I recently picked up a sample pack from Buddies just to try out. For those that don't know, it is applied to the back of the thumb to give a cleaner release. The sample pack comes with 8 pieces each of the 4 colors. I have only tried the blue thus far, which is the slickest of the 4.
I initially tried it with a ball that I usually throw as-is. I had to put the death grip on the ball to keep from losing it. I added a piece of 3/4 to the front of the thumbhole and tried again. Still way too loose. Added another piece of tape and dropped the ball badly. Normally without the Hada Patch I would never have gotten out of the ball with 2 pieces of tape. Yes I knew I always squeezed the ball. But even when I concentrated on NOT squeezing, I would still hang up. Not so with the patch.
The ball in question eventually got 6 pieces of tape in the thumb before I felt comfortable using it. This made the thumb extremely snug but getting out of it clean is no longer a problem. This has allowed me to loosen up my armswing tremendously and given me a very quick, clean release into the lane instead of on the upswing. I have only used it for a week but I can't see bowling without it. I absolutely love the way the ball comes off my hand. My ball speed and rev rate have both increased visibly from such a small change. The best part is that it was an easy fix and throwing the ball without squeezing came very easily.
I would absolutely recommend giving it a try. It's a great product.
Don
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"You cannot change the stripes of a leopard."
~Emmitt Smith
