Now that I have my spans and pitches in the best shape they've ever been, it's time to support that by reviewing tape choices. Looks like everybody makes tape now... Jeez....

I was using Ebonite black in the back of the thumb hole, but it's too inflexible for my liking. I'm using Brunswick now... thin, but not bad... Any feedback on other choices for the back of the thumb hole?

I'm using Brunswick 1 inch white on the front of the thumb hole when needed. Not happy with this choice and looking for suggestions.

I use Hada #1 on the thumb and it's fine, but I don't have anything to compare it to. Going to try Motiv because I've heard good things about it, but it seems unavailable at Buddies or Bowlingball.com. I see it @Bowlersmart and Bowling.com.. Others?

Lastly, does anyone use fitting tape or something else to replace the old school use of white and black?

Thanks in advance

Lefty50, if you are looking for a very thin black tape just to smooth out the inside of the thumb or finger hole, have you tried Frankentape?

http://valentinobowling.com/100-Piece-Package_p_30.html

Thanks MI... Sent you a PM. Tried Frankentape a few years ago....

 
What are you trying to accomplish on the back of the thumb hole?

Always looking for options.... I NEVER used tape in the back until about 5 years ago. Just white in front and Hada #1. But I'm a fan now. I think the Motiv will compete nicely against the Hada, the black is viable but I'm sure there must be other alternatives, and the white Brunswick is too rough and inconsistent. With all the choices out there, sticking with the first brand I tried would be short-sighted.....

 
It's OK to look at options, but sometimes simple is the best approach. I sometimes use Hada type tape on the back of my thumb for insurance protection during longer format tournaments (8-10 games), but otherwise, no Hada, and no tape on the back of the thumbhole. If it's necessary, your span and pitches aren't as good as you think they are.
 
If you want to experiment with Hada type thumb tape, look at the Genesis Excel products:
 
http://bowlgenesis.com/index.php/products/excel
 
I'm not sure there is a better representation of all the tapes you could possibly use.

I actually placed an order for the Excel sample pack today, so we agree there. Respectfully  disagree on the need or not needing tape though. As much as I hate it, some of us have thumbs that change significantly, even when pitches are right. It is what it is. And even though I use Switch Grips, pretty much everyone will agree they all have a "favorite". Sometimes taping a favorite is better than switching... Not always, but nice to have the option...

 
I'm not suggesting tape isn't necessary. I always have from 2-5 pieces of white and/or silver Real Bowlers tape in the front. I attended a seminar/lesson session led by Chris Barnes, and he uses up to 6 pieces of white in front. I know other very good bowlers who only use white on the back to snug up the thumb.
 
What I'm suggesting is to examine why you need Hada tape on the back of your thumb. If you need it to prevent blisters and cuts, then it's a band-aid there are bigger issues at play. If you're using it to always have the same feel on the back (i.e. humidity and stickiness is an issue), that's a good reason. If you're using Hada to snug up the back, that's also a good reason. I just see too many bowlers use it without knowing why. The "cool" factor. 

Let me ask you two follow-ups...

1. I've heard good and bad. How do you like the RBT?
2. 5-6 pieces of white tape up front is huge and would be enough to = a pitch modification. So, how would you justify that along with the sentence "If it's necessary, your span and pitches aren't as good as you think they are".   

 
I like RBT. It's thinner than standard white, so it's good for fine tuning when an additional piece of white is too thick. On the down side, because it's thinner, it's not as durable. I can put a given piece of white in and out a few times without worrying about it re-sticking and/or tearing. RBT acts more like black tape when messing around with it. In any case I end up with a combination of both white and RBT in the hole.
 
On the subject of multiple pieces of tape and the effect on pitch, if your span is good, the problem is overblown. I accounted for 3 pieces of white in hole for determining my base span, so having a few pieces more or less to deal with swelling or shrinkage isn't an issue. If I need more than 5 pieces, I go to a smaller size IT. I use Ron Clifton's procedures for determining my optimal span. Here are two of his articles that make for very good reading: 
 
http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/btm04_files/btm4.htm
 
http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/btm05_files/btm5.htm
 
Enjoy the Genesis trial pack. I like their tape, but so matter what brands I try, I end up using Vise Hada most of the time. It's all about feel.

Lefty50, if you are looking for a very thin black tape just to smooth out the inside of the thumb or finger hole, have you tried Frankentape?

http://valentinobowling.com/100-Piece-Package_p_30.html

+1 ....

I recently tried a Vise prototype product that I really liked. It came in different colors which indicated thickness and friction. Solar 8n idea to their Hada patch.

I still have not seen it for sale yet though.