Author Topic: Anyone using Brunswick's Thumb Saver (or any other product)? (Read 7344 times)

JessN16 · « **on:** February 27, 2011, 12:16:31 PM »

I had one at one time, tried it for about a week, didn't like it and got rid of it. That was before I was made to realize my span was way too stretched.

But even after two re-fits from professionals, and enough experimenting on my own (I have a backyard drilling shop), I cannot get a consistent thumb release. I've tried multiple spans, pitches, thumbhole sizes, beveling techniques, taping strategies, you name it. The problem I'm getting is that, say, five shots will go this way: Stick, slip, good shot, slip, stick. Repeat.

I can't count on the same thing happening twice, and it's killing my game. I think I'm squeezing the ball a little but even when I consciously avoid it, I get release problems.

Is a Thumb Saver (or any other thumb-coating product) likely to help? I don't care if I have to wear panty hose on my hand, I've got to fix this.

Jess

p.s.: I've tried Magic Carpet already and, while it's a quality product, it's just not for me. The ball feels too tight on my thumb and I don't trust it.

se7en · « **Reply #1 on:** February 28, 2011, 06:21:29 AM »

I put a piece of blue hada tape on each side of my thumb. There's usually a small strip of skin visible on the top and the bottom as a result. I see a lot of pro's wear it on the back side of their thumbs as well.

This on its own creates too quick of a release of the thumb from the ball for me personally, since the tape is very slick in texture. I tend to grip the ball in the down swing as a result, and even had it fall off my hand in the back swing once (which led to gripping it).

What offset this for me was blowing air into the thumb hole while using the tape. It created the perfect mix of hold and release for me.

I tried a thumb saver years ago. Dumbest product ever made. I don't see how anyone can get away with using that thing.

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There is nothing so easy to learn as experience and nothing so hard to apply

nospareball · « **Reply #2 on:** February 28, 2011, 08:36:52 AM »

p.s.: I've tried Magic Carpet already and, while it's a quality product, it's just not for me. The ball feels too tight on my thumb and I don't trust it.

I'm not going to pine for Magic Carpet, but I think your hang up is on the thumb feeling tight. If you can't stick your thumb in the hole and pick up the ball fairly easily with just the thumb then it's too loose. It took me a while to get used to the tight thumb feeling, but as long as your span and pitches are correct, and you aren't squeezing the ball you will come out of it.

Even with the carpet I had release issues from ball to ball. Thumbs never felt the same, even know they were drilled the same. The 1st frame with a different ball was always an adventure. I don't know if that's a problem for you, but maybe an IT system would give you more confidence.

-Clint

ccrider · « **Reply #3 on:** February 28, 2011, 07:41:16 PM »

You may try vise nt 25 tape. I wrap one piece around the base of my thumb and one piece overlapping from the middle up to the end. The tape is thin enough to allow some feel, but at the same time, protects your thumb and allows for a consistent feel. Not neerly as thick as the thumbsaver, which I tried and gave away. Also tried the magic carpet and just could not get used to the feel. You can use the nt 25 without having to wallow out your thumbhole. Just stretch the tape thin around your thumb and take out the tape in your hole and you will be o.k.

Another plus is that the tape is cheap and one roll will last a long time.

Good luck,

CC

Those that can do. Those that can't complain. Pimpin ain't easy, but it's mandatory.

Most things we like, we don't need. Most things we need, we don't like. Don't confuse your likes with your needs.

JessN16 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 28, 2011, 10:01:45 PM »

You've hit on my problem exactly. I can't stand a too-tight thumb.

The Magic Carpet did great for me until I semi-squeezed a couple and nearly hit myself in the face with the ball. If you're going to use that product, you better make completely sure you don't EVER squeeze one. The biggest problem for me is that my thumb isn't straight at rest (slightly bent inward to the palm).

I am a lot better about not squeezing the ball than I was 5 or 10 years ago, but I just can't get accustomed to not being able to put a tiny bit of pressure on the ball with my thumb.

Jess

nospareball wrote on 2/28/2011 9:36 AM:p.s.: I've tried Magic Carpet already and, while it's a quality product, it's just not for me. The ball feels too tight on my thumb and I don't trust it.

I'm not going to pine for Magic Carpet, but I think your hang up is on the thumb feeling tight. If you can't stick your thumb in the hole and pick up the ball fairly easily with just the thumb then it's too loose. It took me a while to get used to the tight thumb feeling, but as long as your span and pitches are correct, and you aren't squeezing the ball you will come out of it.

Even with the carpet I had release issues from ball to ball. Thumbs never felt the same, even know they were drilled the same. The 1st frame with a different ball was always an adventure. I don't know if that's a problem for you, but maybe an IT system would give you more confidence.

-Clint

JessN16 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 28, 2011, 11:06:49 PM »

I've got Ebonite's version of that tape. My issues with the tape are many: Rolls up on my thumb, leaves residue, frays, and the feel isn't consistent.

I'm kind of at my wit's end at the moment. The one plus to the Thumb Saver, in concept, is that it would be the same feel every time. Whether it actually works is another matter. It didn't work for me the last time I tried it, but maybe I was doing it wrong.

Jess

ccrider wrote on 2/28/2011 8:41 PM:You may try vise nt 25 tape. I wrap one piece around the base of my thumb and one piece overlapping from the middle up to the end. The tape is thin enough to allow some feel, but at the same time, protects your thumb and allows for a consistent feel. Not neerly as thick as the thumbsaver, which I tried and gave away. Also tried the magic carpet and just could not get used to the feel. You can use the nt 25 without having to wallow out your thumbhole. Just stretch the tape thin around your thumb and take out the tape in your hole and you will be o.k.

Another plus is that the tape is cheap and one roll will last a long time.

Good luck,

CC

Those that can do. Those that can't complain. Pimpin ain't easy, but it's mandatory.

Most things we like, we don't need. Most things we need, we don't like. Don't confuse your likes with your needs.

se7en · « **Reply #6 on:** March 01, 2011, 06:26:00 AM »

I had the same problem when I cut pieces off a roll of Ebonite tape. Because I was cutting the pieces, I was being stingy and not cutting them long enough to extend the entire length of my thumb. I was only trying to cover the problem areas.

Tape is very prone to coming loose if oil or dirt gets under it, which is easily achievable really given the sport. The trick to getting it to hold really well is to wash your thumb with soap and water in the bathroom before you apply it. Doing this has made it difficult to even remove at times. It's a must.

The Hada tape I've been using is pre-cut and rounded on each end, so it doesn't roll up on your thumb. It's elastic enough that you can stretch it around the bumps and curves of your hand easily since it's thin by comparison to the Ebonite tapes I've used.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

There is nothing so easy to learn as experience and nothing so hard to apply

300 dan · « **Reply #7 on:** March 01, 2011, 06:53:26 AM »

I also tried many different things to try and stop squeezing or grabbing the ball. I changed my thumb pitch to 0, I use white tape in the front of the thumb. Felt I was coming out to fast so I tried the Vise Hada Tape I use the red. It comes pre cut and I think it's four different colors each color gives you a quicker or slower release. If you look around you can find a sample pack it will have 3 or 4 pieces of each color try each to see which one works for you. I can use the same piece for about 4 games or so before I start noticing a difference of the feel, and it doesn't roll up like some other tapes do. Hope this helps.

Good luck and good bowling to all...

Edited by 300 dan on 3/1/2011 at 7:56 AM

ccrider · « **Reply #8 on:** March 01, 2011, 07:23:19 AM »

I have used the ebonite tape when I ran out of the vise because that is all that the pro shop had. It is not the same. Vise uses a different adhhesive that sticks much better. Also the nt25 is thinner.

I also use the glue remover packets to clean my thumb. They are cheap and a must have in your bag. You can use alcohol as well. This will remove oil and moisture. The tape will definitely stay in place then. Also you may be more comfortable using one piece strategically placed. I prefer one piece right above the base and the second barely overlapping it. This puts the second piece ending about halfway up my rhumbnail. If you use two pieces start at the bottom and work your way up.

I hAve also used turbo tape. It works as good as vise but is wider.

Those that can do. Those that can't complain. Pimpin ain't easy, but it's mandatory.

Most things we like, we don't need. Most things we need, we don't like. Don't confuse your likes with your needs.

ccrider · « **Reply #9 on:** March 01, 2011, 07:23:22 AM »

I have used the ebonite tape when I ran out of the vise because that is all that the pro shop had. It is not the same. Vise uses a different adhhesive that sticks much better. Also the nt25 is thinner.

I also use the glue remover packets to clean my thumb. They are cheap and a must have in your bag. You can use alcohol as well. This will remove oil and moisture. The tape will definitely stay in place then. Also you may be more comfortable using one piece strategically placed. I prefer one piece right above the base and the second barely overlapping it. This puts the second piece ending about halfway up my rhumbnail. If you use two pieces start at the bottom and work your way up.

I hAve also used turbo tape. It works as good as vise but is wider.

Those that can do. Those that can't complain. Pimpin ain't easy, but it's mandatory.

Most things we like, we don't need. Most things we need, we don't like. Don't confuse your likes with your needs.

ccrider · « **Reply #10 on:** March 01, 2011, 07:24:15 AM »

I have used the ebonite tape when I ran out of the vise because that is all that the pro shop had. It is not the same. Vise uses a different adhhesive that sticks much better. Also the nt25 is thinner.

I also use the glue remover packets to clean my thumb. They are cheap and a must have in your bag. You can use alcohol as well. This will remove oil and moisture. The tape will definitely stay in place then. Also you may be more comfortable using one piece strategically placed. I prefer one piece right above the base and the second barely overlapping it. This puts the second piece ending about halfway up my rhumbnail. If you use two pieces start at the bottom and work your way up.

I hAve also used turbo tape. It works as good as vise but is wider.

Those that can do. Those that can't complain. Pimpin ain't easy, but it's mandatory.

Most things we like, we don't need. Most things we need, we don't like. Don't confuse your likes with your needs.

Smash49 · « **Reply #11 on:** March 02, 2011, 10:43:10 AM »

At one time I was the poster child for flexipatch! I went to a ton of different drillers and had no success. Fed up with all the garbage it finally came down to this. I had a new Hammer Vicious drilled up by someone in my dad's shop. I took it out on the lanes and threw 300 the third game out of the box. The ball felt a little strange but I had just shot 300??? The 4th game I pinched a nerve at the base of the thumb an I am numb for 6 weeks. I decided it was time to do it myself. I got a hold of Mike Riggin's and went to class. After that I took the IBPSIA school and now I can drill a thumb hole and work it out. The only time I have a problem is in high humidity and bowling a lot of games. When this happens I coat my trouble spot on the thumb with nu skin and rub ground soap stone into it before ever throwing one ball. I tried a product a woman was making in Florida before Brunswick started making their thumb sock. You had to drill the thumb hole very large and it was way too quick of release. So I cured my problem at a cost of around $1250 but after years of problems it is well worth it.

Smash49

Slick, tacky, wood or synthetic it does not matter your slide is correct with SLSM Designs Bowlers Slide Sock. The Finest Slide Sock on the Planet!!!
www.bowlersslidesock.com
IBPSIA Certified Technician
Bowlers Journal International's Top 100 Coaches!!! 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010(73)
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milorafferty · « **Reply #12 on:** March 02, 2011, 01:00:41 PM »

I've tried a few different products, but currently use Hacks Thumbillow. For me, nothing else works as well.

The Ballreviews Ignore User feature, Learn it, Love it, Live it!

Author Topic: Anyone using Brunswick's Thumb Saver (or any other product)? (Read 7344 times)

JessN16

Anyone using Brunswick's Thumb Saver (or any other product)?

se7en

Re: Anyone using Brunswick's Thumb Saver (or any other product)?

nospareball

Re: Anyone using Brunswick's Thumb Saver (or any other product)?

ccrider

Re: Anyone using Brunswick's Thumb Saver (or any other product)?

JessN16

Re: Anyone using Brunswick's Thumb Saver (or any other product)?

JessN16

Re: Anyone using Brunswick's Thumb Saver (or any other product)?

se7en

Re: Anyone using Brunswick's Thumb Saver (or any other product)?

300 dan

Re: Anyone using Brunswick's Thumb Saver (or any other product)?

ccrider

Re: Anyone using Brunswick's Thumb Saver (or any other product)?

ccrider

Re: Anyone using Brunswick's Thumb Saver (or any other product)?

ccrider

Re: Anyone using Brunswick's Thumb Saver (or any other product)?

Smash49

Re: Anyone using Brunswick's Thumb Saver (or any other product)?

milorafferty

Re: Anyone using Brunswick's Thumb Saver (or any other product)?