Thumb Slugs

[Armourboy]

Alright being I mentioned it in another topic I figured why the heck not, I'm not afraid to ask stupid questions.

So what exactly is the purpose of a thumb slug and what benefits does it offer you over a normal thumb hole?

[kidlost2000]

Great question. With new cores being used starting back in the urethane days bowling balls have different materials inside. They have different levels of hardness. When you drill a hole it may go through two or three different layers. When you look down it you can see and feel the texture difference and some layers may be tighter then others.

It gives an inconsistant feel. You take a slug or thunb insert which is bigger then your thumb size and glue it into the ball then drill into the slug and it will have a perfect hole with the same texture and size all the way through. Better fit and feel.

[tommyboy74]

+1.  I used to go without slugs, and have switched to them a little over 2 years ago.  I love that the feel is consistent and it saves wear and tear on my thumb. 

[Armourboy]

Great I guess I'll be getting one for my next ball. Explains why my thumb comes out easier on one ball over another.

Ok secondary question. I've noticed that most are glued in and stay inside the ball. However I did notice while watching the PBA telecast that they had some that seemed to screw in. Whats  the deal on those?

[kidlost2000]

Ask your proshop when you go in. It is an interchangleable setup.

info
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8CbPBtgrYk

actual companies

http://www.turbogrips.com/products_switch_grip_info.php

http://www.viseinserts.com/it.html

[JohnP]

Another advantage of slugs - if you want to try different pitches it's quicker, easier, and less expensive to drill out and replace a slug than to plug the hole.  However, the amount you can change the pitch is limited.  --  JohnP

[kidlost2000]

Another advantage of slugs - if you want to try different pitches it's quicker, easier, and less expensive to drill out and replace a slug than to plug the hole.  However, the amount you can change the pitch is limited.  --  JohnP

What about double slugging? Wouldn't that allow for any pitch change?

[BallReviews-Removed0385]

Some great advice here.  Your thumb hole is one thing that you definitely want to feel consistent.  It's also personal preference, so if it works for you, then it's right.

Personally, I am not a fan of the changeable thumb inserts, but many people are.  I still pour a mold (20 minutes to set up) for all my thumb holes.  I also love white tape for it's textured feel so I leave room in the hole for that. 

Mine starts with a silicone mold of a favorite thumb hole, then I pour the resin around it (in a tube) and insert it like a pre-drilled slug, so to speak.

Last year in Baton Rouge my thumb was pretty swollen due to the climate (and perhaps my diet while there).  I was extremely glad to have the extra room in the thumb hole and all I did was remove some tape.  Good luck as you find out what works best for you.

[Rightycomplex]

Another advantage of slugs - if you want to try different pitches it's quicker, easier, and less expensive to drill out and replace a slug than to plug the hole.  However, the amount you can change the pitch is limited.  --  JohnP

What about double slugging? Wouldn't that allow for any pitch change?

yes and no. If luck is on your side, you can drill out the slug and leave a perfect hole and decent amount of the previous slug from the previous pitch..... most times the excess slug comes out leaving  the hole too big and the slug loose, increasing your chances for the slug to come back out. small pitch changes, you may be able to get away with. Bigger changes in pitch increase that chance.

its just alway better to drill the same pitch in the slug and then change the pitch in the thumb hole.

[Gizmo823]

I have nothing to add, besides support from the comments already offered, the information is correct. 

[Armourboy]

Thanks guys, great help