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Author Topic: Looking for Help w/Flexible Thumb Fittings  (Read 1794 times)

n00dlejester

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Looking for Help w/Flexible Thumb Fittings
« on: May 19, 2017, 04:35:28 PM »
Ahoy BR folks,

It's been a while! I hope you're all well. 

For the last 4 years or so, I've been trying to find a good, snug fit for my rather flexible thumb.  The most recent fit I have is pretty good, but it's still not perfect.  About half the time I feel that I'm going to lose my ball at the top of my backswing if I don't squeeze it.  As you can imagine, this makes things weird half of the time, lol.

Just wondering if anybody else out there has a flexible thumb, and how do you ensure a good feel?  After I get some responses, I'll gladly share the grip I have.  I'm just curious what you guys do before I influence any opinions. 

If it matters: I wear one of those Robby Revs things because of chronic tendonitis in my wrists

Thank you all!
"This is not 'Nam. This is bowling. There are rules."

 

itsallaboutme

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Re: Looking for Help w/Flexible Thumb Fittings
« Reply #1 on: May 19, 2017, 04:55:33 PM »
If you feel like you are going to lose the ball in your backswing half of the time your fit is not "pretty good". 

Impending Doom

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Re: Looking for Help w/Flexible Thumb Fittings
« Reply #2 on: May 19, 2017, 05:05:15 PM »
Ok, a couple of questions.
What is your current span?
What is your current thumb pitch?
How long is your thumb?
Do you have dry or moist skin?

Dave81644

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Re: Looking for Help w/Flexible Thumb Fittings
« Reply #3 on: May 19, 2017, 09:34:19 PM »
had a bad case of squeezing it for years
didn't know any better
never used tape
didn't know any better
predictably, targeting was difficult
lofted the ball most shots
learned to tape my thumb properly with tape in front and back
3/4" tape so as not to wide and the new powerhouse/ebonite white tape
pretty grippy
made it sort of tight, learned to relax my thumb and grip
Ball should fit you, not the other way around
Don't overthink it, tape it tighter and relax
Once you do it a few times and ge tthe proper feel, it will be much better
Squeezing it is never good and it makes everything else so much harder
Good luck

xrayjay

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Re: Looking for Help w/Flexible Thumb Fittings
« Reply #4 on: May 20, 2017, 09:11:17 AM »
Did you get measured with the Robby Revs thingy on?
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n00dlejester

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Re: Looking for Help w/Flexible Thumb Fittings
« Reply #5 on: May 24, 2017, 08:21:44 AM »
Ok, a couple of questions.
What is your current span?
What is your current thumb pitch?
How long is your thumb?
Do you have dry or moist skin?

Hey Mr. Doom,

I'm not sure my current span - I can get that for you this weekend when I visit the ProShop.
I don't know my exact thumb pitches, I just know that I have left & forward.  I'll be able to get the exact specs this weekend.
I just measured and my thumb is a little longer than 3 inches.
I have fairly moist skin. I find myself using rubbing alcohol pads to dry it out when the centers are warmer.
"This is not 'Nam. This is bowling. There are rules."

n00dlejester

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Re: Looking for Help w/Flexible Thumb Fittings
« Reply #6 on: May 24, 2017, 08:23:19 AM »
If you feel like you are going to lose the ball in your backswing half of the time your fit is not "pretty good". 

Compared to what was happening a few years back, my feel is a lot better.  And hopefully whenever I get this thing figured out, I'll be able to 100% agree with you.
"This is not 'Nam. This is bowling. There are rules."

n00dlejester

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Re: Looking for Help w/Flexible Thumb Fittings
« Reply #7 on: May 24, 2017, 08:23:52 AM »
Did you get measured with the Robby Revs thingy on?

I have, but only once and it was a while ago.  Perhaps I should try this again!
"This is not 'Nam. This is bowling. There are rules."

n00dlejester

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Re: Looking for Help w/Flexible Thumb Fittings
« Reply #8 on: May 24, 2017, 08:30:08 AM »
had a bad case of squeezing it for years
didn't know any better
never used tape
didn't know any better
predictably, targeting was difficult
lofted the ball most shots
learned to tape my thumb properly with tape in front and back
3/4" tape so as not to wide and the new powerhouse/ebonite white tape
pretty grippy
made it sort of tight, learned to relax my thumb and grip
Ball should fit you, not the other way around
Don't overthink it, tape it tighter and relax
Once you do it a few times and ge tthe proper feel, it will be much better
Squeezing it is never good and it makes everything else so much harder
Good luck


I agree - squeezing makes things so difficult.  Thanks for the feedback.  I actually used to tape my thumb hole too much and never knew what it felt like to have a secure-feeling thumb!  So I've since learned what to do when it comes to tape. 

I've been fighting thumb issues for years.  I have a long thumb, shorter fingers, a really wide palm for my size, and a super flexible/double-jointed thumb.  I've gone to a handful of ball drillers and each one had good & bad ideas.  I've probably tried a dozen different test grips in the last 18 months.  And hopefully this summer season I can try a few more to see what feels the best!
"This is not 'Nam. This is bowling. There are rules."

itsallaboutme

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Re: Looking for Help w/Flexible Thumb Fittings
« Reply #9 on: May 24, 2017, 11:44:51 AM »
If you've been to a handful of drillers and tried a dozen different grips you are making it way to complicated.  Go back to the shop that you feel is the best fitter and have him start from scratch.  Even an ok fitter that is able to look at your hand and see your hand in the ball is better than bling suggestions here.  If you feel you are losing the ball start adding forward 1/8" at a time til you don't or once you start hanging up back it off 1/8".  And when you change the pitch make that your only change.  Only change one thing at a time.