Finger grips

[billf]

How often do you replace your grips? Manufacturers say around 60 games. That seems about when I have to. Worn grips will cause hand or finger pain, excessive finger grip pressure, loss of revs and/or ball reaction. They should be snug but how snug is a personal preference. If you want to try using finger tape then go up one size to allow room for the tape.
Of course you could always do like some pros, get the fingers drilled fingertip but don't use grips. Then when the holes wear you can just plug and re-drill. I've been debating trying it for myself.

[75lockwood]

Never? lol

i had my rattler for 4-5 years, and never replaced them lol

i will keep this in mind though.


Its funny all the things i don't think about..... what else am i missing?

[noeymc]

winter time and summer time so about every 4-7 months based on temp

[got_a_300]

Of course all of the manufacturers will say to replace
them somewhere around 60 games but that is just so
they can sell you more of them. I have well over several
hundred games on all of my finger grips between leagues
and practice sessions and they are still going strong with
the exception of one ball and they are only worn very little
since I do not crank the ball like I used to.

Now back in the late 80's and into 90's when I used to be a
big cranker with some where around 550 to 600+ revs I'd go
through a set of finger grips in about 90 games sometimes less
that is until I started going without finger grips at all and I never
wore out the finger holes in the ball.

[Zothen]

I replace mine when they become worn and no longer feel snug which is around 2yrs.

Zothen

[scottymoney]

I think this is one of those different for everyone questions. But I will say the fit of the grips makes a huge difference. My old ball the grips are huge compared to my new one, The driller made it a point to show me the difference and it was a big difference. My old scout reactive still has the old grips in it but I only use it for picking up 9 or 10 pin spares. It does feel awkward as the grips are huge and I am thinking of have them replaced down to a smaller size just for a better fit.

[Cochese]

I have two balls that I got about 10 years ago and I just replaced the grips in one because my fingers are fatter and they were too small, because I thought they were worn out. Granted I didn't bowl much the last 10 years, but I bet each ball has more than 100 games plus the grips were sitting in my basement for 10 years.

I will say the newer grips did feel much better when I did replace them. Not sure if it was because the fit better or because they were new though.

[swingset]

I've never liked them snug, so mine almost never wear out or need replaced. Non-issue, to me.

[Brother_jd]

I have actually never replaced any grips on any of my balls. I like them to be snug also.

[ArtVandelay]

So what's involved in replacing the grips? Can they just rip them out and glue new ones in, or is drilling involved? What kind of cost is involved?

I've never had grips/inserts before. When I get my new ball in I plan to try them this time around (I've heard great things), but I didn't know there was more involved than just getting them in the first place!

I have seen people who lose their inserts during league. That would make for a tough day!

[J Anderson]

So what's involved in replacing the grips? Can they just rip them out and glue new ones in, or is drilling involved? What kind of cost is involved?

I've never had grips/inserts before. When I get my new ball in I plan to try them this time around (I've heard great things), but I didn't know there was more involved than just getting them in the first place!

I have seen people who lose their inserts during league. That would make for a tough day!

Not much involved. They do have a tool for separating the grip from the ball. Do drilling involved.

I've only lost one grip in the four years I've been using them. It came out on the second to last throw of the last night of league. Used my spare ball for the last and didn't glue the insert back in till a month later.

[billf]

Here's what I've noticed. Higher the rev rate the quicker the grips wear. The snugger the grip the easier they seem to wear also. I prefer mine pretty tight and really accelerate hard through the swing during competition. So naturally it makes sense that mine would wear out before a low rev stroker. The point being, for maybe $10, don't overlook the possibility that your grips are worn more than you think and can be hindering your game.

[ArtVandelay]

Hmmm... So it almost sounds like something you do yourself, or is it pro shop only? $10 total cost?

While we're talking about it: Has anyone looked into those changeable thumbs yet? You can basically twist your thumb hole out of the ball and put another one in? I was wondering about that...

It would seem like a good idea to me! I always get my thumb hole drilled a little loose because my thumb can swell from time to time, but with that system it sounds like you can just change out the insert if you need to, and proceed. No need to use tape or anything! A lot has changed in the 6 years since I last had a ball drilled...

I'm getting old. Crap.

[billf]

Yes, you can change the grips yourself. Most centers have the removal tool available or you can purchase one fairly cheap.
I use, love and recommend the interchangeable thumbs. I use tape to perfect the fit on all three of my thumb inserts. After breaking that thumb three times and the arthritis it can sell quite a bit. Especially after bowling 16-46 games a day for tournaments or practice.

[ArtVandelay]

Jesus... Did you break your thumb bowling? I can't imagine... I understand people like a tight thumb, but wow.

[billf]

No not bowling. Once in the Philippines and twice with a hammer.

[ArtVandelay]

...Probably even worse. I wouldn't want to break my thumb with a hammer (or hammer bowling ball), and I can't imagine what kind of information the Phillipino's were trying to get out of you!

[sprocket]

I don't change mine often enough, but I did just get mine changed. I like them quite tight and I use just plain ovals. I don't like any other type.