 2007, 10:02:58 am
How can you be pyched or motivated for a game without numbers?!?!  :lol: You can get an RPM upgrade, probably about £8.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on June 12, 2007, 10:09:05 am
All psyche and motivation is replenished with a few rounds of strip-shithead with my better half, but like Nigel Benn, I never play strip-shithead before training.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Falling Down on June 12, 2007, 11:10:44 am
Be careful with your elbows if you're going to be using it daily. Just make sure to stretch after using it.

So, post up your record RPM. Outrageous claims will need photo/video evidence.  ;)

12k 'ish... is that any good?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: andy popp on June 12, 2007, 12:13:12 pm
No can do: I jewed-out and went for the basic (without rev. counter) model. 

Is it just me or is everyone else alright with this, especially as I can recall discussion on here of the use of sexist/homophobic language? Don't care if I get called out for 'political correctness' gone mad.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: andy popp on June 12, 2007, 12:14:59 pm
Fucked that up somehow but the quote is from Houdini and the comment from me.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: unclesomebody on June 12, 2007, 12:19:06 pm
circa 12k is good for us climbing punters. The pro powerballers are up in the 15k's. I never broke 13k but then again it was only something I used in anger at work over the week my brother was there with his powerball.

I think the jewed out thing is a perfectly fine reference to the humour latent in South Park and mainly epitomised by Cartman. Social context...
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: BenF on June 12, 2007, 12:24:56 pm
Is it just me or is everyone else alright with this, especially as I can recall discussion on here of the use of sexist/homophobic language? Don't care if I get called out for 'political correctness' gone mad.

No, I was about to pull him up on that.  I don't think it's cool and I'm surprised since Houdini has pulled people up on their use of homophobic language. 

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: andy popp on June 12, 2007, 12:28:25 pm
What social context Uncle?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on June 12, 2007, 12:32:54 pm
(Stops polishing his Hakenkreuz and takes notice...)

Assume nothing, Herr Popp.





Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Nibile on June 12, 2007, 12:37:49 pm
[beavis and butthead voices] hehe...powerballs...hehe [beavis and butthead voices/]
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: andy popp on June 12, 2007, 12:47:45 pm
Having just looked up the meaning of Hakenkreuz I can assure you I'm neither assuming nor implying anything (let alone that), but I can't see any justification for the use of that language in this context.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on June 12, 2007, 01:09:35 pm
I can: it's called humour, like taste, there's no accounting for it.

The meaning is unequivocal, and the attempt to shoulder this couplet to the Hate Crimes department is regrettable.   


Care for these balls, Andy?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Fatboy on June 12, 2007, 01:14:02 pm
Well as they say 'the proof is in the pudding' so I just went and ordered one of these gadgets off eBay - will let you know how I get on!
Sounds like a fairly sound concept though!!

Can someone answer me one thing though - how does it work your shoulders and biceps as it claims on their site??  :shrug:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on June 12, 2007, 01:18:08 pm
It's to do with the position of the arm as you rotate your wrist.  Different position use different muscles.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Fatboy on June 12, 2007, 01:21:29 pm
Thanks for the prompt and idiot proof answer as usual Houdini... and sorry for the stupid question...  :-[
What is the general concensus then - do they really work/benfit you for climbing??

That could be another stupid question too... 'suppose it depends on how you use it' kinda thing?!?!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: andy popp on June 12, 2007, 02:07:53 pm
I can: it's called humour, like taste, there's no accounting for it.

The meaning is unequivocal, and the attempt to shoulder this couplet to the Hate Crimes department is regrettable.   


Care for these balls, Andy?

Sorry, one last reply. Well, humour maybe a matter of taste but its also a matter of context. What's funny in South Park isn't necessarilly funny in the context of a thread about training aids. But this is a trivial distraction. Yes the meaning is unequivocal - because it taps straight into a deep vein of negative stereotypes of Jews. But, please be absolutely clear, I am not now and never intended to accuse you of 'hate crimes.' To imply that I did grossly and unfairly misrepresents my original intentions, which were not personal vilification but a disinterested debate on what this community does and does not find acceptable. I don't think you are a racist or anti-semite. To coin a phrase, I simply thought the use of that term 'regrettable' - nothing more.

Back on subject, someone did give me one of those things once but I couldn't get it to work. Probably too weak.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on June 12, 2007, 02:24:36 pm
Probably too weak.

It's a coordination-thang.

Don't care if I get called out for 'political correctness' gone mad.

Noted.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: andy popp on June 12, 2007, 02:35:44 pm
Probably too weak.

It's a coordination-thang

That would explain it, coordination being my other great weakness (alongside weakness). Houdini, I've pm'd you
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: SA Chris on June 12, 2007, 02:58:07 pm
Aye, it took me a while to get the thing really going. Definitely a co-ordination thing. FWIW the last few times I have played with it I haven't bothered with the fiddly little bit of string, which got lost ages ago. Just give it a quick rub/roll on a carpet to get it moving. Don't get carpet burns on fingers though.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Obi-Wan is lost... on June 12, 2007, 03:40:57 pm
I've got one and recon it's pretty good for generally hand/finger strenght. The only tricky 'co-ordination' thing is getting it going, once its got some speed up, definately a strength thing mainly. You certainly feel like you've had a work out if you do it for 20min. I've done around 12k as well. That big beefy Greek guy only did 15k and he looked like he did it for about 8hrs a day.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: clm on June 12, 2007, 05:09:39 pm
bout 11,8
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on June 12, 2007, 08:13:23 pm
I simply thought the use of that term 'regrettable' - nothing more.

My only regret is not using Have it Yahweh earlier in the thread  :whistle:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on June 12, 2007, 09:16:53 pm
I find getting to 12k fairly OK.  After that each 1rpm is a struggle.  Not that I do it very often.

(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1395/542891835_1148c512d8.jpg)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Fatboy on June 15, 2007, 08:18:16 am
Got my Powerball super quick and I have to say its class!
I got a real burn after maintaining 8,000rpm for a while and almost feels pumpy!!

Anyone got any 'specific' exercises that they do with to improve specific areas?? Any ideas welcome!

Cheers,
Mark
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 11, 2007, 09:34:43 am
I'll be upgrading soon enough (I've worn one out:  call me Popeye) to a powerball with a counter, and I'm ready to meet both Unc' and GCW in a powerball face-off. 

Till postie makes me happy, have some of this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tjshC72UJk&mode=related&search=Duane%20Cash%20Powerball%20Record%2015654%20rpm%20US%20Champion%20%234%20in%20world).
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on October 11, 2007, 09:40:04 am
I'll be upgrading soon enough (I've worn one out:  call me Popeye) to a powerball with a counter, and I'm ready to meet both Unc' and GCW in a powerball face-off. 

The gauntlet is down.  PowerBalls at 12 paces.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 11, 2007, 09:44:18 am
Say your prayers now GCW.    Your 12356 won't get you far!  I've no counter so this could be bull but I think I've whipped 12K just on the sound mine makes (something like:  "Please Sir!  I can't take any more!  Stop!  Stop!).
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on October 11, 2007, 09:46:21 am
Maybe you shouldn't get one with a counter, you may be disappointed.  And I hate to see a grown man cry   :'(


Looks like you need to be well into the 14,000 range gefore you get in the top 100 (http://www.powerballs.com/scoreboard.php).  Check out Akis' videos- one hand both hands etc etc.  Beast!!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 11, 2007, 09:47:43 am
And I hate to see a grown man cry   :'(

Maybe you're right...  I stopped growing when I was 14  :lol:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on October 11, 2007, 09:59:32 am
i'm sure scouse told me he had some freakish top score on these things that most people he told woulnd't believe, so hopefully he'll see this thread.

on the flipside, he's been injured on and off ever since then so i'm not convinced of the training benefits!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 11, 2007, 10:21:19 am
...i'm not convinced of the training benefits!

Grip strength, in the main.  The big numbers have to come down to how hard it's being gripped (how much energy is being lost due to poor contact between the hand and the device) as opposed to just revolutions.

My power endurance has improved greatly.  Pinching (especially on plastic) also much improved.  Ditto hanging-in on shallow slopes.

Check out Akis (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQPESY-pndw&mode=related&search=) (this film cracks me up!).  I doubt he'll get up mandala anytime soon, but his grip is clearly ferocious.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on October 11, 2007, 10:31:50 am
Looks like you need to be well into the 14,000 range gefore you get in the top 100 (http://www.powerballs.com/scoreboard.php).  Check out Akis' videos- one hand both hands etc etc.  Beast!!
Yeah, OK I edited it but you posted at the same time.
He looks like he's gonna bust a vessel.  Wouldn't like to bump into him in a dark alley- one squeeze your guts would spray over the walls after erupting from both ends, like a tube of toothpaste trodden on by an elephant.
Quote
Imagine the size of his balls.
Quote
I'm gonna pull your head off
because I don't like your head.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 11, 2007, 10:39:48 am
Only 2 climbers in that top 100:  positions 17 & 33.

They need to make a slightly smaller powerball.  For myself and Jeremy Beadle who are of the smaller-handed disposition.  It has to be easier to crush if you've spades.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on October 11, 2007, 11:41:21 am
It has to be easier to crush if you've spades.
Or masturbate incessantly, Houdini.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 11, 2007, 11:58:46 am
Each to their own training methods GCW.  Whatever works for you, Pal!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on October 11, 2007, 12:12:10 pm
Most people struggle with this method, Houdini, as they tend to get more strength in their dominant hand.
I would recommend using the PowerBall in the other hand at the same time, thus training each arm equally.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Scouse D on October 11, 2007, 12:22:11 pm
It's been years, and i really cannot remember the numbers. I do remember being impressed with myself and noone else believing me so it must've been biggish numbers. I'll try and find mine tonight.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 11, 2007, 12:37:21 pm
...struggle...

(Reaches for dictionary...)

I would recommend using the PowerBall in the other hand at the same time, thus training each arm equally.

Dave Noden is expert in this position.  Über-draining.  Yup, feels good with the LH too. Might start incorporating it into a shithead forfeit.  When you're drunk, 3 minutes of hard balling would equal, say, 15 fingertip pull ups or 30 press ups.

(Scouse is 'The love Doctor'?)









Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jim on October 11, 2007, 08:07:53 pm
http://www.powerballs.com/shop/ (http://www.powerballs.com/shop/)
HAve been meaning to get one of these for a while. Which one to go for tho? why do they need 10 different types?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Obi-Wan is lost... on October 11, 2007, 08:14:36 pm
http://www.play.com/Gadgets/Gadgets/4-/143797/Powerball-Original-250Hz-Pro/Product.html

Get the cheapest WITH lcd readout. The ones with no LCD are pointless. No way of measuring improvement. No competitive element.  ;)

update: currently supplied with free gimp pouch.  :great:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on October 11, 2007, 10:10:46 pm
toby you're a mind reader - i've just ordered one of them today from that very site. went for the free stressball cos it sounds like the gimp pouches have dodgy zips, and we all know how important a sturdy YKK is.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jim on October 11, 2007, 10:18:11 pm
Nice one Toby, just ordered mine. Now I'll have to wait for 3 weeks or so till the posties stopp striking
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on October 11, 2007, 10:56:47 pm
http://www.play.com/Gadgets/Gadgets/4-/143797/Powerball-Original-250Hz-Pro/Product.html

That's the same as mine!!
Anyone fancy a UKB Powerball League?   :lol:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 12, 2007, 07:15:31 am
I thought about going for the 350 Hz metal baddass version "Akis struggles to reach 12K".  But @ 100€ you have to be shitting me.

The price of the 250Hz/standard model on that site is fairly competetive.

Anyone fancy a UKB Powerball League?   :lol:

Yes.

Hah ha!  You're all gonna get fucked up! 

The training angle:  I've read-up a little more.  Rotate (in RH) anti-clockwise and you put muscle on the top of the forearm, clockwise and it goes to the underside of the forearm.  Bigger forearms can't be a bad thing now, can it?  Worked for Popeye, like.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: SA Chris on October 12, 2007, 08:49:05 am
If you get the technique right, you don't need a string to get it started by the way (which is good as I lost mine). Just give the ball a start by giving it a stroke over a carpeted floor.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 12, 2007, 09:03:36 am
You said this earlier Chris.

If you get the technique right, you need neither the string or a floor roll (a desk works too):  Akis can start  a powerball in both hands by a flick of the wrist (not the thumb).  That's really hard.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on October 12, 2007, 09:06:48 am
I can see I'll have to dig the PowerBall back out and get some serious training in.
I'm told you don't need the string to start it, if you have the proper technique.  Is this right?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 12, 2007, 09:33:20 am
Addendum.

It's over 13K for the 350Hz model. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXrtnnUrK20)  The noises/expression he makes at the end is class.

No, I'm wrong: he uses his thumbs.  (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCR8UDovPpA&mode=related&search=) Check very start.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 12, 2007, 09:47:38 am
GCW.  I just watched a tutorial about thumb-starts.  It's all about pushing down hard on the casing - then - letting the thumb snap over the inner ball; not touching the inner ball to begin.  Tried it, got it 1st time.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: SA Chris on October 12, 2007, 10:07:14 am
You said this earlier Chris.

So I did. Sorry. It was June and I have slept since then. Blame jetlag.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on October 12, 2007, 10:55:11 am
GCW.  I just watched a tutorial about thumb-starts.  It's all about pushing down hard on the casing - then - letting the thumb snap over the inner ball; not touching the inner ball to begin.  Tried it, got it 1st time.

I know, do that too but you get a sore thumb if you do it too much.  I was being facetious Re:  SAChris' repetitititition

Hou-letthedogsout:  Put your wrist action where your mouth is and post up your top score.  Photo evidence will of course be required, and photoshopping is frowned upon.  C'mon, you wimp- let's see what you can acheive!!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 12, 2007, 10:59:37 am
"What?!  This is my best sports jacket!"  Besides I don't have a counter yet.  Watch this space, punk.

I'd recommend wrapping your newly purchased balls with finger tape, especially around the lip of the hole where your tips will be gripping.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on October 12, 2007, 11:03:40 am
I'd recommend wrapping your newly purchased balls with finger tape, especially around the lip of the hole where your tips will be gripping.

1.  This is a performance aid and is therefore illegal
2.  It hurts like hell when you take the tape off your balls, especially around the hole at the tip
 
I eagerly await your pathetic score   8)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jaspersharpe on October 12, 2007, 11:06:51 am
Having not heard of these before I'm now considering getting one for a laugh. The only thing I'm concened about is the string you need for starting it up. From what I've seen on various internet forums it is easily broken or lost and as you only get one replacement I was wondering if it was possible to order a supply of spares from anywhere? Failing that, is there any way to start the powerball without the string? Perhaps by stroking it over a carpeted floor or simply by utilising some sort of thumb technique?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on October 12, 2007, 11:11:16 am
Jasper- You will be pleased to hear you get 2 nice red strings with these PowerBalls.  There is string free method for starting, but I'm not sure how it works.
Alternatively, fresh strings can be purchased from http://www.houdinipowerballstringsupplies.com for £9.99 each (plus VAT).

Hope that helps.
Have fun playing with your new toy!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Nibile on October 12, 2007, 11:12:36 am
i was feeling very embarassed while watching a greek man in a vest playing with his balls in front of a camera.
anyone else?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: soapy on October 12, 2007, 02:25:43 pm
i wouldn't say embarrased nibs, no..












*mops lap with kleenex
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Paul B on October 12, 2007, 05:21:48 pm
Having not heard of these before I'm now considering getting one for a laugh. The only thing I'm concened about is the string you need for starting it up. From what I've seen on various internet forums it is easily broken or lost and as you only get one replacement I was wondering if it was possible to order a supply of spares from anywhere? Failing that, is there any way to start the powerball without the string? Perhaps by stroking it over a carpeted floor or simply by utilising some sort of thumb technique?

Don't waste your money, feel free to borrow mine until your bored with it, it won't take long. You can start them with your thumb as per the crazy video of the guy setting the worlds highest score but it takes a little time to master. My best score was wiped by a foolish climber (you know who you are!) trying to turn it off, at the time I set it, I was sat in a ford Ka and the thing was shaking like mad. After failing a few times to re-set the high score, I lost interest...It's all about the grades  ;)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 15, 2007, 10:14:42 am
i wouldn't say embarrased nibs, no..

I like Akis too.  Not that much but I like him; so impassive.  A real heavy hitter...

Get back into it Paul B - stopping is obviously the reason you haven't cracked 8C.  Slacker  ;)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Paul B on October 15, 2007, 01:51:35 pm
I tried yesterday, set a NEW high score (something pitiful), after that I was pumped for about an hour.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on October 15, 2007, 02:55:01 pm
I tried yesterday, set a NEW high score (something pitiful), after that I was pumped for about an hour.
What did you get Paul?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Paul B on October 15, 2007, 02:56:59 pm
9942  :'(
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on October 15, 2007, 02:58:17 pm
 :lol: :lol:
Ha ha, you can't break 10,000.  :lol:

Hang on.  I can't climb 8a  :-\
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: slackline on October 15, 2007, 03:28:19 pm
Been hanging back on one buying one of these until today, when I decided to bundle one in with the shit I was buying from amazon so that I could get it all delivered free.

Looking forward to seeing if they live up to the hype and joining the UKB powerball league ;D
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: lagerstarfish on October 15, 2007, 08:46:45 pm
Having not heard of these before I'm now considering getting one for a laugh. The only thing I'm concened about is the string you need for starting it up. From what I've seen on various internet forums it is easily broken or lost and as you only get one replacement I was wondering if it was possible to order a supply of spares from anywhere? Failing that, is there any way to start the powerball without the string? Perhaps by stroking it over a carpeted floor or simply by utilising some sort of thumb technique?
I've got one (bought in 2000?) you can have a try with. You'll not need the string - its piss to start with your thumb. I had to modify mine with strappal coz the rubber gave me blisters. I stopped using it after taking it to Font when i went with Irish Alan.
Thats the trip where he beat the entire Russian Orchestra at arm wrestling (inc the HUGE tuba player from Minsk - which is why he was declared the Strongest Man In Minsk), drank the Russians cheap "vodka" which caused him to fall,piss soaked, from the top bunk in F1 and knacker his leg up, pick up girlfreind of army officer organising re-enactment of WWII liberation of Paris -causing officer to threaten Al with a knife - Al totally unfazed by possible stabbing (pointing and laughing) is rescued from WWII army jeep by his new (large and drunk) Russian friends, who take it in turns to take driving seat in my newly aquired BMW coupe and use its stereo to fuel all night party much to annoyance of other F1 guests - and me.
THEN he gets 14k on his first day on the fucking powerball.
Its a good thing digging roads and drinking stop him from climbing more than twice a year... and therefore provide me with another reliable unreliable heavy drinking partner.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 15, 2007, 10:40:14 pm
Get Irish Alan in on it!  He's obviously a natural-born powerball wad and needs  to begin training - hard - immediately.  Only he can challenge Akis as Captain Crush.

(Surely Fat Doc should buy one ASAP?  Think of the possibilities for new injury, new flesh to wound.  ) 
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: lagerstarfish on October 15, 2007, 10:54:52 pm
Irish Alan is a natural at everything. He was some kind of junior Handball champion in Ireland (squash without rackets) before coming to England to dig roads (aged 15) and was undefeated Broadfield armwrestling champ for years until I got him on his weak arm whilst he was badly injured and fucked up on drink and drugs (I still take the tick). Apart from digging, his work has mainly involved screwing heavy (40 pound) steel bars together (all day) to rip out old utilities pipes.
He weighs about 10 1/2 stone - perhaps the powerball is a great way of stopping him from making me realise just what a talentless climber I am.
I'll get him one as a house warming present.
Sorted
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jaspersharpe on October 16, 2007, 08:32:27 am
Can I just point out that my earlier post which everyone's quoting was a (poor I realise) joke. I was merely milking the repetition theme................. It makes sense if you read the whole thread honest. ;)

Anyway I have no intention of buying one of these evil looking things. It looks like a fast track to fucking yourself up. Plus if repeated use gives you a physique like that Greek fucker then even less reason to try it.

I can confirm what Rob's saying about Irish Alan. It would be scary if he ever commited any time to climbing properly as he's very strong and also has natural technique. We went out to Froggatt once and Alan, who'd never climbed before downed four cans of lager, smoked a few spliffs and then did Joe's Direct in a pair of fucked shoes that didn't fit and had massive holes in.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 16, 2007, 08:38:56 am
a (poor I realise) joke... 

I got it!

It looks like a fast track to fucking yourself up.

Conditioning phase almost over.    Probably 3 months.

I know it's not an ideal world but you'd hope people were sensible enough not to use it 24/7.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: lagerstarfish on October 16, 2007, 09:13:57 am
Anyway I have no intention of buying one of these evil looking things. It looks like a fast track to fucking yourself up. Plus if repeated use gives you a physique like that Greek fucker then even less reason to try it.


Pull yourself together. Be a MAN. If you go around considering the consequences of your actions and accepting the responsibility of those consequences, then...... oh hang on, maybe thats where I'm going wrong  :wall:. Must forward this new idea to Mr Bush
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Sloper on October 16, 2007, 09:58:33 pm
Post up your record RPM.

No can do: I jewed-out and went for the basic (without rev. counter) model. 

Care to say that 'face to face' with a jew with a short temper?  If so I'll be at the works tomorrow.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 16, 2007, 10:17:55 pm
Oh you're so very very last month Sloper.  Besides, I've seen you in the flesh Sloper (there's more than enough) and I know I can run light years faster than you.   :-*

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Sloper on October 16, 2007, 10:27:19 pm
Is that supposed to be an apology for using blatantly racist language?

As for the flesh thing, yes I could still do with losing a few lbs.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 16, 2007, 10:29:50 pm
 :yawn:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: unclesomebody on October 16, 2007, 10:30:48 pm
 :shrug:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhKxpCIkXz8
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Sloper on October 17, 2007, 12:52:38 am
And your point is what?

That because a comedy cartoon can take the piss of relious people it's ok to be a racist/antisemitic/homophobic ignorant cvnt?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 17, 2007, 06:25:20 am
All from the man who could sweat-off two hundredweight of pure undiluted fascism in a sauna and still come out more of a nazi than Richard Ingram.

Get to the bar and kvetch me a beer.   :spank:   Troll.  Old habits, eh Slopes?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Obi-Wan is lost... on October 17, 2007, 10:59:36 am
Anyone seen my Powerball? I seem to have misplaced it.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: SA Chris on October 17, 2007, 11:06:53 am
Careful where you sit.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on October 17, 2007, 11:12:39 am
Anyone seen my Powerball? I seem to have misplaced it.

perhaps mini-obi is having a sly training session, psyched to burn his old man off.

(the phrase "baby's arm holding an apple" pops into my head for some reason.)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Sloper on October 17, 2007, 01:41:49 pm
As for being a troll, I'll cough that.

But

Calling me a fascist and a nazi is well out of order.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: webbo on October 17, 2007, 02:26:49 pm
you are a self declared tory.whats the difference. ;)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on October 17, 2007, 05:58:15 pm
i've just had it out of the box for half an hour and got 8689 on about my 6th attempt. is this anywhere near par for a beginner or complete dogshite? Weird thing is i can't get it to go work in my lefthand, its like the hand only vaguely responds to what im trying to instruct it to do. bizarre.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on October 17, 2007, 07:17:43 pm
i've just had it out of the box for half an hour and got 8689 on about my 6th attempt. is this anywhere near par for a beginner or complete dogshite?

Not bad for 6 goes.  You should hit 10k in a week, otherwise you clearly bum dogs.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on October 17, 2007, 07:19:28 pm
ok make that 9393, with a thumb start. I'm finding it very difficult to type already.....
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: unclesomebody on October 17, 2007, 07:22:51 pm
this will help you get psyched... just listen to the advice in the video entitled "the best psyche up speech ever"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUBX_UjN6EE
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jim on October 17, 2007, 10:27:42 pm
still waiting for mine to arive, fucking post...
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on October 18, 2007, 08:48:34 am
if its any consolation jim my stress squeezer ain't got here yet either.

anyone any idea the best way fo holding the powerball? i've been trying to get the most secure grip by burrying it into my palm, the problem being it means that the counter really sticks into a bone at the base of my middle finger (hurts) and also cos i've got quite big hands its hard to keep my finger and/or thumb tips from touching the rotor thing. question?

10235
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: SA Chris on October 18, 2007, 09:15:17 am
I've got Big Hans too, same deal for me. Never found a solution.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jaspersharpe on October 18, 2007, 09:34:10 am
the counter really sticks into a bone at the base of my middle finger (hurts)

...........fast track to injury. :whistle:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on October 18, 2007, 09:38:18 am
exactly. hence the post!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Steamboat Stello on October 18, 2007, 10:53:31 am
Just got a random email bout this Powerball comp!

http://www.maplin.co.uk/powerball/how_it_works.html

£5000 for the winner and the highest scores only 13196 at the minute - someone can surely have that? Get involved! Downside is you have to go to Telford....
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: lagerstarfish on October 18, 2007, 11:00:17 am
anyone any idea the best way fo holding the powerball? i've been trying to get the most secure grip by burrying it into my palm, the problem being it means that the counter really sticks into a bone at the base of my middle finger (hurts) and also cos i've got quite big hands its hard to keep my finger and/or thumb tips from touching the rotor thing. question?

try holding it with finger/thumb ends spaced evenly round the middle instead of whole palm grip, like spider holding fly, all finger joints slightly bent - You get better feedback/feel and smoother rotations of the wrist - although it is more pumpy.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Paul B on October 18, 2007, 04:02:01 pm
anyone any idea the best way fo holding the powerball? i've been trying to get the most secure grip by burrying it into my palm, the problem being it means that the counter really sticks into a bone at the base of my middle finger (hurts) and also cos i've got quite big hands its hard to keep my finger and/or thumb tips from touching the rotor thing. question?

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i165/bennp2000/DSC00210.jpg)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on October 18, 2007, 04:11:43 pm
At least we've discovered why Paul has got a painful finger  :lol:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jaspersharpe on October 18, 2007, 04:28:17 pm
I too have a painful finger but it's got nothing to do with Powerballs and eveything to do with West Side Story.

(http://i24.tinypic.com/24l214h.jpg)

 :'(

Kylie still looks impressed though.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Falling Down on October 18, 2007, 05:08:54 pm
10958
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: lagerstarfish on October 18, 2007, 05:12:23 pm
Kylie still looks impressed though.

It looks like Kylie is gazing lustfully at your wedding ring.... I've seen that look before on a woman. They can be very competative.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on October 19, 2007, 08:24:30 am
anyone any idea the best way fo holding the powerball? i've been trying to get the most secure grip by burrying it into my palm, the problem being it means that the counter really sticks into a bone at the base of my middle finger (hurts) and also cos i've got quite big hands its hard to keep my finger and/or thumb tips from touching the rotor thing. question?

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i165/bennp2000/DSC00210.jpg)

word, that doesn't look too secure. i think it would slip out of my hand with that grip. but i'll try it anyway.

anway, am just trying similar to what i was doing before but holding it a tad further away from the palm. seems OK.  10293
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on October 19, 2007, 10:06:04 am
So we have:

The UKB 250Hz PowerBall league
Houdini  19,567 (in his dreams)
Irish Alan  Somewhere over 14,000
GCW  12,356
clm  'bout 11,800
Somebody's Fool  10958
Dave  10,293
PaulB  9942

1st Prize:  12 months supply of anti-inflammatories.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on October 19, 2007, 10:09:48 am
i predict scouse will figure towards the top of the table when we works out how to get his started again.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 19, 2007, 10:18:16 am
But I never take anti-inflammatories!


(Sorry - I'm dragging my feet on the upgrade, end of next week?)


By the by, for everyone that isn't Irish Alan, warm up before trying to beat your PB.  When going for a PB change hands while your main hand rests briefly (7 or 8 seconds) then swap back - handing what should be a fast spinning ball to your dominant hand -  & go for it again.  You may need to do this a number of times before cracking it.  To save losing crucial rev's during hand-swapping you can grip the ball in your non-dom't hand with the innerball facing your palm and still get it going fast enough to hand back (if the ball slows by rubbing palm you can use just your tips, if your grip is good enough).  This is how you get to the bigger rev's, the mean speed should increase with each swap.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Steamboat Stello on October 19, 2007, 10:52:19 am
9860 - and a very puzzled looking cat.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Falling Down on October 19, 2007, 11:05:56 am
So we have:

The UKB 250Hz PowerBall league
Houdini  19,567 (in his dreams)
Irish Alan  Somewhere over 14,000
GCW  12,356
clm  'bout 11,800
Somebody's Fool  Falling Down 10958
Dave  10,293
PaulB  9942

1st Prize:  12 months supply of anti-inflammatories.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on October 19, 2007, 11:11:19 am
So we have:

The UKB 250Hz PowerBall league
Houdini  19,567 (in his dreams)
Irish Alan  Somewhere over 14,000
GCW  12,356  12,529
clm  'bout 11,800
Falling Down 10958
Dave  10,293
PaulB  9942

1st Prize:  12 months supply of anti-inflammatories.

Sorry FD, only just woken up..
Right, Houdidn't.  Im psyched to beat your (mythical) score.  So here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLW0SfGyoZ0

Note:
Essential training aids in background.
Poor technique- bit of elbow flailing going on.
Bearings have gone on my PowerBall
Nice PJs   :whistle:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Falling Down on October 19, 2007, 11:20:14 am
 :lol: brilliant...
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 19, 2007, 06:08:06 pm
Obviously time will tell but having just watched that vid and going on sound emitted alone I'd say I've exceeded 13K.  And then some.

My current ball limps a bit:  I dropped it on a hard surface while on a PB attempt and it knocks a bit now.  Ordered new tonite.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Rob on October 20, 2007, 07:07:18 pm
Took my powerball out of retirement and fielded a 11685.

Upset my mate at work the other week by putting 12995 on his.  ;)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on October 20, 2007, 07:47:50 pm
Nice one.  This is getting serious :lol:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: lagerstarfish on October 20, 2007, 11:23:29 pm
Just been to pub with Irish Alan. He was quickly replaced by Drunken Irish Alan (different person) and bar staff refused to serve him - at which point he became Drunken Twat Writ Large. Apologies to all present; esp barstaff. Got nowhere on engaging him in powerball/ukB antics. Will try again tomorrow.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on October 21, 2007, 10:54:49 am
10963

strangley my best goes have all ben first attempt while i'm making my breakfast, still bleary eyed. must be something to do with being fresh, relaxed and not trying too hard.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Scouse D on October 23, 2007, 08:42:30 am
Dave donated a string so got mine going last night and right up to 13603. Was so chuffed I phoned Dave straightaway!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Scouse D on October 23, 2007, 09:27:53 am
14823.13750 with left hand.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: slackline on October 23, 2007, 09:33:36 am
14823.13750 with left hand.

Your powerball must be huge to get that number on the display  :lol:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jaspersharpe on October 23, 2007, 09:38:11 am
14823.13750 with left hand.

How did you calculate the score to that many decimal places?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on October 23, 2007, 09:39:23 am
most of them don't go to 5 decimal places!

Quote
The UKB 250Hz PowerBall league

Scouse D 14,823 (LH 13,750)
Rob 12,995
GCW 12,529
clm  'bout 11,800
Dave  10,963
Falling Down 10,958
PaulB  9942
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 23, 2007, 09:54:15 am
Scouse is up there -

1 16317 Akis Kritsinelis - World Record! (GR) 19/04/2006 Harpoon Gun 
2 15910 Jeremy Goldsmith (GB) 17/10/2007 Outdoor Pursuits
3 15835 Björn Hjelte (SE) 21/12/2006 Powerball, Badminton
4 15654 Duane Cash (US) 21/07/2007 Always Powerballing
5 15230 Guicheteau Thomas (FR) 04/09/2007 Powerball Only
6 15188 Mark Chaplin (US) 01/10/2005 Golf, Soccer, Powerballin
7 15138 James Sargent (GB) 02/05/2007 Rugby
8 15136 Pako Fernandez (ES) 04/02/2007 Powerballing, Fitness
9 15096 Cazes Jonathan (FR) 08/06/2007 Musculation
10 15058 Sébastien Achard (FR) 02/07/2007 All Sports
11 15053 Alexandre Zdanowicz (FR) 06/03/2007 Powerball
12 15052 Julien Pontoizeau (FR) 05/07/2007 Squash/musculation/powerball
13 15026 Jaco Snyman (ZA) 29/03/2006 Juggling
14 15008 Håkan Wahlberg (SE) 12/04/2007 Golf, Table Tennis
15 14999 Blaise Arnaud (FR) 24/06/2007 Squash/musculation/powerball
16 14972 Carlos Rivas Flores (CL) 24/07/2006 Karate
17 14966 Dennis Van Hoof (NL) 06/12/2006 Rock Climbing
18 14947 Emmanuel Hillaireau (FR) 07/09/2006 Powerballing
19 14935 Philippe Joseph (FR) 02/11/2004 Motor Cycling 
20 14923 Clayton Barr (CA) 23/08/2007 Strength Training
21 14848 Craig Mackellar (AU) 29/08/2006 Surfing, Snowboarding
22 14832 Jarkko Pietilä (FI) 21/03/2007 Guitar
23 14827 Saucé Guillaume (FR) 15/04/2006 Tennis De Table
24 14816 Gidel Guillaume (FR) 10/10/2007 Bodyboard
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on October 23, 2007, 10:02:54 am
get signed up scouse, get sponsored, you can quit the drudgery of the day job and just spend all day on the internet and powerballing......oh wait a minute... :-\
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Scouse D on October 23, 2007, 10:03:58 am
that's got me psyched!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 23, 2007, 10:08:48 am
C'mon Scouse, you could do 15K pissed.  Make the jump to 15th.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: unclesomebody on October 23, 2007, 10:23:06 am
I think you were born to powerball Scouse. That is an incredible score. Top 20 in the world before breakfast?  :bow:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Scouse D on October 23, 2007, 11:38:58 am
Just had break time in school -pumped silly now. Broke 14k again but fading fast, technique going right out of the window.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: SA Chris on October 23, 2007, 12:28:23 pm
I think you need score to be witnessed by Norris McWhirter before you can enter the Top 20. Is it an Olympic Sport yet?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jaspersharpe on October 23, 2007, 12:30:29 pm
I think you need score to be witnessed by Norris McWhirter before you can enter the Top 20.

That could prove problematic.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: SA Chris on October 23, 2007, 12:34:45 pm
He is now omnipresent and reports new records to the Guiness Committee at regular seances.

You can incant his presence by talking into an empty Guinesss can with a piece of string tied into it and connected to the ground. Make sure the string is tensioned.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on October 23, 2007, 12:49:15 pm
if we're into seances you might as well go the whole 9 yards and get both the McWhirter twin brothers.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Scouse D on October 23, 2007, 01:02:45 pm
14694 Left hand. Thinking about registering my scores now, need to upload my photos onto the site i reckon.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on October 23, 2007, 01:19:11 pm
do you recon you could be the highest person on the list to still be using the string to start it?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Scouse D on October 23, 2007, 01:39:06 pm
Reckon so D. Saves vital energy for the sprint.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 23, 2007, 02:22:41 pm
Thinking about registering my scores now, need to upload my photos onto the site i reckon.


You're 3rd in UK.

1 15343 Jeremy Goldsmith (Uk) 15/02/2007 Outdoor Pursuits
2 14881 James Sargent (England) 16/02/2007 Rugby
3 14748 ANDREW SHAPTER (England) 16/04/2007 Golf
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Scouse D on October 23, 2007, 05:11:26 pm
15934.
2nd in the world! Sent photo to dave for confirmation. I need to get on someone else's ball to see if mine is dodgy!!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 23, 2007, 05:14:20 pm
Fuck me Dave!

 :bow:

 
Akis will be shitting himself soon.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: unclesomebody on October 23, 2007, 05:19:41 pm
What the fuck! that is amazing. If this is a wind up I'll laugh so hard... but I really hope it isn't!

Get some video footage... and then get your score submitted to the official leaderboard. Also include a small line saying "I have been training very hard for powerball for atleast 3 days now, so I want to thank all the people who have supported me in my 3 day powerballing career. Akis, you're next"
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 23, 2007, 05:22:06 pm
Yeah!

The UK powerball comps are not far off!  5K up for grabs!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Scouse D on October 23, 2007, 05:25:36 pm
trying to get pic on net. Will ask Dave and see if he can do it for me. no wind up!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jaspersharpe on October 23, 2007, 05:44:06 pm
 :o
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: PatKingDebtCollection on October 23, 2007, 05:57:42 pm
15934.
2nd in the world! Sent photo to dave for confirmation. I need to get on someone else's ball to see if mine is dodgy!!
Awesome :bow:
Any injuries yet?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 23, 2007, 06:25:21 pm
The news has already reached Powerball HQ.


The doubting Thomases cite potential counter error.


Scouse:  You need to do this again on a different powerball.  A new powerball, infact Daves' powerball.  Get it on vid.  (Apparently the revs can be counted acoustically) send it to www.powerballs.com
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on October 23, 2007, 06:38:56 pm
i'm currently sorting out the photo. scouse next you could try holding your phone far enough away from the ball so it can focus, and also try not to do it in the dark. ::)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on October 23, 2007, 06:42:49 pm
ok here we go:

(http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d175/beardownproductions/Scouse/scouse_ball01.jpg)

if you want to try my ball scouse, i'm in all night sugar.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on October 23, 2007, 07:04:49 pm
That's fucking ace.  Well done Scouse!!!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Falling Down on October 23, 2007, 07:06:22 pm
Nice one Scouse...  :bow:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: unclesomebody on October 23, 2007, 07:07:45 pm
I like what you've done over at powerball.com Houdini. Very amusing... I'm sure they will be outraged. Scouse, as a matter of UKB pride, you need to go to Dave's house and give his powerball the treatment that it longs for but that Dave can't give...
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on October 23, 2007, 07:13:05 pm
the treatment that it longs for but that Dave can't give...

...yet.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on October 23, 2007, 07:15:03 pm
actually fuck that - if scouse uses my ball it means my high score will be wiped. scouse, buy a fucking new ball.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: SA Chris on October 23, 2007, 08:28:33 pm
Just dug mine out cupboard. Amazing batteries still work after it lying unused for 3 years.
10016 on first go (after knackering surf session). Think bearings are shot though, makes crappy grinding noise.

Mad props to the Scouse.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Scouse D on October 23, 2007, 08:32:54 pm
just posted on powerball forum. I've videoed a 15433 to prove it weren't no fluke but it's on my phone and i havn't got a lead for it.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 23, 2007, 08:38:02 pm
Worry not Scouse,  you've all the time in the world to give them a knockout video.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Scouse D on October 23, 2007, 09:31:09 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLUkNu1uFp4
me.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: unclesomebody on October 23, 2007, 09:38:55 pm
"Get in". Genius. Show those powerballing losers that someone with no specific training just crushed them all...
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on October 23, 2007, 09:45:25 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLUkNu1uFp4
me.

I especially like the two farts at the end.  Nice to know you're putting the effort in.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Rob on October 23, 2007, 09:52:40 pm
actually fuck that - if scouse uses my ball it means my high score will be wiped. scouse, buy a fucking new ball.

Yep. Never screw with another mans powerball... there tends to be swearing and not a little crying involved when you beat their previous best.  ;D
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on October 23, 2007, 10:00:47 pm
i must admit scouse it doesn't look like 15k on that video, seems too quiet and wick compared to that greek geezer. Lets see if i can put 22k on your ball tomorrow.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 23, 2007, 10:17:44 pm
I was expecting more noise.  Nothing a whizz on a new ball shouldn't cure.  Scouses' p/b sounded worn.  Is it old, seen much action?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on October 23, 2007, 10:20:34 pm
Ooh, the doubters are out.  Do a run on a different ball and let us know.
I'm easily hitting 12,000 every time but I can't get past 12,500 again  :'(
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Scouse D on October 23, 2007, 10:20:51 pm
it is an old ball- prob 2002 vintage and worn. I'm telling you, that bad boy is moving some. Dave, I'm gonna break your ball.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 23, 2007, 10:26:19 pm
The difference between a new and worn ball is vast.  I've noticed this myself between Nodders' old one and my new (now worn one)

Let's wait and see.  A brand new one will do your score the world of good. 
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Scouse D on October 23, 2007, 10:56:30 pm
Going to Dave's tmw to try his ball out. Emailed powerball.com to see if they're convinced. Gutted if they turn it down cos it 'wasn't noisy enough'. I'm convinced i'm a beast.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on October 23, 2007, 11:33:32 pm
Going to Dave's tmw to try his balls out.
I'm convinced i'm a beast.

Quote
Dear Mr. D,
We at PowerBall found your gurn most agreeable and were vastly impressed by your evident dedication to the five knuckle shuffle.
Unfortunately, as your ball was below 58.87684dB we are unable to accept your score.
If you still wish to be included in the PowerBall top 100 (with Akis sat just above you) please send video evidence using a new PowerBall, preferably with some The Smiths in the background.  We get lonely at PowerBall HQ, so videos of men putting effort into their balls always produce a result.
Please supply the video, and once we sort out the mess at our ends we will put you under Akis on the table.

Good luck Scouse.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on October 23, 2007, 11:43:32 pm
lucky for scouse, Mrs "oh how does this thing work?" Dave had just accidentally (i.e. it was her fault) wiped the top score off my ball, so at least we've got a clean sheet to work with.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Scouse D on October 24, 2007, 08:35:00 am
There are comments coming through like - 'sounds like a 10000 to me' or 'that ain't much over 12k'. Amazing!
Really hoping that I do well on Dave's ball, would love to prove the doubters wrong.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Stubbs on October 24, 2007, 08:43:36 am
THe guy who commented on the video is called Skylerwd6 - could it be Skyler Weak of dyno competition fame mad after all of the piss taking  :o
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on October 24, 2007, 08:46:49 am
back in the real world for a second, I've just put 11255 on mine.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jaspersharpe on October 24, 2007, 08:56:52 am
THe guy who commented on the video is called Skylerwd6 - could it be Skyler Weak of dyno competition fame mad after all of the piss taking  :o

Brilliant. :lol:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 24, 2007, 10:39:06 am
The comments made about the vid are sound enough, I'd expect Scouse to be shaking his teeth out on such a high run.  The sound too, it was tame compared to the other hi-score vids I've seen.



But let's not be put off.  2000 revs is nothing, nothing! 

Scouse, are you squeezing the shit out of the ball as you spin it?  Some seem to rate squeezing as hard as they can - others just enough to keep it there as they spin.

Fuckin' hurry up postie.  Has Jim got his yet?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 24, 2007, 11:57:34 am
Edna - some honcho @ PB HQ today wrote:

I just reviewed the video here guys and the actual score is something around 10k.

We're going to send a new counter off to Dave and we'll look forward to the new set of scores.

Regards

Enda


10K... 



Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Scouse D on October 24, 2007, 11:58:09 am
The dream might be over!
Just recieved this email from the nice people at powerballs.com
Starting to lose psyche, need to try another ball soon!
Good morning Dave,

Thank you for your submission.

Unfortunately in this case the scores reported would appear to be a result of a counter error.

I reviewed the video evidence and have run the audio through an analyser program we use here to verify scores and the score achieved is being reported at just over 10,000rpm.

The counters can occasionally report an erroneous score though this generally occurs in perhaps one in 1000 runs though in your case the error is indicative of a fault with the counter unit which will need to be replaced. I would appreciate if you could please send a quick email through to repairs@powerballs.com and please let Philip who heads our repairs team know that I asked that you receive a new counter.

(To give you an indication of the level of effort required for those 15-16k scores, please have a quick look at some of the Top videos from Akis or Jeremy on our scoreboard).

Please don't forget to include your preferred delivery address Dave and we'll make sure one goes out to you immediately.

With kind regards

Enda
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: unclesomebody on October 24, 2007, 12:00:21 pm
Don't lose faith. Just get yourself over to Dave's and crush his powerball. Try to get some video evidence too... I really hope that your counter isn't wrong and that you can maintain total composure whilst getting nearly 16k.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Scouse D on October 24, 2007, 12:03:20 pm
I hope so too. Just because akis nearly shits himself doesn't mean I should too!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: slackline on October 24, 2007, 12:06:27 pm

I reviewed the video evidence and have run the audio through an analyser program we use here to verify scores and the score achieved is being reported at just over 10,000rpm.


This seems such a dubious method of verifying scores.  As I've written on youtube there are far too many variables that can't be controlled such as the acoustics of the room, quality of microphone, codecs used and so forth.

The visual effort put in is probably a better reference in this case, but most beneficial would be independent replication on a variety of hardware.  Good luck this evening.

Got my own powerball delivered yesterday (at last!) and have a long way to go in the ukb powerball league.  Currently at a lowly 8577  :(
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 24, 2007, 12:10:43 pm
What happened to your ball Unc'?    I'd say this is a pastime for those with some forearms.  


(I know this plasterer in 'beris.  His grip is ferocious: all he does is grip his float and hawk, day in day out.  I gotta get him in.)

Scouse obviously is better than 10K, which is childs' play.  Check the ladies scoreboard:

39 10915 Alexandra ORY (FR) 22/04/2006 Natation, Tennis  
40 10885 Birgitte Søberg (NO) 24/07/2006 Handball
 
41 10872 Faye Booth (GB) 07/03/2007 Motorcycling & Mountain Biking  
42 10870 Katie Gee (GB) 23/01/2006

See what I mean.    

What about Irish Alan, Mr Starfish?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Monolith on October 24, 2007, 12:10:56 pm
(To give you an indication of the level of effort required for those 15-16k scores, please have a quick look at some of the Top videos from Akis or Jeremy on our scoreboard).
[/color]

They need to watch Ben up/downcampus 1-4-7 on loop on the Real Thing to realise that not everyone needs to shit themselves whilst performing a great feat.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 24, 2007, 12:26:33 pm
Damn, I need a new ball like yesterday!

Anyone experimented with the Eduoard (http://www.powerballs.com/scoreboard_edouard.php) (AKA Burst) Technique?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jim on October 24, 2007, 02:38:05 pm
If got my ball but only had time to have 2 goes on it so far.
saving myself to beat Dave's 10,000 in 6 goes
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 24, 2007, 07:33:59 pm
THe guy who commented on the video is called Skylerwd6 -

Perhaps it's about the ribbing.  Perhaps it's because he can't make 13K on a PBall....   :whistle:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on October 24, 2007, 07:41:11 pm
OK, just had a ball-off with scouse. his ball is weird, different counter with not many functions, very old looking and extremely rough and clunky compared to mine. he got his up to 159XX again but couldn't get mine past 11934. due to the totally different feel of the ball i could only get his into the 11XXX area, but a lot quicker and easier than with mine. scouse's was a lot

some other interesting points though - i use a circular/jarring motion similar to what the greek guy uses on the vids, going in ever decreasing circles until at top speed my arm is hardly moving and no real wrist motion, i build it up and go for one bust at top speed. scouse on the other hand holds his in the kind of wrist-bent manner that a spin bowler would, and flicks his wrist constantly, the difference between a high and low score is just how vigourously he's moving it, no change in size of motion. it seems that this flicking style seems to work better than my style with a rough ball maybe. he also works it up to top speed gradually over a while leaving it spinning while he rests, strange.

We also weighed the balls and my new one is about 40g heavier than scouse's old one, which might explain the speed difference, but then again its so rough it doesn't make sense. maybe the increased friction aids the transmition of speed at high revs or something.

but yeah, basically his ball is fucked somehow. apparently steve had also just got 14k on it who'd previously not got a ball over 8k.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on October 24, 2007, 07:51:17 pm
P.S. my high score on the league table is 119XX (i can't remember what the last 2 digits were before scouse beat it with 11934). probably 11930.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: r-man on October 24, 2007, 08:12:12 pm
And so the fairytale ends. Such a shame, we were all rooting for you Scouse. I bet you could already taste the sponsorship deals...  ;)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on October 24, 2007, 08:45:17 pm
Sorry Scouse, we still love ya though  :lol:

The UKB 250Hz PowerBall league
Houdini  19,567 (in his dreams)
Irish Alan  Somewhere over 14,000
GCW  12,529
Scouse D  11,934  (but honourary champ for keepin the faith)
Dave  11,930ish
clm  'bout 11,800
Falling Down 10958
Dave  10,293
SA Chris  10,016
PaulB  9942
slack---line  8577
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: SA Chris on October 24, 2007, 10:00:10 pm
Sorry Dave, took your recommendation and had an early morning attempt.

Attempt this am over frosties: 10475.

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Monolith on October 24, 2007, 10:00:38 pm
I'm willing to wager a significant sum that unclesomebody could smash the top score to pieces. Someone hand him a powerball..
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 24, 2007, 10:04:39 pm
All these powerballs are different.  You've got to buy the 250Hz pro (cheapest one with a counter).  The original powerballs are slower than this model.

 
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 24, 2007, 10:05:11 pm
10 pages of macho powerball bollox!!!!! 
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 24, 2007, 10:16:25 pm
Why isn't Stevie Haston in the league? (yes yes, we've all got better things to do...)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on October 24, 2007, 10:19:52 pm
I'm willing to wager a significant sum that unclesomebody could smash the top score to pieces. Someone hand him a powerball..

I don't think he would.
He'd start OK but as he approached 16,000rpm his grip strength would crush the ball resulting in disqualification.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: unclesomebody on October 24, 2007, 10:21:04 pm
Stevie Haston... why didn't I think to nominate him earlier. The man who could do thousands of pull ups a day... along with thousands of sit up... on consecutive days... Surely he would cause the gyro in the powerball to simply implode causing some sort of new galaxy to form inside it.

As an aside, has anybody in the world built a robot with the sole purpose of destroying a powerball by getting it up to 50k? I can't be the first person to think this?!

ps. Sorry to hear the bad news scouse. You are still a legend in these parts.

pps. my money would be on huffy to come out top on the UKB scoreboard (well, after Stevie)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Scouse D on October 24, 2007, 10:24:29 pm
Steve got an 11000, I got a 14000, but that's beside the point- he beat his best ever on mine with ease. My ball is lighter and basically well different. Cheers for keeping the faith guys!
Dave's ball was super smooth and I found it hard although i felt well pumped. Like Dave says the techniques required seemed very different.
I so wanted to be the next Akis!
P.S. Just had 16450 on mine!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 24, 2007, 10:25:45 pm

pps. my money would be on huffy.

I thought this earlier.  Isn't he tired of cage-fighting yet?

Sam Cattell.  Why?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on October 24, 2007, 10:26:21 pm
Unc- give it a go and see.  There is a technique element and it's all very pointless, but hey ho.
On your robot point:  I calculated that putting the PowerBall against the back tyre of my motorbike at top speed (on the stand, be dangerous leaning round with a PowerBall in hand) would result in a speed around 11,500 rpm.  I'd donate a fiver to some Japanese company, FukyaPowabors.com  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 24, 2007, 10:54:00 pm
all very pointless, but hey ho.

No no - it's about going to Katzs' pinch problem on the L side of the Caseg and walking it 24/7.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on October 24, 2007, 10:59:39 pm
all very pointless, but hey ho.

No no - it's about going to Katzs' pinch problem on the L side of the Caseg and walking it 24/7.

By using a strange wrist swirling technique?  Ah, now I get it.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Andy B on October 24, 2007, 11:57:20 pm
I think I'd place my money on Jimbo for a top UKB Powerball score (assuming it doesn't use too much shoulder action). Has he ever tried yours Scouse?

Dave, are you bringing your powerball to Spain?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jim on October 25, 2007, 06:57:39 am
just got 9708, the go before sounded a lot faster but the counter timed out and switched itself off, nevermind.
This was only about my 10th go so I haven't beaten Dave - damn it
I recon my technique is pretty poor and needs a lot of perfecting, I also struggle due to having a inflexible thumb (ie I can't pinch very wide) and find it awkward to grip the ball right.
I recon I should be able to improve quite dramatically when I get my technique right
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jim on October 25, 2007, 07:03:25 am
just beat it before bed ; 10146

and again; 10297. think I am starting to get the hang of this.

must go to bed  :yawn:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 25, 2007, 07:11:33 am

By using a strange wrist swirling technique?  Ah, now I get it.

Don't forget GCW, the powerball is actually a forearm trainer.  :wave: 
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on October 25, 2007, 08:51:26 am
Dave, are you bringing your powerball to Spain?

probably not a greate idea since we'll be climbing hard for 7 straight days, we should probably save energy. plus its actually quite easy to remove skin from your hands and give yourself blisters, as I found last night. You know full well you'll get competative and injure yourself. ;)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 25, 2007, 09:28:41 am
I've used it to warm up for bouldering.  Just the ticket at lower revs.  Obviously you must take it.


What's the betting Akis et al use creatine?   :whistle:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on October 25, 2007, 09:39:17 am
looks to me like akis uses scotch eggs, pork pies, fried bread, sausage & mash etc.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jaspersharpe on October 25, 2007, 09:46:03 am
And lots of training with his "harpoon gun".  :-\
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 25, 2007, 12:09:28 pm
The mystery of Scouses' beastliness revealed @ PBHQ:

I know this ball in fact, I purchased on (sic) about 3-4 years ago after spotting it in the online store of an prominent UK high street chain calling itself a "Powerball" and wondering why we hadn't seen it before!

It was actually a 'rollerball' (not a Powerball) and you'll recognise it by the little "rocketship" symbol on the screen of the three function counter where the 'lightening bolt' symbol should be on ours. I managed obscene scores on my one too, simply because the counter is about 30-40% off the mark in terms of accuracy but it hurt like hell due to the vibrations at the higher speeds.

Mystery solved for sure, I wish I had seen the post sooner, thanks for the feedback regardless.


They're obviously winding you up, Scouse.   Doubt you'll get the new counter (hey!  Maybe they've posted it!?) 
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Scouse D on October 25, 2007, 12:49:29 pm
Basically my ball is shit, and not a powerball. you can buy em for less than half the price here
http://www.kiteworld.co.uk/acatalog/Kiteworld_Catalogue_Games__Toys_and_Indoor_Fun_Ideas_142.html
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: unclesomebody on October 25, 2007, 12:50:55 pm
 :'(
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on October 25, 2007, 01:01:25 pm
and thus ends the legend of the world's most optimistic powerball.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Scouse D on October 25, 2007, 01:22:35 pm
sorry Unc. I really appreciated your belief!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 25, 2007, 01:35:24 pm
Tips from the man himself, Akis Kritsinelis (March '05) -

POWERBALL: Tips and suggestions for achieving those high speeds
Here are a few powerballing “tips”, meant to assist you in raising you scorings and generally improving your powerballing ability.

Spinning technique:
Firstly you should get accustomed to the correct spinning technique. There are detailed guidelines and also some videos in the official site, but generally you should keep in mind the following:

-You should always rotate your wrist and never your forearm.

-You should “listen” to the ball and try to be synchronized during the session, “following” rotor’s rotation.

-You should not whisk it either faster or slower than it is “willing” to take.

-At very high speeds, there is no actual rotation of the wrist, but high intense “jolts”.

-A very tight, “locking” grip should be established in order to reach really high speeds.

Exercising:

Repeated exercise with the powerball is absolutely necessary in order to improve your ability. You should not try only highest rpm sessions. Training under strength / endurance mode is essential.

I would suggest you to use 30-sec and 60-sec sessions on one hand and 90-sec session on both hands (switching during session). Make sure to spin the rotor up to a sufficient level before resetting the counter.

And don’t think that you will improve by just spinning to a modest level (like 5000-6000 rpm). This is useful only for relaxation and rehabilitation purposes. In order to improve your strength and ability you must literally suffer!

You should use about 80-90% of your capacity when practicing and feel like your arm is about to fall down! This way, not only will you be improving your powerballing ability but you will also exercise your arms and feel strengthened and “pumped’ from shoulders to fingertips.

The frequency and tension of the exercise should be formed according to your temperament and capacity. A general scheme would be to exercise for half to one hour day after day.
I would also recommend that you use two powerballs. One for high scores and another for practice. This is due to the fact that while practicing you will often become exhausted and it may be difficult to always keep a firm grip on the ball. This results to rotor “bumps” and generally improper operation, which may reduce the ball’s highest speed capacity (though it does not really affect it as an exercising tool). On the other hand, a ball which is used only for high score attempts, is easier to be held firmly and will progressively be “settled” in such a way that all inner parts co-operate most efficiently hence allowing it to achieve really high speeds.


Reaching really high speeds:

In order to achieve really high scores, try the following:

1. Perform exhausting exercising sessions for a week. Practice more intensely than you usually do.

2.If you exercise with weights, you may need to “lighten” your weight exercising for that week. Weights may make you stronger, but will generally make you sluggish and reduce your wrist’s and forearm’s mobility.

3.Select a day on which you will have enough time available and generally be in a good physical condition.

4.Commence highest speed sessions and persist eagerly until your scores improve.

5.After some time (it might well be a few hours so don’t be in a haste!) you will enter a really “hot mode”, where you will magically begin to hit scores far higher than usual.

6.Now you should really go berserk until you hit 15k. Or at least until you hit a really smashing score!

Hope the above helps a little!



Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on October 25, 2007, 03:13:47 pm
Tips from the man himself, Akis Kritsinelis (March '05) -

-You should always rotate your wrist and never your forearm.


By using a strange wrist swirling technique?  Ah, now I get it.

Don't forget GCW, the powerball is actually a forearm trainer.  :wave: 

 :lol:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 25, 2007, 03:42:00 pm
Rotating your forearm trains your bicep/pec.

Rotating your wrist, the forearm.



Your reply is double confusing for this.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on October 25, 2007, 06:49:08 pm
What are you on?  I must have misunderstood your original post or summat....

Don't try to out-SCIENCE me!  You shouldn't have edited in "pec" cos they do nowt for forearm rotation.  Humeral internal rotation I assume you meant to say  :whistle:
Houdi, repeat after me:
Pronation:  Pronator Quadratus, Pronator Teres (anconeus and FCR do very little, despite what some people say)
Supination:  Biceps brachii, Supinator

Any more poor anatomy will be punished.....   :spank:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on October 25, 2007, 10:15:38 pm
Just got 5,271 on the 30 seconds strength thingy.  Pumpy.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 26, 2007, 07:34:34 am
What are you on?
  Tawny Port.  :alky:

I must have misunderstood your original post or summat....


Bingo!

"pec" - blah - forearm rotation. 

You're right.  Rotation is the rogue word here.  The forearm doesn't revolve so much as move in a circular motion.  Wholey, no internal movement.  When I do this my pec is operating.  Think Akis was talking about training speed, not training per se.

Whatever...  When this fat ass postie pulls his finger out, I'm gonna nail your Personal Bests to the latrine door.


(I've reading up on how long some people train on these balls:  seems to be between 1/2 and 1 hour a pop.  Akis has written something about entering a "Hot Zone",  (Soapy!  Do you know anything about this?)  after he's been training for at least an hour his grip goes through the roof.  I'm about that stage now.  It all seems to click after 40 mins or so.)

That's right,  the latrine door.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Bubba on October 26, 2007, 08:57:28 am
When this fat ass postie pulls his finger out

Watch it sonny jim :)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 26, 2007, 09:00:21 am
S'OK  Bubs,  I don't think I'm on your round  ::)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 26, 2007, 11:46:23 am
That's right,  the latrine door.

Ain't irony great?



Got it!

Bit afraid to use it mind (bastard session yesterday)  Mid 12's.  See what the weekend holds.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jim on October 26, 2007, 06:09:56 pm
just got 11496
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 27, 2007, 11:31:39 am
12885.  I'd go on but lunch is waiting.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 27, 2007, 11:33:16 am
Had one pre-dindins whack and got 13232.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on October 27, 2007, 12:39:15 pm
Had one pre-dindins whack and then got 13232.

Do you always masturbate before dinner?  If you did the PowerBall first, you may score higher.

The UKB 250Hz PowerBall league
Irish Alan  Somewhere over 14,000
Houdini  13,232
GCW  12,529
Scouse D  11,934  (but honourary champ for keepin the faith)
Dave  11,930ish
clm  'bout 11,800
Jim 11,496
Falling Down 10958
SA Chris  10,475
Dave  10,293
PaulB  9942
slack---line  8577
 
30 second strength
GCW  5,271
No other offers?
 
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 27, 2007, 01:01:06 pm
Do you always masturbate before dinner? 

During, mostly.

I was in a foul mood yesterday.  I couldn't believe how crap I was at Powerballing after 4 months of regular use having watched my forearms go Popeye.  On reflection I'm glad as the competition will be closer.

I'm not massively keen on the 250Hz model: the counter takes my tips further away from the rim and it's significantly harder to grip.  The wail my original ball makes is much higher than the 250Hz.  I'm experimenting with different grips.  My R hand is far stronger than the L yet the L is faster.  The bigger ball makes it darn hard to grip in my L so I've learnt to use it with the counter facing out of the palm, I get better purchase on the ball.

If anyone is serious about training for high speeds they should find another ball for ordinary training (perhaps a cheaper Original ball) and keep the 250Hz for p/best attempts.   I paid €40 for my 250Hz;  I think that's quite steep. 

Todays high score came easy, but then I didn't warm up using a ball but ran for over an hour then speed skipped for 15 minutes.  I think this is the way to go vis-a-vis highscore attempts.


And there shouldn't be any "-ishes" or "'bouts" in your score.  Write the score.  And may the beast man win!

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on October 27, 2007, 01:31:07 pm
30 second strength
GCW  5,271
Make that 5,349
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: unclesomebody on October 27, 2007, 01:56:25 pm
Do you always masturbate before dinner? 

During, mostly.

I was in a foul mood yesterday.  I couldn't believe how crap I was at Powerballing after 4 months of regular use having watched my forearms go Popeye.  On reflection I'm glad as the competition will be closer.

I'm not massively keen on the 250Hz model: the counter takes my tips further away from the rim and it's significantly harder to grip.  The wail my original ball makes is much higher than the 250Hz.  I'm experimenting with different grips.  My R hand is far stronger than the L yet the L is faster.  The bigger ball makes it darn hard to grip in my L so I've learnt to use it with the counter facing out of the palm, I get better purchase on the ball.

If anyone is serious about training for high speeds they should find another ball for ordinary training (perhaps a cheaper Original ball) and keep the 250Hz for p/best attempts.   I paid €40 for my 250Hz;  I think that's quite steep. 

Todays high score came easy, but then I didn't warm up using a ball but ran for over an hour then speed skipped for 15 minutes.  I think this is the way to go vis-a-vis highscore attempts.


And there shouldn't be any "-ishes" or "'bouts" in your score.  Write the score.  And may the beast man win!



Are you taking this a little bit too seriously?  :whistle:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 27, 2007, 02:13:35 pm
I never joke about training Unc'.

Facts:  since using this ball my wrists no longer dislocate on footless sloper climbing;  my power-endurance has come on in leaps and bounds;  pinching (previously a weak point) is now a strong point of my bouldering; and my handshakes are firmer, fuller, longer and less camp.   :-*

I expect to see similar gains in drunken armwrestling and especially in the murky world of sadistic Shithead forfeits.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: unclesomebody on October 27, 2007, 06:49:49 pm
Where were you when this thread was alive; http://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,5185.0.html 

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: superfurrymonkey on October 27, 2007, 07:24:13 pm
10801 first go after no use for at least six months, i`ll be back!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 27, 2007, 10:12:59 pm
Where were you when this thread was alive; http://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,5185.0.html 



(Looks in journal)  Ah yes, yes, I was competing in an underground bare-knuckle fighting comp in Zanzibar around this time.

Superfurry, Get In!  You too Unc', nick your brothers' ball.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 29, 2007, 06:52:32 am
[...Panics...]

You're not quitting on me are you GCW?  Are you?  It's taken me 4 months to get 13+K - you just picked one up and got 12+!

(Your creaming me in the 30s strength.  Too  :-[ to post my scores here...)

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: slackline on October 29, 2007, 08:28:12 am
There must be something about powerballing in the mornings.  Just broke the 10k barrier for the first time this morning with 10804 which drags my sorry arse off the bottom of the table  :)  Had a first stab at the 30 second strength and got a lowly 3471.  Puts me in mind of old school reports "Must try harder"

The UKB 250Hz PowerBall league
Irish Alan  Somewhere over 14,000
Houdini  13,232
GCW  12,529
Scouse D  11,934  (but honourary champ for keepin the faith)
Dave  11,930ish
clm  'bout 11,800
Jim 11,496
Falling Down 10958
slack---line  10804
SA Chris  10,475
Dave  10,293
PaulB  9942

 
30 second strength
GCW  5,271
slack---line 3471

 

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 29, 2007, 08:58:02 am
Nice one Slack---line.  Try it after a sesh at the wall when you are reet warmed-up.  You'll be surprised.

Also, don't forget to use the ball in an anti-clockwise direction and work that topside of your forearm where all the grippy-grippy (technical term) muscles are.  Do this and you will rock.  Serious ballers have stated that training the opposite direction was crucial to them escaping a plateau.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 29, 2007, 12:06:23 pm
Not long now GCW  ;)


30 second strength
GCW  5,271
Houdini  4940
slack---line 3471

 


Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on October 29, 2007, 12:23:22 pm
Not long now GCW  ;)


30 second strength
GCW  5,271 5,489
Houdini  4940
slack---line 3471
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 29, 2007, 12:28:45 pm
As much fun as this is GCW, I'd hate to be involved in aggravating your injuries.  Do you feel better for it?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on October 29, 2007, 12:29:41 pm
Yeah, my right arm is bulking up really well, whilst the left is as weak as ever.   :lol:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Nibile on October 29, 2007, 06:58:07 pm
i got mine, it's a 15 year old powerball from my first or second year at uni.
i think it's bigger than new one, and it's fucking clunky.
i had a few tries, and my girlfriend could have easily counted the revs, so slowly i was going...

but very good warmup.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on October 29, 2007, 07:05:49 pm
Excellent.





We're all d o o m e d!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on November 01, 2007, 01:06:12 pm
I've hit the wall.

Even after rest days I can't get anywhere near either of my scores.  I'll give it a month.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on November 01, 2007, 01:11:50 pm
Useless.
Try the strength stuff.  i hit a wall around 25 seconds and slow down.  I think I could get a couple more hundred revs on the counter in the 30s run.  Currently I'm at 5489 (ie 10,978rpm average for 30s).  So that's 87.6% of my maximum speed (12529).  Should be able to get over 11,000 easily enough but after that it may be a challenge.
C'mon Houdini, don't go quitting!!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on November 01, 2007, 01:19:41 pm
I'm not quitting.


[Puts ball down so it's easier to type]


Just thought I would give it a month of general stamina balling (on the old ball) rather than shaking my wrists to fuck looking at that damn counter trying to hit 13.3K.  Then get back to the Pro and shatter the high score (he says).


I'm only really interested in - ahem - more power.  But I'll have a 30s blast in a mo.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on November 01, 2007, 01:32:06 pm
Fuck it I'm shagged.

With all the other goals I've set myself at the mo' I'm asking to much to better 13.3K.  I'll take that month.




Must regroup & peruse the literature.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on November 01, 2007, 03:06:30 pm
The UKB 250Hz PowerBall league
Irish Alan  Somewhere over 14,000
Houdini  13,232
Rob 12,995
GCW  12,529
Scouse D  11,934  (but honourary champ for keepin the faith)
Dave  11,930ish
clm  'bout 11,800
Jim 11,496
Falling Down 10958
SA Chris  10,475
Dave  10,293
PaulB  9942
slack---line  8577
 
30 second strength
GCW  5,489
Houdini  4940
slack---line 3471

Apologies to Rob, I just noticed I missed your score off recent tables.  Anyone else we've lost along the way?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: slackline on November 01, 2007, 03:24:28 pm
The UKB 250Hz PowerBall league
Irish Alan  Somewhere over 14,000
Houdini  13,232
Rob 12,995
GCW  12,529
Scouse D  11,934  (but honourary champ for keepin the faith)
Dave  11,930ish
clm  'bout 11,800
Jim 11,496
Falling Down 10958
slack---line  10804
SA Chris  10,475
Dave  10,293
PaulB  9942

 
30 second strength
GCW  5,489
Houdini  4940
slack---line 3471

Not lost, but I posted my first >10k score the other day.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on November 02, 2007, 12:34:55 pm
Will someone please give Huffy a powerball.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jim on November 02, 2007, 05:18:46 pm
He'd only crush it to dust like the dude in James bond with the bowler hat
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on November 02, 2007, 05:25:09 pm
He'd only crush it to dust like the dude in James bond with the bowler hat and harpoon gun

Akis-job?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on November 05, 2007, 06:52:30 am
My 250Hz took a 2' Desmond last night.   It's dead.   I'll be holding a small service later this morning  :'(
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on November 05, 2007, 07:50:55 am
My 250Hz took a 2' Desmond last night.   It's dead.   I'll be holding a small service later this morning  :'(
Slipped out of your hand on a 14k run?
R.I.P.  Sadly missed, soon to be replaced.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on November 05, 2007, 01:41:49 pm
Slipped out of your hand on a 14k run?

More tipsy lapse of concentration, fell off a desk.  Delicately cripped, it is.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jaspersharpe on November 14, 2007, 12:06:00 pm
What's happened to this thread, everyone injured?  ;)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on November 14, 2007, 12:15:52 pm
i'd lost the knack a bit after getting back from spain but am edging towards my best again. diminishing returns etc.

Its a shame DisgraceD Former Powerball World #2 Scouse Dave seems to have dropped off the radar. especially with genuine powerballs with counters only £15 on play.co.ck right now (i might get one for every male member of my family this xmas at that price).
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Scouse D on November 14, 2007, 12:28:40 pm
I'm on it. Posted 17k on my 'rollerball' yesterday.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on November 14, 2007, 01:02:24 pm
what do you recon the current exchange rate is?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Scouse D on November 14, 2007, 02:07:46 pm
my 15000 translated to roughly 11500, so 17000+ would be 13033+
Maybe.
Ordered a proper one now.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on November 14, 2007, 02:19:53 pm
aye if its linear.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Scouse D on November 14, 2007, 02:26:32 pm
alright maths boy, you work it out!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on November 14, 2007, 02:29:28 pm
Cheers for link, a replacement for a tenner (250hz, no counter) is better than 40€.

Using old one sans counter - it's comfier, normal sessions, no speed runs, & more anti-clockwise.

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on November 14, 2007, 02:34:50 pm
scouse i recon you'll have to modify your technique with a genuine ball anyway word, so the scores probably aren't comparing apples with oranges. your orange was very rough and pithy, but a genuine granny smith's is smooth and crisp.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: slackline on November 14, 2007, 02:41:36 pm
alright maths boy, you work it out!

With one point-estimate its impossible to determine whether the relationship is linear/exponential/quadratic/cubic, you should have done maths instead of chemistry  ;)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Scouse D on November 14, 2007, 03:00:26 pm
I'd say that yours was more akin to a mango. Pleasingly smooth.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: nik at work on November 14, 2007, 09:49:21 pm
Any thread that extends to thirteen pages has got to be worth a bit of Nik love so here goes...

Got me one of these bad boys this afternoon during an impromptu shopping trip to manchester and:

First attempt just didn't get it at all, nothing, nada, thought you were all fools

Second attempt 9500-ish. Oh joy this is brilliant, I fucking love powerball.

Third attempt nothing, shit, fuck this, fuck this again sideways, fuck this twice more, once with hands once without.

Fourth attemp 10500-ish. I'm in heaven, forget the blowjob whilst watching princess leia in the gold bikini this is my moment and I am god

Fifth attempt 11500-ish. I actually shot my load and had to buy some new trollies in M&S.

But then I managed to wipe my scores. Why do these things not come with instructions? Anyways I'm obviously a lowly bumbler right now but am keen for it. Couple of questions:
1) How do these things work? I mean obviously pressing the on button too many times clears the memory (joyous discovery that one) but what do all the symbols mean etc. Is there a handy website based description of the powerballs functionality.
2) Will social services accept powerball as a valid reason for child neglect? Just in case the training gets a bit all-consuming...

Will post proper scores with photos when I can (I know my above approximations are no good Houdini sir).

Oh also one more thing my ball is already making more grinding noises that it did when I first used it and I've only done half a dozen spins, is this normal?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: slackline on November 15, 2007, 08:29:55 am
Couple of questions:

1) How do these things work? I mean obviously pressing the on button too many times clears the memory (joyous discovery that one) but what do all the symbols mean etc. Is there a handy website based description of the powerballs functionality.

If its a genuswine NSD powerball then the site is http://www.powerballs.com/ (http://www.powerballs.com/).  The instructions are here (standard) (http://www.powerballs.com/powerball_instructions.php) and here (250hz & Neon Series) (http://www.powerballs.com/powerball_instructions2.php).

2) Will social services accept powerball as a valid reason for child neglect? Just in case the training gets a bit all-consuming...

No idea, don't have kids, best ask (http://www.channel4.com/health/microsites/S/supernanny/images/413_5.jpg)

Oh also one more thing my ball is already making more grinding noises that it did when I first used it and I've only done half a dozen spins, is this normal?

I'd say it is as mine (250Hz version) started making a fair bit of noise after not much use, but check the FAQ (http://www.powerballs.com/faq.php) for info on maintenance.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on November 15, 2007, 08:53:13 am
Nik if its not got instructions AND its making griding noises check you've not got a Scouse-patented Optimism Grindingball i.e. cheap fake (I even saw cheap imitations on sale in Coles/John Lewis in town last week). The genuine ones have a full instruction sheets, and are fairly smooth sounding. should have come in a sealed box like this:

(http://www.gizoo.co.uk/Products/HealthFitness/Fitness/PowerballOriginal/Additional/lrg-4-powerball250hz.jpg)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: nik at work on November 15, 2007, 09:22:49 am
Got all that stuff apart from the instruction booklet.

The box etc is right, just no instructions in it. I think it is genuine, but when I post 20,000 I may reconsider....
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on November 15, 2007, 09:29:19 am
weird - you should hit the shop for selling you incomplete shit!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on November 15, 2007, 09:44:39 am
Don't worry about the paper, you need to press the on switch once (to switch on & reveal hi score) - nb twice clears hi-score.  Then press L button to get the fuction you want:  crooked arrow is max rev in one sitting-setting.  Not to be confused with total revs in one sitting, which has a circular arrow around a dot.  The 30s 60s 90s offers to count max revs in 30 - 90s and starts counting as soon as innerball moves ie when you pull string.

Overuse:

You may find the metacarpals complain a little after too much power work especially if you're hands are small, watch what position you go for it in, it'll get you at the elbow if you over-do it too.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jim on November 15, 2007, 10:44:17 am
getting 11000+ everyday. Dr Pinch and Dense have also joined the powerball league.
Dr pinch - 9541
Dense - 9010

Uncle recons to have one 12000+ but can't beat my high score  :-\
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on November 15, 2007, 11:08:38 am
I got a ~4812 on the 30sec setting last night, but annoyingly i mis-timed and stopped with 3 seconds remaining (i wish the ball would beep or something) so probably lost half a K of revs there. that setting really gets you pumped stupid. shame my co-ordination with the lefthand isn't good enough to get anywhere near as busted with that hand.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on November 15, 2007, 11:17:11 am
TIP - superglue the rubber to the ball.



EDIT - New WR 16443.  Here (http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=EnxcMcL0haM)


EDIT EDIT I haven't sussed embedding, can a mod make it?

EXTRA EDIT - 
Dense - 9010


Nice one Lee:  nb - Ladies Position 100 = 10282 Tammy Maree (ZA)  ;)

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: soapy on November 15, 2007, 12:53:29 pm
does clockwise / anticlockwise make any difference?

..and my personal best is gently nudging 4,000 revolutions per minute












don't want to over-muscle my crochet fingers
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on November 15, 2007, 12:59:58 pm
Now look you! (http://www.powerballs.com/exercise_videos/)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: soapy on November 16, 2007, 01:02:04 pm
alright, keep yer 'air orn

(http://www.cmp.liv.ac.uk/gfx/people/steptoe.gif)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jim on November 16, 2007, 05:27:27 pm
it seems my powerball is bust, will have to send it back.
also dense says how many women do you know that will beat the shit out of you next time he see's you houdini?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on November 16, 2007, 06:04:53 pm
Dense, meet Chantelle, my new body guard. 

(http://www.utopiasprings.com/fitgirl1.jpg)

PB - 14767 RH
       14558 LH
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Yossarian on November 16, 2007, 06:11:34 pm
I love ambidextrous chicks...

Can I have her mobile number?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: nik at work on November 18, 2007, 10:01:05 am
My powerball was making really nasty sounding grinding noises after spending a couple of days shaking around in my pocket along with a broken packet of 1/2" panel pins, a handful of sand, and a surprisingly varied assortment of fluffs and grits. So I got the instructions for dismantling and cleaning the powerball off the website and decided to get in there and get my hands dirty (and my ball lean) last night. All was going well until the actual seperating of the two halves of the outer casing. The instuction suggest placing the powerball on a hard surface (wood table) at a certain orientation and hitting it sharply from above with the edge of the hand in a karate-chop stylee. My advice would be ignore this advice. I tried this technique unsucessfully half a dozen painful times before wondering off and finding a handy piece of wood to hit it with. The wood worked straight off, seperated the case, cleaned to inards (removing 2 panel pins, quite a bit of sand, 2 of the ends from the starting strings, 3 clumps of fluff and a small beetle?) and put it all back together. Had a gentle spin and all sounded much smoother.
Went to bed with a sense of excitement about the legendary spins scores I was going to get this morning.
Woke up, limbered up (a few star jumps and a crack of the knuckles) then headed downstairs to spin spin spin.
Picked up the ball, started it up, got it up to about 7,000 then oh christ what the hell is wrong with my hand.....

I have bruising along the bottom edge of my right hand from trying to open the spinny little fucker. So now I have a powerball ready for some hot dirty spin action, and a hand that can barely crush marshmallow.

A cautionary tale I think you'll agree.

P.S. Cheers fo rthe instructions Houdini.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: a dense loner on November 18, 2007, 08:32:26 pm
i've already met chantelle.
powerballing is nearly as hard as surfing.
was going to get one today but don't think i'll bother now for two reasons
1) i'm shit
2) the balls don't seem to last very long without breaking down
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on November 18, 2007, 09:12:37 pm
EDIT - New WR 16443.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnxcMcL0haM

Nice one Akis, but that houdini87654 sounds like a right cock.   

The UKB 250Hz PowerBall league
Irish Alan  Somewhere over 14,000
Houdini  14,767
Rob 12,995
GCW  12,529
Scouse D  11,934  (but honourary champ for keepin the faith)
Dave  11,930ish
clm  'bout 11,800
Jim 11,496
Falling Down 10958
slack---line  10804
SA Chris  10,475
Dave  10,293
PaulB  9942
Dr pinch - 9541
Dense - 9010


 
30 second strength
GCW  5,489
Houdini  4940
slack---line 3471

Not used it in the last week so no improvement.  I'm gonna try the 30 seconds more- stamina not speed for me  :lol:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on November 18, 2007, 10:21:20 pm
Arf!

I'm into Akis, he's awesomely ridiculous, as are powerballs.



You got my score wrong and dave is on the 30s list too.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on November 18, 2007, 10:36:06 pm
You got my score wrong

Did I???  It's what you wrote here (http://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,7489.msg124082.html#msg124082).  Grumpy Fucker.

Quote
dave is on the 30s list too.

Sorry Dave.

30 second strength
GCW  5,489
Houdini  4940
Dave  4812
slack---line 3471

Houdini- I'm surprised you aren't doing better at the 30s strength if you're cracking 14k.  You should be squeezing out 6000 on the 30s for sure.

I'm into Akis

Is it Akis' shorts you like so much?  Whale blubber lube?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: SA Chris on November 19, 2007, 08:19:40 am
the balls don't seem to last very long without breaking down

I've had mine for 3 years. Still has the same batteries. First got it when I was working in Colorado for winter; found sub zero temps supercooled bearing and made for optional speeds. Hard to do it without gloves and numb fingers though.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on November 19, 2007, 09:19:14 am
Did I???  It's what you wrote here (http://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,7489.msg124082.html#msg124082).  Grumpy Fucker.

.....unless you were referring to Chantelle's score   :-[
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on November 19, 2007, 10:00:39 am
Try not to offend Chantelle GCW, her 'roundhouse' is notorious in every alehouse from Ongar to Ipswich.   


I got 13+ (something) after much effort around the In-Laws.  It involved muntering in crude Ye Olde Englishe/Neu Deutsch dialects they had not heard before.  They were extremely confused by it all...

I can get to within 500 of that score.  If I get within 1000 I'm chuffed.  I don't touch that ball without a days rest in between.  Seriously, I mentioned metacarpals before.  I should add that my score was wiped (double pressing) ages ago and now reads 12889.   


I'd like to remind you powerball beasts that I'm 62Kg / 5' 5" and you really should be hammering me (in the main event) by now...

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on November 19, 2007, 10:30:03 am
I'm 6'3" and 85kg.  Make of that what you will  :-\
You still on 13,232 then?  Should be getting 6k at 30 seconds strength then  ???
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on November 19, 2007, 10:40:59 am
Not arsed with 30s.

Handsize counts for a lot.  13232 it is. 


(Soon the time of training will be over, and for the powerball to gather dust...)



Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Fj on November 19, 2007, 07:53:35 pm
just broke the 12k barrier for the first time with 12020.
13k by Christmas.

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on November 19, 2007, 09:55:01 pm
And there I was considering going into undefeated retirement/convalescence.  Fat chance now FJ.




 :devangel:  Pleasure/Pain: often the same.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on November 19, 2007, 09:59:19 pm
Yeah yeah.  I just have to cling to my 30 second efforts.
As an aside, I found getting 12k fairly OK and after that it was a struggle to get any further.  I just need to practice.   :devangel:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on November 19, 2007, 10:12:24 pm
But the historical record is clear, did the 30s league not slyly slink into the picture?   :-\





I really do know better but I'll indulge you, GCW.  I don't like the 30s league as it starts and stops too soon.  Too much button pressing/fiddling/string threading etc.. etc..  It's not as satisfying as sweating out 40 minutes on a gyroscope. 


But I'm still in.  I just want to say that it is addictive, especially if you don't have a job or bairns, and I have hurt myself by overdoing it already and you (anyone) should be wary of doing the same.  But as Stubbs succinctly opined, Life is Pain and we should not shy away from that.  ie:  Get built quick, or die tryin'.  Fuck yeah.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on November 19, 2007, 10:19:18 pm
I don't like the 30s league as it starts and stops too soon.

How about 60 or 90?

Quote from: The Great Houdini
especially if you don't have a job or bairns
Shit, that's where I'm falling down.  Thanks for your concern, but it don't help me wid gettin faster  >:(
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on November 20, 2007, 02:53:23 am
Hi,

Blootered insomniac here...


Well I've just re-read the whole thread and wow...  All I can say is: Where is Disgraced former No.#2 powerball champ Scarce Dave?!

Seriously, I've got a whole month in Fontainbleau starting end of this week so I've bigger fish to fry, but shit, what happened to Dave?

Please - don't you ever darken my door with tales of RSI woe 30 years from now.  You made your own bed, punk.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on November 20, 2007, 07:58:10 am
I've got a whole month in Fontainbleau starting end of this week

Arsehole.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on November 20, 2007, 08:12:08 am
Arsehole.

There are certain benefits to being unemployable.   :whistle:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Scouse D on November 20, 2007, 08:38:29 am
Got my ball this morning from the post office. Unfortunately they've given me a 'screamer' model, which is not only really fucking noisy, but slow as well.
Don't know whether to send it back or not.
Got 12153 sitting in my car outside school.
Hope no kids saw me frantically beating one off  in a steamed up car to the sounds of screaming.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on November 20, 2007, 09:06:48 am
Nice one Scouse, but I'd send it back (what will the Jones's say?).





(Stalls Scouse for time, looks for the creatine)  I fear my glory days at the top are numbered...
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Nibile on November 25, 2007, 10:54:05 am
i finally had the proof that i am a better climber and, more in general, a better man than all the other climbers here: i brought the powerball with me at the gym the other night, and no one knew what it was and i was the fuckin' man!!!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on November 25, 2007, 11:09:20 pm
managed to get 10826 with left hand.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jim on November 26, 2007, 06:30:14 pm
I can't do it at all with my left hand, or powerballing
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on December 17, 2007, 09:08:06 am
new highpoints: 12121 and 4950 (30sec).
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on December 17, 2007, 09:18:40 am
Doogy Rev, Dave.


My mate wiped the score of my slightly fucked ball - again.  I've managed to fight it back up to 12 649, though it doesn't like it one bit; it's seriously injured and although I can use it at hi and lo speeds there's no way it will let me get past 13K again.  Those play.co.uk people only ship free postage to the UK too.  Bastards.

Don't drop them and keep them away from dust, children.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: slackline on December 18, 2007, 08:24:18 am
A whole new dimension to powerballing......with your leg!!! (http://www.amazon.co.uk/PodPower-Powerball-Foot-Trainer/dp/B000RJOQ9K/ref=pd_sim_sg?ie=UTF8&qid=1197966069&sr=8-1)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on December 20, 2007, 10:35:13 am
got 5488 on the 30sec.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on December 20, 2007, 11:28:18 am
What!?

No GCW here to bid you Godspeed with that extra 1 revolution?





For shame!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on December 20, 2007, 11:32:26 am
Godspeed you black emperor.  No pain no gain.  Don't eat the yellow snow.  Power is nothing without control.  Which is why I'm shit- ain't got either.

Well done Dave.
Quote
30 second strength
GCW  5,489
Dave 5,488
Houdini  4940
slack---line 3471

Dave, did you go really well for 20 seconds then start to lose your grip, have to re-adjust and lose a great score?  That's what I do.
I'll have to dig my ball out from the dark hole it's in at the moment and get it moving again.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on December 20, 2007, 11:42:10 am
With a circumference of 230mm I'm surprised you put it there
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on December 20, 2007, 11:49:31 am
i have lost grip before, not on that occaision though. the 1st 10 seconds are fine, the 2nd 10 are the "fucking hell how slowly is that second hand on my watch moving", and the final ten are the bit where you have to slow significantly cos of the raging upper-arm burning. what did help was resetting the timer in an efficient manner - when i'd got 4500s before i knew i'd still fucked up the timer bit and sometomes forgot to have a clock in front of me so had finished too early. they should put a beeper in the ball, and preferably some kind of USB bluetooth connection so you could reset the counter remotely and get a realtime telemetry readout of each run on the computer/phone.

Several instances of blisters on my hand have mean i've had to resort to fingerless weightlifting gloves when doing it. i'm looking for hotpants, a white vest and a leather peakie to set off the look.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: account_inactive on December 20, 2007, 02:33:21 pm
Try the wardrobe of Dense  :shrug:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on December 20, 2007, 02:36:51 pm
Gentlemen,

honesty is of the hightest importance.


Surely all of us could tick two of those boxes?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jim on December 20, 2007, 03:10:47 pm
I could tick all of em.... now
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on December 22, 2007, 11:23:11 am
You always could  8)





Arseholes, Ballers, Countrymen!


Quarry  - #100      14268     Evrard Guillaume (FR)






Just a matter of time





Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Richie Crouch on December 22, 2007, 01:27:44 pm
Had my first go last night on some powerball that one of the kids brought down the wall, 11,806 was right hand, 11, 594 with left. I'll be purchasing one for Christmas and working it into my training regime over the next couple of months!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on December 26, 2007, 02:51:21 pm
Phoo-ey, I've three of these things now, alas, the gifter didn't cough up enough for a 250hz model; but being smaller the standard is so comfy to use. 

The M-in-L really hates the sound, so I think a double demo is required.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: a dense loner on December 26, 2007, 05:36:01 pm
what on your first go? thats insane. your mate didn't buy scouse's old ball did he? only annoyed since i don't think i've ever beat 7000
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on December 26, 2007, 07:06:42 pm
And so read the last words of a loon.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on December 31, 2007, 11:05:19 pm
Anyone played with their balls lately?




Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jim on January 01, 2008, 01:26:17 am
why actually yes...

oh you mean powerball

que some drums and a cymbol falling off a cliff
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on January 01, 2008, 03:59:03 pm
Felt all three of mine earlier - oooooooooh, ah


#1 - grinds like a mixer, #2 - still fastest w/mild limp, & #3 - newest, quietest.

Very difficult to get any pair going at the same rate & maintain it.  Been thinking about getting the 350hz - it's twice as heavy.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Stubbs on January 01, 2008, 04:39:47 pm
Got 9705 with my right and no more than about 4k with my left - didn't realise before playing with the powerball quite how badly messed up my wrist was from skateboarding...
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Richie Crouch on January 01, 2008, 05:01:07 pm
Mine has finally arrived but as nobody was in, it's sitting in the post office! Going to have to send one of minions to fetch it whilst I galavant around the Peaks this week  8)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: account_inactive on January 01, 2008, 05:17:37 pm
PEAK
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jim on January 01, 2008, 06:37:07 pm
What peaks will you be visiting?
Nevis, snowdon or are you going abroad to the bigger ranges?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Obi-Wan is lost... on January 01, 2008, 10:25:35 pm
Got a replacement for mislaid one for Christmas. It's a 250hz Pro Amber 'Screamer'. With a 'Screamer' Rotor, with 8 holes that makes an un-necessary loud noise in use.  :shrug:
Not sure if they will adversely affect top speed. We'll see. Pretty annoying to use. Might have to ebay it and get myself a normal one.

First short session after a two year gap, R 11592, L 10700
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on January 02, 2008, 09:30:37 am
i think the screamers are thought to be ~500 revs slower. i tried scouse's and it is annoying. i'd try and get a normal one.

incinentally me dad got a 250hx signature version for xmas (the one with white LEDs in) which are also supposed to be slower, and i found it felt really different to my ball, really smooth and thus harder to get thumbstarted, like there was too little friction.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on January 02, 2008, 09:34:35 am
i think the screamers are thought to be ~500 revs slower. i tried scouse's and it is annoying. i'd try and get a normal one.

Only because you don't go as fast as the noise irritates you :lol:.  Can anyone actually see a point in the Screamer?  Get the standard 250Hz.
Dave:  Does the LED one feel funny 'cos it's new?

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on January 02, 2008, 10:07:55 am
nah, mine didn't feel like that when new (mine feels the same as it did when new still, its only 2 months old). main problem with the LED ball was i coulnd't hear it very well, especially with my dad's Steeleye Span CD on in the background. Gaudete gaudete christus est natus..... etc.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on January 02, 2008, 10:16:07 am
Even NSD must re-invent the wheel every so often; shame, they really should be working on the all new 450hz titanium-housed, tungsten-balled, assembled in a vacuum model, rather that offering gash - nay - irritating versions of something that's just fine.  Rather like new ATC's etc..
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on January 02, 2008, 11:30:33 am
Moose wrote:

...mind you all of this requires getting stronger, unfortunately the recent trend has been for the reverse...





You really should get a powerball, fuck going to the gym.  You'll be siddling upto a lab strumpet, crushing a thick heat-proof tube whilst huh-ing your groin... eyeing her up lasciviously ...

                                                                                                                     ...get reported...

                                                                                                                         ...lose job...

                                                                                                                           ...wife...

                                                                                                                         ...join gym...
                                                                                                                       
                                                                                                                        ...white vest...
                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                      ...leather peaked cap...

                                                                                                                           tbc...(!!!)
                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                         



Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on January 08, 2008, 08:42:19 pm
Meanwhile over @ powerball.com

thus (http://www.powerballs.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3209)

Wow, you are all quite confident! I am honoured of course, but I am rather reserved about this. 17k may seem closer but it is quite a long shot. Keep in mind that I had been "trapped" at 16317 for almost 2 years and it is known that for higher scores the increase in difficulty is not linear.

Till now, I've hit several 16.2k scores, four 16.3k scores, two 16.4k scores and one 16.5k score. So the 16.3k+ zone is quite "unexplored" for the time being and it is not easy to make extrapolations.

Of course, back when I started powerballing, even 15k seemed almost impossible and 16k was considered simply out of reality. So we don't know what the situation will be e.g. 3 or 4 years from now. (Probably the whole Top100 will comprise of 15k+ scores only!)

Regards

Akis
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jim on January 08, 2008, 11:53:29 pm
I can't even comprehend 12k+ yet
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on January 09, 2008, 12:17:49 pm
Get 12K every time I use these fucking stupid things.


#400 - 13550 - Chad Walker (CA)   I'm trying to get onto the proper league tables, which isn't so far off, he said.






Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Richie Crouch on January 09, 2008, 09:22:51 pm
New pb 3rd session in, 12,216. Looking forward to getting into a groove on it :)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: underground on January 09, 2008, 10:09:10 pm
I had 11,081 on my first go. A week later I can manage 11,307 but only right handed- left is a bag of shite.

Any tips on starting the thing without the string?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jim on January 09, 2008, 10:17:35 pm
roll it along the carpet or floor or table is what I do
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dobbin on January 10, 2008, 08:40:16 am
Someone at work started this craze off just before xmas, and in an uneducated fashion I started it (repeatedly) by rolling it along the carpeted floor. It does start the ball, but the rotor thing gets clogged with carpet fluff and I had to take it apart (with help from youtube) to clean it.

Anyway, I can consistently get to ~10500 with my right hand, intermittently ~11000 and once, a massive 11402 - which is my highest ever. But I have reached an impasse. No idea how to get any more. it must be a knack thing.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: lagerstarfish on January 10, 2008, 08:47:46 am
Any tips on starting the thing without the string?
have a look on youtube...
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jaspersharpe on January 10, 2008, 08:58:01 am
Oh no not again. Go back to about page 3 of this thread..........
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on January 10, 2008, 09:03:15 am
Does this thread require more starting tips?


Is the Pope an ex-nazi?






Balling is fundamentally a grip test; followed by a co-ordination exercise.  Impasse?  Check that grip ie. hold it tighter. 

Little Tommy Sparra: But I'm holding it as hard as I can!
Stud: Then  you need to train that grip of yours.
Little Tommy Sparra:  Wot?  You mean so I can hold it tighter?
Stud:  Bingo, Tommy
Little Tommy Sparra: Will that help?
Stud:  Eh?
Little Tommy Sparra: Playing bingo?
Stud: Shut the fuck up you wimp and listen up...    You need to train the other side of your forearm Tommy, always you revolve clockwise and hardly ever the other way, why not give yourself a fighting chance and work the top of the arm as well as the bottom, do this enough and the grip improves overall.  Also Tommy ...
Little Tommy Sparra:  Yes...
Stud:  Do it more often and for longer, say 40 minutes, you'll be amazed at the way your grip changes after 1/2 hour or so. 


When you've sussed this I'll give you a tip to help the co-ordination.

Exactly Jasper, exactly...


Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on January 10, 2008, 01:33:55 pm
got 5577 on a 30sec last night.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Monolith on January 10, 2008, 01:54:53 pm
I'm a big boat of shite on these things. Got 10,200 this morn on crouch's for which I got only grief.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on January 10, 2008, 02:03:47 pm
Quote
The UKB 250Hz PowerBall league
Irish Alan  Somewhere over 14,000
Houdini  13,232
Rob 12,995
GCW  12,529
Richie "Peaks" Crouch  12,216
Scouse D  12,153
Dave  12,121
FJ  12,020
clm  'bout 11,800
Obi Wan is lost  11,592
Jim 11,496
Underground  11,307
Falling Down 10958
slack---line  10804
SA Chris  10,475
Monolith 10,200
PaulB  9942
Stubbs  9,705
Dr pinch  9541
Dense  9010


 
30 second strength
Dave  5,577
GCW  5,489
Houdini  4940
slack---line 3471

Nice one dave- I'm off for a 30 hand exercise......  (punchline missing)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on January 10, 2008, 02:15:36 pm
cashback!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Monolith on January 10, 2008, 02:23:11 pm
Good to see all the strong men are at the bottom of the list eh Lee, Paul? ;)

How much of my score is likely to be poor technique? I'm struggling to envisage myself ever getting 'good' at this.  :-\



Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jim on January 10, 2008, 02:38:21 pm
just got 11589, not quite enough to nick obi wans spot.
I think wearing a vest definatley helps
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Monolith on January 10, 2008, 02:41:13 pm
Mmm feeling the vest/crotchless y front vibe.

Everyone with the ability please take that greasy smug crouch idiot down the table.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Richie Crouch on January 10, 2008, 02:59:22 pm
We've only juuuuuust beeeeguuun  :kiss1:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on January 10, 2008, 03:15:24 pm
We should start a new league - the 60s; 30s is pants as much of that time is getting up to speed.



Men, I say if we can not abandon this girly pursuit, we should make it manlier.  Give ourselves more of a crack @ it. 

Huh?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on January 10, 2008, 03:24:46 pm
do you mean "if i can't be the best lets change the rules?"  ;)

this is beginning to reek of baseball, dry-tooling, and drilled monos.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jaspersharpe on January 10, 2008, 03:35:15 pm
do you mean "if i can't be the best lets change the rules?"  ;)


Naturally.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on January 10, 2008, 03:40:48 pm
Cunts.




I mean, no Silly Billy!  Not at all, if I engaged the other hemisphere for more than second I would beat your score within an afternoon  ;); I lost interest in the 30s largely as it's darn fiddly and by the time you gather steam it's over.

OK - how's about I won't even enter the 60s (I never do this 30/60/90s thing anyways)?  Leaving room for younger, fitter specimens?  Think about it, you know I always talk sense.     
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on January 10, 2008, 03:46:13 pm
I lost interest in the 30s largely as it's darn fiddly and by the time you gather steam it's over.

This statement could be hilarious if taken out of context. Fuck its like national innuendo awareness day on here today. The wife asked me for a double-entendre this morning so i gave her one, etc etc.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on January 10, 2008, 03:48:02 pm
Think about it, you know I always talk sense.     
:lol:   :lol:   :lol:   :lol:   :lol:   :lol:   :lol:   :lol:   :lol:   :lol:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on January 10, 2008, 03:49:05 pm
Pray tell me never develop an interest in the 90s...




Think of it this way -


15s to get up to speed
15s to give it some

And then game over just as you are getting into the stride of it, bit more room for error/improvement in the 60s

Just a suggestion!




*Throws post-it pad @ butler, storms off*
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on January 10, 2008, 04:00:28 pm
hows about pressing the reset button after you've got it up to speed einstein! ::)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on January 10, 2008, 04:02:33 pm
But that's not how it works, if that's the way you want it . . .





*Blinds butler w/thumbs, rings for a new one*
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jim on January 10, 2008, 07:29:56 pm
hows about pressing the reset button after you've got it up to speed einstein! ::)
Is that kosher?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on January 10, 2008, 10:48:23 pm
Of course.  That's the way.  Blast to the mid 12s, push reset and pump to the max!!!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Richie Crouch on January 11, 2008, 12:13:37 am
Shady! I have been getting 4.7k odd from standing on the 30 second, wondering how the hell to get 5k without my arm exploding  ;D
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on January 11, 2008, 09:03:53 am
got a 12162, and a 5630 on the 30sec last night. result. also managed 4858 with the LH on 30sec.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on January 11, 2008, 06:46:57 pm
30s/60s/90s - standing starts are mandatory in this county

(http://www.geocities.com/best_worst007/worstally.jpg)


Nigel Benn - vs - Akis



Hmmmm...


With gloves, Benn; without, Akis.

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Monolith on January 14, 2008, 11:25:38 pm
Minor improvement: 10,727. Progress is woefully slow...
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Monolith on January 15, 2008, 12:36:05 am
Yes I have no life. Put on a decent tune and got 11,146.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on January 15, 2008, 08:10:18 am
Don't worry for the score, you will be stronger open-handed & on pinches if you do a little every few days.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on January 15, 2008, 08:48:49 am
more incremental progress:
12395
5634 30sec
4899 30sec (LH)

funny thing about music Mono, i find if i put music its worse cos i can't hear the ball as much.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Monolith on January 15, 2008, 11:03:23 am
I hear what you mean on the  music thing. Might have been a fluke   :-\
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: chicane on January 16, 2008, 04:44:40 pm

Got mine from play.com today and bought into the office - just managed 11,111 although a collegue who never goes to the gym or does any exercise just got 11,701 so technique must be important.

Have to remember that I bought it to help with my RSI not for getting the best score but it's really addictive!

Cheers to UKB for the powerball advice
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on January 17, 2008, 10:45:24 pm
Right, after a week in Wales staring at the fucking c**ting arsing bloody shitty fucker rain:

The UKB 250Hz PowerBall league
Irish Alan  Somewhere over 14,000
Houdini  13,232
Rob 12,995
GCW  12,529
Richie "Peaks" Crouch  12,216
Dave  12,395
Scouse D  12,153
FJ  12,020
clm  'bout 11,800
Obi Wan is lost  11,592
Jim 11,589
Underground  11,307
Monolith 11,146
Chicane  11.111
Falling Down 10,958
slack---line  10,804
SA Chris  10,475
PaulB  9,942
Stubbs  9,705
Dr pinch  9,541
Dense  9,010


 
30 second strength
Dave  5,634
GCW  5,489
Houdini  4940
slack---line 3471

60 Second Strength
GCW 10,082


I did the 60 second with ONE hand (the right) and using a burst stylee.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on January 17, 2008, 11:16:05 pm
yo shouldn't me and ritchie be the other way round?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Duma on January 18, 2008, 12:31:33 am
Spent ages trying to ignore this thread, failed, and have predictably now gone out and aquired said training aid.

10381 3rd go...

but that was yesterday and I can't match it now. Also have no skin on the inside of the last joint of my little finger - anyone else suffer with this?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on January 18, 2008, 07:41:29 am
The league looks funky:  20 bodies & close competition in the bottom-half.  I expect the presence of a ball will be a common feature of The Dispensary from now on. 

Skin?  Mine's always been fine.

I still need a new 250Hz; haven't timed myself since before Xmas.  Should do.

It would be good if some of the stronger people on UKB would take part too.  Nibz?  Ru?  Beef? 
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on January 18, 2008, 09:48:34 am
yo shouldn't me and ritchie be the other way round?

Word.

The UKB 250Hz PowerBall league
Irish Alan  Somewhere over 14,000
.....blah......
Dave  12,395
Richie "Peaks" Crouch  12,216
......blah......
SA Chris  10,475
Duma  10,381
PaulB  9,942
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Monolith on January 18, 2008, 10:11:02 am
Peaks has just awakened on the couch. I can hear the whirring of a powerball already, he's taking this  more seriously than his climbing!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on January 18, 2008, 10:30:34 am
Could this be the start of an official nickname?  :lol:

No-one else gonna try the 60 seconds?  I  find it technically challenging with burst.  Knwing how long to power for then rest is hard, as is timing the power so you accelerate rather than slow the thing down.  Give it a try Houdini, just as a reference value.  You may even like it  :read:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on January 18, 2008, 10:38:39 am
Also have no skin on the inside of the last joint of my little finger - anyone else suffer with this?

yeah i've had this when it was new and i was doing it all the time - the key to avoid is keep a tight grip so it doesn't move around, and also i only don't do it enough to make that happen anymore. i've also had blisters on the palm of the hand too.

On the 60sec run GCW, what is the burst technique? I'm favouring 30sec at the mo cos for that length of time i can still go pretty much all-out for that time, but 60seconds i would either have to pace myself or truly die at the end. If this burst technique is something other than giving it everything you've got for the full duration then i suspect it might get you good scores but not be a truly busting or training beneficial as just going balls-deep. question?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on January 18, 2008, 10:45:36 am


Anyone experimented with the Eduoard (http://www.powerballs.com/scoreboard_edouard.php) (AKA Burst) Technique?

I'm guessing it does nowt for longevity.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on January 18, 2008, 10:57:27 am
Burst (aka Edouard) technique is as it says- you do a burst then relax, burst etc.  The idea is to beast it to a higher speed than you can maintain constantly for 60/90 seconds.  But you have to be accurate with how low you let the revs drop.  It's still pumpy as buggery.

Houdini's favourite love machine shalt demonstrate:

Non-Burst 90s  20,082
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQPESY-pndw

Burst 90s  20,903 (http://www.dailymotion.com/country:fr/tag/star/video/x414cp_powerball-20903-rpm-en-burst_extreme)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on January 18, 2008, 11:03:02 am
See also the PowerBall league table. (http://www.powerballs.com/scoreboard.php?div=stre)

Hey, houd- here's one for ya:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNSUQq7EUKc
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Norton Sharley on January 18, 2008, 11:13:42 am
What fascinating videos, thank you.   ;)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Monolith on January 18, 2008, 12:26:12 pm
I don't understand this. Just got my pb of 11,320 without trying. It seems I do better when I don't try. What kind of sport/activity is this bizarre sensation sweeping the globe!?

My ball is only a few days old and I seem to get better scores on Peaks'. Is there a level of breaking in needed with Powerballs?

CoC seems to be helping my ball..

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on January 18, 2008, 12:31:14 pm
CoC seems to be helping my ball..

Corrosion of Conformity?  Saw them years and years ago when they supported Metallica (I think).  Kinda lost track of them since.
Balls seem to get slower with time/ wear, so they are best when brand spanking shiny and new.

What fascinating videos, thank you.  

Glad you found them helpful.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Monolith on January 18, 2008, 12:35:00 pm
Captains of Crush. I tested a new killer session of campussing,Coc and leg raises last night  and it went down a treat.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: galpinos on January 18, 2008, 12:48:56 pm
Captains of Crush.

I do hope you listen to the song whilst working that gripper!

http://laingproductions.com/music-group-2.html

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on January 18, 2008, 12:54:30 pm
It seems I do better when I don't try.

yeah i'm hearing you on FM. its a bit like slab climbing.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Monolith on January 18, 2008, 01:06:32 pm
galpinos, that Captains of Crush song is fucking weird.  He's one of those Christian death metal artists isn't he  ::)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: galpinos on January 18, 2008, 01:10:58 pm
galpinos, that Captains of Crush song is fucking weird.  He's one of those Christian death metal artists isn't he  ::)

He seems quite grounded to me. From his website:

Life has been more than a journey. It’s been a hard fought war. Haunted by nightmares and a spiritual descent into inner personal hell, Laing is no stranger to the darkness.

If I was into Christaioan Deathe Metal, I could think of no higher accolade than being commisioned to do the CoC Song.

Does it not get you psyched?  ;)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on January 18, 2008, 02:08:50 pm
Houdini's favourite love machine


*mops lap with kleenex

The historical record is clear.


That's a fucking great vid by-the-by.  Norton!  Stop being a cunt and get a powerball.

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: andy_e on January 18, 2008, 02:38:24 pm
Peaks
Could this be the start of an official nickname?  :lol:

No, it's Michael Schumacher or nothing!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Plattsy on January 18, 2008, 03:38:17 pm
Having read the whole thread and laughed alot. Just ordered myself a Powerball cos my open hand and pinch strength is crap. Looking forward to the uber vice like grip. Whats a typical workout and how often people?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on January 18, 2008, 05:15:55 pm

(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i165/bennp2000/DSC00210.jpg)

Paul_B, this, I believe, is the source of your low score.  There's no way you can control all that 8B-ness w/such a grip.

May I suggest a change to the SPOD (Satan, Prince of Darkness) grip: gripped between the thumb, middle and ringfinger, as if saluting Satan, the index and pinky supporting the ball a little either side.

(http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e67/houdini2/grafshite.jpg)

Et viola, 12K sinch, shamone!




Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jim on January 18, 2008, 05:24:27 pm
11614, a slight improvement, enough to pinch Obi's spot. Not quite 12k tho
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on January 18, 2008, 06:13:00 pm
Effort Jim, how are those forearms coming along?  Soon, there shall be no loaf you cannot knead.

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Obi-Wan is lost... on January 18, 2008, 06:23:38 pm
11614, a slight improvement, enough to pinch Obi's spot. Not quite 12k tho


I'm not 'aving that:
Right hand
11871

Left hand
11213

on my screamer.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Monolith on January 18, 2008, 07:15:07 pm
Just pathed 11,435 watch out Jim. I've a week off and not doing anything else.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on January 18, 2008, 09:27:00 pm
The Dispensary users should club together & buy a metal 350Hz powerball, really you should.  I would.  Apparently, a few goes on the metal followed by a PB blast on the usual 250hz model = massive gains on the usual.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on January 18, 2008, 09:33:48 pm
(http://www.powerballs.com/images/metal1_large.jpg)

Nice, and 55 quid.  Tempted?  Hell, yeah.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on January 18, 2008, 09:38:27 pm
Down to 55 shizzles you say?


Isn't there some kind of bulk order - buy 4 for some silly price?  Where is it 55 pounds?  That's like, not that much.

It's so shiny!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on January 18, 2008, 09:44:19 pm
Amazon (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Powerball-350hz-Metal-Pro/dp/B000GK9JLU/ref=pd_bbs_sr_7?ie=UTF8&s=gateway&qid=1200692258&sr=8-7).
Get in the fucking queue.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on January 18, 2008, 09:55:35 pm
 The Behemoth of powerballs


Damn it!  This powerball habit will send me into gainful employment before too long.



Must . .  have . . .  shiny . . . new . . .  powerball . . .  must have shiny new shiny new shiny new . . .
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on January 18, 2008, 10:46:40 pm
Having read the whole thread and laughed alot. Just ordered myself a Powerball cos my open hand and pinch strength is crap. Looking forward to the uber vice like grip. Whats a typical workout and how often people?

Have a look here (http://www.powerballs.com/exercise_videos/)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Monolith on January 19, 2008, 10:39:19 am
Looks good. But 55!? What about a communal UKB one? Each contributor gets a month with it then post it on to the next fool ;)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on January 19, 2008, 11:00:23 am
I'm not wealthy either Mono, but that's daft, will you insure it too when it inevitably gets lost in post/dropped/broken?  The cost of postage of a half KG lump?


I think the cost can be reduced further with bulk order direct from HQ.  Unsure; either way 55 pounds/80€ seems reasonable for a crafted and balanced device that will give you arms of a beast.  I'll get one sooner or later as I'm getting old, and you can treat yourself to things without guilt when you're older.   ;)  Isn't that right GCW?

1/2 oz dope = 55 quid.

Good bottle wine = 8/10 quid (for those UK lubbers).


etc.. etc..
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Monolith on January 19, 2008, 11:02:49 am
 :lol:

Not sure my involvement with these devices warrants any further financial outlay but keen to see the gains others might get from your earlier suggested method for improving 250hz performance.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on January 19, 2008, 11:05:35 am
Mono - you can borrow mine next time in mam Cymru.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Richie Crouch on January 19, 2008, 01:04:00 pm
That 350Hz is so shiny!

New left hand pb in @ 12,034.

I will make the most of this rainy afternoon and have my power lunch followed by a RH attempt in a little while.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on January 19, 2008, 01:41:16 pm
RE Music to ball to -


I'm finding Mötorheads' Stay Clean to be particularly good.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on January 19, 2008, 02:54:59 pm
you can treat yourself to things without guilt when you're older.   Isn't that right GCW?

I don't like your tone old boy.   :-*
The wife has set a veto on any new PB purchases, even though 1.  My 250 is buggered and 2.  I've just bought lots of PC bits.  Or maybe that's why?

Try Overkill, Houd, it's a faster tempo.
Any other numbers for 60s yet?  C'mon girls, get it going.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Yossarian on January 19, 2008, 03:37:05 pm
Right, I have finally ordered one of these things...

Await a shake up of the leader board.

Like, everyone moving one place up.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on January 19, 2008, 04:00:05 pm
Just given my Ball a clean out.  I recommend the Vice method (http://www.powerballs.com/faq.php?id=18#vise), it works very well and the PB is not as delicate as you may think.
It's made bugger all difference to my personal best nor the grating noise my ball always makes.  Worth a go though.

And I've just seen they have an electric starter for sale here (http://www.powerballs.com/shop/products_popup.php?id=70).

(http://www.powerballs.com/images/product_images/Electric%20Starter.jpg)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: andy_e on January 20, 2008, 04:09:28 pm
Surely you'd want some sort of speedcore gabber as that's got a stupidly fast BPM?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Boogster on January 20, 2008, 08:13:52 pm
Morris dancing / gyro-ing: http://eastsidebouldering.blogspot.com/2008/01/da-deeerrrty-souf-southeast.html (http://eastsidebouldering.blogspot.com/2008/01/da-deeerrrty-souf-southeast.html).
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on January 21, 2008, 04:21:44 pm
That man is utterly unfunny.  Gyro Jones on youtube is much better.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Fj on January 21, 2008, 06:22:48 pm
turns out all the this technique and special grip style works a treat. new pb 12409.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on January 21, 2008, 10:46:09 pm
I've an idea.   Just need to find a way of attatching a 350hz to this

(http://nerdapproved.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/grenade-butt-plug.jpg)

Gotta be good for hip flexibility, just need a volunteer . . .      GCW?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on January 21, 2008, 10:46:56 pm
Gotta be good for hip flexibility, just need a volunteer . . .      GCW?

Stick it up your arse.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on January 21, 2008, 10:48:01 pm
(http://nerdapproved.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/grenade-butt-plug.jpg)

What is that?  A trophy for eating pineapples or something?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on January 21, 2008, 10:50:05 pm
Stabdard* issue buttplug for physical training corp recruits.









*  that typo is just . . .  Oh my . . .     *faints*
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on January 21, 2008, 10:52:19 pm
You've got a very German sense of humour.
ie  You don't get the joke.  :lol:

Where's your 60s score anyway?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Monolith on January 21, 2008, 10:54:07 pm
Just remember Crouch 11,522 watch out ;)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on January 21, 2008, 10:55:30 pm
Joey Deacon gets the joke.  Layer upon ironic layer . . .   ::)



Deep poo - sorry - blue is rumped - sorry - stumped, mind . . .  
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on January 21, 2008, 11:01:16 pm
Bloody bloody bloody *fume*


Told you eons ago that my 250hz is cunted.  That's 2 months back.  There is no point in having a go, it's fucked.  It's so slow, I'm what?  800 rpm of my PB despite ragging it to fuck.  If it was new I'm certain it would be upper 13K by now.  I've fought it back up to 12.6-ish but the ball is fundamentally twatted, it sounds like a broken Flymo.  I can't get it up there, believe me I have tried.  I'll get another in time and give the old away.  I use a new BASIC model w/out counter that I got for xmas to train on.  That's why there have been no new scores from me in any discipline for ever.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on January 21, 2008, 11:03:11 pm
Moving back on topic:

The UKB 250Hz PowerBall league
Irish Alan  Somewhere over 14,000
Houdini  13,232
Rob 12,995
GCW  12,529
FJ  12,409
Dave  12,395
Richie "Peaks" Crouch  12,216
Scouse D  12,153
Obi Wan is lost  11,871 (screamer)
clm  'bout 11,800
Jim 11,614
Monolith 11,522
Underground  11,307
Chicane  11,111
Falling Down 10,958
slack---line  10,804
SA Chris  10,475
Duma  10,381
PaulB  9,942
Stubbs  9,705
Dr pinch  9,541
Dense  9,010


 
30 second strength
Dave  5,634
GCW  5,489
Houdini  4940
slack---line 3471

60 Second Strength
GCW 10,082


I keep getting over 12,400 but can't get past.  Maybe I need you Pineapple enema system Houds, it seems to work for you.  Even if you are touchy.

Why not a)  Get a new PB or b) swap the counter to your other ball?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on January 21, 2008, 11:08:00 pm
The BASIC is slower than the 250hz.  I'll be handicapping myself and giving you all an advantage, and I feel my slight stature/small hands are disadvantage enough.

Yes yes I will buy a new one, but not until someone beats my score, then I shall unleash my forearms on a new ball and retake the lead.  ;)

It's fair as I've a few months advantage on you guys anyways.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Monolith on January 21, 2008, 11:11:25 pm
Right, first go on 30 sec: 3,859 woeful.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on January 21, 2008, 11:15:22 pm
GCW's plateau.


You must train the opposite direction.   I'm now almost as fast AC-wise as C-wise. 

Tips.

Warm up very slowly for 5 or 10 mins or so.  Stretch.   Have a blast.  Rest.   Then get into a longer session.  You will break your score.  You will, but first you must beef your grippage.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: unclesomebody on January 22, 2008, 01:07:38 am
New Powerball Pro for £12.99 (including delivery!!!); http://www.play.com/Gadgets/Gadgets/4-/174948/-/Product.html?searchstring=Powerball+Neon+Blue+Pro&searchsource=0&P36=78JPZC

Thought it might be of use to some of you...
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on January 22, 2008, 07:52:06 am
GCW's plateau.
You must train the opposite direction.   I'm now almost as fast AC-wise as C-wise. 

I am now, getting over 10k but a way to go yet.  I get strangely pumped so that indicates a weakness.  I can get 12,400 fairly easily now so I can see a benefit.  Don't start worrying yet though.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on January 25, 2008, 12:17:20 pm
And what of Yossarian?  You putting that beefcake to good use?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: chicane on January 25, 2008, 02:35:54 pm

Just broke records for both hands - 12,005 with my right and 10,710 for left!

Cheers

Matt
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on January 30, 2008, 03:11:22 pm
took my previous best to the cleaners with a 12602 last night.

watch the fuck out 13k.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on January 30, 2008, 03:20:59 pm
Nice on Dave, keep 'em comin'.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on January 30, 2008, 03:27:41 pm
And what of Yossarian?  You putting that beefcake to good use?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Monolith on January 30, 2008, 07:48:44 pm
11,665 just went down post campus/CoC. I swear I have the best efforts after such routines. Maybe its got something to do with your flexors and extensors being warmed up properly or maybe it's just more adrenaline=more will. Who cares, it felt easy.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on January 30, 2008, 11:25:41 pm
I'd say both + increased heart beat.  But they do work, don't they?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Paul B on January 31, 2008, 12:43:01 am
As well as:
Pulling on pinches
Deadhanging Pinches
Pinching vast quantity of plates together on the flat bit
Carrying breeze blocks to work pinch style
Heavy Bar Rolls or
Wrist Curls?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on January 31, 2008, 12:44:34 am
Yeah yeah yeah

But none of them are 1/2 as much fun OR noisy OR as daft   ;D  Besides - they're good for me as I'm an intermittant climber, sometimes I have weeks off due to work or the fact I live in a place w/ no rock at all and the indoor walls you simply wouldn't pay to use - I've checked them all.  There's nowt where I live, and these balls really help w/ the forearms.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Plattsy on January 31, 2008, 10:21:39 am
Best effort so far is 11,505. Figured technique is the key when in the early stages of your powerball career.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on January 31, 2008, 10:46:18 am
One of the ways I managed to get mine to go faster is to hold the ball perpendicular to my body with the arm crooked @ 90° & the opening facing the floor.  As I reach the limit the hand naturally begins to point behind me a little, rather than rotating it side on - towards my hip.

I visualise it thus: 

I imagine that that my hand is a bit like a rear-wheel drive motor and I'm driving the inner-ball from behind - always behind - and imagine that I'm chasing a point of the inner-balls' revolution from exactly 180° opposite it's leading point.  I never try and catch up to this leading point and drive it from there, but remain stready 180° behind it.  For me this Jedi mind trick really works - though it's obviously dependent on grip strength.

Also:  as I accelerate the inner-ball, I hone down and reduced the radius of revolution - coning it down so to speak; when I can't get it any faster and the revoltion of my hand reaches it's limit - I'll cone it up sharply so the hand movement is once again wide - this forces the inner-ball to speed up even more, then I'll cone and hone it down once more till I get a new PB.

Another technique is to rotate the powerball w/ the inner-ball facing my nads and literally throw the wrist around rather than attempt to rotate the ball w/ fancy and accurate technique and a strong grip.  This does your wrist no good at all mind - I advice caution if you take this route.

Also, and this is dependent on hand-size, but I often use it w/ the opening facing my palm as I find I can beardown more on the ball as the radius is different on the other side - obviously you need to practice this so you don't burn your palm w/ this method.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Plattsy on January 31, 2008, 11:48:07 am
Noted. Thanks.

That could be an extract from Akis' autobiography!   :)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on January 31, 2008, 11:55:38 am
Also, and this is dependent on hand-size, but I often use it w/ the opening facing my palm as I find I can beardown more on the ball as the radius is different on the other side - obviously you need to practice this so you don't burn your palm w/ this method.


aye, i've done this when i was dragging my fingertips on the ball holding it the normal way.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Duma on February 07, 2008, 11:09:07 am
10651, inching upwards.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on February 07, 2008, 04:07:01 pm
Are my hands going to be too wee to use one of these?  Are they really only good for big manly hands?  Or will it still do the same thing strength and training wise but I'll have really poor girly scores?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: slackline on February 07, 2008, 04:11:45 pm
Are my hands going to be too wee to use one of these?

Depends, how long is a piece of string?  ;)

  Are they really only good for big manly hands?  Or will it still do the same thing strength and training wise but I'll have really poor girly scores?

As long as you can hold the thing with one hand I'd imagine you'll benefit from using it.  If you find it hard to grasp try it with the counter facing outwards.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: lagerstarfish on February 07, 2008, 04:14:07 pm
Are my hands going to be too wee to use one of these?  Are they really only good for big manly hands?  Or will it still do the same thing strength and training wise but I'll have really poor girly scores?

They are made too small for manly hands. Its all about technique.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on February 07, 2008, 04:21:04 pm
The metal is bigger if your hands are too big.  Also, one can experiment w/ different grips.

I disagree that it's mostly technique - I argue that it's a test of grip and of torque lost or preserved through said grip.  ie:  If it's loose in your hand you won't get a good score.  If it's tight then less torque will be lost through contact w/ your hand.  First learn to crush the fuck out of it, then perfect your technique.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on February 07, 2008, 04:26:46 pm
Are my hands going to be too wee to use one of these?
Depends, how long is a piece of string?  ;)
In my case, if string length is equal to hand size, then fairly short.

Quote
As long as you can hold the thing with one hand I'd imagine you'll benefit from using it.  If you find it hard to grasp try it with the counter facing outwards.
I reckon I could get my hand round it, so probably worth a go, I'll just need to practice my technique  :wank:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: slackline on February 07, 2008, 04:37:16 pm
I reckon I could get my hand round it, so probably worth a go, I'll just need to practice my technique  :wank:

Your boyfriend will be very grateful  :P
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on February 07, 2008, 04:38:33 pm
 :agree:

Although he may not be too pleased with a massive improvement in my grip strength.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Fatboy on February 07, 2008, 05:23:19 pm
Just open-hand it and you'll be fine!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Duma on February 08, 2008, 05:44:03 am
The UKB 250Hz PowerBall league
Irish Alan  Somewhere over 14,000
Houdini  13,232
Rob 12,995
Dave  12,602
GCW  12,529
FJ  12,409
Richie "Peaks" Crouch  12,216
Scouse D  12,153
Chicane  12,005
Obi Wan is lost  11,871 (screamer)
clm  'bout 11,800
Monolith 11,665
Jim 11,614
Plattsy 11,505 (new entry)
Underground  11,307
Duma 11,044
Falling Down 10,958
slack---line  10,804
SA Chris  10,475
PaulB  9,942
Stubbs  9,705
Dr pinch  9,541
Dense  9,010

30 second strength
Dave  5,634
GCW  5,489
Houdini  4940
Monolith 3859 (new entry)
slack---line 3471

60 Second Strength
GCW 10,082

there's definitely something to the early morning thing - I've only ever managed to improve just after waking up.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on February 08, 2008, 06:55:03 am
Cheers I was going to get round to that soon.
Still lacking in the 30s/60s.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Scouse D on February 08, 2008, 07:33:39 am
Since there's a new list up, i might have to perk up a bit. Still not at my 'pre-real powerball' best, but managed 12547 on a screamer yesterday. My previous best was 12250, so I don't know what I did different yesterday.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on February 08, 2008, 08:50:33 am
it'll be that pre-font psyche dave!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Monolith on February 08, 2008, 04:55:04 pm
YES!! Finally got my technique dialled today. Just walloped out 11,993!! Where did that come from!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on February 08, 2008, 06:42:40 pm
Scouse's efforts w/ the screamer would read much higher on a 250hz pro.  You're close to 13K, mate.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on February 14, 2008, 10:21:59 am
You lot are beasts!!!

I can only get 7129 (it took me about three tries to work out how to even get it going properly) and even doing that has given me a shaky arm.  I can barely keep the damn thing in my hand once it gets going.  Also, I've managed to give myself some kind of blister / flapper already, look: 
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y61/asdf25/DSC00342.jpg)

I'm not cut out for this thread am I?  :(
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on February 14, 2008, 10:32:08 am
No, but I'm tempted to get Dave to delete your post for knocking Dense off the bottom spot   ;)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on February 14, 2008, 10:33:24 am
Nah, give Magpie a day or two and Dense will be back in wooden spoonville.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on February 14, 2008, 10:50:31 am
9010!  I reckon with a bit of finger tape and some effort I can take him!  It'll give me something to focus on  8)

8434 - I nearly threw it across reception though, so I'm not sure it's a good work activity  ???
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on February 14, 2008, 10:57:28 am
Yeah, go on- crush Dense's score!!
How on Earth did you get a flapper there?  That doesn't even go near the PowerBall.

PS Houdini once got 9200 by sticking the ball up his arse and gyrating to Madonna tunes.  He's that much of a PowerBall Wad.  Respect.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on February 14, 2008, 11:00:18 am
How on Earth did you get a flapper there?  That doesn't even go near the PowerBall.
It just happened  :shrug: and that bit does go near the powerball if you are me, I am so weak I need to cling to it with all 5 of my tiny claws.  Maybe I'm holding it wrong?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Plattsy on February 14, 2008, 11:06:45 am
New pb 11787 last night. Still pumped this morning! Any improvements from now on are gonna be small I think.   :(
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on February 14, 2008, 11:07:37 am
Magpie, post a pic of your grip and Houd will coach you.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on February 14, 2008, 11:19:11 am
Grip coaching, nice.  :thumbsup:

Ok, it was like this:
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y61/asdf25/DSC00345.jpg)

But since the injury, I have to modify it to this (like a lady drinking tea!):
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y61/asdf25/DSC00346.jpg)

The thing is, I bet I could get it to go faster if it wasn't for the fact that it starts to pull outwards and my fingers kind of slip back so I don't have a good enough grip to keep hold of it, it feels like it's going to slip right out of the end of my finger and fly away  :lol:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on February 14, 2008, 11:29:08 am
#1   Crab it:  betwix thumb & middle and ring finger.  Really squeeze it. 

#2   Try reversing it w/ inner ball facing palm so you can get more of your lil' fingers around it.

#3    Wipe after each go w/ a towel and wash hands w/ soap.

#4    Use pof on your hands if you have any.

#5    Gay that hand.   Kinda:

(http://imagechan.org/img/images/heman.jpg)

By this I mean, when you revolve the ball make sure that your hand goes full circle to the extremes of the arc.  Kinda like the item above - imagine him(?) w/ a ball in his hand.

#6    Slow warm ups and stretches will help.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Duma on February 14, 2008, 11:31:17 am
11393 last night - edging toward mid table respectability.
Magpie - that's exactly where I lost skin on my little finger too! Slight grip change seems to have helped, though I'm sure hand size has some effect.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on February 14, 2008, 11:34:15 am
By Gay Handing it, to clarify, I mean attempt to bend at the wrist while you increase speed.  Not quite what I said above.  Have the inner ball facing the floor and gradually force it almost behind you - but do it from the wrist, not elbow or shoulder.  Kinda.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on February 14, 2008, 11:38:50 am
Houdini, you rock.  I am frightened to turn it round so it faces in the way in case it nips me  :-[  I will try though, since you say so.

Magpie - that's exactly where I lost skin on my little finger too! Slight grip change seems to have helped, though I'm sure hand size has some effect.
At least I know I am not the only one who held it in a weird way to start off ;)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on February 14, 2008, 11:41:22 am
This is the SPoD grip (Satan - Prince of Darkness / A la  Heavy metal salut)

(http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e67/houdini2/grafshite.jpg)

It won't nip, may make your skin warm a little, mind. Try shouting Satan rulez Motherfucker! when you on a PB attempt.  I find this utterly crucial when using the SPoD grip.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on February 14, 2008, 11:47:06 am
Right!  I am trying to SPoD it, the shouting will have to wait, it won't go down well in work.  I turned it round, it helped a bit, it did not nip, this is good. 

For some reason when I get it going fast I can only keep the momentum up by doing tiny movements, like very slight wrist flicks there is no other polite way to describe it, the minute I try to gay hand it and really start to bend my wrist it starts clacking at me and slowing down.  Maybe it's a practice thing?  :-\

Only a woman could need this much coaching  ::) at myself
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on February 14, 2008, 11:52:05 am
Only a woman Dense could need this much coaching  ::)

 :-\
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on February 14, 2008, 11:52:53 am
The noise?   Sounds to me like you have left the circle of rotation just a little too much.  By Gay Handing the ball you should still be turning in nice circles, not an exaggerated oval, just revolving the ball w/ your hand at 90° to your forearm - rather that more straight.   I described it wrong in my first GH description attempt.  It still works by going in super wide circles but won't make it go ultra fast.

All things to those who wait & practice, Magpie.

(Besides - I get my highest scores after 45mins on the stupid thing . . .  when the grip gets silly hard.)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on February 14, 2008, 12:00:11 pm
I think the noise is the inner ball hitting the casing?  Maybe I was not understanding gay handing, I am trying to do full big circles into the gay hand position, but now I think you mean permanant gay hand position with slight twitching to make it spin.  I would take a picture but I just look like a camp raptor and it doesn't illistrate my point well.  Thank you for all the tips though, I'll just practice a lot.  ;)

I can barely type my arms are so pumped  :lol:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Monolith on February 14, 2008, 12:05:52 pm
Top tip magpie to avoid greasing off your ball. Turn the central heating off and open some windows. I find getting the house down to almost sub zero temps has aided my best attempts greatly.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on February 14, 2008, 12:10:13 pm
I've just been experimenting w/ GHing but trying to do what I've told you.

OK - But 1st, this isn't about you - it's about keeping Dense at the bottom  ;)

#1     Get the ball up to speed using whatever grip or technique you want.  (If you SPod it, don't forget to squeeze hard w/ all those fingers inc. pinkie - your ring & middle are opposite your strong thumb so using those two fingers like an opposite thumb - as well as the other fingers - should work.)

#2      When you've got it up to speed and your turning circle is quite small - maybe even as small as you can manage - then you give it some GH.  Don't GH it from the very beginning as it'll kill the wee bones in your hand, and you'll pull something.  Progressively GH it.  But I think first you need a few weeks of occassional use to improve the grip in general.  

It's all about what's happening to the inner ball.  By GHing it you put it at a weird angle that puts a different pull on the innerball.  To be fair, GH is not for everyone, but it does help speed up a bit, and it's a technique serious PBers use, I read it on the PB site.  They're bonkers people.  Some of them only powerball.  Madness.

First improve your grip, then try improving technique such as making your circles more even and circular, then go for advanced tricks such as Gay Hand, and after that the Burst Technique.  And most of all crush Dense into the middle of next week.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on February 14, 2008, 12:15:50 pm
I'm a woman, I don't do sub-zero Monolith ;)  I may try it for the sake of the Powerball though.

Houd, the help is greatly appreciated regardless of your reason.  Obviously I know this is not about me, it's about bringing shame on Dense by getting him beaten by a girl, and a weak girl at that.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on February 14, 2008, 12:19:09 pm
Absolutely, it will choke him  ;)

Ooh - a Brit is catching Akis.  Only two 16K+ scores now.


16553  Akis Kritsinelis - World Record! (GR)

16102   Jeremy Goldsmith (GB)


The main site has been revamped - I was looking to post a pic of Duane Cash's technique - showing GH clearly.  They've yet to update it w/ vids though.  Later.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on February 14, 2008, 12:26:18 pm
I can't find exactly the one I want from Duane, so here's Akis doing it w/ a custom metal affair.  He's got a different technique, but notice his hand bend a little at the wrist when close to the end.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUny3qkWK6M

Look at the fuckin' arms on him!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on February 14, 2008, 12:34:55 pm
Look at the fuckin' arms on him!


:-*
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on February 14, 2008, 01:51:35 pm
Look at the fuckin' arms on him!
I'm not a fan of his arms, too chunky for my liking.   I think he'd benefit from less pies, more powerball. ???


Also I can't concentrate on his technique cause I am too busy giggling like a school girl at how much he looks like he's having a frantic  :wank:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on February 14, 2008, 06:00:53 pm
Rrrraaaaaaaaa!!!!  Go ballistic!!

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2166/2264707399_439070ab20_o.gif)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on February 14, 2008, 06:04:08 pm
Urrrghh!   I'm epileptic!  Never was but I am now!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: webbo on February 14, 2008, 06:28:43 pm
Urrrghh!   I'm epileptic!  Never was but I am now!

will you be having a bath soon i need to do some washing.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on February 14, 2008, 06:30:45 pm
I can downsize that for your avatar, Houd :lol:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on February 14, 2008, 06:46:13 pm
Leppy or no, I'm not bathing in his wifes' crotchless panties!  (http://www.littledetroit.net/forums/images/smiles/rok2.gif)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on February 18, 2008, 12:06:33 pm
I can't beat my high score and I have wanker's cramp in both hands that would rival a 13 year old who just discovered Playboy  :(
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on February 18, 2008, 01:06:12 pm
Play w/ it at home and not at work where you can slowly warm up for half an hour before stretching, resting, drinking water - then crush the fuck out of it.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on February 18, 2008, 01:49:59 pm
I was playing with it at home, that's why I woke up with claws instead of hands at the weekend  ;D

Don't worry, I have a game plan, it will be crushed (or at least squeezed a bit, by my teeny tiny hands)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Monolith on February 18, 2008, 02:20:32 pm
Finally broke the 12k barrier this morning with 12,060.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on February 18, 2008, 02:48:55 pm
Just had a brief play w/ my duff & slow 250Hz (after a double P/ball warm-up  8))

And got 11 803  (1st try) RH a/clockwise.  It's spasticating trying PB's a/clockwise.  Give that one a break I think.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Duma on February 22, 2008, 03:12:11 pm
11912, first thing again, watch out 12k.
Soon be challenging for a European place.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on February 22, 2008, 04:05:00 pm
The UKB 250Hz PowerBall league
Irish Alan  Somewhere over 14,000
Houdini  13,232
Rob 12,995
Dave  12,602
Scouse D  12,547 (Screamer)
GCW  12,529
FJ  12,409
Richie "Peaks" Crouch  12,216
Monolith  12,060
Chicane  12,005Duma  11,912
Obi Wan is lost  11,871 (screamer)
clm  'bout 11,800
Plattsy  11,787
Jim 11,614
Underground  11,307
Falling Down 10,958
slack---line  10,804
SA Chris  10,475
PaulB  9,942
Stubbs  9,705
Dr pinch  9,541
Dense  9,010
Magpie  8,434

30 second strength
Dave  5,634
GCW  5,489
Houdini  4940
Monolith 3859
slack---line 3471

60 Second Strength
GCW 10,082
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on February 22, 2008, 04:13:31 pm
 :'(
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on February 22, 2008, 04:16:42 pm
Take it as an incentive to get an extra 577rpm.
Go on, you can do it.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on February 22, 2008, 04:51:21 pm
I'm consistant at the low 8000's now, and I can swap hands and do CW and Anti-CW.  Must try harder  :wank:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on February 22, 2008, 05:36:48 pm
Yeah, he's got another fortnight or so in Font (which will probably be spent crimping, so maybe no rush afterall) but he'll return fit or fucked.

(Must admit I hardly touch mine now . . .  Lack of competetion . . .)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Yossarian on February 23, 2008, 12:42:55 pm
I have finally taken mine out of the box and managed 10756 this morning...
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on February 23, 2008, 12:45:32 pm
The UKB 250Hz PowerBall league
Irish Alan  Somewhere over 14,000
Houdini  13,232
Rob 12,995
Dave  12,602
Scouse D  12,547 (Screamer)
GCW  12,529
FJ  12,409
Richie "Peaks" Crouch  12,216
Monolith  12,060
Chicane  12,005
Duma  11,912
Obi Wan is lost  11,871 (screamer)
clm  'bout 11,800
Plattsy  11,787
Jim 11,614
Underground  11,307
Falling Down 10,958
slack---line  10,804
Yossarian  10,756
SA Chris  10,475
PaulB  9,942
Stubbs  9,705
Dr pinch  9,541
Dense  9,010
Magpie  8,434
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on February 23, 2008, 01:14:10 pm
8482, I am slowly sneaking up my score.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: richdraws on February 23, 2008, 08:05:30 pm
After reading this thread and having smoggy insist I get one I now have a shiney neon powerball. So far its proved addictive and frustrating. I got it on tuesday and was trying it out at work, felt pleased to be getting 8,000 ish. My skinny supervisor tried it and got just shy of 12000. Something to do with a tournament they had before I started work there. Bastards.

Anyway my best score so far 9850.

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: richdraws on February 23, 2008, 08:08:56 pm
Scratch that...

10103 yessssss.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Monolith on February 23, 2008, 08:20:23 pm
You'll be through the roof in no time lad. Taken me the best part of a month to get anywhere near like something you might call 'technique'.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Richie Crouch on February 23, 2008, 10:38:04 pm
12,334 no change in standings but a new pb.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Will Hunt on February 24, 2008, 09:08:08 pm
Looks like Im gonna have to get one of these bad boys. Do they actually improve strength. Ive got the black gripmaster but its not the kind of thing thats any fun to work with. Any recommended online retailers for the best price?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on February 25, 2008, 09:21:09 am
 :wave: Will!

Play.com, they're like £13.  Get one.

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on February 25, 2008, 10:25:29 am
I may need to get a new one, the grinding is becoming unbearable even after cleaning it out.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: SteveM on February 25, 2008, 11:42:11 am
Unboxed my Christmas present and have already managed to create a blister on the inside of my little finger. Guess I'll have to adopt the tea-drinking grip for any future self-abuse.

9450.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: fatneck on February 25, 2008, 12:02:08 pm
12,234 last night.... The Crouch was flapping that I was going to overtake his PB, which obviously, I will tonight...
 :wave:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on February 25, 2008, 12:06:06 pm
managed to create a blister on the inside of my little finger. Guess I'll have to adopt the tea-drinking grip for any future self-abuse.
It's the only way to go  8)  My pinkie still hasn't healed and it's been over a week since I skinned it  :thumbsdown:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: chicane on February 25, 2008, 05:01:35 pm

yes! 12,513 with right hand  :)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Will Hunt on February 25, 2008, 05:43:56 pm
Do I want the 250Hz one or are they all essentially the same? Dont want to lay down the cash and end up entering the willy waving contest with the wrong tool.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on February 25, 2008, 06:09:32 pm
Cool your buns, sit down, and read through the thread.  All will be revealed.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on February 25, 2008, 07:35:43 pm
The UKB 250Hz PowerBall league
Irish Alan  Somewhere over 14,000
Houdini  13,232
Rob 12,995
Dave  12,602
Scouse D  12,547 (Screamer)
GCW  12,529
Chicane  12,513
FJ  12,409
Richie "Peaks" Crouch  12,334
Fatneck  12,234
Monolith  12,060
Duma  11,912
Obi Wan is lost  11,871 (screamer)
clm  'bout 11,800
Plattsy  11,787
Jim 11,614
Nik at Work  11,500ish
Dobbin  11,402
Underground  11,307
Falling Down 10,958
slack---line  10,804
Superfurrymonkey  10,801
Yossarian  10,756
SA Chris  10,475
Richdraws  10,103
PaulB  9,942
Stubbs  9,705
Dr pinch  9,541
SteveM  9,450
Dense  9,010
Magpie  8,482


30 second strength
Dave  5,634
GCW  5,489
Houdini  4940
Monolith 3859
slack---line 3471

60 Second Strength
GCW 10,082



Just read the whole thread again (yep, it took a while) and realised we've (I've) missed out Superfurrymonkey, Nik at work and Dobbinator's best scores.  Sorry guys.

Houdini:  have you got a ball with a counter as yet?  I expected you to be mid 13k by now?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Will Hunt on February 25, 2008, 07:56:33 pm
The order is in at play.com and I eagerly await being burned off.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on February 25, 2008, 08:37:16 pm
No new ball and won't spend a penny till someone is within 100 rpm of my score (or better still, trounces it and gives me something to chase).  Still use my original still to limber up and down occasionally.  I'll use the fucked one to try and get a better A/C scores.

(P/ball, skipping & swimming took a back seat to running of late, but I'm back on track w/ daily training now that I know my heart isn't about to implode and appear to be as unemployable as ever.  Buying some free-weights tomorrow.  Actually suffering from a clubbing injury at the mo', no, I haven't been baseball-batted...  I came back from a club Saturday morning w/ savage shoulder pain.  We've looked into it, had my moves analysed and concur I must have been boogie-ing (punching the air etc..) far too vigorously.  P/ball doesn't seem to aggravate it, mind.)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: nik at work on February 25, 2008, 08:42:05 pm
Not sure I should be on the list as it isn't a valdiated score as specified by Houdinis (I think) rules.
I'll dig the ball out and give it a twirl to get an official score.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on February 25, 2008, 09:05:11 pm
No rules here nik @ work.  Just post your exact score.  In time when the comp gets close we can start getting anal and upperty and insist photo or film evidence if proffered.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Will Hunt on February 25, 2008, 09:37:09 pm
anal and upperty

Tool late?
 :lol:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Monolith on February 26, 2008, 05:46:24 pm
12,274 last night. Piss off Crouch, I'm coming to get you.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Plattsy on February 27, 2008, 11:17:13 am
Hello 12k. Laters 11k. Put me down for 12116.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on February 27, 2008, 01:38:39 pm
Some great mid-to-upper ranks competition going on now  :great:


(I'm certain Scouse Dave is 13+K, he should get a 2nd ball since they're so cheap.  I think a 250hz w/ out counter is 8 quid or something from play.com - he could take 1st place easily and redeem himself after the Great Rollerball Fiasco of 2007)

 ;)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: chicane on February 29, 2008, 02:45:03 pm

12,636!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Will Hunt on March 01, 2008, 06:20:16 pm
Got mine out of the box last night, stick me down for 9677.
My wrist has gone all funny  ???

Is there a method to start it sans string?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: grumpycrumpy on March 01, 2008, 07:26:38 pm
Irish Alan still top then ..... Hardly surprising ...... Word to the wise , never ever ever get into an arm-wrestling comp with him .... 
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Paul B on March 01, 2008, 08:14:39 pm
Is there a method to start it sans string?

yeah using a flick of the thumb, it takes a bit to get used to.

Anyone used these (successfully or not) post injury? i'm thinking it might help speed up recovering my range of motion.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on March 02, 2008, 09:36:10 am
Here is some pro-med guff c+p'd from the p/b website:

"A Physiotherapist’s Opinion"

There is a bit of excitement around in the Physiotherapy world at the moment and its called "The Eccentric Training programme".

Now if that doesn’t sound exciting to you, then let me tell you that for many years, Physiotherapists have been struggling to reliably find a way to treat Tendonitis - that painful condition which can affect virtually any part of your body and goes by common names such as Tennis Elbow, Golfer’s Elbow, Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), Jumpers Knee and Achilles Tendonitis to name a few.

Then up pops a group of medical people from Canada, and they bring with them news of the holy grail – a new, and more importantly, reliable treatment for these conditions. It was called the eccentric training programme and has revolutionised the way we tackled these conditions.

Eccentric training is basically controlling the lowering of a weight.

The idea is quite simple; lifting weights strengthens muscles but putting them down again strengthens tendons, and if you have a sore tendon, you’ve just got to strengthen it.

Now with legs this is quite easy, you can do calf raises or little squats and as you lower yourself down you get the eccentric bit done.

But with arms its much harder. Its hard to use a muscle and tendon in your arm when its sore. Lots of other muscles take over, and you don’t train the right ones.

One morning in November 2006, the postman drops a little parcel through the letterbox for me and a nice shiny little sphere called an NSD Powerball enters my life. It was ordered on a whim, as I was fed up of being out-driven and ridiculed on the golf course by my brother-in-law. I'd heard these little plastic spheres could improve my golf and I thought it couldn't do any harm.

So I picked it up, started it and.... it stopped.

Because my technique was rubbish.

So I started it again and this time it lasted a little longer. Half an hour later I had the little fellow singing!

When I put him down again I realised how much my arms ached. I had used muscles in a way they had not been used before.

You see, the Powerball is quite unique. It requires a special type of muscle action to get it moving. And the faster you get it moving, the more counter force/resistance it generates and the harder it is to hold on to.

This is unique because, quite simply, you can only move it as fast as you have the strength to. And it works every muscle in your forearm in every direction, including eccentric.

So here then is a device that you can’t cheat with.

And it will fail to work if you don’t use the correct muscles.

It is, quite simply, the very thing I was
looking for, for my multitude of wrist and arm injuries.

With so many people using computers every day, more and more people are developing repetitive strain injuries of the arms hands and fingers. This Powerball could be a simple thing that people can use at home for treating these problems and therefore won’t need to visit their doctors as often.

And it is not just for when you are in pain - it should actually help to prevent these problems from developing in the first place.

The more I thought about it the more I started to think. It requires a flexible wrist, so any stiffness in the wrist would almost certainly be worked free by using a Powerball. And there's no impact…just a smooth rolling action that works your muscles and causes increased blood flow to your muscles and joints.

Broken wrists and fingers have to be immobilised and so they are often stiff, weak and painful when they are allowed to be moved again. How could someone restore movement and strength at home?

With a Powerball.

Cartilage allows a joint to move easily without pain. If the cartilage starts to disappear, then stiffness and pain follows. This is basically the onset of arthritis. Cartilage stays healthy by feeding off the lubricating fluid in a joint. If a joint is moved, more fluid is produced and the cartilage can feed. But with too much impact the joint can become damaged. So how could you move your wrists without any impact?

With a Powerball.

Carpal Tunnel syndrome is a condition where a nerve becomes compressed inside a tunnel at the wrist. The compression is caused by a variety of conditions. Treatment can include wrist splits, Physiotherapy and in some cases surgery. Physiotherapy treatment is usually based towards restoring strength and flexibility and improving blood flow. So how could someone restore strength, flexibility and blood flow at home?

You guessed it!

This addictive little ball of plastic is a lot more than an executive toy (or golf training device!) - it’s like a pocket physiotherapist.

So, do I think everyone with a wrist injury should use a Powerball?

No.

But I do think that everyone who needs their hands to last them a lifetime should certainly consider one.

Finally, let me also give you a bit of background on myself, in case you wish to add credibility to my review;

I qualified as a Physiotherapist in 1997 having trained at the University of Bath, England. I have previously worked for professional sportsmen, having been a full time Physio at Reading Football Club for 2 years.
I currently work as a Clinical specialist Physio (i.e. one of the highest posts held by Physiotherapists not wanting to go down the managerial route) in an NHS hospital near Manchester.
I hope you have found my comments helpful.

With kind regards

Chris Holloway, Physiotherapist

****************************************************************************************
"A Chiropractor’s Opinion"
Powerball has been a powerful tool for upper limb rehabilitation since we started using it in the clinic earlier this year.

I first came across a similar gyroscope 8 years ago as it was being demonstrated by a US chiropractor, Kevin Hearon DC CCEP of Extremity Seminars as an excellent tool for strengthening the wrist, but could never get hold of any in this country. I eventually found a Powerball in the Science Museum about 2 years ago and found the added integral computer to be an excellent means of monitoring one’s progress. The balanced rotor in this version also meant that there was no vibration - the results were totally non impact and therefore more suited to our patients requirement than the previous model we had seen.

It has already been particularly helpful in cases of carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS), tennis and golfers elbow, repetitive strain injury(RSI) / work related upper limb disorder(WRULD) and has even been pivotal in stabilizing an unstable sterno-clavicular joint problem.

Its unique action causes a sustained contraction of the whole upper limb musculature in a clever way. Its centrifugal force results in a circular motion which allows contraction concentrically (shortening) and eccentrically (lengthening) in a sinusoidal fashion as the wrist flexors and extensors respond to its movement. This effect alone allows improvements in muscle activity around the fingers, hand, wrist and elbow, whilst upper arm and shoulder girdle muscles support the elbow in one position.

By then changing the position of the elbow from 90 degrees flexion towards extension, one can then vary the position of the shoulder in varying degrees of flexion, extension, abduction etc. to effect the shoulder girdle and rotator cuff muscles’ activity in a similar fashion. In this way, different muscle groups can be exercised depending on the position of the arm in relation to the rest of the body.

With regular use, this helps to break down myofascial adhesions, improving muscle function and thus reducing strain on tendons and their attachments. By normalising muscular activity this aids to equilibrate opposing movements at each joint, thus reducing tensile stresses on the holding ligaments of these joints, allowing them to heal properly. All these actions result in a lessening of reactive inflammation ie swelling and hence a reduction in pain.

It also provides a fun game for clinic reception. We have a HIGH SCORE sheet on display showing left and right handed scores and a demonstration Powerball on the desktop for anyone to have a try!

Rowen Simpson
BSc(Chiro) DC MCC, Chiropractor

*****************************************************************************************
"A Manual Therapist’s Opinion"
PowerBall has great therapeutical value and has given a new dimension to the treatment of complaints of the upper extremities, enabling sportsmen/sportswomen and musicians to perform even better in the process.

Complaints in the hand, wrist, arm, shoulder and neck are caused by an insufficiently balanced blood circulation, muscular strength and muscle function. The natural balance is lost. This natural balance can be restored with the help of the centrifugal forces that are generated during a training session with the PowerBall.

What is the PowerBall, and how does it work?

The PowerBall gyroscope consists of spherical inner and outer housings, connected by one central axis. The axis connects the two in such a way that the inner housing can spin around this axis. When the inner housing is brought into a steady centrifugal circular movement compared to the outer housing, each point on the outer housing will obtain an inward acceleration towards the center. At high speeds, each part of the outer housing travels at a certain speed per second. This generates a force that, according to Newton, can give a mass (the inner housing of the PowerBall) a certain acceleration.

The weight of the inner housing of the PowerBall times the speed of rotation will generate a force of up to 17 kilograms per second. As the PowerBall is held in the clenched fist, a counter force is generated in the hand (action = reaction), the so-called centripetal force, which is aimed from the hand to the wrist.

Muscular activity is needed to resist this force.

The agonistic (collaborating) flexors of the hand will incite antagonistic (contrary) reactions in other muscles in order to maintain the balance of the arm. If such an opposite, braking force didn’t exist, the arm would be thrown off-balance. Moreover, synergistic (cooperating) muscles are activated to keep the gyroscope moving. All these different activities will cause muscle tiredness, which in turn causes the body to provide for a better blood circulation (metabolism) and a strengthening of the muscles of hand, wrist and arm, the so-called “training”. Repeated exercise with the PowerBall will therefore enhance co-ordination (better collaboration) between muscles.

Many conditions can be treated very effectively with the PowerBall.

Some examples are a disturbed blood flow in muscles, skin, nerves and ligaments, commonly found in repetitive strain injuries, injuries of soft tissue and after the healing of fractures. An increased co-ordination can lead to a significantly better performance for musicians (pianists, guitarists, flutists and others) and sportsmen/sportswomen (darters, tennis players, golfers and others).

(Consult a physiotherapist/remedial therapist to make sure you don’t injure yourself through overly keen exercise).

A well-balanced training program is highly recommended. I have had extremely satisfying experiences with PowerBall. The value of this training aid should not be underestimated.

Frank van der Stad
Physiotherapist/Manual therapist
www.premed.nl


These guys are definitely on the books . . .
 





Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Will Hunt on March 02, 2008, 04:14:43 pm
Further playing and slight refinement of technique puts me at 10,103.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: grumpycrumpy on March 02, 2008, 08:42:43 pm
Hmmmm .... Does this product really sort out carpel tunnels .... As a long time sufferer myself , occupational hazard , any cure obviously interests me ...I've occassionaly considered surgery , but would rather not go under the knife ....
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on March 02, 2008, 08:54:10 pm
Look, I'm not even going to try and spin some bull about what this can or can't do for your CTS.  However, for the last few years I've got out of bed and done a few press ups.  After a while this started to piss my wrists off, after that I started pressing up off fists on a towel.  After a year of P/B I don't feel I need to do that.  My naturally weak crimper's wrists don't dislocate on slopers as they normally did.  And my forearms are bigger, stronger, and far more homo than ever before (which is what it's about). 

My sports masseur/physio is a fan.  As is my B-in-Law (an ex-surgeon) who now works in a orthopaedic practice.  He will recommend p/b for some of his patients.

CTS?  No idea personally, but I'm a lay-about not a doctor.  Read up yourself.



Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: grumpycrumpy on March 02, 2008, 09:27:49 pm
Cheers for the advice youth , may well give the press ups whilst using a towel a go ..... I have read up about CTS and the only thing I found that helped was  skunk , but thanks to the smoking ban and harsh new health and safety at work legislation I've found that having a quick toke at work is no longer an option ....
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Will Hunt on March 04, 2008, 12:42:34 am
The UKB 250Hz PowerBall league
Irish Alan  Somewhere over 14,000
Houdini  13,232
Rob 12,995
Chicane  12,636
Dave  12,602
Scouse D  12,547 (Screamer)
GCW  12,529
FJ  12,409
Richie "Peaks" Crouch  12,334
Monolith  12,274
Fatneck  12,234
Plattsy  12,116
Duma  11,912
Obi Wan is lost  11,871 (screamer)
clm  'bout 11,800
Jim 11,614
Nik at Work  11,500ish
Dobbin  11,402
Underground  11,307
Falling Down 10,958
slack---line  10,804
Superfurrymonkey  10,801
Yossarian  10,756
SA Chris  10,475
Will Hunt 10,284
Richdraws  10,103
PaulB  9,942
Stubbs  9,705
Dr pinch  9,541
SteveM  9,450
Dense  9,010
Magpie  8,482


30 second strength
Dave  5,634
GCW  5,489
Houdini  4940
Monolith 3859
slack---line 3471

60 Second Strength
GCW 10,082
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on March 04, 2008, 10:05:20 am
8558 I reckon another 4 days of hard ice climbing will push me to 9000.

Will, Jamie got 10391 on his 3rd go, he says he's coming to get you, and won't give my ball back.  ::)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on March 04, 2008, 11:35:41 am
We aught really to take "irish alan" off that league table, since he's not a UKB user as far as I can tell, and we only have a notional ideal of what his score is anyway (so unless anyone gets 15k he's always going to be top).
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on March 04, 2008, 12:23:14 pm
Two salient points.  Plus - 15K is probably 3 or 4 years of daily 350Hz powerball, bicep/reverse curling & C-of-C work away.  And ah . . .   I'm not so keen on that path . . .  Also - screamer users should have a seperate league - they're known to be slower than a 250Hz.

(Though anyone who labours for a living such as Irish Alan is bound to have a ferocious grip, they always do.)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: chicane on March 04, 2008, 12:24:54 pm

I agree with Dave - confirmed scores only...Plus it moves me 1 step further towards the top of the league  :)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on March 04, 2008, 12:30:05 pm
The UKB 250Hz PowerBall league
Houdini  13,232
Rob 12,995
Chicane  12,636
Dave  12,602
Scouse D  12,547 (Screamer)
GCW  12,529
FJ  12,409
Richie "Peaks" Crouch  12,334
Monolith  12,274
Fatneck  12,234
Plattsy  12,116
Duma  11,912
Obi Wan is lost  11,871 (screamer)
clm  'bout 11,800
Jim 11,614
Nik at Work  11,500ish
Dobbin  11,402
Underground  11,307
Falling Down 10,958
slack---line  10,804
Superfurrymonkey  10,801
Yossarian  10,756
SA Chris  10,475
Will Hunt 10,284
Richdraws  10,103
PaulB  9,942
Stubbs  9,705
Dr pinch  9,541
SteveM  9,450
Dense  9,010
Magpie  8,558


Will-  Is your 10,284 correct?
Houdini- I agree with you on the Screamer front, but since only 2 people use them at present I think we're better staying as we are but flagging up the fact that they are screamer scores.  'Bout 500rpm slower do we think?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on March 04, 2008, 12:32:09 pm
I'll ask @ P/B HQ. 

Personally, I think Scouse Dave could well be top of the pile.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on March 04, 2008, 01:37:36 pm
Here are some video training tips from the big Greek himself (http://www.powerballs.com/akis_workouts.php?m=Community)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: SteveM on March 04, 2008, 01:40:45 pm
Breaking the five figures barrier at 10,201 this lunchtime.

I'm off to read Akis' training tips...
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Will Hunt on March 04, 2008, 06:02:50 pm

Will-  Is your 10,284 correct?


Not anymore.

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2244/2309954773_74c78bc86a.jpg?v=0)


Lyndsay, tell Jamie it must be all the  :wank: he does.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on March 04, 2008, 06:38:34 pm
Done  ;D  He's going to buy one now, the competition has got him going.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Paul B on March 04, 2008, 06:57:24 pm
Here is some pro-med guff c+p'd from the p/b website:

"A Physiotherapist’s Opinion"

There is a bit of excitement around in the Physiotherapy world at the moment and its called "The Eccentric Training programme"..............................................................
.....................................
.................

Thanks H (People with a vested intrest eh?  :-[ ), I'd read some of that before I was looking for a UKB response, i'll give it a go I think.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on March 04, 2008, 07:10:09 pm
8792  :bounce:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Will Hunt on March 04, 2008, 10:41:14 pm
10,945 now. Took it down the wall and used it at the end of the sesh when warmed up.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: andy_e on March 05, 2008, 12:29:15 am
Whilst you were pissing around at the wall today I took advantage of excellent conditions and crushed New Jerusalem followed by Dreamland followed by crucifix traverse...

p.s. Magpie do I know you? are you at Leeds or do you know will some other way?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Will Hunt on March 05, 2008, 12:45:59 am
You are not fortunate to know her, sadly. Met Lydnsay through Jamie Light (main partner from back home) who met her on their first trip to Rjukan.

Oh, and well done on getting NJ. Ive tried it in shit condit and can nearly touch the top sloper but its crap! Need to wait till some punter hasnt gunged the holds to paste by smearing them in wet chalk.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on March 05, 2008, 08:28:31 am
The UKB 250Hz PowerBall league

Houdini  13,232
Rob 12,995
Chicane  12,636
Dave  12,602
Scouse D  12,547 (Screamer)
GCW  12,529
FJ  12,409
Richie "Peaks" Crouch  12,334
Monolith  12,274
Fatneck  12,234
Plattsy  12,116
Duma  11,912
Obi Wan is lost  11,871 (screamer)
clm  'bout 11,800
Jim 11,614
Nik at Work  11,500ish
Dobbin  11,402
Underground  11,307
Falling Down 10,958
Will Hunt 10,945
slack---line  10,804
Superfurrymonkey  10,801
Yossarian  10,756
SA Chris  10,475
Richdraws  10,103
PaulB  9,942
Stubbs  9,705
Dr pinch  9,541
SteveM  9,450
Dense  9,010
Magpie  8,792 (219 required  ;))


30 second strength
Dave  5,634
GCW  5,489
Houdini  4940
Monolith 3859
slack---line 3471

60 Second Strength
GCW 10,082
 
 
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on March 05, 2008, 11:44:27 am
60s - 7608 (totally fluffed the standing start, took far to long to get upto speed.  But it's a start.)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: richdraws on March 05, 2008, 12:31:30 pm
10969

Its hard going...

But its relieved the aches in my wrist from using my wacom all day at work.  ;D
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on March 05, 2008, 01:22:27 pm
Well done Houd, have you tried it from a running start?  That's what the other scores are from.
I assume it isn't burst if you're going from a standnig start.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Plattsy on March 05, 2008, 01:35:29 pm
30 seconds right hand 4585 (standing start). Gonna try a running start.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on March 05, 2008, 01:41:11 pm
30 second strength
Dave  5,634
GCW  5,489
Houdini  4940
Plattsy  4,585 (Standing start)
Monolith 3859
slack---line 3471

60 Second Strength
GCW 10,082
Herr Scheissekopf  7,608 (Standing Start)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on March 05, 2008, 02:21:37 pm
You buggers!  That 30s time is from a standing start I'll have you know.  I should be top of that table too  8)

I'll have a 30s and 60s rolling start tomorrow (as I've made my tits go mushy w/ press-ups today).
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on March 05, 2008, 02:33:56 pm
I suspect you'll cream those numbers if you do a rolling start.  Give it a go and let us know.
I think you'll find Akis always does rolling starts:  you've studied his vids closely, I'm surprised you missed it :lol:

I'm making no progress at all with my PB.  I will change my training accordingly.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on March 05, 2008, 02:38:22 pm
First go, no warm-up: 5 2 2 0  (Oooh me boobs)


Paid no attention to the 30s thing really, but will from now on as I'm @ 1st plateau.  Actually I though Dave was being daft as a brush to suggest rolling starts before . . .   Er . . .   Thanks for the heads-up  :-[ ::) :-[
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on March 05, 2008, 02:45:32 pm
2nd go:  5 5 2 5.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on March 05, 2008, 02:46:21 pm
30 second strength
Dave  5,634
Houdini  5,525
GCW  5,489
Plattsy  4,585 (Standing start)
Monolith 3859
slack---line 3471

60 Second Strength
GCW 10,082
Herr Scheissekopf  7,608 (Standing Start)


Thought so.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on March 05, 2008, 02:50:22 pm
1st go LH: 5 0 5 6  (flash pump @ 20s)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on March 05, 2008, 02:50:48 pm
If you look here (http://www.powerballs.com/scoreboard.php?m=Scoreboards&div=mens.30s), and include our scores at 30s:
Dave:  World No. 20
Houd:  World No. 22
GCW:  World No. 23

There don't appear to be scores for 60s?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on March 05, 2008, 02:55:38 pm
Awesome, we're nearly/sorta worldclass-ish at twirly stuff ! :bounce:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on March 05, 2008, 02:57:41 pm
Yeah, we're shit hot at an unpopular niche subsection of the PowerBall world.
6k will be getting you near th etop 10 Houd- go on, go on, go on.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on March 05, 2008, 02:59:42 pm
I'll need a new ball - mine makes proper flymo vibes around 10K . . .
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on March 05, 2008, 03:04:52 pm
Aye, same here.  Mine's like a cement mixer filled with cats, bricks and rocket-skateboard dogs.
I may have to order a new one tonight.

Also, it seems the Screamer rotor is 5g heavier than the standard, plus has the holes.  From pB forums it looks about 4-500rpm slower than the bog standard.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: chicane on March 05, 2008, 03:06:12 pm

never tried the 30sec strength thing until now - put me down for 5180 - its a killer
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on March 05, 2008, 03:26:49 pm
Seen this?

25 year online purchase guarantee (http://www.powerballs.com/guarantee.php?m=Store).  Plus:

Like all finely balanced products however, your NSD Powerball will be affected if it is dropped onto a hard surface from a height and we therefore try to cushion the blow of such accidents by offering you a lifetime of free replacement parts for your new purchase along with full instructions on how to insert them should the unexpected occur.

 Along with this, we also will provide a free repair service in the event that you are unable to get your NSD Powerball back to its former glory following an accident - simply post it back to us and we'll repair or replace the necessary components and send it straight back to you by priority mail - without charge.


I'll send mine back I think.  Since I paid too much for it . . .
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on March 05, 2008, 07:56:45 pm
The new PB HQ is cool as they have expanded their records . . .


Thus my 13, 232 = #558 in the world of those dumb enough to register  . . .   !

#558   13, 231     Andrew McIlmurray (IE)      11/07/2006    Paraplegic   

 ???

Ah . . .   well . . .  Um . . .

(Though I believe Dense has yet to enter the ladies league  *bites fist*)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on March 06, 2008, 12:11:50 am
(Note to self - never have a 3hr p/b session after a press-up pyramid session . . .)  :(

(2nd note to self.  Eat more eggs . . .)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Plattsy on March 06, 2008, 07:36:25 am
30 second strength
Dave  5,634
Houdini  5,525
GCW  5,489
Chicane 5180
Plattsy 5015
Monolith 3859
slack---line 3471

60 Second Strength
GCW 10,082
Herr Scheissekopf  7,608 (Standing Start)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on March 06, 2008, 10:16:08 am
i told you the 30sec thing was a killer. i've had a few weeks off mine to make sure i wasn't overdoing it, but i'm sure i could nudge my score up a bit. hitting 6k would be pretty hard i recon.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Will Hunt on March 09, 2008, 05:13:08 pm
Yes Yes Fucking Yes!

11395


 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: andy_e on March 09, 2008, 10:41:04 pm
Tried again on friday to get one to rotate. I'm such a retard, why doesn't it fucking work?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on March 09, 2008, 10:44:01 pm
Same reason that YouTube won't let me watch anything tonight.   >:(

I'll show the trick to you next time we meet.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: tommytwotone on March 10, 2008, 12:01:42 pm
Right - news from chez twotone as we've just got our powerball.

First off, the news you've been waiting to hear - Dense has been beaten by a girl!

Mrs Twotone racked up 9291 on only her third go on the ball. I reckon she'll be up in the 10ks in no time so expect more news!

I got a decent, but not exactly Akis-worrying 10898.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on March 10, 2008, 12:58:15 pm
Sorry TTT, but same rules apply.  (We have to disregard Mrs TTT as we did Irish Alan, as they're not UKB users.)

You're score stands though.  Good 1st try.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: tommytwotone on March 10, 2008, 06:38:47 pm
Aha - no Irish Alan technicality here Houd, Mrs Twotone (AKA SC2004) is a registered, albeit very shy, UKB user. She's been lurking on here for years, and is at this moment trying to break into 5 figures - I'll try to persuade her to come out of the woodwork to make her presence (and scores) known...

I can't take that much credit for my score as I used to have one years ago, but it got knackered through overuse by me and my workmates. That said I'm up to 11127 now, and I'll be back with a 30 second strength score in the not-too-distant future!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: sc2004 on March 10, 2008, 08:03:18 pm
This is true, I am UKB registered and have been for about a year. As TTT says though, I lurk rather than post (partly due to shyness, but also due to the fact that I registered myself with a really rubbish username which I can't be bothered to change). 

I'll take my disqualification on the chin though, if its on the basis that I haven't actually posted on here except in relation to powerballs...

That aside, my score is now 9788, which I'm proud to say would put me joint 147th in the Powerball Ladies League!  I await the UKB Powerball Judge's decision!

Mrs Twotone
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Will Hunt on March 10, 2008, 08:20:37 pm
The score stands! Looks like Dense is going to have to eat lunch with the girls from now on. Ner ner ne ner ner!
 :P
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on March 10, 2008, 08:42:44 pm
*Doffs cap and throws jerkin over puddle*

Indeed your hefty score stands Mrs Two-Tone  :bow:  (Dense, curl me some ribbons, bitch)



Mrs TwoTone, I'm not sure what TTT thinks but I think it would be boss if you re-registered as Mrs Two-Tone   8)  Kinda cute, dontcha think?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: richdraws on March 10, 2008, 11:11:28 pm
So after a record session on my board yesterday and now feeling generally knackered I managed a personal best today of 11163. I am assuming it must be down to getting the technique more refined or atleast getting some kind of technique. It kind of reminds me of when I first started climbing and hanging a sloper felt impossible and in my head it had nothing to do with finger strength it was just that my fingers didnt have enough friction  :P
This feels similar in that I cant see how I could possibly move the ball any quicker but somehow the scores slowly creep up?

Sorry for the ramble I  am just fascinated by the training effect on the human body.

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on March 11, 2008, 10:59:43 am
Great, now I'm getting whipped by boys and girls  :'(
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Fiend on March 11, 2008, 11:47:43 am
I bet you'd love that...


P.S. Would you please crush dense. It would make the world a happier place.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on March 11, 2008, 12:20:22 pm
I am going to try for crushing tonight, I think I am at the perfect stage for high scores.

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: sc2004 on March 11, 2008, 02:47:29 pm
My score stands! Nice one!

Magpie, if it makes you feel any better, I may be able to powerball a bit but I'm a pretty rubbish boulderer.  I'd much prefer to be a better boulderer than powerballer...

Tommytwotone was a bit keen on me being Mrs Twotone on here.  Worryingly so.  But I've tried to persuade him to become Mr SC2004, which would more adequately reflect the power balance in our relationship. He's having none of it though.

(I'm up to 9954 now).
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on March 11, 2008, 03:15:05 pm
The UKB 250Hz PowerBall league

Houdini  13,232
Rob 12,995
Chicane  12,636
Dave  12,602
Scouse D  12,547 (Screamer)
GCW  12,529
FJ  12,409
Richie "Peaks" Crouch  12,334
Monolith  12,274
Fatneck  12,234
Plattsy  12,116
Duma  11,912
Obi Wan is lost  11,871 (screamer)
clm  'bout 11,800
Jim 11,614
Nik at Work  11,500ish
Dobbin  11,402
Underground  11,307
Rich Draws 11, 163
Tommytwotone 11,127
Falling Down 10,958
Will Hunt 10,945
slack---line  10,804
Superfurrymonkey  10,801
Yossarian  10,756
SA Chris  10,475
sc2004/Mrs Two-Tone 9,954
PaulB  9,942
Stubbs  9,705
Dr pinch  9,541
SteveM  9,450
Dense  9,010
Magpie  8,792  
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Will Hunt on March 11, 2008, 03:24:30 pm
The UKB 250Hz PowerBall league

...

sc2004/Mrs Two-Tone 9,954
PaulB  9,942
Stubbs  9,705
Dr pinch  9,541
SteveM  9,450
Dense  9,010
Magpie  8,792  


 :bow:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on March 11, 2008, 03:48:24 pm
Houd, that hurts my eyes you little shit
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Stubbs on March 11, 2008, 03:53:35 pm
I seem to be in quite good company at the bottom of that list!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on March 11, 2008, 04:13:11 pm
Magpie, if it makes you feel any better, I may be able to powerball a bit but I'm a pretty rubbish boulderer.  I'd much prefer to be a better boulderer than powerballer...
Sadly I'm fairly shit at both  ;D 

I'm too far below everyone else now, I'm going to pull my finger out, especially since I can't use the weak girl excuse any more!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: SteveM on March 11, 2008, 04:15:28 pm
*cough*

http://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,7489.msg137687.html#msg137687 (http://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,7489.msg137687.html#msg137687)

10,201
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on March 11, 2008, 04:19:46 pm
The non-psychedelic coloured UKB 250Hz PowerBall league
Houdini  13,232
Rob 12,995
Chicane  12,636
Dave  12,602
Scouse D  12,547 (Screamer)
GCW  12,529
FJ  12,409
Richie "Peaks" Crouch  12,334
Monolith  12,274
Fatneck  12,234
Plattsy  12,116
Duma  11,912
Obi Wan is lost  11,871 (screamer)
clm  'bout 11,800
Will hunt  11,395
Jim 11,614
Nik at Work  11,500ish
Dobbin  11,402
Underground  11,307
Rich Draws 11, 163
Tommytwotone 11,127
Falling Down 10,958
slack---line  10,804
Superfurrymonkey  10,801
Yossarian  10,756
SA Chris  10,475
SteveM  10,201
sc2004/Mrs Two-Tone 9,954
Paul B  9,942
Stubbs  9,705
Dr pinch  9,541
SteveM  9,450
Dense  9,010
Magpie  8,792

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Will Hunt on March 11, 2008, 04:21:22 pm
Keep trying to crack a new best score on 30 second mode but cant grip the bastard throughout the session. Does anyone chalk up to 'ball?


Oh no! New skin has grown around the ball and it is now grafted into my body. One handed typing is hard.



Will Hunt 10,945

Errr. That'll be 11,395 thanking you kindly.
 :read:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Will Hunt on March 11, 2008, 04:52:00 pm
Further playing puts that to 11,551
 :bounce:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on March 11, 2008, 05:45:15 pm
And this weeks hottest climber, pop-pickers

(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42365000/jpg/_42365728_01_fluff_discs_getty.jpg)

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on March 11, 2008, 06:22:49 pm
Keep trying to crack a new best score on 30 second mode but cant grip the bastard throughout the session. Does anyone chalk up to 'ball?

NO- you'll get it with a bit of practice.  I fear chalk dust in my ball will be the final nail in its coffin.
Having said that, I always fade around the 20s point.  I tried burst for 30s but I don't think it's as effective over such a short time- or maybe my timing was off, only managed 5,100 odd.  But I'm crap anyway :lol:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on March 11, 2008, 06:59:35 pm
I beat the 60s score w/ a handswap today, but won't claim it as a hand swap is naughty IMO.  (10.2K)

Some serious ballers use grip-aids such as fingerless gloves/spray-on stuff.  I reckon pof might do it better on plastic.  But I don't have any pof, am unlikely to ever have pof.  I'd use it if I had some, mind.  Though you don't need pof, just bigger forearms.  Avoid chalk, in fact any dust. 
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on March 11, 2008, 07:10:17 pm
Stick your 60s score up Houd, just mark it as 2 hands.  Just as valid.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on March 11, 2008, 07:30:32 pm
10,192 (w/ hand swap)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on March 11, 2008, 07:33:41 pm
60 Second Strength
Houdini  10,192 (both hands)
GCW 10,082  (one hand only, Edouard technique)
Houdini  7,608 (One hand, standing Start)

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jenn on March 11, 2008, 08:27:34 pm
8796 but I'm injured  :(
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on March 12, 2008, 08:46:01 am
9363  :thumbsup: 

No longer bottom of the league!!!   :bounce:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on March 12, 2008, 09:57:07 am
Well done Magpie, 600 rpm is quite some progress.  Finally, Dense is your bitch.    8)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on March 12, 2008, 10:01:10 am
Oh goody, I've always wanted a bitch!  Can I put a collar on him and drag him around a bit?

I have man arms at the moment, 10 days in Rjukan was the way forward for Powerball progress, now I just need to keep it up  8)

I've changed my arm position a bit too which I think helps, I am more bent at the elbow whereas before I had quite a straight arm. 
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on March 12, 2008, 05:01:00 pm
60 Second Strength
Houdini  10,192 (both hands)
GCW 10,167  (one hand only, Edouard technique)
Houdini  7,608 (One hand, standing Start)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on March 12, 2008, 05:43:47 pm
 :furious:   Frankly I'm disgusted w/ this thread.   :furious:


80% of the people involved haven't posted a new score in ages.  In fact I bet the last time they touched their ball (!) was months back. 

Waddage to magpie for having a crack!  Poo-poo to most of the others here  :thumbsdown:

Nice one GCW bit of healthy comp never did anyone no harm.  (Queers!)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Monolith on March 12, 2008, 06:36:52 pm
I was speaking to Crouch about this today in the staffroom over some Lucozade. He seems to have lost some of his motivation in favour of climbing but was murmuring about servicing his ball to attempt a new pb. I'm the same and am pretty confident of a better score on a fully functioning ball.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: tommytwotone on March 12, 2008, 08:50:32 pm
I'm on 11816 now - getting there, but I think I've got a 12.5k in me somewhere. I'm yet to crack the fiddling about for a good running start at the endurance events, either that or I peak too soon (insert your own joke here)...more soon.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on March 12, 2008, 08:56:08 pm
I'm failing miserably to improve my max speed, so I'm playing around on the endurance stuff.  I think I can get over 10,200 on the 60s with one hand.  Getting 10,100 most tries.

Houd, have a crack with one hand (fnaarr fnaarr) and see how far you get in a minute....
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Yossarian on March 12, 2008, 09:08:56 pm
I don't get this Powerballing. My best score was my third go. Or something. Ever since then I've barely got close. The thing gets to about 9,000 and then starts going weird. It doesn't seem particularly tiring, more a matter of technique. I think I need a coach....
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: sc2004 on March 12, 2008, 09:13:35 pm
I'm now up to 10092! This doesn't actually move me up the ratings any on UKB, but it does place me at number 126 in the 'Ladies World Powerballing League: Division 1'. And yes, I'm embarrassed to say I have actually registered that score on the Powerballs website.  :-[
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: tommytwotone on March 12, 2008, 10:13:45 pm
30 second strength
Dave  5,634
Houdini  5,525
GCW  5,489
Chicane 5180
Plattsy 5015
Monolith 3859
slack---line 3471

60 Second Strength
GCW 10,082

Put me down for 4667 for 30 second flava, god knows how Dave's getting 5634, my arm was like a brick after 1000 rpm less!
Herr Scheissekopf  7,608 (Standing Start)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on March 12, 2008, 10:14:31 pm
Harpoon gun AND bouldering!!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: sc2004 on March 12, 2008, 10:27:20 pm
Harpoon gun AND bouldering!!

Errr, yes. I'd forgotten about that piece of poetic licence. One of those was added for comedy value, based on the fact its Akis's preferred sport. I'll let you guess which one, but bear in mind there's not much to shoot in Sheffield with a harpoon gun apart from the odd chav or Ring Ouzel.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jenn on March 13, 2008, 12:47:51 am
Second day with it - 9,636.

I don't think my physio will be too impressed though... they are so addicitve!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on March 13, 2008, 09:17:42 am
Mine has started making funny grinding noises, I'm going to blame this for not bettering my score last night.  The added element of actual lady competition is enough to get me trying really hard  :wank:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: superfurrymonkey on March 13, 2008, 10:20:48 am
3997 30 second strength.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on March 13, 2008, 10:25:14 am
60 Second Strength
Houdini  10,192 (both hands)
GCW 10,167  (one hand only, Edouard technique)
Houdini  7,608 (one hand, standing Start)

30 second strength
Dave  5,634
Houdini  5,525
GCW  5,489
Chicane  5,180
Plattsy  5,015
TommyTwoTone  4,667
Superfurrymonkey  3,997
Monolith  3,859
slack---line  3,471
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on March 13, 2008, 10:30:47 am
The UKB 250Hz PowerBall league
Houdini  13,232
Rob 12,995
Chicane  12,636
Dave  12,602
Scouse D  12,547 (Screamer)
GCW  12,529
FJ  12,409
Richie "Peaks" Crouch  12,334
Monolith  12,274
Fatneck  12,234
Plattsy  12,116
Duma  11,912
Obi Wan is lost  11,871 (screamer)
Tommytwotone 11,816
clm  'bout 11,800
Jim 11,614
Will hunt  11,551
Nik at Work  11,500ish
Dobbin  11,402
Underground  11,307
Rich Draws 11,163
Falling Down 10,958
slack---line  10,804
Superfurrymonkey  10,801
Yossarian  10,756
SA Chris  10,475
SteveM  10,201
sc2004/Mrs Two-Tone  10,092
Paul B  9,942
Stubbs  9,705
Jenn  9,636
Dr pinch  9,541
SteveM  9,450
Magpie  9,363
Dense  9,010


Dense is back where he belongs :lol:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jenn on March 13, 2008, 11:17:23 am
The added element of actual lady competition is enough to get me trying really hard  :wank:

Competition is good ;D

I find there is a large element of technique involved as sometimes I struggle to even reach 8,000.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on March 13, 2008, 12:23:58 pm
There must be, I'm fairly solid at 8000 then occasionally I do something and end up over 9000, soon as I work out the technique I'll be unstoppable, maybe.  ;D

I suspect you and sc2004 may remain ahead of me for some time, still, at elast I'm not at the very bottom  8)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jenn on March 13, 2008, 02:03:14 pm
I agree - it seems as though you have to get it going just right...

I'm currently trying to stay away from it though. I got it because I can't climb at the moment (shoulder injury) and I thought it might be useful as a training aid in the meantime. The faster speeds seem to be aggravating my shoulder, but it's just so difficult to stop!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on March 13, 2008, 02:15:35 pm
I think you can hold it different ways to work different areas, maybe there will be something on the site to tell you the best way to hold it so you don't mess with your shoulder?  I think someone posted a link to different excercise you can do with it further back in the thread.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: nik at work on March 13, 2008, 02:23:34 pm
Right just popped in for a late lunch and realised I have no official score yet so (drum roll please)...



11499


And just had a go at 30s (which fuckin wrecks) and got 4592
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: nik at work on March 13, 2008, 02:29:37 pm
30s - 4788
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on March 13, 2008, 04:01:11 pm
30 second strength
Dave  5,634
GCW  5,534
Houdini  5,525
Chicane  5,180
Plattsy  5,015
Nik at Work  4,788
TommyTwoTone  4,667
Superfurrymonkey  3,997
Monolith  3,859
slack---line  3,471

Inspired by the Perpetually Working to knock Houd down a peg.  Wooo!   :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on March 13, 2008, 04:10:26 pm
Dave- show us what you've got at 60/90seconds.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on March 13, 2008, 04:19:54 pm
90 second strength
GCW  15,281  (one hand, Eduoard)

First go at 90s after several 30 second  and 60 second runs- pumped before I started and faded by 70 seconds.  I think I can do a fair bit better.167th in the world!!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: slackline on March 13, 2008, 04:20:41 pm
30 second strength
Dave  5,634
GCW  5,534
Houdini  5,525
Chicane  5,180
Plattsy  5,015
Nik at Work  4,788
TommyTwoTone  4,667
Superfurrymonkey  3,997
Monolith  3,859
slack---line  3,471 standing start

Inspired by the Perpetually Working to knock Houd down a peg.  Wooo!   :thumbsup:

Are these all standing starts or from an already spinning ball?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on March 13, 2008, 04:21:24 pm
Unless it says otherwise, running start as per Akis technique.  Get to it.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on March 13, 2008, 04:21:50 pm
With the 30/60/90 ones do you have to keep it going as fast as you can for that length of time?  I lost my instruction booklet  :-[
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on March 13, 2008, 04:26:31 pm
You have to get as many revs as you can in the time.  Going faster for longer helps  :P
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: slackline on March 13, 2008, 04:37:21 pm
Unless it says otherwise, running start as per Akis technique.  Get to it.

Aye aye Cap'n
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2166/1886450165_17c75b41f6.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/abro/1886450165/)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on March 13, 2008, 04:54:03 pm
You have to get as many revs as you can in the time.  Going faster for longer helps  :P
I would be ruder to you, had I not just been pacified by that uber cute monkey up there :P

I still don't get it though, if my high score is over 9000 and I do that in about 15 seconds doesn't that mean I'll get higher in 30 seconds...  :-\

No I've just realised, the other one is speed not amount, I think  :-[
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on March 13, 2008, 05:42:41 pm
You kind of have it.
Consider it this way.
The 30 second- you are trying to get as many revolutions in a 30s period.
Fastest score- you are trying to get as many revolutions in a 1s period ie Max rpm.

So, with the strength programs you need to get the ball to rotate as many times in 30s etc as possible.  You can do this either by blasting to max revs resting for a few seconds then repeating (Edouard or Burst method).  Alternatively you can maintain a constant speed for the whole time.
Personally, I go all out constantly for the 30s but use burst for 60 and 90.

I hope that makes sense now?   :lol:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: fatneck on March 14, 2008, 08:36:26 am
30 second strength 4,545
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on March 14, 2008, 09:25:41 am
I hope that makes sense now? 
Very much so, thank you kind sir!  I am going to do some strenght testing at the weekend  :bounce:  Prepare to be blow away, by how terribly weak I am.  :-[
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: lagerstarfish on March 14, 2008, 02:06:24 pm
Found one on someone's desk at work. Took me 3 goes to get it going.
30s from rolling 4741 (much laughter from fellow workers as I did this)
my top speed a mere 10322  ???

must dig my old powerball out and get wanking training.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: lagerstarfish on March 14, 2008, 02:17:20 pm
slightly better speed 10631
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jenn on March 14, 2008, 08:26:10 pm
Physio recons it won't help, but it won't hurt either.

New PB 9,920  :bounce:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on March 14, 2008, 09:02:31 pm
Your physio needs to pump more iron and do less ironing.   ::)

Excelent Jenn, soon you will crush!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Yossarian on March 15, 2008, 11:29:12 am
12033

with a mildly sore throat and a runny nose.

expect greater things when i am fully fit...
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jenn on March 15, 2008, 11:33:37 am
Your physio needs to pump more iron and do less ironing.   ::)

I'll be sure to tell him that next time I see him  ;D

Cheers!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: superfurrymonkey on March 16, 2008, 11:35:07 am
4106 30 second strength.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jenn on March 16, 2008, 02:01:40 pm
(http://lh4.google.com/2007Jenn/R90ncs5g4YI/AAAAAAAAARE/-RKMITdXk8g/s800/Powerball_10136_small.jpg)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on March 16, 2008, 03:16:29 pm
Show of  :P

I got 3003 on te 30 second thing.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jenn on March 16, 2008, 04:26:29 pm
LOL, it's just representative of how bored I am  :)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on March 16, 2008, 04:43:56 pm
I looked like Popeye this morning in my desperate attempt to up my PB, no luck so far though.

Good news from your physio, you might not be actually helping but at least you're not doing any Powerball damage  ;D
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: slackline on March 16, 2008, 08:26:41 pm
Updated scores...

30 second strength
Dave  5,634
GCW  5,534
Houdini  5,525
Chicane  5,180
Plattsy  5,015
Nik at Work  4,788
lagerstarfish 4,741
TommyTwoTone  4,667
slack---line  4,532
Superfurrymonkey  4,106
Monolith  3,859
mapgie 3,003
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: shortyx on March 18, 2008, 04:56:26 pm
Hello, I'm new. I just got a score over 13k but I cant attach images for some reason.

Got any ideas?

Ta
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: slackline on March 18, 2008, 05:01:28 pm
Hello, I'm new. I just got a score over 13k but I cant attach images for some reason.

Got any ideas?

Ta

No need for pictoral verification here, but if you want to you can follow How to add pictures to your post (http://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,6411.0.html)

slack
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on March 18, 2008, 05:08:29 pm
C O O L  shortyx!  Instant waddage administered.


Hope you beat me, the Jack Russel in me needs something to chase!   :bounce:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: shortyx on March 18, 2008, 05:12:17 pm
Nice one, only got 1000 or so to go.... anyway its on photobucket here:

http://s249.photobucket.com/albums/gg223/shortyx44/?action=tageditmany
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on March 18, 2008, 05:27:47 pm
1  Load it to photobucket

2  When uploaded click the box under the pic.

3  Scroll to bottom of page and click generate HTML code box on the far R.

4  Copy and paste all of it to your post.  No need to click on the image icon when making your post as the brackets plus img waffle is instantly generated by p/bucket.

Piss.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: shortyx on March 18, 2008, 05:44:16 pm
hope this works

<center>
<a href="http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg223/shortyx44/DSCF2313.jpg" target="_blank">
<img src="http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg223/shortyx44/th_DSCF2313.jpg"></a>
</center>
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on March 18, 2008, 05:48:04 pm
(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg223/shortyx44/DSCF2313.jpg)

Did it for you.  As  2nd in Command you are entitled to fan my magnificence, and go to the bar.  I'll have a port (bottle of)  8)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jim on March 18, 2008, 10:32:29 pm
have you borrowed scouse's ball?


only joshing, i'm just jealous
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: tommytwotone on March 18, 2008, 11:23:47 pm
Just got a 4838 on 30 second strength. Typing left handed as my right forearm is like a big ham.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: shortyx on March 21, 2008, 05:21:52 pm
check this out:

http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg223/shortyx44/DSCF2316.jpg
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: slackline on March 21, 2008, 05:50:10 pm
check this out:

(http://i249.photobucket.com/albums/gg223/shortyx44/DSCF2316.jpg)


 :o :bow:

Are you Akis in disguise?

(Encapsulate the URL you pasted between [ img] and [ /img] , removing the space after the opening bracket in this example and you picture will "appear" in your post).
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on March 21, 2008, 09:21:50 pm
Well Akis has 16, 553 . . .

So either that's duff/bull/photoshop/clocked, or you've just crushed the worlds' greatest powerball obsessive by some distance.

Which could it be?   :-\

The people at PB HQ have a machine to analyse the frequency of the sound from video.  If you are seriously claiming that, if it's your ball,  ::)  You should have it checked out.  Obviously the ball or counter is crudfuck but give it a go.  If it's the  same ball that you got the 13K score on we may have to scrub you from #2 as it's clear that score is jive talk.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on March 21, 2008, 09:34:19 pm
But I'm not the guy to ask . . .


You should question our very own disgraced former world number two, Scouse Dave  ;D
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: shortyx on March 21, 2008, 10:59:34 pm
 :guilty: i think its a clear case of optimism ball. Damn it, thought i was a superhero
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jenn on March 23, 2008, 03:46:02 pm
10,695

Shoulder is finally doing a bit better  :)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on March 24, 2008, 10:18:58 pm
Shortyx, you're off the league till you find a new ball/or buy a new counter.  Sorry pal. Dave is reinstated @ #2.  (Mines a vintage port, pint of  8))

Nice one Jenn.  Your crushing of Dense is inspirational.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on March 28, 2008, 11:22:53 am
I have no clue how I managed my high score, I can't get past high 8800's now  :(

I think I've peaked  :'(
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on March 28, 2008, 11:52:25 am
You could start yourself on a nandrolone AKA mandrolone and human growth hormone (recovered from cadavers and illegally aborted foetuses) program.  Give up your job and hit the gym bigtime.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on March 28, 2008, 12:20:29 pm
 :-\ That might make me taller too, although if I'm giving up work can I not just climb more and get strong that way? 

My PB, I am sure, is entirely down to beasting myself on hard ice routes for 10 days.  Who'd have thought it?  Climb more, climb hard and you'll get stronger, who knew  :shrug:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jenn on March 28, 2008, 12:32:26 pm
Nice one Jenn.  Your crushing of Dense is inspirational.

Cheers  :)

I'm giving my Powerball a rest for a bit as I seem to have developed sore elbows, not too sure if it is referred pain from my bad shoulders or caused by excessive Powerballing.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on March 28, 2008, 12:39:10 pm
Probably the latter.  I get a bit of an ache where the forearm muscles attach at the elbow.  Mostly from A/Cwise use.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on March 28, 2008, 03:27:46 pm
Oh!  I've remembered something I wanted to ask the masters!  I can go about twice as fast anti-clockwise as I can clockwise, why?  Everyone else seems to be faster going clockwise?  Am I just odd?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on March 28, 2008, 03:40:13 pm
We need to be careful with this clockwise/anticlockwise thing, as it changes depending which hand you hold the ball in and which way you look at the ball/hand.

I would suggest we use external rotation and internal rotation, to eliminate confusion.

I can go about 1000rpm faster with ER compared to IR.  You need to train the action as it feels odd at first.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: slackline on March 28, 2008, 03:46:44 pm
We need to be careful with this clockwise/anticlockwise thing, as it changes depending which hand you hold the ball in and which way you look at the ball/hand.
Well clockwise is clockwise, anti-clockwise is anti-clockwise irrespective of which hand your holding it in.  Perspective (i.e. looking from above v's looking from below) alters it, but it still doesn't change with hand (i.e. clockwise from above is still clockwise irrespective of hand, but clockwise is reversed to anti-clockwise when viewed from below).

I would suggest we use external rotation and internal rotation, to eliminate confusion.

That however does alter depending on which hand and is a far more logical way of describing it  :thumbsup:

Just realised we have a powerball smileys at our disposal....  :wank:   

:P
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on March 28, 2008, 04:12:51 pm
You beat me to it Slackers.  Busy in PhotoShop.

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3189/2368352633_a13b7ab1b2_o.jpg)

Note how ER uses the same muscle action in both hands/wrists whereas anticlockwise changes.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Serpico on March 28, 2008, 04:25:42 pm
You beat me to it Slackers.  Busy in PhotoShop.

(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3189/2368352633_a13b7ab1b2_o.jpg)

Note how ER uses the same muscle action in both hands/wrists whereas anticlockwise changes.

Are you trying to out-nerd me? Is this going to end in a geek-off?
Bring it on...
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on March 28, 2008, 04:27:36 pm
No, just trying to make sure we all know what everyone else is talking about.
So Magpie can re-ask her question and get a meaningful answer.

The world needs Nerds to keep running.  :lol:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on March 28, 2008, 07:25:13 pm
I'm just jealous of serpico's shiny 350, man.  I need this tool.

I would suggest magpies better scores AC are due to her having more muscle on the top of the forearm and less on the underside.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Serpico on March 28, 2008, 10:42:31 pm
I'm just jealous of serpico's shiny 350, man.  I need this tool.


Currently £52 on Amazon. I bought it as an investment in rehabbing my dodgy wrist, and I haven't been disappointed: it's a thing of great beauty and precision.
Heavy too.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on March 31, 2008, 10:19:18 am
So Magpie can re-ask her question and get a meaningful answer.
I don't even know what way I have been doing it now, I am so confused  :-\  I think I still mean anti-clockwise, so internal rotation?  Is there a site somewhere that shows you what bits get worked by what movements you do?

Also, when I was at the way the other day, despite the fact I haven't been out or climbing much at all I was managing to hold pinches I'd have struggles with before, so PB must be doing something good, other than making me uber-competitive  :)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on March 31, 2008, 10:22:18 am
I forgot the most important bit, damn you nerds and your confusing anti/clockwise chat for putting me off.

9476  :wank:  :bounce:

I just checked, I have crushed another boy!!!  :bounce:   :thumbsup:  :bounce:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on March 31, 2008, 10:28:37 am
I posted a link on this thread "now look you" that links to PBHQ and exercises.  I can't be arsed to repeat myself an infinitum.   >:(

Ignore all the ACW CW crap:  Turning it away from your body is clockwise.  Turning it into your body is ACW.  Water is also wet.  Fire is hot.  Other basic lessons in life such as how to suck eggs will cost you cash I'm afraid.

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: slackline on March 31, 2008, 10:31:45 am
Turning it away from your body is clockwise.  Turning it into your body is ACW. (whilst holding it in your right hand)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on March 31, 2008, 11:18:26 am
I posted a link on this thread "now look you" that links to PBHQ and exercises.  I can't be arsed to repeat myself an infinitum.   >:(
  Did you get out the wrong side of bed this morning, grumpy?  I'll go and look for your previously posted link right now  :P
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on March 31, 2008, 11:21:37 am
I certain almost all of us can work out what it is in our L too . . .

I'm not grumpy - I've had sexytime and everyfink, but you get people saying "I've read the whole thread now" then ask a question such as the perennial classic, "How can you start it w/ out a string!"  Interesting question . . .   By-the-by, how do you start it w/ out a string?

 :read:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on March 31, 2008, 11:28:01 am
I read the whole thread in the beginning before I initially posted on it but that was ages ago, years of abuse mean my photographic memory isn't what it used to be so now I have to go and read it all again to find the link  :boohoo:   

My short attention span isn't helping either, see how I came back to check you hadn't decided you were too harsh and had now posted the link for me, I'm lazy but ever hopeful  ;)

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on March 31, 2008, 11:30:11 am
Just visit www.powerballs.com and save time and grey hairs.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on March 31, 2008, 11:35:02 am
I got that far myself, it's the exact page I need that I am confused by ----> me  :shrug:

Thanks though  :kiss2: 

Edit:
Your link doesn't work anymore, 13 pages I had to re-read to find that out :(

(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y61/asdf25/PB.jpg)

Ha ha!  Here it is (I'll put the link in for other lazy people):
http://www.powerballs.com/exercise_videos.php?m=Video
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on March 31, 2008, 07:56:27 pm
The UKB 250Hz PowerBall league
Houdini  13,232
Rob 12,995
Chicane  12,636
Dave  12,602
Scouse D  12,547 (Screamer)
GCW  12,529
FJ  12,409
Richie "Peaks" Crouch  12,334
Monolith  12,274
Fatneck  12,234
Plattsy  12,116
Yossarian  12,033
Duma  11,912
Obi Wan is lost  11,871 (screamer)
Tommytwotone 11,816
clm  'bout 11,800
Jim 11,614
Will hunt  11,551
Nik at Work  11,500ish
Dobbin  11,402
Underground  11,307
Rich Draws 11,163
Falling Down 10,958
slack---line  10,804
Superfurrymonkey  10,801
Jenn  10,695
Lagerstarfish  10,631
SA Chris  10,475
SteveM  10,201
sc2004/Mrs Two-Tone  10,092
Paul B  9,942
Stubbs  9,705
Dr pinch  9,541
Magpie  9,476
SteveM  9,450
Dense  9,010


30 second strength
Dave  5,634
GCW  5,534
Houdini  5,525
Chicane  5,180
Plattsy  5,015
Tommytwotone  4,838
Nik at Work  4,788
Lagerstarfish  4,741
TommyTwoTone  4,667
Fatneck  4,545
Superfurrymonkey  4,106
Monolith  3,859
slack---line  3,471 standing start
Magpie  3,003

60 Second Strength
Houdini  10,192 (both hands)
GCW 10,167  (one hand only, Edouard technique)
Houdini  7,608 (one hand, standing Start)


90 second strength
GCW  15,281  (one hand, Eduoard)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: account_inactive on March 31, 2008, 07:58:48 pm
Can we now do a correlation with who's climbed 8b and who's a punter ;)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on March 31, 2008, 08:02:09 pm
Make that:

60 Second Strength
GCW 10,395  (one hand only, Edouard technique)
Houdini  10,192 (both hands)
Houdini  7,608 (one hand, standing Start)


Dylan, what are you classing as "punter"?  We can maybe sort a correlation once we define our terms :lol:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on April 01, 2008, 12:19:06 pm
I am officially a punter how ever you class it, I am still doing this  :bounce: in real life over not being bottom of the table.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on April 01, 2008, 12:50:59 pm
Reckon you would be hard pushed to correlate anything but forearm mass to PB ability.  Or perhaps something involving boredom threshhold?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: SteveM on April 01, 2008, 02:36:05 pm
I just checked, I have crushed another boy!!! 

...
SteveM  10,201
sc2004/Mrs Two-Tone  10,092
...
Dr pinch  9,541
Magpie  9,476
SteveM  9,450
Dense  9,010

Sorry, but I'm in the list twice. Back from holiday and trying for a new pb...
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on April 01, 2008, 02:48:40 pm
 :'(  now who is crushed  :(

Still, that's what I get for getting cocky I suppose  >:(
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on April 01, 2008, 03:42:30 pm
Sorry, it ain't easy keeping on top of this list.


The UKB 250Hz PowerBall league
1.  Houdini  13,232
2.  Rob 12,995
3.  Chicane  12,636
4.  Dave  12,602
5.  Scouse D  12,547 (Screamer)
6.  GCW  12,529
7.  FJ  12,409
8.  Richie "Peaks" Crouch  12,334
9.  Monolith  12,274
10.  Fatneck  12,234
11.  Plattsy  12,116
12.  Yossarian  12,033
13.  Duma  11,912
14.  Obi Wan is lost  11,871 (screamer)
15.  Tommytwotone 11,816
16.  clm  'bout 11,800
17.  Jim 11,614
18.  Will hunt  11,551
19.  Nik at Work  11,499
20.  Dobbin  11,402
21.  Underground  11,307
22.  Rich Draws 11,163
23.  Falling Down 10,958
24.  slack---line  10,804
25.  Superfurrymonkey  10,801
26.  Jenn  10,695
27.  Lagerstarfish  10,631
28.  SA Chris  10,475
29.  SteveM  10,201
30.  sc2004/Mrs Two-Tone  10,092
31.  Paul B  9,942
32.  Stubbs  9,705
33.  Dr pinch  9,541
34.  Magpie  9,476
35.  Dense  9,010
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on April 01, 2008, 04:53:38 pm
The UKB 250Hz PowerBall league
1.  Houdini  13,232
2.  Rob 12,995
3.  Chicane  12,636
4.  Dave  12,602
5.  Scouse D  12,547 (Screamer)
6.  GCW  12,529
7.  FJ  12,409
8.  Richie "Peaks" Crouch  12,334
9.  Monolith  12,274
10.  Fatneck  12,234
11.  Plattsy  12,116
12.  Yossarian  12,033
13.  Duma  11,912
14.  Obi Wan is lost  11,871 (screamer)
15.  Tommytwotone 11,816
16.  clm  'bout 11,800
17.  Jim 11,614
18.  Will hunt  11,551
19.  Nik at Work  11,499
20.  Dobbin  11,402
21.  Underground  11,307
22.  Rich Draws 11,163
23.  Falling Down 10,958
24.  slack---line  10,804
25.  Superfurrymonkey  10,801
26.  Jenn  10,695
27.  Lagerstarfish  10,631
28.  SA Chris  10,475
29.  SteveM  10,201
30.  sc2004/Mrs Two-Tone  10,092
31.  Paul B  9,942
32.  Stubbs  9,705
33.  Dr pinch  9,541
34.  Magpie  9,476
35.  Dense  9,010



Fixed.   ;D
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Plattsy on April 02, 2008, 07:49:50 am
30 second strength
Dave  5,634
GCW  5,534
Houdini  5,525
Plattsy  5,258
Chicane  5,180
Tommytwotone  4,838
Nik at Work  4,788
Lagerstarfish  4,741
TommyTwoTone  4,667
Fatneck  4,545
Superfurrymonkey  4,106
Monolith  3,859
slack---line  3,471 standing start
Magpie  3,003

Thought my arm was gonna explode. Can't get anywhere near my top speed PB at the moment.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on April 02, 2008, 07:53:15 am
Thought my arm was gonna explode.

Try the 60s and 90s events  :o

Can't get anywhere near my top speed PB at the moment

I've been hitting 12,300 regularly but can't get the extra ooomph.  I'm definitely goign to get a new ball, as this one is fucked.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Plattsy on April 02, 2008, 08:38:59 am
Try the 60s and 90s events  :o
i've tried the 60sec one. Think I got something like 7500. My arm died about 40 seconds in and I ended up doing a full body shake just to keep it going  :lol:

What I can't work out is how your average revs/30sec increases between your best 60 and 90 second scores.

60sec 30sec average = 5083
90sec 30sec average = 5093

:shrug:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Serpico on April 02, 2008, 08:46:36 am


What I can't work out is how your average revs/30sec increases between your best 60 and 90 second scores.

60sec 30sec average = 5083
90sec 30sec average = 5093



The first ~10 secs have the lowest revs because you're getting the ball up to speed, so the longer you spin the better your avg?

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: slackline on April 02, 2008, 09:26:26 am

The first ~10 secs have the lowest revs because you're getting the ball up to speed, so the longer you spin the better your avg?



Most people do the endurance from a rolling start (i.e. ball already up and running).

With regards to your average, its all to do with sampling.  The number it reports is an average over the time period.  This average is a sample of one (a point estimate) from a distribution of possible scores which ranges from zero to whatever the physical upper limit is (viz. Akis or some other wad).  If you repeat your 60 second you'll find that you don't get exactly 5083, but somewhere thereabouts (assuming your putting in the same effort under similar conditions, i.e. starting whilst ball already rolling).  Repeat this say 30 times (a good minimum to get a decent estimate of the population mean) and you get a better estimate of what your 60 second score is.

Ditto for the 90 second, again its a point estimate.  Repeat it 30 times and you're not going to get the same score, but somewhere thereabouts, average these out and you get a better impression of what your 90 second average revs are.


If the two estimates from 60 seconds and 90 seconds are close then thats indicative of stamina/endurance, i.e. you can maintain a constant speed for long periods without fatigue (unless your using the "burst" method of course).  If your 90 second is lower than your 60 second then you lack stamina/endurance.

Note that what people are reporting here is there best score on the endurance, thats not to say they get that score each and every time.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on April 02, 2008, 09:45:42 am
34.  Magpie  9,476
35.  Dense  9,010



Fixed.   ;D

 :hug:  ;D
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on April 02, 2008, 10:03:20 am
Everyone should get new balls (especially me) but train on your old balls and use the new only for high-speed attempts.  The more you use them the slower they get.

I'm still a fan of the original noisier ball, it's a sluggish performer but the resistance feels good for training.  The lack of a counter makes it very comfortable (especially if you've smaller hands, Magpie).
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on April 02, 2008, 12:59:05 pm
I don't think I'm hardcore enough to warrant two balls just yet Houd, maybe one day, when I get in the big boys league  8)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on April 02, 2008, 01:46:16 pm
New ball ordered  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Ally Smith on April 03, 2008, 01:16:34 pm
Hard a quick play with my first Powerball last night; 10998 max rpm.
Hope to beat the 11k barrier when my wrists don't feel like jelly.....
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on April 03, 2008, 08:20:39 pm
Almost 11k is a pretty good first go!  Nice one.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: shortyx on April 03, 2008, 09:44:59 pm
new ball arrived, 13142  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on April 03, 2008, 09:54:34 pm
That's more like it.

I'm not buying another for some time, steam on ahead I'll catch you up later.  I can't get within 500 of my old score w/ my fucked ball. There are so many vibes it feels like my hand is being broken when I go for it . . .

Are you a manual worker?  Or just big forearms?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on April 04, 2008, 09:15:36 am
I've got another stupid girl question, is there a difference between my Neon Pro (which glows blue and is not very noisy) and my neighbours 250Hz Pro (which doesn't glow but is louder) and apparantly has a 'screamer'?  Hers feels smoother than mine and I can get a marginally higher score on it, is that because it's a better / different ball or did I just use hers at a peak time and try harder cause there were two people watching me?

New PB is now 9503, I have another pinkie blister and a swollen tip on my ring finger for my efforts  8)

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on April 04, 2008, 03:25:16 pm
Ignore all but the 250 pro and 350 metal. 

To answer your performance question I need some personal info so I can generate a profile.  As you are nodoubt  aware my methods are a little controversial amongst powerball types - but I think my results speak for themselves.

 8)




1 ~ Were you menstruating at the moment of peak performance, or were you in the company of others who were?

2 ~ What is your stone?  Moonstone, diamond, opal etc..

3 ~ When did you last drink the blood of a sacrificial black cockerel?

Lastly, but by no means least 4 ~ Are you (or have you ever been in a previous life)  Aquarious?



   
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on April 04, 2008, 03:53:24 pm
To answer your performance question I need some personal info Nude Pictures so I can generate a profile. 

 8)

Be careful there, magpie.  First he'll give advice freely, but when you're sucked in you're in trouble  :o

But Houd's right, ignore the Screamers, Neons, Basic Models etc.  250Hz pro (ie with a counter) or 350Hz (Mmmmmm) are the truth.  Screamers and Neons are a little slower due to rotor weight etc.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on April 04, 2008, 03:59:30 pm
Not that I know of, but my neighbour and I aren't that close.
Ruby
A week past last Tuesday
No

 ;)


Ignore all but the 250 pro and 350 metal. 

But Houd's right, ignore the Screamers, Neons, Basic Models etc.  250Hz pro (ie with a counter) or 350Hz (Mmmmmm) are the truth.  Screamers and Neons are a little slower due to rotor weight etc.

So I might actually be better than I think I am since I am using an inferior ball?  I thought I had the 250Hz pro, clearly not, I'm going to need to buy one now aren't I?  >:(
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on April 04, 2008, 04:15:17 pm
I think we've decided the Screamers are around (roughly) 500rpm slower than the pro.  The Neon is probably less so, maybe 200rpm slower.  [Houd- correct me if I'm awry]

Since the PowerBall Pros (http://www.play.com/Gadgets/Gadgets/4-/143797/Powerball-Original-250Hz-Pro/Product.html) are only 13 quid you can easily invest in another- keep the Neon for training and do proper runs on the Pro.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on April 04, 2008, 04:21:03 pm
I have a neon, so I can assume that I should be able to do 200 rpm more, which means I should be able to go over 9700, maybe higher... I wish I had a screamer then I could beat 10000 for £13, well worth it...  ;D

On further investigation, what you are both telling me is that I paid 2 quid extra to knock a possible 300 rpm off my score  ???
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on April 04, 2008, 04:29:03 pm
That probably sums it up quite well.
Whilst some would argue that PowerBalls in general are a gimmick, the Neon and Screamers definitely are.

Ever wondered why there isn't a 350Hz Screamer or Neon available?   :-\
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on April 04, 2008, 04:39:12 pm
I don't understand the 350Hz one, why are they better?  I read a review and the man said it could nip you or suck your hand in when it was going fast  :o  I'm not paying £50 for some ball to try and eat my hand  >:(  Not unless it'll bump me up to 12,000+  8)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on April 04, 2008, 04:59:12 pm
It's not better, just different.
The ball and the rotor are heavier (Pro is 262g all in, the 350 is 870g)- it's made of metal, hence the cost.  Therefore it's a lot harder to use and takes far more effort to get high speeds on.
Akis record on 250Hz= 16,553rpm
Akis record on 350Hz= 14,091rpm
Thus, training on the 350Hz is more effort, trains you harder and therefore improves your 250Hz performance.

And it's shiny
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on April 04, 2008, 05:04:18 pm
And it's shiny
Usually that would be enough to tempt me!!  ;D
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Serpico on April 04, 2008, 05:28:48 pm

Thus, training on the 350Hz is more effort, trains you harder and therefore improves your 250Hz performance.


I'm not convinced about that even though at first glance it seems obvious. There's been a couple of studies of training with added weight for sports movements; one was done with a weighted baseball bat, and it was found that it had a negative effect on batting with a normal bat because of changes attributed to rate coding and other neural factors. With a powerball technique and speed of wrist movement are necessary to achieve the highest revs, so it could be that if you tune your performance on a 350hz your 250hz performance could suffer.
Or not.
Or maybe improve.

It is very shiny though.
And very, very smooth in action.

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Serpico on April 04, 2008, 05:52:35 pm
Just checked and 350's are down to £47 on Amazon.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on April 04, 2008, 06:02:59 pm
Have to get cheaper than that before her-indoors will let me get one  :'(
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on April 04, 2008, 07:27:53 pm
It has been established by the true wads of powerball ie 14k+ that using the 350 will dramatically improve your 250 times.

Should do too n'all; fucking thing weighs a ton.


Soon, I would like to see people post before and after PB sesh pics of their forarms.  The difference is obscene.

47 squid is most attractive.  Soon they'll be 40:  then I shall pounce like a coiled spring!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: slackline on April 04, 2008, 10:30:41 pm
  then I shall pounce like a coiled spring!

(http://www.d-murray.co.uk/tigger.jpg)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on April 05, 2008, 05:16:52 pm
Just found out you can download the PowerBall speed confirmation software thingy here (http://personal.dynator.no/download/Powerballalyzer_v0.4.zip).  No installation needed, runs from the file.  Works with live capture and .wav files.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Paul B on April 05, 2008, 08:16:46 pm
I'm not convinced about that even though at first glance it seems obvious. There's been a couple of studies of training with added weight for sports movements; one was done with a weighted baseball bat, and it was found that it had a negative effect on batting with a normal bat because of changes attributed to rate coding and other neural factors.

I hope this wasn't the research that persuaded people to stay away from weight belts, what was the hypothesis on that one? waving a heavier stick at a ball will make you hit it harder when you use a normally weighted one? surely people can foresee that this might create a bit of an issue in terms of timing? Now lets replace the stupid weighted bat with some resistance exercises that target the relevant muscle groups and it'll be an interesting study.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Serpico on April 05, 2008, 08:32:17 pm
Way too simplistic an evaluation there Paul. It wasn't just one study, and the detrimental effects weren't to do with timing, they were to do with rate coding. There's been similar studies done on drag-running as well.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on April 05, 2008, 08:49:18 pm
drag-running

This ain't no pike trolling or queer athletic forum, pal.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Serpico on April 05, 2008, 09:54:43 pm

This ain't no pike trolling or queer athletic forum, pal.

Then why are most of the posts on this thread from blokes?

http://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,8625.380.html (http://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,8625.380.html)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Paul B on April 05, 2008, 10:06:07 pm
Way too simplistic an evaluation there Paul. It wasn't just one study, and the detrimental effects weren't to do with timing, they were to do with rate coding. There's been similar studies done on drag-running as well.

firstly sorry if my reply was a tad rude, i was/am in a foul mood. Rate Coding is beyond my knowledge so i shall accept what you say...
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on April 05, 2008, 10:18:14 pm
Rate Coding?

Pah!  What about itemised fusion?  Decatagorized metabolysis?  And who could forget Semi-divimuscular vasilatory mucosis?

Amateur. 


More to the point serpico!  Where's your score, hombre?   :wave:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Paul B on April 05, 2008, 10:26:16 pm
Rate Coding?

Pah!  What about itemised fusion?  Decatagorized metabolysis?  And who could forget Semi-divimuscular vasilatory mucosis?

Amateur. 


More to the point serpico!  Where's your score, hombre?   :wave:

houdini, i swear I just saw someone the spit of you at the gym the only difference was he'd gone down the martial arts route instead of professional port drinking and powerballing. I would take a picture for the Shit isnt that thread but I already got shouted at because my phone had a camera and thats against policy. Weirdo's.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on April 05, 2008, 10:57:32 pm
But seriously I haven't drunk port in 3 months (it's too heavy these days).  Ditto climbed.

I kind of fiddle w/ my p/balls occasionally but they're no fun as they're spazzed and I refuse to buy more till I decide to work again.  Maybe next year?   :shrug:



Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: robertostallioni on April 05, 2008, 11:04:51 pm
Not climbing
Not drinking port
Not Powerballing
Not Working

WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING????
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Serpico on April 05, 2008, 11:09:24 pm
More to the point serpico!  Where's your score, hombre?   :wave:

I've been using my PB for rehab on my fucked wrist. If I start posting my scores then it won't be too long before my competitive dark side emerges and I'll paying for a lot more physiotherapy.

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on April 05, 2008, 11:12:43 pm
Running mostly.  I live for the open road and metronomic techno to guide me.  It's very hard to get into a trance-like state climbing.  Very easy running.

This congregation of vapours does not excite me . . .



(Sometimes I can be found on the internet)

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: robertostallioni on April 05, 2008, 11:44:54 pm
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away i used to run. It was every day. Training 4 days a week on my own. 2 days a week with a club and a race on the other day(hope that makes 7). I was a comp runner, all my running was about getting better at running. No music but I know the trance-like state. I used to give myself an imaginary ghost runner who would run my PB pace and I would have to match them / beat them every run, usually with some bullshit repetitive sentence going through my head like a mantra while I disappeared off into another world.

In the end you get to a level where you never win anymore. Then training becomes hard because you're training to lose. And it all hurt. Running (training) on a pace was hard, its all push push push.
In the end I just stopped running. None of it was fun anymore.

I take it you're running for the mental escape?
For me, what marks simple repetitive aerobic exercises out such as running or cycling, is the mental escape to somewhere away from the lactic pain. That was always the good bit.
I  don't think I went into it from the wrong angle, you just play the cards you're dealt. But i would have liked to have started running later, with no comps, just the mental bit. Fuck the fitness, I have no time for that bullshit . Gimme the lactic pain every time.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on April 06, 2008, 12:02:21 am
Escape & Fitness.  I want to live to 100 and have great-grandchildren etc..

But no PB-ism, endurance.  Always at 50 - 75% top speed.  Keep on trucking + occassional hill sessions.

I don't want comp or anyone else near when I run.  But there is a running thread for this.  When I want to hurt I skip.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on April 06, 2008, 07:52:48 am
So, no new scores then?   ::)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on April 06, 2008, 01:39:25 pm
It's like a WI meeting in here sometimes  ???
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on April 06, 2008, 03:02:02 pm
Training Addicts Anonymous?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: miki on April 09, 2008, 10:32:28 pm
today i received my powerball :)


the hardest get the thing working, is it fast to learn how to put it spinning without the string? i was only able to put it spinning 3 times then switching hands because it's more pumpy than i though...

record : 10269

any advice for a beginner ?

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jenn on April 16, 2008, 11:26:20 pm
11,066  :bounce:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on April 17, 2008, 07:55:16 am
Good effort!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jenn on April 17, 2008, 01:50:05 pm
Cheers  ;D

I'm starting to think there is some correlation between Powerballing and climbing. I had an injury related climbing lay off and I just started bouldering again two weeks ago and I just got my highest Powerball score.

Coincidence, maybe. Anecdotal, definitely.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on April 17, 2008, 02:29:38 pm
I'm struggling to get anywhere close to my highest PB score at the moment, I managed it just after coming back from 10 days full on climbing in Rjukan when I was feeling properly fit and strong, now I'm not doing much at all and my Powerball has suffered.  There's definitely a link, but does it mean that if I use the PB a lot then when I eventually get outside I will be climbing like a master?  :-\  I doubt it  :)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jenn on April 17, 2008, 04:52:59 pm
FWIW, I struggled to even match my PB for a while. Then is just seemed to get a bit easier... don't know how I did it though. The only difference that I can think of is that I have been bouldering a bit again.  :-\
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: sc2004 on April 17, 2008, 05:55:18 pm
Nice work Jenn!

I've had to give up for a bit because I managed to give myself 'Powerballers neck' - oh yes.  I presume there is some underlying cause to my neck problems which is not related to powerballing but I am having to see a physio about it. Ridiculous!

Anyway, once its sorted, I'll be back.  But good effort.

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jenn on April 17, 2008, 06:40:32 pm
Thanks a lot  :)

I had a Powerballing break due to sore elbows, but I came back stronger than ever, lol! I hope that you get your neck sorted out. It doesn't sound like fun.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: carefultorque on April 17, 2008, 06:49:27 pm


I'm starting to think there is some correlation between Powerballing and climbing.
Coincidence, maybe. Anecdotal, definitely.

So good for power, or just a load of balls? ;)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jenn on April 17, 2008, 07:05:31 pm
Probably both  ;D
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Ally Smith on April 18, 2008, 08:56:57 pm
I'm climbing shite with a knackered elbow, but got a new PB on the Powerball.
11320 isn't great, but i think it's technique, not power that get's the Powerball score.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on April 18, 2008, 09:17:08 pm
Certainly @ sub 13K, you have a point.

NB Power = Strength x SPEED.  Go figure.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: andy popp on April 18, 2008, 10:40:48 pm
I'm just really impressed that you lot have managed to get to 38 (38!) pages on this subject. Well done. I'm not being sarcastic.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on April 18, 2008, 10:56:28 pm
The UKB 250Hz PowerBall league
1.  Houdini  13,232
2.  Shortyx  13,142
3.  Rob 12,995
4.  Chicane  12,636
5.  Dave  12,602
6.  Scouse D  12,547 (Screamer)
7.  GCW  12,529
8.  FJ  12,409
9.  Richie "Peaks" Crouch  12,334
10.  Monolith  12,274
11.  Fatneck  12,234
12.  Plattsy  12,116
13.  Yossarian  12,033
14.  Duma  11,912
15.  Obi Wan is lost  11,871 (screamer)
16.  Tommytwotone 11,816
17.  clm  'bout 11,800
18.  Jim 11,614
19.  Will hunt  11,551
20.  Nik at Work  11,499
21.  Dobbin  11,402
22.  Ally Smith  11,320
23.  Underground  11,307
24.  Rich Draws 11,163
25.  Jenn  11,066
26.  Falling Down 10,958
27.  slack---line  10,804
28.  Superfurrymonkey  10,801
29.  Lagerstarfish  10,631
30.  SA Chris  10,475
31.  miki  10,269
32.  SteveM  10,201
33.  sc2004/Mrs Two-Tone  10,092
34.  Paul B  9,942
35.  Stubbs  9,705
36.  Dr pinch  9,541
37.  Magpie  9,503
38.  Dense  9,010
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: shortyx on April 21, 2008, 01:03:54 pm
edging ever closer with 13198.... :great:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on April 21, 2008, 02:11:19 pm
Nice one! 

You started very high up the league so I sense relegation is not far off for me.  You should be up to 14K within some months I'd wager.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Fj on April 22, 2008, 10:55:51 pm
12586!!
Something to do whilst injured!  :alky:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: shortyx on April 24, 2008, 10:42:18 pm
might spark things up again... i believe im top of the 30 secs with 5700  :bounce:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on April 24, 2008, 10:47:35 pm
God effort.  Give the 60 and 90s strengths a try and let us know.
You should be getting over 11,000 and 16,500 respectively.

30 second strength
Shortyx  5,700
Dave  5,634
GCW  5,534
Houdini  5,525
Chicane  5,180
Plattsy  5,015
Tommytwotone  4,838
Nik at Work  4,788
Lagerstarfish  4,741
TommyTwoTone  4,667
Fatneck  4,545
Superfurrymonkey  4,106
Monolith  3,859
slack---line  3,471 standing start
Magpie  3,003


60 Second Strength
GCW 10,395  (one hand only, Edouard technique)
Houdini  10,192 (both hands)
Houdini  7,608 (one hand, standing Start)


90 second strength
GCW  15,281  (one hand, Eduoard)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: shortyx on April 24, 2008, 10:59:04 pm
60 secs must be epic!? will have a go tomorrow

i clearly have far too much practice with my  :wank: hand
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: miki on April 27, 2008, 10:45:19 am
10682 still don´t know the science of the powerball :)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on April 28, 2008, 09:19:27 pm
Hold it harder.  Much harder.  White knuckle time.

Make the circle smaller.  You understand.

Do it for half an hour, see the difference.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Will Hunt on April 30, 2008, 12:08:17 pm
Dave Smith just sent me an idea for a training supplement. I think this would push anyones score up.

[youtube=425,350]<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qRuNxHqwazs&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qRuNxHqwazs&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>[/youtube]
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Drew on May 02, 2008, 11:34:03 pm
Anew challenger enters the arena:

11539
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: slackline on May 04, 2008, 05:07:25 pm
4273 on 30 seconds (rolling start)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: shortyx on May 04, 2008, 06:08:48 pm
had a go this morning and got 13302, just had go now and hit 13653  8)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Fj on May 04, 2008, 07:45:22 pm
good day for PB's.
12962
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on May 04, 2008, 10:22:38 pm
had a go this morning and got 13302, just had go now and hit 13653  8)

Excellent!

Really must get that new ball . . . 
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on May 07, 2008, 09:49:03 pm
Well I for one am glad to be trounced!

Any developments Shoryx?  If you can jump 300 rpm in an afternoon I'd suggest your grip is strong but technique whack.   
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: shortyx on May 07, 2008, 10:26:11 pm
I'd have thought it the other way round hmmm.... maybe not.these things are too addictive.. The top score felt spot on rythm wise, 14k by the end of the month.. target! tempted by one of them shiny metal ones  :bounce: but 50 smackers is a bit steep

have you partaken in ordering a new un yet? healthy competition and all that  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on May 17, 2008, 04:41:33 pm
The metal is great value @ 50.  It was 100 not too long ago.

I'm not allowed any non-essential purchases at the present time (excluding wine)  :alky:

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: miki on May 23, 2008, 12:13:35 pm
10974 hope to get into 11k soon :)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on May 29, 2008, 09:16:40 pm
I just want you to know that I'm not ignoring you shortyx, I'm using my balls daily.  I just can't buy a new one for a while.

Keep at it. 
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on June 23, 2008, 09:34:35 am
I am slowly creeping my way up the list  8)

(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y61/asdf25/DSC00589.jpg)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on June 23, 2008, 09:41:43 am
I ain't done a lot of late but put a PB on the lefthand with 11091 the other day.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: AndiT on June 28, 2008, 12:37:08 pm
I had one of these delivered this morning, doctor said it would help with my golfer's elbow.

I 'on-sighted' 11373 with my right hand, with the instructions in my left. Check me out.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on July 17, 2008, 04:23:12 pm
I'll get a new one (#4) over the next few days. 
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Ally Smith on July 18, 2008, 12:51:17 pm
Not been using my ball consistently, but a new PB last night, 11666.
Is this a sign of the devils work?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on July 18, 2008, 12:57:46 pm
The only way I can get a new PB is to ignore the damn thing for several weeks then beat the hell out of it, first time back on I get a new PB, everytime.  I have no idea what that means except that training seems pointless in the way of the Powerball.  :-\
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Zods Beard on July 18, 2008, 03:56:20 pm
is to ignore the damn thing for several weeks then beat the hell out of it,   :-\

Sounds like my sex life, new personal best of 10907, after leaving it on the shelf for months in disgust at my weakness.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Obi-Wan is lost... on July 18, 2008, 07:09:46 pm
Bonus! Found my 'lost' original PB. It was under a chest, covered in dust.  :whistle:

Now I can...

1) compare a screamer and non-screamer
2) Use one in each hand! Hmm, could be tricky!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Sloper on July 21, 2008, 10:44:14 pm
I've just been bought a neon blue (sadly without a counter so you'll just have to take my Si O'Connoresque claim of 30k on trust) and am currently working up a good pre bed pump( stop sn**gering Jones) anyway, anyone got any exercises for bi/triceps shoulders etc for PB?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on July 21, 2008, 11:15:03 pm
anyone got any exercises for bi/triceps shoulders etc for PB?

buy 80 of them, stick em in a sack and curl it.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Sloper on July 21, 2008, 11:23:11 pm
Interesting to note that the highest score from a climber is only 42nd best, beaten by a bloody fisherman, http://www.powerballs.com/scoreboard.php?m=Scoreboards&div=mens.premier (http://www.powerballs.com/scoreboard.php?m=Scoreboards&div=mens.premier)

Come on folks some one on here is surely able to top 15k
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on July 22, 2008, 08:56:28 am
Sloper, we have become demoralised by the whole Scouse D saga :lol:

[I haven't beaten my best yet]
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Obi-Wan is lost... on July 22, 2008, 09:30:42 am
2) Use one in each hand! Hmm, could be tricky!
Had a quick go last night, it's not as hard as it sounds, reasonably easy to get both going then you can get some clever arm movements going, much more balanced than doing it one handed, certainly a good workout.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: slackline on October 05, 2008, 11:33:30 am
Picked up the 'ol Powerball for the first time in ages and have posted a new 30sec best and PB.  Updated tables (with all new scores since previous table added/updated).

30 second strength
Shortyx  5,700
Dave  5,634
GCW  5,534
Houdini  5,525
Chicane  5,180
Plattsy  5,015
Tommytwotone  4,838
Nik at Work  4,788
Lagerstarfish  4,741
TommyTwoTone  4,667
Fatneck  4,545
slack---line  4,478 (rolling start)
Superfurrymonkey  4,106
Monolith  3,859
Magpie  3,003


60 Second Strength
GCW 10,395  (one hand only, Edouard technique)
Houdini  10,192 (both hands)
Houdini  7,608 (one hand, standing Start)


90 second strength/b]
GCW  15,281  (one hand, Eduoard)

The UKB 250Hz PowerBall league
1.  Shortyx  13,653
2.  Houdini  13,232
3.  Rob 12,995
4.  FJ  12,962
5.  Chicane  12,636
6.  Dave  12,602 (LH 11,901)
7.  Scouse D  12,547 (Screamer)
8.  GCW  12,529
9.  Richie "Peaks" Crouch  12,334
10.  Monolith  12,274
11.  Fatneck  12,234
12.  Plattsy  12,116
13.  Yossarian  12,033
14.  Duma  11,912
15.  Obi Wan is lost  11,871 (screamer)
16.  Tommytwotone 11,816
17.  clm  'bout 11,800
18.  Ally Smith  11,666
19.  Jim 11,614
20.  Will hunt  11,551
21.  Drew   11,539
22.  Nik at Work  11,499
23.  Dobbin  11,402
24.  AndiT 11,373
25.  Underground  11,307
26.  Rich Draws 11,163
27.  Jenn  11,066
28.  miki  10,974
29.  Falling Down 10,958
30.  slack---line  10,910
31.  Zod's Beard 10,907
32.  Superfurrymonkey  10,801
33.  Miki  10,682
34.  Lagerstarfish  10,631
35.  SA Chris  10,475
36.  SteveM  10,201
37.  sc2004/Mrs Two-Tone  10,092
38.  Paul B  9,942
39.  Stubbs  9,705
40.  Dr pinch  9,541
41.  Magpie  9,688
42.  Dense  9,010
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Monolith on October 05, 2008, 03:24:39 pm
Glad this has been updated. Been training furiously for the last two months to beat my PB. Just hand me a new ball and that I'll rip that leader board a new arsehole!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: miket on October 08, 2008, 09:25:04 pm
Picked up the 'ol Powerball for the first time in ages and have posted a new 30sec best and PB

I also picked my Power ball up for the the first time in ages as well, unfortunately nowhere near my PB.  My best before was 11291, though I haven't previously posted that here.  Today I just managed 10245.

And for 60 seconds, my best is 8504 right hand standing start,  just keeping it in the one hand throughout

Mike

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on November 04, 2008, 10:15:41 pm
just crush 12843 tonight, after also busting my PB with a 12606 earlier. Look the fuck at me.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on November 04, 2008, 10:57:38 pm
Nice one Dave.  I picked my balls up for the first time in a while.  Had a bal in each hand spinning them round fantically.  Max left plus right = just over 22,000.  Have to get back into this.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on November 05, 2008, 04:28:11 pm
Well wooden Jew believe it!  :great:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on November 05, 2008, 04:34:17 pm
I peaked too soon, I can't get the damn thing past about 8800 these days.  :'(

Plus, my hands seem to have shrunk and twice it's flown right out of my grip and across the room ???
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on November 10, 2008, 10:16:53 pm
just hit a 12890. alright!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: slackline on November 10, 2008, 11:20:04 pm
just hit a 12890. alright!

Was it though?  Or did you get the 'ball up to speed with your left then go for it with your right (or indeed vice-versa)?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on November 11, 2008, 10:27:00 am
does it make any odds?

actually thats a rhetorical question, of course it doesn't.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: slackline on November 11, 2008, 10:31:05 am
does it make any odds?

actually thats a rhetorical question, of course it doesn't.

No, just idle curiosity from a weakling who's max is <11,000 and is keen to develop Powerball crushing  :bow:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Ally Smith on November 17, 2008, 04:55:34 pm
Took my powerball to the states with me on work.

New PB's

12233 right hand.
10928 left hand - co-ordination issues!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: ksjs on November 18, 2008, 01:33:35 pm
theres no way i can justify trawling through 40 odd pages of posts to find out what this is all about. i have a powerball (gifted to me last christmas IIRC) but after some initial fun i decided it wasnt the greatest - am i wrong? is it considered worthwhile from a climbing point of view or is it just a competitive thing? any enlightenment much appreciated (im secretly scared ive been missing out).

cheers
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Sloper on November 27, 2008, 08:08:22 pm
Just had a play with my new ball (I now have two) and have to work out how to get the counter set up, I suppose reading the isntructions would be a start...

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Iesu on November 28, 2008, 11:04:24 am
12623 is my best with right hand.

my top tip is a good hangboard session to warm up, then crush the powerball. powerballing from cold is a no-no for me at least - i'm knackered/bored by the time i'm hitting 12k.

somewhere around 11.5k with L hand (bought another one to try and sort my weak left wrist after the old one broke).

I've had confilicting info from various people about the merits of using powerballs to help with wrist injuries. some say yes some no. it worked for me last year so i'm confident. after my last powerball broke my wrist started getting worse again  :(
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on November 29, 2008, 12:02:25 am
I believe the deal is slow and gentle revolution of the wrist for recovery.  Anything more is stupid.  You'll be looking at improving range-of-movement if your even holding a powerball post-injury.

I haven't shaken mine seriously in half a year, amazing how much grip is lost in that time.  I'm back into my skipping so I hope to improve soon.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on November 29, 2008, 12:36:19 am
Urgh!

I just wanted to add an 'e' and an apostrophe and this happened. 
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Iesu on November 30, 2008, 07:01:04 pm
would just like to clarify that it was the powerball that broke not the old wrist!

tearing up floorboards and other assorted DIY is also not good for the wrist as i have discovered (or getting out on the grit in the mintiest conditions in ages for that matter) :thumbsdown:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: tomrix on December 11, 2008, 02:25:45 pm
Started using my powerball again after reading this thread. I bought it nearly three years ago and since has done very little other than clutter my desk at work! It's definitely improved my grip and my scores are slowly improving.

Current PB is 10987 right hand
and 9856 Left hand

and 30s from standing start 3897.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: PATRuL on December 16, 2008, 08:41:46 pm
I find listening to what my body wants to do is the best solution.
Sometimes I just jump right on and ride.
Other times, i might let the SUnday lunch settle, then do a good warm up on a chocolate cake, followed by a good rest to aid digestion and when fully ready do a couple hours yoga and i'm ready for a pull up.
Moderation is key to staying well for me.
Quite how i am able to stick to this ardous and punishing regime is beyond me.
Let me tell you sweat is a good friend of mine!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Sloper on December 17, 2008, 12:52:04 pm
My wife routinely  exceeds 9600 my best is lamentable but improving.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on January 02, 2009, 04:17:09 pm
10,054  :bounce:

Who knew actual climbing would improve my PB skills?!  :shrug:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on January 05, 2009, 11:24:23 am
i hit 12902 before xmas but forgot to post it.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: napalm_life on January 14, 2009, 02:03:41 pm
Broke th 10K mark Last Night
10246!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: tommytwotone on January 15, 2009, 11:17:18 pm
Picked up the 'ol Powerball for the first time in ages and have posted a new 30sec best and PB.  Updated tables (with all new scores since previous table added/updated).

30 second strength
Shortyx  5,700
Dave  5,634
GCW  5,534
Houdini  5,525
Chicane  5,180
Plattsy  5,015
Tommytwotone  4,838
Nik at Work  4,788
Lagerstarfish  4,741
TommyTwoTone  4,667
Fatneck  4,545
slack---line  4,478 (rolling start)
Superfurrymonkey  4,106
Monolith  3,859
Magpie  3,003


60 Second Strength
GCW 10,395  (one hand only, Edouard technique)
Houdini  10,192 (both hands)
Houdini  7,608 (one hand, standing Start)


90 second strength/b]
GCW  15,281  (one hand, Eduoard)

The UKB 250Hz PowerBall league
1.  Shortyx  13,653
2.  Houdini  13,232
3.  Rob 12,995
4.  FJ  12,962
5.  Chicane  12,636
6.  Dave  12,602 (LH 11,901)
7.  Scouse D  12,547 (Screamer)
8.  GCW  12,529
9.  Richie "Peaks" Crouch  12,334
10.  Monolith  12,274
11.  Fatneck  12,234
12.  Plattsy  12,116
13.  Yossarian  12,033
14.  Duma  11,912
15.  Obi Wan is lost  11,871 (screamer)
16.  Tommytwotone 11,816
17.  clm  'bout 11,800
18.  Ally Smith  11,666
19.  Jim 11,614
20.  Will hunt  11,551
21.  Drew   11,539
22.  Nik at Work  11,499
23.  Dobbin  11,402
24.  AndiT 11,373
25.  Underground  11,307
26.  Rich Draws 11,163
27.  Jenn  11,066
28.  miki  10,974
29.  Falling Down 10,958
30.  slack---line  10,910
31.  Zod's Beard 10,907
32.  Superfurrymonkey  10,801
33.  Miki  10,682
34.  Lagerstarfish  10,631
35.  SA Chris  10,475
36.  SteveM  10,201
37.  sc2004/Mrs Two-Tone  10,092
38.  Paul B  9,942
39.  Stubbs  9,705
40.  Dr pinch  9,541
41.  Magpie  9,688
42.  Dense  9,010

Just cranked out a 4939 on 30 second strength, which I should better both of my efforts above!

Still can't break through the 12k barrier on maximum revs though - will be bearing down in days to come.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on January 16, 2009, 08:57:01 am
mines 12902 not 12602!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Iesu on January 16, 2009, 09:22:08 am
12k proved a real "mental barrier" to me. Took absolutely ages to crack it then broke the PB with my second go.

I am a surreptitious Powerballer, but reading this thread has got me psyched!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: tommytwotone on January 18, 2009, 05:40:15 pm
12023. At last.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on January 18, 2009, 06:10:48 pm
Gratifying it is to see Dense languishing at the bottom of the league.   8)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Tim Broughtonshaw on April 23, 2009, 11:22:14 am
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/ref=pe_17551_15383181_pe_07/?ASIN=B001WAK1LA (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/ref=pe_17551_15383181_pe_07/?ASIN=B001WAK1LA)

How expensive!
 :jaw:

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on April 23, 2009, 12:02:34 pm
Gold plated.   :wank:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on April 23, 2009, 12:40:18 pm
The adverts at the bottom of this thread are interesting:
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y61/asdf25/Ad.jpg)

Now I want high kicks and splits to be my second nature  :(

I might just get the Powerball out instead and see how rubbish I am.  :wank:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: fatdoc on December 02, 2009, 10:57:04 pm
thread resurrection..

not my usual practice.. please bear with me, I've trawled through most of the last 33 pages but could do with some numpty advice..

just got my second Powerball, time at work seems too long and i've an office where I can shut the door and rev up on occasion.

my first one was bought to improve grip strength for DH MTB before the alps one year, prob helped a little  - though I wasnt too dedicated. I since lost it  :wall:

I'm keen to use this as an adjunct and perhaps help reduce injury by not necessarily going for these max rev comps but just a steady burn for each arm on rest days...

the last one i had I was forever fucking up the start cord spin...I'm under the impression you can start them by hand.. any advice? cheers!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: lagerstarfish on December 02, 2009, 11:05:48 pm
google not working?

Powerball Thumb Flick Technique (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXjdjWPIrG8&feature=player_embedded#)

easy finger thumb flick powerball gyro ball for beginner (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bg3uhyYG4tg&feature=player_embedded#)

 ;)

only a real ninja powerballer feels comfortable in asking for further guidance.

is it possible to start it without the cord?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: fatdoc on December 02, 2009, 11:22:32 pm
to be fair I did work that bit out and try it.... a lot... just hurt my thumb  :'(

Those vids do say it's * not easy* hence me asking for any further advice... guess I'll just have to practice, thanks.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on December 02, 2009, 11:25:20 pm
Just hold it rotor down and run it along a clean surface to get the thing moving.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: lagerstarfish on December 02, 2009, 11:38:01 pm
sorry Doc, thought you were taking the piss  :-[

I hold the ball round the equator band with my finger tips, with fingers straightish for more feel and easier/smoother rotation. I also find it easier with a few layers of strapal round it to improve feel.

I'll dig it out and video my cheating technique
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on December 03, 2009, 11:18:19 am
is it possible to start it without the cord?
Not if you're me it's not.   :'(
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: northerngreg on December 03, 2009, 11:36:29 pm
is it possible to start it without the cord?
Not if you're me it's not.   :'(

Check these for tips:

Starting a Powerball, one handed. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDhCCKU_xf4#)

Starting a Powerball, two handed. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7s5ym9UyPZ8#)

Read the description about the imaginary line and making the circles. It should be a bit clearer how to start it. You can see in the second video, I exaggerate the circles to make it more obvious what motion is required.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on December 04, 2009, 10:28:24 am
That's pretty much what I tried, I don't think the issue is my technique so much as my weak girly thumnbs.   :'(  Thank you for trying to help though.  ;D
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: tobym on December 04, 2009, 04:42:26 pm
Don't worry Magger's, I can't start mine without the cord either, must have girly thumbs too :-[
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Jaspersharpe on December 04, 2009, 10:37:09 pm
 :lol:  :lol: (http://[url=http://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,7489.msg120402.html#msg120402) <<<<

Best thread resurrection ever.


is it possible to start it without the cord?

I think we need clarification on this point.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: fatdoc on December 05, 2009, 12:14:48 am
 :-[

for all the right reasons though.....

god, it hurts some...
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Houdini on December 05, 2009, 02:25:14 am
Barely touch mine these days.  Stopped using it regularly about a year ago; the forearms were looking too much like Madonna's.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Fultonius on December 12, 2009, 03:23:00 pm
Just been mucking around with a powerball, and was languishing around the 8/9K mark for ages (i.e. the last 2 hours) but just busted out a 10363 which I'm quite happy with! I'm pretty sure I can hit 11K today.  :beer2:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: tobym on December 12, 2009, 03:45:29 pm
Just been mucking around with a powerball, and was languishing around the 8/9K mark for ages (i.e. the last 2 hours) but just busted out a 10363 which I'm quite happy with! I'm pretty sure I can hit 11K today.  :beer2:

what helped you crack the 10k mark?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Fultonius on December 12, 2009, 03:58:58 pm
Not really sure, mainly just improving my technique I think, also, the powerball was a bit knackered (really grindy and rough) but it seems to be loosing up a bit, so that's helped too. Maybe.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: gremlin on December 14, 2009, 06:00:35 pm
I've just done a 10400. Have done 12200 in the past but that was when I first got it and I was battering it every day! :-)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: gremlin on December 18, 2009, 09:46:48 pm
11,285  :great: just now
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: mojo on December 23, 2009, 09:56:19 pm
Got mine today and in first couple of goes got 9961, but will keep going.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Fultonius on December 24, 2009, 11:48:01 am
11,523...getting there! 12K next  8)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: psychomansam on January 22, 2010, 10:49:54 am
I got mine as an xmas present from the gf.
I immediately got it out and set my record of 11,7**, but haven't since managed to beat 11,5**

Amazing what a weeks rest/cake eating can do for your arms!!

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: psychomansam on February 01, 2010, 01:16:59 am
12567 - couldn't climb for days though....

 :oops:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: mojo on February 02, 2010, 08:46:33 pm
I haven't been putting in concerted effort with mine, just messing about with it occasionally, but managed to get 11.4k out of my right hand without too much trouble, really struggling with my left to get above 9.5k, any tips?

Lets get the :wank: jokes out of the way
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on February 02, 2010, 09:05:00 pm
Been a while since the list got updates, apologies to the inevitable few whose data is incorrect....



30 second strength
Shortyx  5,700
Dave  5,634
GCW  5,534
Houdini  5,525
Chicane  5,180
Plattsy  5,015
Tommytwotone  4,939
Nik at Work  4,788
Lagerstarfish  4,741
TommyTwoTone  4,667
Fatneck  4,545
slack---line  4,478 (rolling start)
Superfurrymonkey  4,106
Tomrix  3,897  (standing start)
Monolith  3,859
Magpie  3,003


60 Second Strength
GCW 10,395  (one hand only, Edouard technique)
Houdini  10,192 (both hands)
Miket  8,504  (one hand, standing start)
Houdini  7,608 (one hand, standing Start)


90 second strength
GCW  15,281  (one hand, Eduoard)

The UKB 250Hz PowerBall league
1.  Shortyx  13,653
2.  Houdini  13,232
3.  Rob 12,995
4.  FJ  12,962
5.  Dave  12,902  (LH 11,901)
6.  Chicane  12,636
7.  Iesu  12,623
8.  PsychomanSam  12,567
9.  Scouse D  12,547 (Screamer)
10.  GCW  12,529
11.  Richie "Peaks" Crouch  12,334
12.  Monolith  12,274
13.  Fatneck  12,234
14.  Ally Smith  12,230
15.  Gremlin  12,200
16.  Plattsy  12,116
17.  Yossarian  12,033
18.  Tommytwotone 12,023
19.  Duma  11,912
20.  Obi Wan is lost  11,871 (screamer)
21.  clm  'bout 11,800
22.  Ally Smith  11,666
23.  Jim 11,614
24.  Will hunt  11,551
25.  Drew   11,539
26.  Fultonius  11,523
27.  Nik at Work  11,499
28.  Dobbin  11,402
29.  Mojo  11,400
30.  AndiT 11,373
31.  Underground  11,307
32.  Rich Draws 11,163
33.  Jenn  11,066
34.  Tomrix  10,987
35.  miki  10,974
36.  Falling Down 10,958
37.  slack---line  10,910
38.  Zod's Beard 10,907
39.  Superfurrymonkey  10,801
40.  Lagerstarfish  10,631
41.  SA Chris  10,475
42.  Napalm_Life  10,246
43.  SteveM  10,201
44.  sc2004/Mrs Two-Tone  10,092
45.  Magpie  10,054
46.  Paul B  9,942
47.  Stubbs  9,705
48.  Dr pinch  9,541
49.  Dense  9,010
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Steve R on February 02, 2010, 10:27:27 pm
I need the extra push to break 12.5 K so I'll get stuck in.  An illustrious top 10 spot should provide the motivation!
Currently at 12322 with (in theory) weaker left hand as left elbow has been less injured than right.  Rightie's been catching up of late though so about equal now I think.
need to stop going climbing all the time so I'm fresh to crush my powerball......
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Richie Crouch on February 03, 2010, 09:40:17 am
I'm gutted at being squeezed out the top 10, going to double up and have another rest day tomorrow then turn my pb into a small pile of dust  ;D
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: TomP on February 03, 2010, 10:59:53 am
I got one for christmas. hours of irritation to my friends and family but have managed 12597! Surely the power of these can be harnessed to solve the modern day energy crisis. Everyone could have one and "mock jossle" for an hour or two a day
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Fultonius on February 20, 2010, 05:35:45 pm
Just got 11842 with the wrist I sprained badly in my car crash - seems to be really helping the recovery!  ;)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: psychomansam on February 22, 2010, 10:13:47 am
Must get 6th place on the board. Sadly not gonna happen at mo as powerball has knackered my thumb. To be fair, it's just re-inforced what i already knew - i don't use my thumbs enough for climbing (edging rather than pinching, and i certainly don't use my thumbs on edges) so they're weaker than the rest of my hand. Seems to be healing slow, but ok. Should be a good thing in the long run! Lesson learnt!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: pete b on February 22, 2010, 12:27:21 pm
First post here. I injured my thumb using a powerball last year, not long after starting climbing. I stopped using it and it healed after a few months. I'm not sure if it was caused by squeezing hard or the fact that the edge of the ball was digging into the tendon or both. I may start working on it again carefully. I got up to around 11300.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Fultonius on February 28, 2010, 02:12:16 pm
Wohooo! Finally broke the 12k mark - 12035.

All down to a slight shift in hand position; I now hold it with the gyro-ball facing up my arm, rather than stright out my palm. Psyched.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: psychomansam on February 28, 2010, 10:15:13 pm
First post here. I injured my thumb using a powerball last year, not long after starting climbing. I stopped using it and it healed after a few months. I'm not sure if it was caused by squeezing hard or the fact that the edge of the ball was digging into the tendon or both. I may start working on it again carefully. I got up to around 11300.

hadn't thought about the edge of the ball sticking into tendon, but suspect it's just a more standard problem of pushing it too hard. Isn't feeling too bad at the minute so will be taking it down south for the week so i can at least have a session on that as i'm missing out on a proper sesh.

I imagine if you just take it a bit slower, wouldn't be a problem

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on October 12, 2010, 01:14:08 pm
Finally managed to improve my score, having not used it for ages.


30 second strength
Shortyx  5,700
Dave  5,634
GCW  5,534
Houdini  5,525
Chicane  5,180
Plattsy  5,015
Tommytwotone  4,939
Nik at Work  4,788
Lagerstarfish  4,741
TommyTwoTone  4,667
Fatneck  4,545
slack---line  4,478 (rolling start)
Superfurrymonkey  4,106
Tomrix  3,897  (standing start)
Monolith  3,859
Magpie  3,003


60 Second Strength
GCW 10,395  (one hand only, Edouard technique)
Houdini  10,192 (both hands)
Miket  8,504  (one hand, standing start)
Houdini  7,608 (one hand, standing Start)


90 second strength
GCW  15,281  (one hand, Eduoard)

The UKB 250Hz PowerBall league
1.  Shortyx  13,653
2.  Houdini  13,232
3.  Rob 12,995
4.  FJ  12,962
5.  Dave  12,902  (LH 11,901)
6.  Chicane  12,636
7.  Iesu  12,623
8.  TomP  12,597
9.  PsychomanSam  12,567
10.  Scouse D  12,547 (Screamer)
11.  GCW  12,529  12,542
12.  Richie "Peaks" Crouch  12,334
13.  Steve R  12,322
14.  Monolith  12,274
15.  Fatneck  12,234
16.  Ally Smith  12,230
17.  Gremlin  12,200
18.  Plattsy  12,116
19.  Fultonius 12,035
20.  Yossarian  12,033
21.  Tommytwotone 12,023
22.  Duma  11,912
23.  Obi Wan is lost  11,871 (screamer)
24.  clm  'bout 11,800
25.  Ally Smith  11,666
26.  Jim 11,614
27.  Will hunt  11,551
28.  Drew   11,539
29.  Nik at Work  11,499
30.  Dobbin  11,402
31.  Mojo  11,400
32.  AndiT 11,373
33.  Underground  11,307
34.  pete b  11,300 ish
35.  Rich Draws 11,163
36.  Jenn  11,066
37.  Tomrix  10,987
38.  miki  10,974
39.  Falling Down 10,958
40.  slack---line  10,910
41.  Zod's Beard 10,907
42.  Superfurrymonkey  10,801
43.  Lagerstarfish  10,631
44.  SA Chris  10,475
45.  Napalm_Life  10,246
46.  SteveM  10,201
47.  sc2004/Mrs Two-Tone  10,092
48.  Magpie  10,054
49.  Paul B  9,942
50.  Stubbs  9,705
51.  Dr pinch  9,541
LAST.  Dense  9,010
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: cheque on October 12, 2010, 03:13:56 pm
I have a score over 11,000. I'll check exactly how much and inevitably knacker myself trying to beat it before I post it on here after I get in.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Richie Crouch on October 12, 2010, 03:55:10 pm
I had a go about 1 month back on a mates new one and managed to crank out 12,505 after a few warmup goes but forgot to post!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: tobym on October 12, 2010, 04:48:04 pm

90 second strength
GCW  15,281  (one hand, Eduoard)

:o :beer2:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: cheque on October 12, 2010, 06:40:10 pm
It says 10,143.  :shrug:

I'm sure I'd done more than that, but it's ages since I chased numbers on it and my memory is shit, so there you go!

Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: jstrongman on October 22, 2010, 09:17:40 am
I have found a new exercise for boasting pinch strength with the powerball, instead of using the standard grips try gripping the powerball as a pinch i.e all finger tips on the black band. Really activates the fingers and the thumb more like a climbing grip, I have been doing 30sec strength workout as follows

warm up - normal grip
RH pinch - 30s anticlockwise (away from body)
LH pinch- 30s clockwise (away from body)
RH pinch - 30s clockwise (towards body)
LH pinch - 30s anticlockwise (towards body)
RH normal - 30s anticlockwise (away from body)
LH normal- 30s clockwise (away from body)
RH normal - 30s clockwise (towards body)
LH normal - 30s anticlockwise (towards body)

rest 2-5 mins

Repeat


Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: DaveyDave on August 01, 2011, 12:49:01 pm
Sorry to dredge up an ancient thread... but I've managed to get two wrist injuries a few weeks ago, one's a sprained wrist and I was wondering if powerballs are good to help them heal or I should just rest it until it stops hurting completely? Any masters of this sort of powerful knowledge? Cheers!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Wipey Why on August 01, 2011, 01:54:31 pm
Using my non-expert knowledge of such things I would say rest it. Using a powerball is unlikely to make things better and using one is anger will probably make things worse.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: magpie on August 01, 2011, 04:47:08 pm
I agree, you're more likely to make it worse when you get competitive and try and beat your score.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on August 01, 2011, 05:15:39 pm
You could always just try to beat Dense's score........
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: psychomansam on December 12, 2012, 11:08:09 pm
Must get 6th place on the board. Sadly not gonna happen at mo as powerball has knackered my thumb. To be fair, it's just re-inforced what i already knew - i don't use my thumbs enough for climbing (edging rather than pinching, and i certainly don't use my thumbs on edges) so they're weaker than the rest of my hand. Seems to be healing slow, but ok. Should be a good thing in the long run! Lesson learnt!

12915
mwahaha, it only took about 3 years (just picked it up again recently)
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Monolith on January 17, 2016, 07:04:08 pm
Sorting out the second bedroom and just found my Powerball. Bump the UKB League??
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Nibile on January 17, 2016, 07:22:54 pm
 :dance1: :dance1:
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: SA Chris on January 18, 2016, 09:02:27 am
Wierd, I was talking about them to someone at work only last week, and thought about this.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: tomtom on January 18, 2016, 09:03:26 am
Don't they fuck up your elbows?
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on January 18, 2016, 09:12:16 am
Nah.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: a dense loner on January 18, 2016, 10:01:42 am
Has Scouse paid you to bump this thread monolith? A bit suspect that he's had a bad leg injury and can't walk, suddenly the guy who smashed all powerball records is back in the game where he belongs  :-\
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: haydn jones on January 18, 2016, 01:06:11 pm
Hh man, a meager 10986 from me :( this thing is hard to do, how the hell do people take it to 16000!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: dave on January 18, 2016, 01:08:54 pm
Has Scouse paid you to bump this thread monolith? A bit suspect that he's had a bad leg injury and can't walk, suddenly the guy who smashed all powerball records is back in the game where he belongs  :-\

Reckon Scouse's forearm will be getting enough exercise at the minute without the powerball.
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Monolith on January 18, 2016, 03:47:28 pm
Has Scouse paid you to bump this thread monolith? A bit suspect that he's had a bad leg injury and can't walk, suddenly the guy who smashed all powerball records is back in the game where he belongs  :-\

I think it was more of a nostalgic yearning upon finding said device. Would love to see what Richie Crouch could get now given that his climbing grade is about 50 higher. Any correlation in Powerball performance? :-\
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Scouse D on January 18, 2016, 04:54:53 pm
My life has been given renewed purpose. Tomorrow I'm gonna be all over this (once my wanker's cramp has eased off).
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: GCW on January 19, 2016, 11:50:31 am
I'll have to go searching the house now!
Title: Re: Powerballs
Post by: Scouse D on January 19, 2016, 02:32:26 pm
Fuck. Ive just had a go and was shite. Couldn't crack 11000 which was well below my pb. Need to rest up, protein shake (phnarr) then try again tmw.
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