I've been playing with the thumb hole for months now and can't get a good fit to where I feel i dont need to squeeze the ball to hold onto it.

I've changed the span, more bevel with tape, no bevel, lots of tape, cork, thumb saver, pitch changes, everything you can think of I've tried.  This is frustrating!  

I got it as close to where I do not need to squeeze, but now it is too tight and my thumb ends up throbbing after the first game.

Are there any softer tapes/inserts to put into a ball that will expand and contract with my thumb so it does not feel like it is coming out of a vise each time I throw it?  It does not always stick, but you can feel the friction when it comes off.

THIS IS FRUSTRATING!!

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO!
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Up the boards baby!

You do not need to have the thumbhole that tight to not squeeze it.  Are you not keeping your hand underneath the ball, or trying to project it too far out onto the lane?  Are you remembering to relax your entire hand and let the natural movements of your arm/hand and gravity do the work for you?

Just so you have another example to base your experience from, I am picky about how the ball feels and have been fighting it for ages.  I finally got something I like in the past few months.  I even tried Magic Carpet, but did not like the feel of it very much.  Since I have longer, skinny fingers with a decent sized span, I use 1/8" reverse and no lateral in the thumb, ovaled by hand to fit my thumb shape, and beveled just until I don't hang in the ball anymore.  (Too much bevel gets me in trouble)  I use Vise Hada tape on the back of my thumb to give me a consistent feel, and make adjustments in the fit with black tape (Frankentape is the greatest thing ever!), then use one piece of white tape for grip (tape placed toward the palm side of the thumbhole).  The thumbhole is snug enough that I can hold the ball at my side with zero grip pressure, but it is also NOT so tight that I have to jam my thumb into the ball or anything.  My thumb slides in and out easily if I put it in the ball without putting my fingers in as well.

Timing sometimes can cause these problems too. being a little earlier helps to get rid of this problem sometimes.
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Timothy @Juniors Pro-Shops
LaSalle, Quebec
Located inside Pont Mercier Lanes.
Edmonton, Alberta.
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+1 for you fellows mentioning Frankentape. That tape is great. I do squeeze slightly. I can add a piece of white tape to the back of a thumb hole that is a bit loose and if taht makes it a bit tight, I can place a piece of Frankentape over that piece of white tape and I can still get out of the ball without hanging up.
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"Whenever I feel the urge to exercise I lie down until the feeling passes away."

Brick

i too started using magic carpet. with magic carpet i get a snug comfortable feel from beginning to end.
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people should not fear their government, rather the government should fear their people.

Hey Mike,

If it's just some type of thumb insert you're looking for, Magic Carpet is good or you can try an old...old trick. I used to use this before bowler's tape was even around, it's called moleskin. You can find it usually in any drugstore in the foot section.  It's actual purpose is to protect your feet but it is soft and cushioned to where it can contract if pressed against.  Hope this helps some...
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Rick Leong - Ten Pins Pro Shop
Tag Team Coaching - Co-Founder
"El" Presidente of the Legion