Author Topic: What interchangeable thumb is better? (Read 30177 times)

tommyboy74 · « **on:** November 03, 2012, 12:36:35 AM »

Now that I have recently bought 4 new balls for the arsenal, I was thinking of finally investing in an interchangeable thumb and possibly plugging/redrilling the thumbs for the rest of my arsenal. instead of the standard thumb slugs I have now.

I know of the Vise IT and Turbo Switch Grip. What do you guys like better and why? Or, is there a choice I didn't mention here that you would recommend?

Jorge300 · « **Reply #16 on:** November 08, 2012, 02:21:20 PM »

I stayed away from these for the longest time. I saw too many breaking and was always worried that I would break one at the wrong time, in the middle of a tournament and not be able to use the ball I wanted, or maybe any ball depending on what broke.

I have since gone with the Switch Grips, mainly because that was all the pro shop carried when I decided to move to them. I really like being able to move from ball to ball with the same feel with the thumb....I found it really helped in my spare ball, as that one always felt different since it was plastic instead of resin. I have yet to break one in the 2+ years i've had them.

I thinkyou can go with whichever brand feels the best for you, whatever brand your pro shops can support, and then personal choice. If you stick with 2-3 bigger companies, I think you'll be fine no matter the choice.

Doug Sterner · « **Reply #17 on:** November 08, 2012, 10:15:17 PM »

Like several others in this thread, I have tried them all and each has their positives and negatives.....

Grip Loc Pros....
1. Smallest hole to drill
2. No special bits needed
3. Cheapest of the systems
4. Easiest to install
5. Predrilled rounds and ovals available

Grip Loc Cons.....
1. Softest material of the bunch
2. Smallest locking tabs
3. Unable to use normal slugs or molds
4. Special inner sleeves required

SwitchGrip Pros
1. Simpler than IT to install
2. Allows use of regular slugs and molds
3. Easily attained parts
4. Simple 90* lock design

SwitchGrip Cons
1. Large hole to drill
2. Drilled hole must be thoroughly sanded to prevent binding
3. Exact pitch match is critical
4. 90* lock design

Vise-IT Pros
1. Larger contact area
2. 270* lock in design
3. Sanding of hole is less critical
4. Superior locking system

Vise-IT Cons
1. More difficult to install
2. Far more tools required
3. Must use VISE brand slugs
4. More components needed per ball

Personally I use the Switch Grip and have never broken an inner. I have had my glue job fail (I use epoxy now) but never a locking tab.

lefty50 · « **Reply #18 on:** November 08, 2012, 11:36:00 PM »

Great to see so many people chime in with excellent information. Doug, your write up is superb...

One thing, I found the pre-drilled inners on Grip loc to be a negative instead of a postitive.. Just didn't feel right, but that's just me.

I was unaware that Vise-It required the use of their brand... Very interesting. I've always just used what the driller gave me, but never knew that was a pre-requisitte. Thanks for the info...

Doug Sterner · « **Reply #19 on:** November 09, 2012, 10:36:50 PM »

lefty....

The pre-drilled Grip Loc oval inners do have a tendency to be a bit tacky depending on your skin texture.

On the IT requiring Vise slugs....yes, you need the beveled bottom on the slug in order to get the Slug IT to mate up properly so hence, Vise slugs are needed.

tommyboy74 · « **Reply #20 on:** November 09, 2012, 10:53:15 PM »

Thanks for all of the info. My driller can do both the IT and Switch Grip. Right now, I may be leaning towards the Switch Grip.

Author Topic: What interchangeable thumb is better? (Read 30177 times)

tommyboy74

What interchangeable thumb is better?

Jorge300

Re: What interchangeable thumb is better?

Doug Sterner

Re: What interchangeable thumb is better?

lefty50

Re: What interchangeable thumb is better?

Doug Sterner

Re: What interchangeable thumb is better?

tommyboy74

Re: What interchangeable thumb is better?