Tape Question

[Antec]

     I am confused! The only tape I have used so far is Frankentape. I use it on the back side of my thumb hole. I have a couple balls where lately my thumb is as loose as all hell. So today I decided to purchase some tape online, and planned on getting a couple different styles to experiment with. I watched a 5 minute video about how to use the tape, and the man said put in in the thumb hole about 1/8th below the surface, made sense. But every website I look at is says apply it directly to the thumb (skin). Am I looking at the wrong type of tape? I know this is a general novice question, but can someone please straighten me out. Any and all comments are appreciated. Thank you!

[Luvswatch]

There is tape that goes on the back of your thumb, but I have never used it.

I just starting using Real Bowlers Tape 3/4" and really like it. Applied to back of thumb hole about 1/8" down like suggested.

[Antec]

Sorry if I didn't word my question correctly, I am looking to build the front of my thumb hole, for more of a snug, increase in grip, around the flat side of the thumb. Also I was under the assumption it was a tape I could leave in the ball as my most current balls, the thumb is spot on, but a couple of my older balls that I still like to use, especially my spare ball are the ones that need a tune up. I don't want to have to replace the tape on my thumb every time I am cycling between my strike ball and my spare ball. Once again sorry for not wording it properly, and thank you for your response!

[St. Croix]

Before you start spending a lot of $$$ on tape, take a trip to your local pro shop especially if your fit is as loose as you describe. Have your pro look at the thumb fit. 

I have not used Franken tape. I use Storm's white tape which is textured for a good grip. The tape comes in a couple of sizes and goes into the thumb hole at about 1 o'clock where your thumb pad touches the inside of the hole. I sometimes use Turbo's fitting tape which goes on the back of the thumb. Turbo's  tape comes in several colors and varying degrees of thickness.

But do yourself a favor and have your local pro check your grip first.

[Luvswatch]

Note: If you are putting tape in the front of the hole under the pad of your thumb, you are changing your span.

[Antec]

Yes I understand the span change, awhile back I got refitted where we stretched my span an 1/8 or 3/16, I cant remember, and drilled my thumb a tad smaller that it was, and my balls since that change have been wonderful. I asked my driller about re-slugging my other balls and he recommended using tape, and since I live in small town USA, he doesn't stock much at all, and getting to see him due to our schedule conflict, I have to resort to the net. Once again Thanks for the replies

[Aloarjr810]

But every website I look at is says apply it directly to the thumb (skin).

Sorry if I didn't word my question correctly, I am looking to build the front of my thumb hole, for more of a snug, increase in grip, around the flat side of the thumb. Also I was under the assumption it was a tape I could leave in the ball

There are basically 3 types of tape.

1- The White grip type, you typically place this in the front of the thumbhole and yes you can leave it there (Though change it every so often because it can wear out.)

While technically putting tape in the front of the hole changes span/pitch some. Unless you just pile it in there, your not really going to notice.

You might want to look up "Tiered Taping by Joe Slowinski"

Tiered Taping is a method to adjust a thumbhole to account for the fact that a thumb gets narrow (flatter) towards the tip.

2- The Black smooth type, you typically place it in the back of the thumbhole and yes can leave it also. Use it to snug up the hole some.(Though change it every so often because it can wear out.)

Nether of these tapes are placed on the thumb itself, only in the hole

3- The Fitting tapes, like Storm Thunder tape, Turbo tape, hada patches etc.  these are placed on your thumb itself not in the hole.

[Antec]

Thank you all for the replies.

[MI 2 AZ]

Aloarjr810 nailed it. 

I just wanted to add that the Frankentape is very thin in comparison to other tapes and shaped differently.  As a guess I would say that five pieces of Frankentape = one piece of white tape.


http://bowl4fun.com/ron/btm04_files/btm4.htm

http://www.itbca.bowlingknowledge.info/index.php/2013-fall/95-tiered-taping-a-process-to--grip-pressure-and-improve-swing-release

http://www.bowlingthismonth.com/article/tiered-taping/

[Antec]

Thanks for the links. Very helpful.