Problems w/ D-ball slam ball

Michael Stehle · 03-27-2007, 11:36 AM

We've broken 8 of these in the last 6 mos. I was told they cannot be returned if the break is around the plug. Has anyone had this broblem? I guess this would be a good time to start making our own.

Paul Findley · 03-27-2007, 12:00 PM

I have heard of this failure, having to due with the inflexible plug and the flexibility of the material around the plug. I don't slam the plug side, I am not sure if that helps.

Jon Gilson · 03-27-2007, 01:06 PM

Michael,

We've seen this problem repeatedly with the D-balls, and our work-arounds have failed to remedy the problem to my satisfaction.

I'm expecting to receive a developmental slam ball product in the next few days for testing at Crossfit Boston.

If it works well and holds up to the abuse (all indications are that it will), I'll be introducing it as an alternative slamball for the Crossfit Community.

I'll keep you posted!

Best,

Jon

Ron Fielder · 03-27-2007, 03:46 PM

And I was just about to buy one of these.
Thanks guys

David Sailor · 03-27-2007, 04:26 PM

Jon,
If you need additional testers, just raise your hand. I'm sure a few of us would be willing to help! David.

Michael Stehle · 03-27-2007, 04:33 PM

I'm very disappointed with these, and they're not cheap. I'm up for a better option.

James Falkner · 03-27-2007, 06:43 PM

I've been slamming my 23 lb sand-filled basketball with much gusto with no ill effects - no plug, just a rubber patch over the hole. I think the sand really helps to dissipate the force, and the ball bounces about the same as a d-ball (slightly less, actually).

I filled the exact same type of ball with rice and beans to make an approx. 13 lb ball. It split after the 10th full-force slam. I think its cause it was much lighter and I was able to slam it much harder.

Anyway, I think sand-filled are excellent subs (and cheap!) but hard to make them in less than about 22-24 lbs.

Garrett Smith · 03-28-2007, 12:46 PM

Nice work, Jon.

Find a need and "fill" it. Har har.

If it's up to the standards of the AF bar, I'll be in line for one.

Jon Gilson · 03-30-2007, 10:37 AM

Hey Guys,

I got the prototype yesterday. It's fantastic.

It's a solid six-inch sphere, with a very small plug. It is very dense, and returns to shape after slamming. The bounce is minimal, much like the D-ball.

It is smaller than the standard D-ball. No doubt this is a good thing. A larger ball requires less coordination and less accurate slamming than a smaller one.

I'm going to take some video tonight at CF Boston so you guys can see it in action.

Because there is a plug, we've taken the cautionary step of placing a strip of duct tape over it to dissipate the force of slamming. The smaller plug combined with a little duct tape should prevent the cracking that plagues the current D-ball.

I'll slam it 150 times for time, and see if I can break it...

Best,

Jon

(Message edited by again_faster on March 30, 2007)

Kurt Holm · 03-30-2007, 11:17 AM

Has anyone tried Shoe Gooing the D-Ball plug as a preventative measure? Mine is looking as though the end is nigh and I thought might stave off the inevitable.

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03-27-2007, 11:36 AM	#1
Michael Stehle Affiliate Profile: Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Avon-by-the-sea NJ Posts: 428	We've broken 8 of these in the last 6 mos. I was told they cannot be returned if the break is around the plug. Has anyone had this broblem? I guess this would be a good time to start making our own.

03-27-2007, 12:00 PM	#2
Paul Findley Member Profile: Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Longmont CO Posts: 1,258	I have heard of this failure, having to due with the inflexible plug and the flexibility of the material around the plug. I don't slam the plug side, I am not sure if that helps.

03-27-2007, 01:06 PM	#3
Jon Gilson Affiliate Profile: Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Boston MA Posts: 638	Michael, We've seen this problem repeatedly with the D-balls, and our work-arounds have failed to remedy the problem to my satisfaction. I'm expecting to receive a developmental slam ball product in the next few days for testing at Crossfit Boston. If it works well and holds up to the abuse (all indications are that it will), I'll be introducing it as an alternative slamball for the Crossfit Community. I'll keep you posted! Best, Jon

03-27-2007, 03:46 PM	#4
Ron Fielder Affiliate Profile: Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Uvalde TX Posts: 271	And I was just about to buy one of these. Thanks guys

03-27-2007, 04:26 PM	#5
David Sailor Member Profile: Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Londonderry NH Posts: 485	Jon, If you need additional testers, just raise your hand. I'm sure a few of us would be willing to help! David.

03-27-2007, 04:33 PM	#6
Michael Stehle Affiliate Profile: Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Avon-by-the-sea NJ Posts: 428	I'm very disappointed with these, and they're not cheap. I'm up for a better option.

03-27-2007, 06:43 PM	#7
James Falkner Member Profile: Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Orlando FL Posts: 608	I've been slamming my 23 lb sand-filled basketball with much gusto with no ill effects - no plug, just a rubber patch over the hole. I think the sand really helps to dissipate the force, and the ball bounces about the same as a d-ball (slightly less, actually). I filled the exact same type of ball with rice and beans to make an approx. 13 lb ball. It split after the 10th full-force slam. I think its cause it was much lighter and I was able to slam it much harder. Anyway, I think sand-filled are excellent subs (and cheap!) but hard to make them in less than about 22-24 lbs.

03-28-2007, 12:46 PM	#8
Garrett Smith Member Profile: Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Tucson AZ Posts: 2,264	Nice work, Jon. Find a need and "fill" it. Har har. If it's up to the standards of the AF bar, I'll be in line for one.

03-30-2007, 10:37 AM	#9
Jon Gilson Affiliate Profile: Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Boston MA Posts: 638	Hey Guys, I got the prototype yesterday. It's fantastic. It's a solid six-inch sphere, with a very small plug. It is very dense, and returns to shape after slamming. The bounce is minimal, much like the D-ball. It is smaller than the standard D-ball. No doubt this is a good thing. A larger ball requires less coordination and less accurate slamming than a smaller one. I'm going to take some video tonight at CF Boston so you guys can see it in action. Because there is a plug, we've taken the cautionary step of placing a strip of duct tape over it to dissipate the force of slamming. The smaller plug combined with a little duct tape should prevent the cracking that plagues the current D-ball. I'll slam it 150 times for time, and see if I can break it... Best, Jon (Message edited by again_faster on March 30, 2007)

03-30-2007, 11:17 AM	#10
Kurt Holm Member Profile: Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Tenafly NJ Posts: 133	Has anyone tried Shoe Gooing the D-Ball plug as a preventative measure? Mine is looking as though the end is nigh and I thought might stave off the inevitable.