As I started mapping drill specs for all my current balls today I suddenly realized that I don't think I've seen the answer to the following question...

It appears that 1/4 inch is the default bridge spacing between finger holes. I understand why you don't want to be less than that. However, with finger dancing and all the other considerations, what is the net impact of widening the bridge? I assume it would change pitches, etc., but are there noticeable differences in the release and/or a particular condition that may dictate changing the bridge spacing?

Thanks

If you start making the bridge too wide, you'll start stressing the fingers around the joints.

One thing to remember also is if you use grips, if you have 1/4" bridge and you figure in the wall thickness of the grips. your fingers are even farther apart.

If the grips have say a 1/8" thick wall 2 grips that's a extra 1/4" added to the bridge , you would basically have a 1/2" bridge to start with.

I normally do 1/4" for grips and 3/8 for straight drill to ensure pitches don't touch or bevel. Beyond 1/2" is when you get stress on the joints as Aloarjr mentioned.