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Author Topic: Interchangeable Thumbs  (Read 2685 times)

thedjs

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Interchangeable Thumbs
« on: February 18, 2010, 05:58:26 AM »

I have had thumb hole problems for the past several years.  Every time I buy a new ball the thumb insert has to be adjusted several times to get it close to what's in my other balls.  Also, when I try to change balls, the one I change to usually hangs until after I've thrown it a few times.  Needless to say, I really hate to change balls during league play because it usually means at least one bad frame.  ( I am using round tapered thumb inserts.  Have tried the oval but I think it would take me quite a while to get used to them ).

So, I am looking into the interchangeable thumbs like the Vise IT system.  Has anyone had experience with these products?  Do they work well?  Is it easy to change them from ball to ball?  How long do they last or do they break easily?

Any information (good or bad ) would really be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

J_w73

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Re: Interchangeable Thumbs
« Reply #1 on: February 18, 2010, 02:24:16 PM »
I went to the vise IT and it solved my problem.. which was the exact problem you had.. I am very picky about my thumbholes and any difference between balls would throw off my game.  As a result I would just have my driller drill a round hole, I would smooth the edge a bit and I would use tape to fill the voids in the front and back.  There would still be a slight difference but not as much as totally beveling and sanding and getting the thumb to fit just right..
one ball would be right and the rest would feel way different..

With the Vise It I don''t feel a difference between balls at all.  As long as your driller can install it right and get your spans the same you should be set.. It has been the best thing ever for my game.. including my first 800 this year and another 300.. and alot of other high series..

Now if I can only find a pair of shoes that allow me to slide the same everywhere the same..
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Edited on 2/18/2010 3:24 PM
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kcbruns300

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Re: Interchangeable Thumbs
« Reply #2 on: February 19, 2010, 01:55:14 AM »
I love the Turbo Switchgrips and use them in everything.  They're also great because you can put a thumb mold in one and get the very feel of a ball you love.  The new versions are nearly impossible to break.

P.S.-Just a thought on why you might like a tapered thumb and have troubles with hanging up sounds like a squeezing problem. Could be wrong since I haven't seen you bowl.  But with an ovaled thumb and being relaxed there doesn't seem to be any extra grab on a certain part of your thumb, just needs to be ovaled at the right angle and width and especially useful when using a good mill drill. Just a thought, take it or leave it.
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Corey C

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Re: Interchangeable Thumbs
« Reply #3 on: February 19, 2010, 10:00:04 AM »
Turbo switch grips are a lot quicker to install as well. No problems with the new versions.
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goalieman59

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Re: Interchangeable Thumbs
« Reply #4 on: February 19, 2010, 10:04:31 AM »
I also just changed to the Vise "IT" system, the best thing I have ever done. Makes a world of difference when you have the same feel all the time.
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pocketsmasher51582

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Re: Interchangeable Thumbs
« Reply #5 on: February 23, 2010, 01:59:35 PM »
I highly recommend the Vise IT system. have put it in about 8-10 balls this season and was the best investment for my bowling game. Shot my first 800 back in December and have been bowling great ever since I had my driller put the IT's in my balls.
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AngloBowler

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Re: Interchangeable Thumbs
« Reply #6 on: February 24, 2010, 09:22:11 AM »
Unless you have massive changes in thumb size within the course of a few games (i.e. your current fit is fine in most/all circumstances) it's worth looking at the Custom Thumb. I've used them for ages, and have a great, consistent feel in all of my balls.

It also means you don't have to drill a mineshaft into your balls...
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ramimac

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Re: Interchangeable Thumbs
« Reply #7 on: February 24, 2010, 10:38:22 AM »
I did not go with a changeable thumb.  I had my Proshop mold my bets fitting thumb..  now when I have a ball drilled it is identicle to the last.
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Adrenaline

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Re: Interchangeable Thumbs
« Reply #8 on: February 24, 2010, 03:04:26 PM »
I use the VISE IT in all my balls and it works great.  I decided on the 'IT' system because I had heard about Switchgrip breaking a lot, but it appears as if they've re-designed the system, and no longer have any issues.  Not only can I keep my thumb feeling consistent across all my balls, I have the ability to switch to a tighter/looser thumb depending on shrinking/swelling.  As well as a summer/winter thumb.  Ever show up for a tournament to a place that doesn't have AC?  Good luck getting out of the ball clean, and you'll be SOL when every single thumb is the exact same, and you can't fit in ANY of your balls.  With the IT system tape is no longer an issue, as I can swap them before the rack is reset for my second ball.

Another good thing about these thumb systems, is when you go to Pro shops that have the "Try before you buy" system.  You can take your own thumb down, put it in the 3-4 different balls they have and get a more accurate read on the basic layouts they use.

Plus if you buy used balls here and there, you're more likely to find one with a changeable thumb, so that you can throw it without re-drilling it.  Then based on current reaction decide how you want it re-drilled for yourself.

Another plus is, anyone you know well enough who also uses the system, say you see them buy the brand new <any ball name here> and you've been thinking about buying one, but weren't sure how it would roll for you.  Throw your thumb in your friend, teammate, pro shop driller, 's ball and try it for yourself.  You can get away with 1/4 short to 3/8 long span, and still get a general feel for how the ball rolls.  A lot more feel than buying it off the shelf blind.

There are many positive aspects to these thumb systems.  A lot more than just consistent feeling from ball to ball.

stormed1

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Re: Interchangeable Thumbs
« Reply #9 on: February 24, 2010, 04:16:18 PM »
I love the It system as my thumb shrinks as i bowl. Some nights i have added as much as 10 pieces of tape. with the It i just go to a smaller thumb. I do plan on drilling a switch grip and a griplock insert for when i go to the various ball seminars
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BBU

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Re: Interchangeable Thumbs
« Reply #10 on: February 24, 2010, 04:43:20 PM »
Just got my switch grips about a month ago and Ive gone up 10 pins on my average!
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