Author Topic: Positioning Tape In the Thumb Hole (Read 12093 times)

rlt110 · « **on:** February 24, 2010, 11:15:21 PM »

Just wanted to start a thread to get some good information about placing tape in the thumb hole of balls. Whenever I see pictures of balls online, it seems as though the tape is usually placed in the back of the hole. Around 7-9 o'clock in comparative terminology. I usually place tape in the front of the ball, but sometimes have issues "hanging up" coming out of my equipment. I understand that they are other factors in play here; however, what is the best location to put tape to tighten the hole, and minimize the likelihood of hanging up in the ball. Is there a general secret I don't know about. I have only been bowling for a year and a half. I appreciate all replies.

dizzyfugu · « **Reply #1 on:** February 25, 2010, 07:22:38 AM »

I place tape in 2 positions:
a) under the thumb
b) opposite

I do not use much tape, maybe 2 pieces white tape in both positions. Esp. under the thumb, the placement is a delicate thing for me. The tape has to be exactly "under" the thumb pad, so that I do not feel its rims to the left and the right, and I prefer to "stage" it in layers from the surface opening of the thumb hole down into the drilling (with urethane slug and round drilling and soft bevel).
Here, the height in which the tape is placed is also critical for me. Too high and I will hang onto it, too deep, and my thumb pad does not hold the ball properly.

Sometimes it takes a while to get a comfortable feeling, but I found that even minute misplacements can strongly change the grip feeling for me.
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DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany

Confused by bowling? Check out BR.com's vault of wisdom: the unofficial FAQ section

stopncrank · « **Reply #2 on:** February 25, 2010, 07:25:58 AM »

if you are using white tape on the backside of your thumbhole, basically on the knuckle side of your thumb that can cause you to hang up.

I was taught to use white tape on the pad side of your thumb. i use white tape with a piece of black tape over top of it, on the back or knuckle side of my thumb. the black tape is slicker in texture, so it allows your thumb to exit out of the hole quicker.

Just so you know, ive seen bowlers tape thumbholes almost every possible way, id venture to say its one of those things you just have to experiment with to see what fits your game and what makes you most comfortable in the ball. Hopefully others will chime in here, but your best bet is to find what works for you through experimentation.
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Taking your lunch money, one strike at a time....

tizzle · « **Reply #3 on:** February 25, 2010, 07:27:08 AM »

x2.. I usually don't use tape but i'm finding without it I am squeezing the ball and not coming out clean. The tape can be a big problem if even a little off for me..
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Hmm..Lets see what I have in this bag..A radiated C-System 3.5,an Invasion, a bright red Mission, a Motiv Qz1 Fire ball,and a green Avalanche.. how can I lose....

....HG-300(2006 w/Desert Heat)...299 (03/15/09 w/Agent Orange)...HS-776 (Hot Sauce Pearl & Ebonite Magic)

dizzyfugu · « **Reply #4 on:** February 25, 2010, 07:30:52 AM »

quote:
if you are using white tape on the backside of your thumbhole, basically on the knuckle side of your thumb that can cause you to hang up.

Yup. I prefer a loose thumb hole, and I do not touch the back at all. But I "feel" the snugness through the extra back tape. I also experimented with black tape for the back, but since I have no friction in this area, there is no hanging problem for me

But you are absolutely correct about the white tape in the back!
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DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany

Confused by bowling? Check out BR.com's vault of wisdom: the unofficial FAQ section

stopncrank · « **Reply #5 on:** February 25, 2010, 07:49:31 AM »

One thing to add and thats make sure your ball driller knows you are planning to use tape before he drills your ball. I generally allow at least 1/32" for myself, and when i worked in the shop i had customers who wanted their thumbholes oversized as much as 1/16" because they had issues where their thumb would swell over time, and shrink over time as well.

And as usual, Dizzy is spot on with the layering technique. Also, if you want an alternative to tape, a local coach here in NC makes a product called Magic Carpet, i have tried it and it works great. It takes a little time to get used to the feel of it, but if you have problems with swelling, it will definitely help you.
Here is the link to order Magic Carpet:http://www.bowl4fun.com/
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Taking your lunch money, one strike at a time....

Edited on 2/25/2010 8:50 AM

AngloBowler · « **Reply #6 on:** February 25, 2010, 07:51:11 AM »

I have white tape on th front and back (1" wide, one at the front two at the back). In addition I also put two pieces of tape on my thumb (Brunswick fitting tape). I find that the right amount to get my hand comfortably in the ball. I don't have hanging up problems unless I turn my wrist over, which will make the ball hang either way because of the oval.

If you have tape just on the front, it might be the case that there isn't enough friction on the back of the hole, causing you to subconsciously think it's going to fall off, making you grip a little, hence the hang.

As the others have said, it's a very personal thing, and only you will know what feels right for you. It should be tight enough that you don't need to grip the ball tightly to hold it on, but not so tight that you have problems getting it into the hole in the first place. This will ensure the smoothest possible release, and allow the most relaxed armswing.
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Reporting from England

Goof1073 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 25, 2010, 08:14:16 AM »

There are usually two issues that I see with tape in the front that impact release:

1) It's not directly in front and sometimes it's twist too far to the leading edge of the thumb that needs to clear the hole.

2) It's placed too high in the thumbhole which will impact your release.
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-Chris: DJ's Pro Shop : Auburn, MA

Elite_Digger · « **Reply #8 on:** February 25, 2010, 08:33:52 AM »

I strictly use just black tape and place it in the back of the thumbhole (knuckle side). Don't like to feel anything against the pad part of my thumb except smooth thumb slug. The black is thin enough that I can remove just one piece and really fine tune how well the ball releases so I don't have to grip.
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Never argue with an idiot....They'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience!

Miffy1980 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 25, 2010, 08:34:11 AM »

I have been wanting to ask this for a while now,

is there a difference between putting tape on the thumb hole and onto the knuckle side of the thumb itself?

i have an oval thumb hole drilled and i put tape on the knuckle side of my thumb.

Author Topic: Positioning Tape In the Thumb Hole (Read 12093 times)

rlt110

Positioning Tape In the Thumb Hole

dizzyfugu

Re: Positioning Tape In the Thumb Hole

stopncrank

Re: Positioning Tape In the Thumb Hole

tizzle

Re: Positioning Tape In the Thumb Hole

dizzyfugu

Re: Positioning Tape In the Thumb Hole

stopncrank

Re: Positioning Tape In the Thumb Hole

AngloBowler

Re: Positioning Tape In the Thumb Hole

Goof1073

Re: Positioning Tape In the Thumb Hole

Elite_Digger

Re: Positioning Tape In the Thumb Hole

Miffy1980

Re: Positioning Tape In the Thumb Hole