Author Topic: Pitch problem and 1/4 forwards (Read 1243 times)

lefty50 · « **on:** August 12, 2004, 08:57:43 PM »

I'm trying to work a good compromise to painful ring finger and lousy flex due to excessive knuckle cracking thru the years. Turning 50 this year. That's my age, not my revolutions. I'm a rev-challenged stroker already.

I have tried dozens of combos now, and not quite there yet. Found a major problem last night that I did not expect and would like thoughts.

Specs:
Left handed, span 4-1/2 middle and 4-5/8 ring (currently). Thumb at 1/8 reverse and 1/8 left. Finger pitch is a NET of 1/2 based on 3/4 using 1/4 forwards cuz I liked their feel.

Now, after using them for awhile, I realize my span feels really short and I'm gripping the ball. I've tried everything, but finally figured out last night that simply eliminating the 1/4 forwards makes every feel MUCH better. Of course, my pitches are now 3/4 reverse, and I've lost a lot of my lift/turn.

I have a test ball without 1/4 forwards, using ovals and 1/2, with span +1/16 on both fingers. Seems fairly ok, but I also increased reverse thumb from 1/8 to 1/4 in that ball. It slips out a bit.

Question 1. Should 1/2 pitch ovals feel the same as 3/4 pitch using 1/4 forwards? Why does my span feel so #$%^ different when the net pitch is the same?

Question 2 : I've read a post that leads me to believe my 1/8 thumb reverse may be ok, but maybe a 1/32 adjust, which is so small as to not matter yet...

I'm trying three more tests...

1. Raise finger span 1/16.
2. Raise thumb span 1/16.
3. Raise both spans and keep thumb at 1/8.

any other thoughts or guidance will be appreicated.
TIA
L50
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Signature? I don't need no stinking signature...

JohnP · « **Reply #1 on:** August 13, 2004, 08:29:46 PM »

quote:
Of course, my pitches are now 3/4 reverse, and I've lost a lot of my lift/turn.

If your finger joints are very stiff, the 1/4 reverse pitch increase should not cause you to lose much lift/turn.

quote:
I have a test ball without 1/4 forwards, using ovals and 1/2, with span +1/16 on both fingers. Seems fairly ok, but I also increased reverse thumb from 1/8 to 1/4 in that ball. It slips out a bit.

Try adding a piece of white grip tape to the front of the thumb hole.

quote:
Question 1. Should 1/2 pitch ovals feel the same as 3/4 pitch using 1/4 forwards? Why does my span feel so #$%^ different when the net pitch is the same?

First thing I would suggest is to check to be sure your spans are correct. Put your thumb in the ball and lay your fingers over the top of their holes (stretch just a little, the web between your thumb and index finger should be a little less than tight). The front edge of the finger holes should be halfway or slightly further between the first and second joint for a relaxed fingertip grip. If the spans are OK, the difference has to be in the grips. Are the ovals softer than the 1/4 forwards? Do the 1/4 forwards have more grip material in the front than the ovals do?

quote:
Question 2 : I've read a post that leads me to believe my 1/8 thumb reverse may be ok, but maybe a 1/32 adjust, which is so small as to not matter yet...

Not sure what you're asking here. If you are getting out of the thumb hole cleanly without having to squeeze the ball, the pitch/size combination is correct. If not, adjustments should be made. If your driller has a Jayhawk type measuring ball, adjustments can easily be made in the shop before drilling.

Now for your original complaint, painful ring finger and lousy flex - the pain in the joint is probably the result of the lousy flex. To relieve it you should either reduce the ring finger span or increase the reverse pitch or some combination of both. Again, try it on the fitting ball before drilling. I would suggest a 1/8" span reduction or a 1/4 reverse pitch increase to start with (or a combination of smaller changes in both span and pitch). -- JohnP

lefty50 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 14, 2004, 09:15:41 AM »

THanks JohnP, I'll work on those suggestions this weekend.....
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Signature? I don't need no stinking signature...

Author Topic: Pitch problem and 1/4 forwards (Read 1243 times)

lefty50

Pitch problem and 1/4 forwards

JohnP

Re: Pitch problem and 1/4 forwards

lefty50

Re: Pitch problem and 1/4 forwards