BallReviews
General Category => Miscellaneous => Topic started by: MI 2 AZ on May 21, 2003, 05:24:10 AM
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This post is to let anyone who is interested, in trying out a medical tape called HypaFix to use as a replacement for NuSkin or court plaster to cover sore spots on the thumb. HypaFix is a thin, flexible white tape that I learned about when I attended a Ritger Clinic. It was used by the instructor, Bob Rea, to cover sore spots on the students thumbs since we were bowling about 10-12 games per day for four days and many of the students were not used to that amount of games. I found that it helped to prevent any blisters from forming, much like NuSkin, but it did not have to be reapplied as often as NuSkin. I always had the problem with the NuSkin wearing away after bowling for awhile but the HypaFix tape held up and was easy to apply.
I have also heard that some bowlers use the tape to facilitate a quicker, cleaner release. I am not using it for that purpose so cannot comment on that use of it.
I purchased a 2 inch x 10 yards roll of HypaFix tape and found that I am probably not going to use it all up for quite a while since I am only cutting out a ½ inch wide piece of the tape to use on my thumb each time. So if anyone wants to try a sample of the HypaFix tape, I am willing to mail out a sample, if you send me a mailing address by message. If you wish to purchase HypaFix tape, please call the manufacturer at 1-800-876-1261 to find the nearest outlet. It may be available in a medical supply store. I am not associated with the company nor do I sell it. Since I am not as knowledgeable as others on this site about different balls, ball drillings, or bowling tips, this is my way of helping out. 
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Amended to add:
Apply the tape lengthwise on the thumb with both ends rounded off, covering the sore spot or area you feel is rubbing, anchoring one end on the thumbnail if possible. Do not apply it wrapped around the thumb like a ring as it will peel off quickly. If one end does start to lift, try reapplying it at a different angle or with the lifting edge on a different part of your thumb. Hope this helps.
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After you try the tape out, please post back here and let others know your findings, good and bad, about the tape. That way, other bowlers can use that information to their benefit. There are other tapes out by other manufacturers to use on the thumb or fingers and if you want to, please post any comments about them here also. This should not include tapes that are inserted into the thumb or finger holes for gripping or fitting use.
Edited on 7/1/2003 4:48 PM
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I want to add that Hypafix is made by "Smith & Nephew". The one I have is Made in France.
There's also the same stuff made by others, typically Medfix by 3M.
Available at medical supply houses or maybe ordered through your pharmacy. Intended as dressing adhesive for 2nd or 3rd degree burns. Comes in 1", 2", 6" width and 10M length.
What I've found is that Hypafix is the only one that one piece on the back of thumb will last 6 games without the adhesive sipping through to interfere with thumb release.
Another great thing is that it can be layered for longer games and also to adjust thumb fit.
Typically was last year's Nationals in Billings. Was so cold that I have to layered 5 pieces onto my thumb to adjust.
Great product, economical, easy to apply and remove, no thumb hole adjustment needed and it works.
baiki
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Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach. Those who can't do or teach, writes. Bob Summerville, BTM Sept. 1997
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I've used the Hypafix tape and it does work very well - especially in the summer when it's humid and everything seems sticky. I got a huge roll of the stuff for about $20 at a medical supply store that I imagine should last me the rest of my life.
I don't use it all the time because my thumb normally gets out of the ball plenty quick without it, but if you are having trouble sticking in the thumbhole I'd recommend it.
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Some of my bowler use it. It work great. Turbo has come out with something close. Has anyone tried using it as tape and placing it on the back of your thumb hole? I might try that and see how it works and how long it lasts.
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OLI - USAF Retired and Pro Shop Operator
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Jerry,
$20, is very expensive.
I paid Canadian $8.89 + 14.5% tax for a 2" X 10 M.
baiki
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Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach. Those who can't do or teach, writes. Bob Summerville, BTM Sept. 1997
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quote:
Jerry,
$20, is very expensive.
I paid Canadian $8.89 + 14.5% tax for a 2" X 10 M.
baiki
That's because of that Candian Heath Care system. In the lower 48, we have to pay for all those CEO bonuses and retirement pensions.

Edited on 5/22/2003 2:54 PM
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MI_2_AZ .. As a result of your recommendation I have purchased the tape .. I have trouble with my thumb .. not because of the drilling .. more due to aging .. this tape is more efficient then normal bowlers tape and new skin .. thanks for the info!
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Hit them light and watch them fight
J O E F A L C O
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Wishawuzalefty, sample mailed.
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Joe, I dont remember if I mailed you a sample to try before you spent any money on it. Hope so, I wouldnt have wanted you to pay for something that you find out later you did not like, but glad it fills a need for you and that you do like it.
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Price I quote is marked on the box and retail. Anyone can buy it at that price. Our medical system does not cover such items.
baiki
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Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach. Those who can't do or teach, writes. Bob Summerville, BTM Sept. 1997
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I think I paid about US$18 for the 2inch x 10 yd roll I purchased here in the States. Such items and prescription drugs are cheaper in both Mexico and Canada, which is why many US citizens try to get them while they are visiting either country. I remember reading somewhere that a month supply of Claritin was about $12-18 in other countries but would be about $30 here in the USA.
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It's a lifetime supply so I'm not overly worried about the extra $10 - lest Pchee think I'm just another cheap bowler ;-)
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quote:
Price I quote is marked on the box and retail. Anyone can buy it at that price. Our medical system does not cover such items.
baiki
I'm sure it doesn't. I did that to vent a little as there are some things that it seems we pay far too much for just to line some rich person's wallet further.
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Charlest,
I always thought that US have cheaper prices and that we pay more here. With conversion, US20 can buy 4 rolls.
Jerry can have enough left over for his next 3 generation.
baiki
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Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach. Those who can't do or teach, writes. Bob Summerville, BTM Sept. 1997
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MagicInKC, sample mailed.
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Bjaardker, sample mailed.
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Anybody else want to try a sample?
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phydo_mo, glad to hear that the HypaFix helped. Was there someone in your area that sold it or are you going to order it by phone?
Have you had your thumbhole checked by a proshop to see if there is anything that they can do to help alleviate your problem?
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MI_2_AZ, I still have my sample and I might get the chance to test it out soon. One question that I have about the HypaFix is that I run a very tight thumbhole....in fact, I have to preshrink down my thumb before being able to get it into the ball. With a ball fit that tight, will the HypaFix stay in place? Or, will I need to loosen up the ball before attempting to use it? I have to run a tight thumbhole because I have a fairly high backswing, and I use 1/2" reverse thumb pitch (which puts a premium on a snug ball fit).
To give you an idea of how tight my thumbhole fits, I have to use Vaseline Lip Therapy on both sides of the thumb, just to reduce the drag on the inside of the urethane slug. I tape the heck out of the thumbhole because I hate tapered thumb holes, and every oval drilled thumbhole that I've tried turned out tapered to some degree. So, I have the holes drilled round, then I put in about 7 pieces of tape to adjust the fit (4 1" white under the thumb, 2 1" white behind the thumb, 1 1" black over the white behind the thumb). Then I fine tune the fit with 1/2" wide strips of white under the thumb. I spend so much time working with retaping the thumbhole (especially changing out the top piece of white tape due to oil getting on it) that I even carry a small 2 AA size MagLite in my bag, so I can see exactly where to realign the tape at (and of course I use the Master Tape Insert Tool too). I even go as far as to scribe an ink line around the upper edge of each piece of tape, so I know exactly how deep to insert the new piece when changing out pieces of tape.
Needless to say, a good non-tapered oval hole would work out much better for me....but the only oval shaped thumb sleeves I'm aware of are the vinyl ones, and it is too humid around here to use a vinyl thumb sleeve.
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10 In The Pit,
I have a snug thumbhole with Magic Carpet in the back and various amounts of tape in the front to snug it up. I would not call my fit tight unless my thumb swells and then I usually remove some tape from the front. So with my snug fit, I use the HypaFix on either the front or back of the thumb depending on which area is bothering me at the time. No problems with the HypaFix staying on my thumb, but again, my thumbhole doesnt sound as tight as you keep yours.
Try it and see. Worse case is you have to remove a piece of the adjusting tape from the front of the thumbhole or that you cant use the HypaFix. Wish I could help you but I really dont know. The HypaFix is thin, but you sound like you have to almost force your thumb into the thumbhole. Let me know how it goes.
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10,
Put it on your thumb and try it out. It may even help you eliminate the preshrinking thumb routine that you're presently doing.
If you're using such a tight fit thumbhole, suggest you cover the tip of thumb with it too to prevent the tape rolling up as you insert your thumb.
I've seen a bowler taping his whole thumb with it. Even to his thumb base. Although I've not try such taping, he seem to bowl great. No slippage, great release.
After a few throws to get the feel of the release, trust the tape to help your release. Know for sure your thumb release is clean and no hang. You'll be surprise.
About taping thumb hole. A trick I use is put a pin or scratch mark near the thumb hole to indicate the center of where the tape is going to be placed.
baiki
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Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach. Those who can't do or teach, writes. Bob Summerville, BTM Sept. 1997
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Strider, sample mailed.
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MI_2_AZ
Do you think the HypaFix works well with the Magic Carpet? I have tried some tapes before and I like the feel of the combo of Magic Carpet and the tape but it was hard to keep the tape on my thumb.
Ron Clifton
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Ron,
I think the HypaFix does work well with the Magic Carpets. I have Magic Carpets in all of my balls and I was using the combination of HypaFix and Magic Carpet during the Ritger clinic, about 3-4 hrs bowling x 4 days and the HypaFix stayed on my thumb with no problems. I think I had to change it out during the lunch break because I washed my hands and the tape got soaking wet.
Do you want to try some HypaFix to find out for yourself? It is very thin, flexible, sticks well, and doesnt seem to leave much glue residue when removed.
Let me know if you want to try a sample.
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I just got my sample yesterday, so i'm going to try & get out ASAP & give it a shot.
Thanks again MI_2_AZ!
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Ron,
I use your magic carpet with the hypafix. (I did thank you for the samples did'nt I?)
Read my earlier post to 10.
I cut my 2"width hypafix at an 45 degree angle to get a longer piece and start on the thumb tip backwards. No more problem with the tape rolling.
baiki
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baiki
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That's pretty cool, thanks guys.
Ron Clifton
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Magic Carpet, sample mailed.
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Goldberg, sample mailed.
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My review of the Hypafix.
First I want to truly thank MI_2_AZ for the samples.
This tape couldn't have come at a better time. With summer being here the alleys have been steamy & I've been having a HELL of a time getting out of my thumb hole. I dont want to open them up though because they're just fine in the winter.
So I started bowling today & the center was hot & humid as usual. (Note to Milwaukee bowling proprietors, people will spend more time in your establishment when you start using this new invention called AIR CONDITIONING!
) And after just 3 frames I was hanging up. I put one of the strips that MI2AZ precut along the back left side of my thumb, covering the part of the knuckle that tends to rub & hang. I was amazed at how it almost became part of my skin, right down to it melding into the wrinkles on the back of my thumb.
SO, did it work? HECK YES, I actually had to work hard ay reminding myself not to grip the ball since it felt almost like it was going to fall off of my hand it was so slick. Once I got used to it, clean & easy release.
Thanks again MI2AZ, I'm going to buy a roll of this stuff right away, I can see where this could have a LOT of uses.
LADIES & SANDALWEARERS, this would be PERFECT stuff to avoid blisters with.
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SrKegler, sample mailed.
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Please include me on the free tape samples list. Love the Magic Carpet. Used it for over a year now with great results.
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Sukie, message me with your mailing address and I will mail you a sample.
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MI_2_AZ, Could you please send me a sample ot the tape. Will message you my address.
I did find a place on the internet that is selling the tape 2"x10 yards for $10.24 + shipping try www.etrode.com . Thanks goes to MI_2_AZ
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Hey guys, how bout a few more reviews & how you used it.
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I have used the Vise Grips tape for over the past season and have had wonderful results. It has solved some thumb problems, and I seem to have a cleaner release.
One suggestion to those that may experience any of the tapes not adhering well is to clean your thumb with rubbing alcohol prior to applying the tape.
My routine is to use an alcohol swab patch (box of 120 for about a dollar) and clean my thumb. Then after allowing the area to air dry for about a minute, apply the tape. I have been able to go 9 game blocks without a problem.
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The Older We Get, The Better We Were
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Is is the Hypafix® Dressing Retention Tape?
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Loki, yes that is the Hypafix tape. I would recommend getting the 10 yard roll vs the 2 yard roll for the price difference.
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Jeff The Chef, sample mailed.
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I'm pretty sure the name is Hypafix. You may have seen something else but everything I have seen including the tape itself, says Hypafix.
Thanks to pnj1967 for the link, you can see for yourself the spelling: http://www.etrode.com/moreinfo.cfm?Product_ID=19467
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pnj1967, sample mailed. Thanks for the link.
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MI_2_AZ
Thank you for the samples. I am very impressed with this tape. I have tried several others out and this one so far is king. It is so thin that on the back of my thumb I can't even tell I have it on. It stretches nicely and seems to stay put. It works very well with Magic Carpet. Would be great for people that have sensitive skin on the back of their thumb.
Good find MI_2_AZ
Ron Clifton
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SUKIE, sample mailed.
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Thomas889, sample mailed.
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bowlermansal, sample mailed.
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seadrive, sample mailed.
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Baiki, Jerry Weller, Oli, Joe Falco, Phydo_mo, Bjaardker, and Magic Carpet,
Thanks for the feedback.
To anyone else who has already received samples, after you try the tape out, please post back here and let others know your findings, good and bad, about the tape. That way, other bowlers can use that information to their benefit.
If anyone else wants to try a sample, message me with your mailing address.
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NightWolf1, sample mailed.
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MI_2_AZ, First of all "THANK YOU"!!!!!! for the tape.
I received mine Thursday. This stuff is great.
It does take some getting used to as I was afraid of dropping the ball as it slides off the ball so easy. I used it on my thumb, instead of putting in the ball.
The only thing is I wish it came in 1" width. I ordered the 2" just a little while ago.
Again Thanks for this post and the sample.
Edited on 6/6/2003 7:18 PM
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It is for the thumb. Never thought of putting into the thumb hole before. Could be very hard to do.
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baiki
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I agree, Baiki. While I suppose it could be put into the thumbhole, it probably doesnt have enough stiffness to enable it to be applied easily. And as thin as it is, the best use for putting it into the thumbhole would be to get out of the thumbhole easier/faster. You would not be using it to snug up the fit.
pnj1967, you are welcome. Thanks for providing that link earlier. It will enable people to see what the tape looks like.
Has anyone tried to use it in the thumbhole and what were the results?
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smpecjak, sample mailed.
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rbob300, sample mailed.
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Gene J Kanak, sample mailed.
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gla5560, sample mailed.
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Got my sample today, just in time for summer league. The weather was fairly humid and sticky today but I slapped on a piece of the tape and was able to come cleanly and smoothly out of the ball on each shot from then on. This tape does NOT hinder your release and actually helps to get your thumb out quicker. I did not have to change my grip or hand position because of the tape which helped me to score 608 on very tough conditions (left lane=flood, right lane=desert, had to vary speeds between the two lanes). This stuff is very durable, I bowled about 6 games tonight and it never tried to peel off or tear off of my thumb. All in all a very good product that has convinced me to go down to the medical supply store and get a few rolls.
10/10 rating
- Jeff
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Tape should stay in place until you remove it. It may thin out after 6 games or so. That's when you layer it for more games.
Why is it not staying?
My problem is it rolls up if not placed over the nail to the tip of the thumb.
I bowled a 10 game "swiss tournamet" with the tape and have no trouble.
MI_2_AZ
You have given away our edge. Now we have to find another bowling aid.
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baiki
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Nighthawk,
I agree with Baiki that the tape should stay on your thumb for at least 3 games. How are you applying the tape to your thumb? I tried wrapping a piece around my thumb but it did not stay because it got peeled off. By applying it lengthwise, and when possible anchoring it to the thumbnail, it should stay put for the 3 game series and usually longer. If you need it to cover the area at the base of your thumb, you might need a longer piece to cover the entire length of your thumb. You might want to get the 4 inch x 10 yard roll.
Baiki,
I forgot that this tape was supposed to be kept a secret, sorry.
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Finally got a chance to try the tape. Thanks again Gary.
I put a strip on the back of my thumb anchoring it to my thumbnail. It conforms to the shape of the thumb easily. Overall thickness is close to one piece of thin black tape (I give AMF black tape "The Bowlers Tape" a thickness of 1, Donkee black tape a 3, and white textured tape a 4). The HypaFix Tape is smooth and "cottony", not tacky, but not slick either. I only used it one game because I forgot about it until then. Once you get your thumbhole to the correct snugness, you'll never know the HpyaFix tape is even there. After one game, one edge started to fray just a little, but I think it would held up for at least 3 games. Bonus: the stuff has the perfect amount of adhesive. It stays in place, but it doesn't leave any residue on your thumb, nor does it try to remove any hair you might have there.
A also have some ABS tape. If feels a bit like gauze, and looks just like the Vicegrip tape (TT-25) http://www.viseinserts.com/tapes.htm. I still haven't tested it yet, so I can't compare it to the HypaFix tape. It does look a bit thicker than the Hypafix.
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Strider
Penn State Proud
Teamwork is a lot of people doing what I say.
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Strider,
Have you had the chance to try the ABS tape yet?
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Not yet. I bought it more as an insurance policy in case I ever tear my thumb. Skin Patch evaporates or dries up before I ever need it. Because it's so hot in the deep south, I have at most one piece of tape in my thumbhole. I don't always have room for it. Work has been pretty busy. Maybe I'll make the time to take something with more room in the thumb to try the ABS tape. I should try it just so I know how it feels.
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Strider
Penn State Proud
Teamwork is a lot of people doing what I say.
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The Hose, sample mailed.
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What happens when you do not use tape? Does your thumb blisters?
In your case you can tape up the whole thumb with it. You can wrap the tape round your thumb in two layers or more.
I've seen a bowler from Singapore use it that way in Vancouver. He have no problems.
It's so cheap, you can afford to waste some, if it'll help your game.
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baiki
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Thanks again to MI_2_AZ for the sample.
I used a full thumb-length piece last week in my summer league, when it was warm and I just knew I was about to rip up my thumb. Worked great in my strike ball, but for some reason, caused my spare ball to almost fall off my hand. The hole is probably too loose, and I've probably been grabbing it.
Great stuff! Definitely will use it again tonight.
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seadrive
Cogito ergo bowl
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Helibowl wrote:
quote:
Apart from the fast fraying, stickiness from adhesive seepage and inconvenience thereof, I do like the snug feeling and smoother release given by the tape when fresh.
Helibowl, there are other thumb and finger tapes being sold by the various bowling supply and bowling ball companies at the present time. Here is a message that was posted about one such type of tape.
Posted: 5/17/2003 4:08 AM by Mr Buzzsaw UK
quote:
Hi Guys and Gals,
Turbo 2-N-1 Grips have a new line of Power Supplies tape. This is applied to your thumb and/or fingers and when removed leaves NO tackiness whatsoever. Because there was no residue left on my thumb when I tried it, I decided to perform a test on the tape. I found ONE strip of smooth thumb tape to last for no less than FOUR!!!!!!!!! nights league sessions - I removed it after each session and stored it on the original backing then re-applied it the next session. Now I realise that this is not good marketing, but it's really not worth doing from a cost point of view. However, it does prove the quality of the product.
The tape comes in 4 types:
Smooth Tape - for protecting the thumb and getting out of the ball cleanly.
Beige Fitting Tape - to take up a small amount of looseness in the hole.
Mint Fitting Tape - to take up a little more looseness in the hole.
(These 2 types are a great alternative to adding and removing tape in the holes during competition)
Tacky Tape - mainly for the fingers to retain a little more grip if required.
Hope you find this info useful
I hope that he doesnt mind my copying it over into this topic and perhaps one of these tapes will hold up better for your useage.
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I bought some Hypa-fix myself.
Seems like no matter how I apply it, no matter where on or around my thumb's knuckle that I apply it, ot how small or how large a piece I apply, either the front edge peels back upon putting my thumb into the hole or the read edge peels back slightly after a few tosses. The most frames I have been able to get with a single piece is maybe 6 or 7, with an average or 3 or 4 frames. And I only get that if I keep on smoothing out the peeled-back edge.
Can someone who uses it successfuly for 2 or 3 games describe in detail how you apply it and how big a piece you apply AND exactly on which part of the knuckle you apply it?
Thanks.
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"Those who do not remember history are doomed to repeat it."
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Charles, if you set your preferences for around 30 days, I think I gave some detail. I only used it for one game, but it looked like it would last for at least 3. The piece I used was one that Gary had already precut. It was probably a little over 1/2" wide and the ends were rounded off. I anchored one end to the middle of my thumbnail. The piece was about 1.5" long so it stopped short of the base of my thumb.
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Penn State Proud
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Charlest,
Try cutting the tape at an angle to get more length. Round off the acute edge.
Start the tape at the tip of thumb covering the whole nail. This will prevent the tape edge catching and roll when you put your thumb in.
I had some trouble when I first tried "Ron's Magic Carpet" and this solved it.
helibowl,
Is the sides of your thumb hole rough? Wet sanding with fine grit to smooth it out will help.
If it's not, then you have a late thumb release problem.
I've seen Asian "helicopter" use the tape in 15 game "Master Tournaments" and these bowlers really use their thumb to spin the ball.
The hypafix will help for sure. Just have to figure how many layers you need to use.
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baiki
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quote:
STrider:Charles, if you set your preferences for around 30 days, I think I gave some detail. I only used it for one game, but it looked like it would last for at least 3. The piece I used was one that Gary had already precut. It was probably a little over 1/2" wide and the ends were rounded off. I anchored one end to the middle of my thumbnail. The piece was about 1.5" long so it stopped short of the base of my thumb.
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Penn State Proud
Thanks, Strider.
Ole Dumbass did just that about 2 seconds after I posted that drivel. Hadn't had my coffee this morning.
I saw the length-wise application and the "tape to the base of your thumbnail" bit by several people.
Thanks also to baiki. I see what you were saying.
WIll try it again tomorrow night.
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"Those who do not remember history are doomed to repeat it."
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Chazman819, sample mailed.
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FYI See my previous posts asking for appliance help.
I followed the recommendations and that seemed to work SIGNIFICANTLY better.
Last the whole 5 game league tonight, which is a good thing.
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"Those who do not remember history are doomed to repeat it."
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Charlest,
Beside lasting the games, did the tape helped? ie release and such.
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baiki
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bigdave300, sample mailed.
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Debs130, sample mailed.
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ttt
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I am the SGT Schultz of bowling.
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1fife, sample mailed.
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I am the SGT Schultz of bowling.
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i have used it for several months now. i no longer use tape in the thumb hole and i am having no problems with gripping the ball. the best thing about using the tape is that the adhesive does not bleed through the tape and it does not leave any residue on my thumb. great stuff. i have been supplying several bowlers in my leagues with the tape. i think i need to start charging. i have been getting it from edlpmed.