Author Topic: Need help getting a proper fit! (Read 1834 times)

lhooker · « **on:** December 23, 2011, 05:09:36 AM »

Hello all, I will try to get my span specs later, never asked for them.

I have three balls, a 607ase, 716c and a roto grip outlaw. All three balls were drilled by different drillers.

The Outlaw is my newest addition (1 week old) and fits great. I have to add and remove tape at times but I can definitely get a clean release out of the ball everytime.

When I had the Outlaw drilled, my driller re measured my hand and confirmed that the 716c was drilled for the correct span. We left that ball alone. The 607 was drilled for a slightly shorter span so he re slugged the 607 and opened up the 607 a little bit (i would occasionally have problems getting out of that balll with my thumb).

Whenever I throw the 716c, I get caught at the base of my thumb and either add a bit of loft on the release or I get this rotation that is not consistent with my normal release. With the 607a, I have 3pieces of tape in there and still have problems holding on too the ball, I fear the thumb hole is too big for the span.

Everyday I have to pick with each ball adding and removing tape trying to figure this out. Should I return to my driller and have him plug the 607/716 thumb holes and try to match the thumb hole dimensions on the outlaw? It's very frustrating right now, I have made large improvements to my game but have been stuck having to use my med-heavy oil ball on every condition because this is the only ball that I can get out of clean........ Any suggestions are welcomed.

Smash49 · « **Reply #1 on:** December 23, 2011, 01:32:46 PM »

Working a thumb hole is an art. Unfortunately many ball drillers are clueless as to how to finish one out. Constantly adding and removing tape is normally a bad thing. There really should be no reason unless you normally shrink of or swell. When I drill my equipment I drill it so that all I have to do is add 1 piece of white tape in the front for feel. I can literally hold the ball down by my side and not be able to tell I am holding it except for weight. The goal is not to have to squeeze or feel pressure any where on the grip. When I totally relax the ball will fall off my hand but I never have to squeeze.

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
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lhooker · « **Reply #2 on:** December 23, 2011, 01:49:17 PM »

Right now I feel that part of the problem is that my hand naturally swells and shrinks slightly. I pulled my Outlaw out, when I stand with it at my side and relax my thumb, it almost falls straight down, its a bit snug in the thumb, no tape in there right now. The 607a has the same feel with one piece of tape right now.

With the 716c, it catches the base of my thumb no matter what. I think I have a pitch/bevel/etc issue with this one, this is the only ball that my new driller didn't touch. I am comfortable with the Outlaw, semi comfortable with the 607a. I can't throw the 716 at all. My new driller, (Kurt Pilon in Hazel Park MI,) is great and like I said, the Outlaw that he drilled fits great and does exactly what I asked for when we talked about a new purchase. I think I may go up there and just explain my problems fully and work with him on that.

To put it simply, this sucks.

Brickguy221 · « **Reply #3 on:** December 23, 2011, 01:57:53 PM »

I agree on what Smash said about the thumb hole. I always did my own thumb holes as my drillers didn't take the time to give a precise fit. Over the years I got tired of doing it myself and finally approx. a year ago, I started drilling the thumb hole 1/64" larger and put a piece of Magic Carpet in the back of hole and problem solved. If tape is needed to be added, I never have to add more than one piece of 3/4" white tape to the front of hole.

Smash49 wrote on 12/23/2011 2:32 PM:
Working a thumb hole is an art. Unfortunately many ball drillers are clueless as to how to finish one out. Constantly adding and removing tape is normally a bad thing. There really should be no reason unless you normally shrink of or swell. When I drill my equipment I drill it so that all I have to do is add 1 piece of white tape in the front for feel. I can literally hold the ball down by my side and not be able to tell I am holding it except for weight. The goal is not to have to squeeze or feel pressure any where on the grip. When I totally relax the ball will fall off my hand but I never have to squeeze.

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),2011(84)
USBC Register Volunteer

**********************************************************************

"Whenever I feel the urge to exercise I lie down until the feeling passes away."

Brick

Smash49 · « **Reply #4 on:** December 23, 2011, 02:18:19 PM »

One thing I forgot to ask is do you have a long thumb? If your thumb is long you may need a little more reverse and the hole drilled deeper. The way to tell is if your thumb stick up out of the BT Fitter.

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),2011(84)
USBC Register Volunteer

lhooker · « **Reply #5 on:** December 23, 2011, 02:49:54 PM »

Not sure if my thumb is unusually long, I will have to check that out the next time im around a fitter. My thumb is not very flexible though, I do know that.

Stan · « **Reply #6 on:** December 23, 2011, 05:50:03 PM »

First off, anytime you take a knife to the thumb hole (or any hole), it is VERY difficult to replicate. Sounds like you are having a bevel issue. Adding or removing tape is not uncommon, especially during the winter months (depending where you live). If your thumb holes were drilled with the same size hole and pitch, my question would be, were they opened up by hand ? If so, like I said, its VERY difficult to replicate and thats why most people who need to make adjustments with a knife and use multiple balls often do it themselves.

Its hard for a ball driller, who drills many balls per week to remember exactly where the hole needs to be opened and how much, unless you purchase a ball per week.

lhooker · « **Reply #7 on:** February 07, 2012, 02:37:51 PM »

Wanted to provide an update. I talked to my driller about my problem and we decided to re slug the 716c (sold it last week though lol) and the 607a to have those balls have the same fit/span as the Outlaw. Everything fit great, a piece of tape or two had to be added/removed occasionally which is fine. I loved the Outlaw, made a little $$ with it, decided to get a Bandit to complement the Outlaw. Fits perfect, my driller nailed it, he's very patient and genuinely works hard to ensure a proper fit.

He suggested a I get a mold of my thumb (not a switch grip) to expedite the process, ensure we get it right for future purchases. Will probably do that in the future although I moved and now live 2.5hours away from the driller now. Doh!