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Author Topic: Removable thumb insert  (Read 10681 times)

RealBowler

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Removable thumb insert
« on: May 09, 2005, 05:54:52 AM »
Has anybody seen or used this? http://www.thomsthumb.com/

It looks very interesting.  I've been debating whether to go with a thumb slug or continue without.  Problem is sometimes my driller gets it just right (I prefer an oval shape) and sometimes I have to get him to open it up and he ends up taking out too much, or rounding it into a circle.  I hate using tape and can never get it in just the right spot.  That leads to me having to squeeze the ball to keep it from dropping.
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MonkeyBoy

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Re: Removable thumb insert
« Reply #1 on: May 10, 2005, 03:48:19 AM »
hmmmm, don't them ones screw in, there are quite a lot out there that have different locking mechanisms like 'push in and twist'.
And you have to drill ALL the balls that will use it exactly the same.

There is one (not sure which) that if you give them a pre-drilled ball, thay will take a mould of the thumb hole and then use that to make exact copys from it, so each will be exactly the same insert to stick in.
though this might be a few of them, once again I'm not sure.


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HamPster

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Re: Removable thumb insert
« Reply #2 on: May 10, 2005, 05:36:28 AM »
One problem though, the locking mechanisms at the bottom of the hole are plastic, and I've heard a LOT of people say that it breaks quite frequently.  So you either have to replace the outside "slug" or the transferable one, and if it's the latter, that means you have to drill a new thumbhole.  Also, once you drill the first ball, every ball after that has to have the thumbhole EXACTLY the same depth, because if the lock is further down in the hole, or higher up, the transferable slug with either be dropped or raised, and naturally you can't have that.  In theory, it's a good idea, but in reality, the risk just isn't worth it.  It's easier and a LOT cheaper to just replace the slug in a ball that doesn't fit.
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EboHammer4ever

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Re: Removable thumb insert
« Reply #3 on: May 10, 2005, 06:58:57 AM »
Thom's Thumb is a piece of crap.  If you want one thats easy to install, requires no tools, and is more secure, check out www.griplocproducts.com and take a look at what they offer.  The griploc slug has an outer and an inner sleeve that comes in ever size there is and just slides in and with a turn and a click, its secure.  I sleeve is made of Urethane and you can shape it however you want.  Plus you can buy it online.  That Thom's Thumb is loose, you need a flathead screwdriver to take it out and you can't drill through the thumb if you need to take anymore weight out of the ball once you install it.  Plus its cheaper than the Thoms THumb junk. Try it out, I think you'll like it.
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alzgarvin

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Re: Removable thumb insert
« Reply #4 on: May 10, 2005, 09:00:14 AM »
I agree...Griploc is the only way to go..over a year now in all my equipment and not one broken yet,  Alzgarvin
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bamaster

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Re: Removable thumb insert
« Reply #5 on: May 10, 2005, 09:29:07 AM »
Being on staff with Turbo Grips, I have access to the Switch Grip and have used it since it was available.

Not once has anything broken.  My ball driller, Mike Austin, however has had one or two of them break, but the product is so good he continues to use it and push the product on his clients.

It's the greatest product to come out sonce slugs, in my opinion.  I tell Mike how I want the ball drilled and he doesn't have to "finish" my ball at all... no beveling, nothing.  I pick it up, place my insert in there, and BAM it fits PERFECT!

For what it's worth, you do need a ball driller that knows what they are doing to make the most of this.  If he can't repeat drillings your fit will not be the same.

I highly recommend the Switch Grip.  Here is a short thread that discusses some of the problems with breaking slugs:
http://www.turbogrips.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=10

Best of luck!

Tony
http://www.allBowling.com
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C-G ProShop-Carl

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Re: Removable thumb insert
« Reply #6 on: May 10, 2005, 01:43:55 PM »
Just started toying around a bit more with the turbo switchgrip for myself. During the season I did not have the extra time. I drilled many of these for customers and everyone is happy.

At first there were a couple of the slugs that broke, but that was a product problem. Turbo had recalled the slugs, but the distributor did not send them back. The first batches they made had the locking mechanism on the bottom of the slugs too thin. They corrected this and now there are no problems.

-EX-
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Carl Hurd

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qstick777

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Re: Removable thumb insert
« Reply #7 on: May 10, 2005, 05:33:00 PM »
quote:
Vinyl Solids and Inserts
Unlike the smooth, quick release of Urethane thumb products, Vinyl offers a more textured feel for slower release. Our Vinyl thumb products are made from a comfortable blend of material that makes them easy to drill, cut, bevel and sand without the use of a router or plug cutter.



Isn't the key to getting more revs to get your thumb out faster?  I thought the purpose (one of them) of finger inserts was to keep your fingers in slightly longer and to help generate lift = more revs.  Would you really want your thumb to stick longer?

How are thumb slugs?  I've never used one, but I have a similar problem as RealBowler and none of my thumb holes are consistent.
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C-G ProShop-Carl

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Re: Removable thumb insert
« Reply #8 on: May 10, 2005, 10:37:50 PM »
qstick777,

Where did anyone say that they wanted more revs?
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Carl Hurd

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qstick777

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Re: Removable thumb insert
« Reply #9 on: May 10, 2005, 11:15:47 PM »
quote:
EXCALIBER
         Posted: 5/10/2005 10:37 PM
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qstick777,

Where did anyone say that they wanted more revs?
 


Nowhere, except maybe in my head  I was just making an observation.

Most books and coaches will tell you that your thumb needs to clear before your fingers to put spin on the ball and get the ball to hook.

That one ad said it was made of vinyl and made for a slower release.

Sometimes I personally have a hard time getting my thumb out early and usually end up suitcasing or chicken winging to overcompensate.

My point was that most people will tell you that you want a smooth, quick release from your thumb, and that particular product was advertising the exact opposite.  I wasn't trying to knock the product, but after reading that I thought that maybe it wasn't for me, and maybe I should look into using a thumb slug.

I've only been bowling for a year and don't know a whole lot, but I do know that of all the balls I have, I don't have a thumb hole that is the same.  They are either too big and I squeeze my grip, or they are too snug and my thumb ends up sticking. I know its impossible to get a perfect thumb hole and that thumbs shrink and swell with the weather, etc. and that's why they make tape, but like the OP, I don't do tape very well - usually just end up with sticky fingers and tape put in crooked.
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C-G ProShop-Carl

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Re: Removable thumb insert
« Reply #10 on: May 10, 2005, 11:19:11 PM »
qstick777,

In my shop the bowlers that tend to like the vinyl slugs are the ones that have moisture problems with their hands. The bowlers whose hands sweat alot while they bowl seem to like them the most.


Another option for those of you with thumb inserts......I believe Vise makes it. They mold your thumb and make you sleeves. This creats the same thumb in every ball as well.....they work as thumb slugs though, they are not removeable.

-EX-
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Carl Hurd

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qstick777

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Re: Removable thumb insert
« Reply #11 on: May 10, 2005, 11:42:29 PM »
Thanks, I'll look into that.

How do the slugs work - forgive me if this is a stupid question.  Is the slug a solid material and the driller then drills out the slug?  I was looking on Buddies and everything looked to be solid plugs, but I did see different sizes.  I've seen a few people using slugs, but I've never actually seen it up close and touched it.
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C-G ProShop-Carl

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Re: Removable thumb insert
« Reply #12 on: May 11, 2005, 01:35:19 AM »
Normal thumb slugs are solid (some come pre-drilled). The pro shop operator then drills your thumb size into the solid slug.

The item I mentioned that Vise makes is an actual mold of one of your thumb holes. This mold is 100% identical. A hole (depending on your thumb size) is drilled into the ball and the slug created from your thumb mold is inserted into the ball.

-EX-
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Carl Hurd

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