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Author Topic: So I installed the Vise IT thumbs...  (Read 1331 times)

Mike Austin

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So I installed the Vise IT thumbs...
« on: April 30, 2009, 11:38:28 AM »
...into three bowling balls.  Two Strike Zones and an Ultra Zone.  Man, does thumb insert work/feel great.  Very solid, no flex to it like I got with Switch Grip.  I like my thumbs very tight, and this was no problem.  Feel wise, I could not tell the difference between the IT and a glued in thumb slug.  Spin it out and spin it in the other ball, no problem.

I loved the concept of the Switch Grip, I like a consistent feel.  Even if it feels like crap, and is the same crap from ball to ball, I'm happy.  I just broke too many Switch Grips.  Don't come back about driller error, I probably installed 500 of those things, I know how to put them in.  I think my tight thumb hole obsession just puts too much stress on those things.

BTW, the Rico Strike Zone is likely to be MONEY.  THS with less puddle in the middle than most, decent shape wood lanes, ball was very nice.  682 after a 9 month layoff and about 25 games of practice over the last 10 days.

Greg Hoppe- still haven't thrown the Ultra Zone enough to read it, I polished it a little from the box surface, as I wanted more length than the Strike Zones and Blast Zone.  Did the trick, nice length, decent pop on the back, but I need more shots with it.  A good 10/4 straighter than the Rico Strike Zone at 1000 Abralon.

Have a nice weekend!!


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pin-chaser

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Re: So I installed the Vise IT thumbs...
« Reply #1 on: May 01, 2009, 08:00:34 AM »
I am thinking about doing a thumb mold and duplicating. Have you done this and which do you think is better?
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Steven

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Re: So I installed the Vise IT thumbs...
« Reply #2 on: May 01, 2009, 10:42:28 AM »
quote:
Feel wise, I could not tell the difference between the IT and a glued in thumb slug. Spin it out and spin it in the other ball, no problem.


Same experience here. I've used Switch Grips for the past 2 years, but after trying the IT in a ball, I'm sold. I've had two Switch inner sleeves bust out on me so I'm a little leery of that system now. I like the Switch Grip feel, and the new tabs are supposedly stronger, but the IT system is rock solid. I can't imagine one of these things breaking.
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ImBackInTheGame

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Re: So I installed the Vise IT thumbs...
« Reply #3 on: May 01, 2009, 11:40:50 AM »
Now that I actually have a three ball arsenal, I might have to think about the IT system.  I never thought I'd be this picky about my thumb, but I still have yet to find the "right" fitting thumb.  Once I do find it, I want it to be consistant from ball to ball.
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rymacatthedisco

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Re: So I installed the Vise IT thumbs...
« Reply #4 on: May 01, 2009, 11:50:52 AM »
probably the greatest thing i have done for my game for sure...my thumb usually swell quite a bit with the amount of games in college bowling...and all the practices, so i used to have to drill my stuff about 2-3 sizes to big and go through tape like no other. Now i just switch thumbs once i start hanging up and then everything is fine again...its even nice when you need to get out of the ball quicker and spin it through the heads, i can just put a big thumb in and let if off my hand super quickly...
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MC

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Re: So I installed the Vise IT thumbs...
« Reply #5 on: May 01, 2009, 12:01:38 PM »
I use the IT system and absolutely would not drill a ball with out one. Like was said earlier, possibly the best thing I have done for my bowling. Also have had several other bowlers switch from slugs and no slugs to the IT System and they all say the same. Use the IT system you will not regret the move.

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Mike Austin

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Re: So I installed the Vise IT thumbs...
« Reply #6 on: May 01, 2009, 12:16:16 PM »
quote:
I am thinking about doing a thumb mold and duplicating. Have you done this and which do you think is better?



Thumb molds are nice, have went that route before.  They are really great if your thumb doesn't change much.  I use lots of tape, the advantage for me is with the IT, I use tape in one thumb hole for all balls but the spare, instead of tape in 4-15 balls whatever.  Much simpler for me, I like using tape.
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Mike Austin

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Re: So I installed the Vise IT thumbs...
« Reply #7 on: May 01, 2009, 12:19:59 PM »
quote:
Now that I actually have a three ball arsenal, I might have to think about the IT system.  I never thought I'd be this picky about my thumb, but I still have yet to find the "right" fitting thumb.  Once I do find it, I want it to be consistant from ball to ball.



That's the thing, I don't really have the perfect feel in the IT thumb that I'm using, but it is the same not perfect feel in all three balls.  I will be adding it to any other balls in the future.  Feels very solid.  I got some "Flex" sometimes with the Switch Grip, which made me uneasy, I was worried the Switch thumb was going to break.  Can't have any hesitations like that when bowling in competition.  No flex with the IT!!!
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T-GOD

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Re: So I installed the Vise IT thumbs...
« Reply #8 on: May 01, 2009, 12:38:38 PM »
Glad to hear you like the IT better than the Switch Grip.

Personally, I like the Grip-Loc System. Much easier to install and use, along with more versatility being able to drill through the bottom of the thumbhole if necessary. It also comes in a smaller size than the others.

If you haven't tried the Grip-Loc System, I highly recommend it. =:^D
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