KHPA Message Board: Re: Best Turn and Flip shoe on the Market

I've been meaning to put in a reply on this Charlie, so here it goes.

Is the Imperial the best turn shoe on the market? To a large degree, I would say yes it is one of the best...for the the traditional mid-flight range 1 1/4 or 1 3/4. I think the Imperial IS perfectly balanced to turn and rotate with relative ease if you know your turn. I would recommend the Imperial to anyone trying to learn a turn shoe or to someone struggling with another brand trying to get them to work. When I changed to my 1 3/4, I tried other brands but none felt right unitl I got with the Imperial Maxx, then Imperial Original.
Although I feel the Imperial is a fine shoe, I will say it isn't the best turn shoe on the market for everyone. Ted Allen has a huge following even though they really helped derail my 1 1/4 when I was pitching that style. I look at Dow Buford's 1 3/4 and it turns so nice and smooth with th HUMMER horseshoe.I like the look of the HUMMER and I think they have a good design to hold ringers but they require a different grip with their design but Dow has them figured out. They suit his style. The BULLSEYE horseshoe which I find for my style turn slow and sluggish, but for Randy Wade's high and lofty 1 1/4 turn, the are turning great for him and his success shows. These may be the best turn shoe on the market for Randy Wade. The M & M and Bigfoot, "M Style", horseshoes, I absolutely despise for the 1 1/4 turn but I'd bet there is a guy out there somewhere that can throw a beautiful 1 1/4 with them. I wish we had some data on what shoe styles actually keep or hold more ringers. That would be interesting.

Now for the best FLIP SHOE on the market? That is no contest. The SNYDER EZ FLIP is the best flip shoe (for the traditional single flip) hands down. From former flip experience, the SNYDER shoe can't be beat. It took flip shoes to the next level over the former Cal-Flip. The Bronco was never a very good flipper (sorry Kathy Salleng) and the M & M Flip isn't bad but it is too hard for a flipper to keep on.