Author Topic: Third Finger (Read 2006 times)

The Illustrious One · « **on:** November 13, 2005, 09:22:50 AM »

I don't see this very often at all but I have noticed balls in the past with three fingers and a thumb hole. The third finger is for the pinky. My thought would be by adding the pinky hole this would elimate some hook and rotation on the ball. My questions are:

(1) Does anybody on this board use a pinky hole?
(2) It seems like it would be just another option and obviously you can put your
finger over the hole and don't have to use it.....is this extra hole legal in
USBC competition or on the PBA?
(3) Is my theory right that it would eliminate hook or would it create more?

Thanks in advance....

Matthew P. Klein
Visionary Test Staff Member

--------------------
God does exist and he still works miracles. I have proof:

Posted: 9/2/2005 2:09 PM
Rags posted:
"Matthew, we agree on a couple of things."

Kanazteck · « **Reply #1 on:** November 14, 2005, 08:17:03 AM »

a friend of mine used to use a pinky hole in almost of all of his equipment (think he stopped tho) but he said it helped him get around the ball better (more side roll, axis rotation)

yes its legal in pba and usbc comp, make sure statics are right (usually have to put a weighthole on other side of ball (in track)

and i no someone else that doesnt use there pinky hole all the time, they take it out for drier conditions etc

cgilyeat · « **Reply #2 on:** November 14, 2005, 09:26:15 AM »

quote:
quote:
a friend of mine used to use a pinky hole in almost of all of his equipment (think he stopped tho) but he said it helped him get around the ball better (more side roll, axis rotation)

yes its legal in pba and usbc comp, make sure statics are right (usually have to put a weighthole on other side of ball (in track)

and i no someone else that doesnt use there pinky hole all the time, they take it out for drier conditions etc

If they have a weight hole in the ball other than the pinky hole, this is not legal.

1) I dont use it. It makes it easier to hold, so many older customers may use it. Also some say it helps to Increase/decrease both revoltutions and sideroll (conflicting reports based on the individual)

2) It is perfectly legal, and yes u may not use the hole, as long as you do not have a weight hole in the ball besides this. A ball can have 5 gripping holes, 1 balance hole, and 1 vent per grip hole. A weight hole is any hole not immedietly bein used for gripping purposes, so if they have a weight hole, and then dont use the pinky as well, then they are in violation of this rule.

3) I've heard both responses
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So, if I take my ring (or middle) finger out of my ball to kill the hook when I shoot a 10-pin, my ball is not legal. I don't think so. This (not using a pinky hole) is no diferent than a no-thumber not using a drilled thumb hole. As long as the hand, or fingers cover the hole and it CAN be used as a gripping hole, the ball (and the delivery) is legal.

ON EDIT:

From the USBS Equipment Specification Manual:

quote:

Holes:
The following limitations shall govern the drilling of
holes in the ball:
1. Holes or indentations, not to exceed five (5), for
gripping purposes.
2. One hole for balance purposes not to exceed 1-1/4
inch diameter. (Including the surface opening).
3. No more than one (1) vent hole to each finger
and/or thumb hole not to exceed 1/4 inch in diameter.
(Including the surface opening).
4. One mill hole for inspection purposes not to exceed
5/8 inch in diameter and 1/8 inch in depth.

Nowhere is this paragraph or anywhere else in the Drilling Specifications section does it say that all gripping holes must be used, just that they ar allowed.

Edited on 11/14/2005 10:25 AM

JohnP · « **Reply #3 on:** November 14, 2005, 10:14:57 AM »

A lady customer of mine has severe arthritis. I drill her balls with (conventional span) holes for all four fingers and the thumb. That way she can bowl without pain. CAUTION: If you drill extra holes, be very careful with the lateral pitch on the holes for the pinkie and index fingers or they'll meet the ring and/or middle finger holes near the bottom of the holes. -- JohnP

Ragnar · « **Reply #4 on:** November 14, 2005, 10:36:46 AM »

quote:
I don't see this very often at all but I have noticed balls in the past with three fingers and a thumb hole. The third finger is for the pinky. My thought would be by adding the pinky hole this would elimate some hook and rotation on the ball.

I happened to see an old PBA broadcast over the weekend with Mark Williams (he of the amazing hair). He used three fingers and if it did eliminate any hook then I'd have to say the man couldn't keep a ball on the lane with only 2 fingers in it. Of course he also had one of the craziest armswings in the history of the game.
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The Illustrious One · « **Reply #5 on:** November 15, 2005, 08:50:25 AM »

I guess it depends on who you talk to because I have heard differing opinions on the effect of adding the pinky. I'm going to go ahead and try it on a ball I don't use much and see what happens. If nothing else it gives me another option in adjusting when necessary. Thanks guys....appreciate all the help!

Matthew P. Klein
Visionary Test Staff Member
--------------------
God does exist and he still works miracles. I have proof:

Posted: 9/2/2005 2:09 PM
Rags posted:
"Matthew, we agree on a couple of things."

Author Topic: Third Finger (Read 2006 times)

The Illustrious One

Third Finger

Kanazteck

Re: Third Finger

cgilyeat

Re: Third Finger

JohnP

Re: Third Finger

Ragnar

Re: Third Finger

The Illustrious One

Re: Third Finger