BallReviews
Equipment Boards => Bags, Shoes, Accessories => Topic started by: lefty50 on November 24, 2016, 10:19:00 AM
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Now that I have my spans and pitches in the best shape they've ever been, it's time to support that by reviewing tape choices. Looks like everybody makes tape now... Jeez....
I was using Ebonite black in the back of the thumb hole, but it's too inflexible for my liking. I'm using Brunswick now... thin, but not bad... Any feedback on other choices for the back of the thumb hole?
I'm using Brunswick 1 inch white on the front of the thumb hole when needed. Not happy with this choice and looking for suggestions.
I use Hada #1 on the thumb and it's fine, but I don't have anything to compare it to. Going to try Motiv because I've heard good things about it, but it seems unavailable at Buddies or Bowlingball.com. I see it @Bowlersmart and Bowling.com.. Others?
Lastly, does anyone use fitting tape or something else to replace the old school use of white and black?
Thanks in advance
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I started using the siliver real bowlers tape recently because it is a little less grippy than the standard white tape. I like it a lot, but that's just me. Either way might be something for you to look at. I usually only have tape in the front of my thumb hole but I've put the silver in back too on occasion, especially now with it getting colder and it's been fine. Hope that helps!
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Lefty50, if you are looking for a very thin black tape just to smooth out the inside of the thumb or finger hole, have you tried Frankentape?
http://valentinobowling.com/100-Piece-Package_p_30.html
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Thanks MI... Sent you a PM. Tried Frankentape a few years ago....
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Thanks MI... Sent you a PM. Tried Frankentape a few years ago....
What are you trying to accomplish on the back of the thumb hole?
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Always looking for options.... I NEVER used tape in the back until about 5 years ago. Just white in front and Hada #1. But I'm a fan now. I think the Motiv will compete nicely against the Hada, the black is viable but I'm sure there must be other alternatives, and the white Brunswick is too rough and inconsistent. With all the choices out there, sticking with the first brand I tried would be short-sighted.....
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Always looking for options.... I NEVER used tape in the back until about 5 years ago. Just white in front and Hada #1. But I'm a fan now. I think the Motiv will compete nicely against the Hada, the black is viable but I'm sure there must be other alternatives, and the white Brunswick is too rough and inconsistent. With all the choices out there, sticking with the first brand I tried would be short-sighted.....
It's OK to look at options, but sometimes simple is the best approach. I sometimes use Hada type tape on the back of my thumb for insurance protection during longer format tournaments (8-10 games), but otherwise, no Hada, and no tape on the back of the thumbhole. If it's necessary, your span and pitches aren't as good as you think they are.
If you want to experiment with Hada type thumb tape, look at the Genesis Excel products:
http://bowlgenesis.com/index.php/products/excel
I'm not sure there is a better representation of all the tapes you could possibly use.
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I actually placed an order for the Excel sample pack today, so we agree there. Respectfully disagree on the need or not needing tape though. As much as I hate it, some of us have thumbs that change significantly, even when pitches are right. It is what it is. And even though I use Switch Grips, pretty much everyone will agree they all have a "favorite". Sometimes taping a favorite is better than switching... Not always, but nice to have the option... :)
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I actually placed an order for the Excel sample pack today, so we agree there. Respectfully disagree on the need or not needing tape though. As much as I hate it, some of us have thumbs that change significantly, even when pitches are right. It is what it is. And even though I use Switch Grips, pretty much everyone will agree they all have a "favorite". Sometimes taping a favorite is better than switching... Not always, but nice to have the option... :)
I'm not suggesting tape isn't necessary. I always have from 2-5 pieces of white and/or silver Real Bowlers tape in the front. I attended a seminar/lesson session led by Chris Barnes, and he uses up to 6 pieces of white in front. I know other very good bowlers who only use white on the back to snug up the thumb.
What I'm suggesting is to examine why you need Hada tape on the back of your thumb. If you need it to prevent blisters and cuts, then it's a band-aid there are bigger issues at play. If you're using it to always have the same feel on the back (i.e. humidity and stickiness is an issue), that's a good reason. If you're using Hada to snug up the back, that's also a good reason. I just see too many bowlers use it without knowing why. The "cool" factor.
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Ok, I see what u mean now, thanks for the clarification. As for myself, I use Hada only to help things feel the same from ball to ball, just like using a bowling glove, which I also do... :)
Let me ask you two follow-ups...
1. I've heard good and bad. How do you like the RBT?
2. 5-6 pieces of white tape up front is huge and would be enough to = a pitch modification. So, how would you justify that along with the sentence "If it's necessary, your span and pitches aren't as good as you think they are". :)
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Let me ask you two follow-ups...
1. I've heard good and bad. How do you like the RBT?
2. 5-6 pieces of white tape up front is huge and would be enough to = a pitch modification. So, how would you justify that along with the sentence "If it's necessary, your span and pitches aren't as good as you think they are". :)
I like RBT. It's thinner than standard white, so it's good for fine tuning when an additional piece of white is too thick. On the down side, because it's thinner, it's not as durable. I can put a given piece of white in and out a few times without worrying about it re-sticking and/or tearing. RBT acts more like black tape when messing around with it. In any case I end up with a combination of both white and RBT in the hole.
On the subject of multiple pieces of tape and the effect on pitch, if your span is good, the problem is overblown. I accounted for 3 pieces of white in hole for determining my base span, so having a few pieces more or less to deal with swelling or shrinkage isn't an issue. If I need more than 5 pieces, I go to a smaller size IT. I use Ron Clifton's procedures for determining my optimal span. Here are two of his articles that make for very good reading:
http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/btm04_files/btm4.htm (http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/btm04_files/btm4.htm)
http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/btm05_files/btm5.htm (http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/btm05_files/btm5.htm)
Enjoy the Genesis trial pack. I like their tape, but so matter what brands I try, I end up using Vise Hada most of the time. It's all about feel.
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That's a good plan to accommodate tape in the primary configuration... Will try the RBT, thanks for the feedback.
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Lefty50, if you are looking for a very thin black tape just to smooth out the inside of the thumb or finger hole, have you tried Frankentape?
http://valentinobowling.com/100-Piece-Package_p_30.html
+1 ....
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I started using the siliver real bowlers tape recently because it is a little less grippy than the standard white tape. I like it a lot, but that's just me. Either way might be something for you to look at. I usually only have tape in the front of my thumb hole but I've put the silver in back too on occasion, especially now with it getting colder and it's been fine. Hope that helps!
+1 .... on this real bowlers tape also
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I recently tried a Vise prototype product that I really liked. It came in different colors which indicated thickness and friction. Solar 8n idea to their Hada patch.
I still have not seen it for sale yet though.
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I recently started using the master super texture tape in the front. They make a white and a black. I use the black. It is actually a little softer and tackier than the white. It allows me to keep the thumb hole a little less snug and still give me a good grip on the ball. I stack it on top of a couple pieces of white until I get the right fit. I am able to remove it and add or remove a piece of white, and then put the same piece back over the top.
http://www.bowlwithmaster.com/product-p/1245sb.htm
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I currently use the Silver Real Bowlers Tape in the front of the thumb. I tried the Turbo Grip Strip colored tape (orange, I think) but didn't care for it at all. Didn't stick well and wasn't grippy enough. The Real Bowlers Tape gets pretty dirty, though. I don't find it as durable as the older white tapes (before they all got pretty gooey). The Powerhouse White is also pretty good. I might give that another go again soon.
As for the back, I only use Ebonite black. It's thicker and firmer, which makes it MUCH easier to insert and remove than the standard thin black tape. I also find that it leaves no residue, unlike the thin black tapes which almost always leave a lot of stickiness behind for me (and they tear easily, another demerit).
I have used various Hada tapes and thought I had settled on the Vise Blue, but now I find that I like the Motiv Black even better. It sticks to my thumb PERFECT every time and it gives me a great release. I tried the Motiv Grey and Orange but they were a little too slow for me as I like a quick release (too bad, because I like the orange color!). I am going to try the Genesis Red tape next. From what I understand, Genesis makes the Motiv tape so I'll see if the Genesis Red is identical to the Motiv Black (in theory, they should be the same or pretty close).
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I just ordered the Genesis sample pack, Motiv Black, some silver RBT, and the PowerHouse white... Should be here in 2 days and interested to see what happens. :)
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I just ordered the Genesis sample pack, Motiv Black, some silver RBT, and the PowerHouse white... Should be here in 2 days and interested to see what happens. :)
I'm looking forward to your thoughts!