What is a thumb slug?

[billy2gun]

What is a thumb slug, and what are they used for?

Thanks,
Billy
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[shelley]

A thumb slug is like an insert for your thumb.  Unlike normal rubbery finger inserts, thumb slugs (or sleeves) are harder vinyl or urethane.  They can come pre-drilled or solid.  The solids are inserted into the thumb hole, then drilled like a normal thumb would be.

They provide a consistent feel from ball to ball.  Some balls have different types of filler or material exposed in the thumb hole.  A particularly bad one might have small pockets of air, creating a rough surface.  Every thumb insert can feel the same (provided you get all vinyl, all urethane,...).  

It could make it easier to change thumb sizes without plugging the ball.  You can drill out the existing slug (very carefully) and replace it with a larger or smaller one.  They also come in ovals since the natural shape of the thumb is more like an oval than a circle.  Some prefer ovals, I don't.

SH

[dizzyfugu]

Perfect explanation by Shelley. Additionally, there are interchangeable thumb inserts available ("Switch grips"). These make sense when you have an arsenal and maintain the same feeling in every ball - you just take out the thumb insert (made from urethane or hard plastic) and put it into another ball with the right jacket.

Personally, I have become a great fan of urthane slugs. The good feel they provide and the ease of adjustments is a step forward for me - I got a much cleaner and consistent release after I invested in this "technology". But I am not a believer in the swicth grip, since it is additional mechanics on/in a ball that might break. An I tried vinyl once- but it was way too slippery for me, and very slick when the thumb became wet from sweat.
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[billy2gun]

So therefore a thumb slug would be a good thing to have in an entry-level reactive ball to help with thumb release while learning to hook the ball?
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[shelley]

For most, it's a good thing to have, period.  My first "real" ball didn't have one for a long time, then I got a hand-me-down from a teammate that did, I had to have it replaced (much quicker and cheaper than plug-and-redrill the thumb), and promptly got one put in my first ball.

The finger insert debate can easily go both ways.  A lot of people swear by grips, a lot swear by no-grips.  For every person that says they get more revs and a better release going from grips to no grips, there's one saying that going from no grips to grips.  But the thumb insert is almost universal.  Even guys who don't like finger inserts wouldn't dream of not using one for the thumb.

SH

[billy2gun]

quote:For most, it's a good thing to have, period.  My first "real" ball didn't have one for a long time, then I got a hand-me-down from a teammate that did, I had to have it replaced (much quicker and cheaper than plug-and-redrill the thumb), and promptly got one put in my first ball.

The finger insert debate can easily go both ways.  A lot of people swear by grips, a lot swear by no-grips.  For every person that says they get more revs and a better release going from grips to no grips, there's one saying that going from no grips to grips.  But the thumb insert is almost universal.  Even guys who don't like finger inserts wouldn't dream of not using one for the thumb.

SH

What was your first "real" ball, and why did you choose it...just curious. I have finger grips in my spare ball, a White Dot, but maybe I should consider a thumb slug as well.

Billy
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Edited on 12/1/2006 8:07 AM

[azguy]

I have had slugs in every ball I have had, up until my No Mercy, went straight ball. I do like the feel better. There can be bad sides to both, having and not, but for me, until I drill a ball that 'feels' bad, I'll go no slug. I find it easier to oval out my thumb, sanding smooth is easier but as said, a lot is a personal thing. My wife has both, doesn't like the slug, but had to have it in due to my mistake of working out her thumb to much and a small crack that started from her right side of the thumb hole.

I know folks that live by them, others that hate them, so IMO, it's what makes YOU feel better, how you like the feel that sort of thing, but that's JMO.

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[shelley]

quote:What was your first "real" ball, and why did you choose it...just curious.

A 14# black Power Groove drilled about 2x4 with a real low pin.  I chose it because it was cheap and hooked more than the other PGs.  I was young and stupid, I didn't know any better.  The hand-me-down was a 15# Icon2.

SH

[billy2gun]

quote:

quote:What was your first "real" ball, and why did you choose it...just curious.

A 14# black Power Groove drilled about 2x4 with a real low pin.  I chose it because it was cheap and hooked more than the other PGs.  I was young and stupid, I didn't know any better.  The hand-me-down was a 15# Icon2.

SH

I'm looking at going after a Power Groove Reactive Polish or a PG Dry as my first "real". For what I see, the PG Reactive or Dry/R are versatitle balls that'll last for a long while.

Yesterday, was my first time bowling on wooden lanes using a C300 White Dot. My first two games stunk, because I didn't have my delivery and steps down. Then in my third game, I got everything down right and rolled a 148.

Thanks for your feedback on your first real ball and the thumb slug. I think I am going to have one inserted in my White Dot.

Billy
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