Turbo

What Turbo does

Turbo is a privately held US sporting-goods manufacturer, founded in 1989 and headquartered in Chesterfield, that designs and sells bowling grip equipment and accessories under the Turbo Grips brand. Its core products center on finger inserts (QUAD, MS QUAD, QUAD Classic, Power-SB, Turbo REV), interchangeable thumb systems (Switch Grip and the 2026-launched Switch Grip NX with Dual Snap locking), and complementary thumb products (Urethane Thumb Solids, Xcel Thumb Inserts, Shur Cushions). The portfolio extends into skin protection tapes, training aids (Wrist Guard, Wrist Restrictor, HyperRX Elbow Stabilizer), ball maintenance accessories (shammies, Strike Wipes), pro shop installation supplies (ZIP PLUS-45 adhesive, Super Dams), bags and cases, apparel, and instructional books - supported by patented technologies including 4-N-1/2-N-1 multi-functional inserts and proprietary glue groove designs.

The business operates a hybrid B2B/B2C model. Direct-to-consumer sales flow through turbogrips.com with free shipping over $150, while B2B distribution runs through the tiered Xtreme Dealer program (Standard $149, Plus $299, Exclusive $499) serving pro shops and specialty bowling retailers globally. Pro staff sponsorships of PBA and USBC competitive bowlers and a USBC Regional Training Facility branded as Turbo Tech provide brand-building and adjacent coaching revenue. Pricing is unit-based across low-dollar consumables ($1.49 ball cleaner sheets) to mid-tier hardware ($70 elbow stabilizer) and dealer packages up to $499, with a heavy long tail of transactional customers rather than concentrated enterprise contracts. The company appears founder-owned (Dave Bernhardt listed as Owner & Founder), operates with 11-50 employees, and has no disclosed external funding, parent company, or M&A activity.

Name

Turbo

Legal name

Turbo

Website

https://turbogrips.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Turbo is a privately held US bowling-equipment manufacturer founded in 1989, producing finger and thumb inserts (including the Switch Grip interchangeable system), training aids, and accessories sold via its e-commerce site and a tiered Xtreme Dealer pro-shop network.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Bowling Equipment and Accessories

NAICS

Sporting and Recreational Goods and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (42391), Hobby, Toy, and Game Retailers (45912)

SIC

Sporting & Athletic Goods, Nec (3949)

akta.pro primary industry

Sports & Outdoor Accessories Manufacturing (Performance Gloves/Headwear) (IMAOAFAI)

Keywords

• Bowling grip inserts
• Interchangeable thumb systems
• Bowling equipment manufacturing
• Bowling accessories
• Pro shop supplies

Headquarters

HQ city

Chesterfield

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Product Sales: One-time hardware and accessory sales of bowling grip products including finger inserts, thumb products, tapes, bags, and training aids sold directly to consumers and through dealer network.
2. Pro Shop Products: Sale of professional-grade products to bowling pro shops including tools, adhesives, drill bits, and professional installation equipment.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Turbo designs, manufactures, and sells bowling grip products and accessories, with a flagship portfolio of finger inserts (QUAD, MS QUAD, QUAD Classic, Classic-PRO, QUAD2, Power-SB, Turbo REV), the patented Switch Grip interchangeable thumb system, thumb inserts (Urethane Thumb Solids, Xcel Thumb Inserts), training aids, ball maintenance accessories, bags/cases, and pro shop installation tools. The company sells through direct e-commerce, a tiered Xtreme Dealer program, and direct B2B sales to pro shops and bowling retailers, primarily targeting competitive and recreational bowlers as well as professional bowling equipment retailers.

Product overview

Turbo is a bowling equipment manufacturer offering a comprehensive product portfolio centered around finger inserts, thumb products, and accessories for bowling. The core products include multiple finger insert lines (QUAD, MS QUAD, QUAD Classic, Classic-PRO, QUAD2, Power-SB) and the Switch Grip interchangeable thumb system. The product range extends to skin protection and fitting tapes, wrist aids and training devices (Wrist Guard, Wrist Restrictor, HyperRX Elbow Stabilizer), ball maintenance accessories (shammies, cleaners, grip tapes), pro shop tools and supplies, storage solutions (bags and cases), and bowling instruction books. The portfolio is anchored by patented multi-functional 4-N-1 inserts and the Switch Grip system, with supporting products for every aspect of bowling grip optimization and injury prevention.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Quad: Line of finger inserts featuring Quad shape with Perfect Oval and Power Oval sides, available in multiple sizes and colors.
• Switch Grip NX
• Switch Grip
• Power-SB
• HyperRX
• Turbo Tech
• Shur Cushions
• GamerGrip
• Xtreme Dealer
• Turbo REV

Products and services

• Finger Inserts (QUAD, MS QUAD, QUAD Classic, Classic-PRO, QUAD2, Power-SB) Turbo's flagship line of bowling ball finger inserts offering multi-functional 4-N-1 and 2-N-1 designs in multiple styles (QUAD, MS QUAD, QUAD Classic, Classic-PRO, QUAD2, Power-SB), textures, sizes, and colors. Standard inserts feature 40 Shore A durometer hardness and patented glue groove design with easy-to-read size indicators for consistent feel across multiple bowling balls.
• Switch Grip NX Interchangeable Thumb System Next-generation interchangeable thumb insert system featuring oversized Dual-Winged Tabs that create greater surface contact between Inner and Outer assemblies, with a Dual Snap locking system for a stronger, more secure, locked-in fit. Compatible with Original Switch Grip drilling instructions and assembly diameters.
• Urethane Thumb Solids 100% urethane quick-release thumb inserts with hardness 72 Shore D, available in multiple sizes and colors with standard drill depths of 1 1/8", 1 1/4", 1 3/8" and oversized 1 1/2".
• Xcel Thumb Inserts Vinyl blend thumb inserts with grainy texture for slowing release or gaining grip, 47 Shore D hardness, available in 18 sizes from 51/64" to 1 1/16" in black color.
• Shur Cushions Foam thumb hole inserts that adjust to thumb size and shape with slick Shur Out top layer for smooth, consistent release, available in 1/8" and 1/4" thicknesses, sold in boxes of 20.
• Turbo REV Finger Insert Non-traditional finger insert worn on the index finger to increase axis rotation, or on the pinkie finger to reduce axis rotation, providing protection from discomfort. Available in sizes S through XL and colors Yellow and Clear Ice at $6.99.
• HyperRX Elbow Stabilizer Performance training device that helps correct or prevent hyperextension of the elbow, stabilizing the elbow in proper linear position to the shoulder and wrist to help create more axis rotation and hooking power. One size, silver color, $69.99.
• Wrist Restrictor Training aid that restricts wrist rotation during bowling release to correct over-rotation and sync wrist and elbow movement, includes glove, forearm band and strap, can be worn during competition, $34.95.
• Wrist Guard Supplemental wrist support to relieve stress from repetitive strain and overuse injuries, made of flexible neoprene with Velcro strap, available in sizes S through XL, $12.95.
• 7" Grip-It Shammy 7-inch diameter shammy with 3D logo, rubber backing for maximum grip, and premium leather reverse side to remove lane oil from ball surface and restore tackiness. Available in 8 neon colors including Red, Purple, Pink, Orange, Green, Blue, Red/Blue, and Red/Black, priced at $24.95.
• Strike Wipes Ball Cleaner Ball cleaning wipes that safely remove lane oil, surface grime and belt marks. PBA and USBC approved for competition use before and after competition. Available as single sheet ($1.49), 20-sheet pouch, or 25-sheet carton ($24.99).
• GamerGrip Sweat absorbing solution in 1 oz bottle that blocks sweat for up to 4 hours, non-sticky with no residue, used prior to applying Turbo Skin Protection Tape.
• Pursuit Slim Triple Tote Three-ball capacity bowling bag with 1680D nylon construction, clear top, padded adjustable tow strap, and inline style wheels, dimensions 11"W x 10"D x 26"H, $103.99.
• Mini Accessory Case Compact storage case (8" L x 4.5" H x 2" D) for accessories with single zipper opening and Driven to Bowl logo, made of 1680D/600D nylon, available in multiple colors.
• DELUXXX Large Tour Accessory Case Large tour accessory case (12" x 8" x 3") with 600D/840D nylon construction, zipper compartment, center panel with zipper pockets, and Switch Grip insert compartment with foam insert, $45.95. Custom embroidery available for $7.95.
• Zip Plus-45 Adhesive Industrial compound adhesive recommended for installation of finger inserts, Urethane Thumb Solids, and Xcel Thumb Inserts, ensures exceptional bond and longer shelf life, includes extended tip dispenser.
• Turbo Super Dams Ball plugging discs available in round (for thumb holes) and oval (for finger holes) shapes with peel and stick backing and non-residue adhesive.
• Turbo Tech Coaching and Training Training program and coaching services including group clinics, regional training facilities (USBC Regional Training Facility), and individual coaches available at published rates. Covers bowling mechanics, lane play, mental game, and grip optimization.
• Bowling Psychology Book (Dean Hinitz) Sports psychology book by Dr. Dean Hinitz covering mental strategies for bowling performance including progressive muscle relaxation, positive self-talk, focus cues, and mindfulness training.
• Bowling Beyond the Basics Book Advanced bowling instruction book covering lane play, adjustments, scientific approach to bowling mechanics, and mathematical spare system.
• Bowling Energy in Motion Book (Josh Blanchard & Dr. Crews Ketterling) Sports psychology book integrating brain science research with bowling performance improvement, covering 13 chapters on mental game development.

Quantifiable outcome

• 4-N-1 inserts help pro shops offer greater variety of styles at a fraction of the cost or inventory space
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

• Xtreme DealerscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCertified dealer network consisting of pro shops and bowling retailers. Three membership levels available (Standard, Plus, Exclusive) with benefits including complimentary marketing materials, access to discontinued product specials, and dealer pricing. Dealers receive priority support and product training resources.

Scale indicators1 record

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Columbia 300: Columbia 300, another Storm-owned brand, is a long-standing bowling equipment manufacturer with pro shop distribution and a roster of sponsored professional bowlers. They compete for the same pro shop shelf space and competitive bowler mindshare as Turbo.
• Brunswick Bowling: Brunswick is a historic bowling equipment giant offering balls, accessories, and bowler apparel through extensive retail and pro shop channels. As a broader incumbent with greater resources, they are a relevant peer for market positioning and dealer relationships.
• Ebonite International: Ebonite is a legacy bowling ball and accessory manufacturer with established pro shop distribution. They compete broadly in the bowling equipment category and sell complementary products (bags, accessories, grip products) through channels that overlap with Turbo's Xtreme Dealer network.
• Storm Products: Storm is one of the largest bowling ball and equipment manufacturers, owning Roto Grip and Columbia 300. While they focus on balls, they sell accessories, grips, and pro shop products through overlapping dealer networks, making them a broad incumbent in the same end market.
• DV8 Bowling: DV8 is a Brunswick-owned bowling ball brand focused on the aggressive hooking, performance segment. While they focus on balls, they share competitive bowling sponsorships and pro shop channels with Turbo, making them an indirect category peer.
• Roto Grip: Roto Grip, owned by Storm Products, designs and markets bowling balls and accessories targeted at competitive bowlers. Their product portfolio overlaps with Turbo's pro shop offerings and they share the PBA-tour-driven marketing playbook.

Others

• Kegel: Kegel specializes in lane maintenance products, lane conditioners, and wearable bowling accessories (shoe covers, supports). They share the pro shop and competitive bowler customer base with Turbo, making them an adjacent peer in the bowling ecosystem.
• QubicaAMF: QubicaAMF is a global leader in bowling center equipment, scoring systems, and pinsetters. While not a direct competitor in grip accessories, they serve the same bowling ecosystem (centers and pro shops) and represent an adjacent enabling player in the broader bowling value chain.

Direct peers

• Dexter Bowling: Dexter is the dominant bowling footwear and accessory brand, selling directly to consumers and through pro shops. While their core focus is shoes, they overlap with Turbo in bowling accessories, bags, and performance products serving the same customer base.
• VISE Grips: VISE Grips manufactures interchangeable bowling finger and thumb inserts — directly competing with Turbo's QUAD inserts and Switch Grip systems. They serve the same pro shop and competitive bowler segments with comparable grip technology.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/turbo2n1grips
• Facebookfacebook.com/turbogrips
• Instagraminstagram.com/turbo2n1grips
• Xx.com/turbogrips
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/turbo-2n1-grip

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Turbo