I just wanted to post an update on this since it's been a while.

I tried using the Magic Carpet, but it just wasn't for me. Could never get used to the feel on the back of my thumb. And even when using it, I still got stuck pretty often.

One thing I've found that has helped is reducing my span by 1/8" with zero pitch in my thumb hole and a good amount of bevel. I think the slightly more relaxed span is helping me to not squeeze the ball during my swing.

The idea of trying a shorter span came to me after open bowling with some friends and having to throw a house ball. When using a conventional grip house ball my thumb never got stuck once. That's when it occurred to me that my span might be a bit too long.

As I'm reading this thread from April onward to the present, I keep wanting to say, that possibly not only were your span and your forward/reverse pitches off, but very possibly your left/right pitch was also off. Many times people assume they need no left or right pitch in their thumb, but few people need 0 left/right.

Make sure the left/right pitch, as well as the forward reverse is right for your hand. The fact that 1/8" left pitch started to feel better, makes me think that you might really want to try 1/4" left pitch to see how comfortable that is.

Have you ever gone to a better pro shop, one noted for its ability to do the grip right? That may be THE one most important thing you do in bowling. Just like "you can't outbowl a bad ball reaction," you also can't outbowl a bad grip. Almost every aspect has to be right for most people; a few rare people with a lot of strength AND flexibility can get away with more errors in the fitting. Most of us can't.

Quote from: charlest on August 01, 2016, 07:32:26 PM

Have you ever gone to a better pro shop, one noted for its ability to do the grip right? That may be THE one most important thing you do in bowling. Just like "you can't outbowl a bad ball reaction," you also can't outbowl a bad grip. Almost every aspect has to be right for most people; a few rare people with a lot of strength AND flexibility can get away with more errors in the fitting. Most of us can't.

I haven't had much luck finding a pro shop that's willing to work with me on this. The first place I went to measured me pretty much by the book and don't seem very willing to try different things. Another place I found does good work, but the guy basically just does whatever I ask him to do. So, I've just been trying different things to see what works. If you can recommend a good driller around Nashville, TN, I'm all ears.

If you're in Nashville, you are just a short drive (1.5 to 2 hours) from Huntsville.  If you can drive down to the Pin Palace Lanes on north parkway and see Chris in the pro shop there.  He's one of the best around and I feel sure he can get you fixed up.   Better hurry though cause they will change their hours in a couple of weeks and won't open till late in the afternoon.  If you can't get there, go to the Plamor on south parkway and see Bobby.  He's also good and they are open pretty much all day.  Hope this helps.