Author Topic: Thom's thumb (Read 2660 times)

shakezilla9 · « **on:** September 29, 2005, 01:48:05 PM »

hey is it worth the money to pay for these. i mean it seems a little expensive. i bowl 1 league in the summer. 3 in the winter. and 2 in the fall. if i do get them how many should i get 2 or 3? thanks in advance!

ps. for all the people who dont know what im talking about go here thomsthumb.com

shakezilla9 · « **Reply #1 on:** September 29, 2005, 09:56:13 PM »

stanski · « **Reply #2 on:** September 30, 2005, 12:52:04 AM »

imo, Turbo switchgrip is much better if you're going to go with any system of interchangeable thumbs.
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stanski

shipper50 · « **Reply #3 on:** September 30, 2005, 07:36:49 AM »

stanski,

I would like your opinion on why the turbo is better. I have the thom thumb system and wondered why turbo is better.

Shipper

JPRLane1 · « **Reply #4 on:** September 30, 2005, 07:40:23 AM »

I agree with Turbo also being better which is what I use. Thoms Thumb correct me here but don't you have to use a screw driver or something to get it in and out with? TUrbo switch grips all you ever use is your on thumb, thye now have better construction and two locks now instead of one. All you do is twist in and out no tools required. I like that better than using a screw driver on my thumbs.
--------------------

There is only one Lane#1. Know it, Live it, Throw it or Get Beat by IT!

Leader & Founder of Fellowship of the Saws! 03/04/05 Respect us or get left in our Saw Dust!

There is but One Power, One Order, One Ball. There is only the F.O.S. and there is only the Lane#1 Buzzsaw!

bamaster · « **Reply #5 on:** September 30, 2005, 10:32:24 AM »

I guess it depends. Thoms Thumb does require a screwdriver to switch out, which is a VERY big difference to me.

Thoms Thumb requires a 1-3/8" drillbit, so any pro shop can punch the holes. Where SwitchGrip requires a 1-1/2" bit and those are not common at all, but are included with the starter kit from Turbo. So not just any pro shop can drill out a SwitchGrip, they need a special bit.

Both systems require a CONSISTENT drill depth. This can be tricky if you try to have a ball drilled by a different pro shop, as they might not get that right. However, the SwitchGrip system includes a depth stopper that ensures the 1-1/2" bit drills the exact same depth every time (excellent idea, btw).

There were early reports of the SwitchGrip locking tabs breaking off. That issue has been resolved with a newer design with stronger locking pieces.

As a bowler, either system will do except that you'll need a screwdriver for Thoms and therefore SwitchGrip is faster to switch out.
--------------------
Tony
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shipper50 · « **Reply #6 on:** September 30, 2005, 05:39:55 PM »

I have the thom thumb system and feel its the best feeling thumb I have ever had. I use a insert tighter than I could use before because they are smoother. I have talked to my driller and he says, the thom thumb system is better because,

the hole for this system is smaller using a 1 3/8 bit compared to 1 1/2 and the hole only has to go maximum depth of 3 1/4 deep. You can use a normal 1 3/8 bit that any driller should have. The Thom thumb system comes with a life time warranty.

I will bet a cold drink I can change out my thom thumb system faster than anyone with another system. Once you get used to using the screw driver its a piece of cake.

Shipper

bamaster · « **Reply #7 on:** September 30, 2005, 06:48:24 PM »

quote:
I have talked to my driller and he says, the thom thumb system is better because,

the hole for this system is smaller using a 1 3/8 bit compared to 1 1/2 and the hole only has to go maximum depth of 3 1/4 deep. You can use a normal 1 3/8 bit that any driller should have. The Thom thumb system comes with a life time warranty.

If he buys the kit, the drillbit is included and the SwitchGrip goes a maximum of 2-7/8 deep, so I'm not sure what his point is. And when it comes to the bowler, who cares what size bit and hole depth is used? Sounds like your proshop prefers Thoms because it's easier for him. The only thing that matters to me is durability and ease of use. And there is NO system easier to use for hte bowler than SwitchGrip.

quote:

I will bet a cold drink I can change out my thom thumb system faster than anyone with another system. Once you get used to using the screw driver its a piece of cake.

I use SwitchGrip and I'll take that bet ALL DAY LONG!

--------------------
Tony
Free picture and video hosting!
My Bowling Journal > Get Your Own

shipper50 · « **Reply #8 on:** September 30, 2005, 06:53:55 PM »

How much is this kit? There is no kit to buy with the thom thumb system. You use a normal 1 3/8 bit. Your telling me the size of the hole doesn't effect the weight block?

Any chance your pushing the Switchgrip is your on staff and get your stuff free?

quote:
quote:
I have talked to my driller and he says, the thom thumb system is better because,

the hole for this system is smaller using a 1 3/8 bit compared to 1 1/2 and the hole only has to go maximum depth of 3 1/4 deep. You can use a normal 1 3/8 bit that any driller should have. The Thom thumb system comes with a life time warranty.

If he buys the kit, the drillbit is included and the SwitchGrip goes a maximum of 2-7/8 deep, so I'm not sure what his point is. And when it comes to the bowler, who cares what size bit and hole depth is used? Sounds like your proshop prefers Thoms because it's easier for him. The only thing that matters to me is durability and ease of use. And there is NO system easier to use for hte bowler than SwitchGrip.

quote:

I will bet a cold drink I can change out my thom thumb system faster than anyone with another system. Once you get used to using the screw driver its a piece of cake.

I use SwitchGrip and I'll take that bet ALL DAY LONG!

--------------------
Tony
Free picture and video hosting!
My Bowling Journal > Get Your Own

bamaster · « **Reply #9 on:** September 30, 2005, 08:04:15 PM »

quote:
How much is this kit? There is no kit to buy with the thom thumb system. You use a normal 1 3/8 bit. Your telling me the size of the hole doesn't effect the weight block?

Any chance your pushing the Switchgrip is your on staff and get your stuff free?

I don't know how much it costs. The starter kit includes a 1-1/2" drill bit with Auto Depth Stopper, 20 Outer Sleeves and 10 Inner Sleeves with pre-installed Urethane Solid and Installation CD.

The size of the hole makes a very small difference, yes. But maybe not so in this case. SwitchGrip is wider but Thoms is deeper. Both "fill" the hole with the outer sleeves.

I'm advocating SwitchGrip because I completely believe in the system. I didn't start this thread and you were the one asking why SwitchGrip was better... I was just answering it.
--------------------
Tony
Free picture and video hosting!
My Bowling Journal > Get Your Own

Long Roller · « **Reply #10 on:** September 30, 2005, 08:11:06 PM »

I've seen both and the switch grip is A LOT faster change, but I question how long the switchgrip lock tabs will last. I've had mine for 4 months or so and mine are already starting to wear. I know Toms thumb will last a long time....
--------------------
Shane Soule
Brunswick
Â¡Viva la naciÃ³n de Brunswick!

Mike Austin · « **Reply #11 on:** October 01, 2005, 09:29:10 AM »

The difference I see is the shape of the hole. Thom Thumb only comes in prefab round holes sizes, at least on the web site. I use a milled thumb, my thumb is very flat. Switch Grip lets me mill my thumb just like I would into a slug, because you are drilling into a slug.

I like the stopper on the Switch Grip, same depth every time. Tom's Thumb tells you to drill 3 1/4 inches, but a 1/16th difference in depth is a big difference. Need a stopper system. Too much volume in my shop to take 30 minutes just to drill the thumb hole. Now when I get a 2nd press..........!!!

Switch Grip is lightening fast. I use tape just like I always have, my thumbs feel great.
--------------------
Mike Austin's Precision Pro Shop
Houston, TX
Drilling and Tech Advice BirdDogbowling.com

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Driller to many "Stars" and Tony Melendez too!

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shipper50 · « **Reply #12 on:** October 01, 2005, 11:42:14 AM »

Thom Thumb comes in ovals and round holes. I watched my driller use a sidewinder press and to install my system and he says its a piece of cake. The maximum depth is 3 1/4 but you can go to a bit shorter and cut the execss off with a router or plug cutter.

Don't presses come with depth stops? They did when I was in school way back when and you could set a max depth you wanted to cut too.

Shipper

quote:
The difference I see is the shape of the hole. Thom Thumb only comes in prefab round holes sizes, at least on the web site. I use a milled thumb, my thumb is very flat. Switch Grip lets me mill my thumb just like I would into a slug, because you are drilling into a slug.

I like the stopper on the Switch Grip, same depth every time. Tom's Thumb tells you to drill 3 1/4 inches, but a 1/16th difference in depth is a big difference. Need a stopper system. Too much volume in my shop to take 30 minutes just to drill the thumb hole. Now when I get a 2nd press..........!!!

Switch Grip is lightening fast. I use tape just like I always have, my thumbs feel great.
--------------------
Mike Austin's Precision Pro Shop
Houston, TX
Drilling and Tech Advice BirdDogbowling.com

Check out bowlingballauctions.com !!!
A bowling alternative to Ebay, now open !!!

Driller to many "Stars" and Tony Melendez too!

"So Many Balls, only ONE drill press!!"

Author Topic: Thom's thumb (Read 2660 times)

shakezilla9

Thom's thumb

shakezilla9

Re: Thom's thumb

stanski

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shipper50

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JPRLane1

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bamaster

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shipper50

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bamaster

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shipper50

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bamaster

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Long Roller

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Mike Austin

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shipper50

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