Its all in the Fingers

[Ludeth]

Hello Fellow Bowlers,

First let me say that I hope the new year finds all of you well. I was fortunate to receive a new DV8 Misfit under the tree this year. Since it was my first ball, and I haven't been bowling long drilling was pretty intimidating. So I went to my local AMF that has the largest Pro Shop. There was a nice older man who works there who was very helpful. He watched me bowl about half a game, took a TON of hand measurements, asked me about my general bowling style and what I wanted the ball to do. It seemed pretty thorough and overall I had a great experience. A few things sick out in my mind however and I wanted to get some advice.

First, I am not sure that he helped me find my PAP. In thinking this over I wonder if it is because my bowling style has COMPLETELY changed now that I have a fingertip grip. I mean I am positive that whatever axis I was rotating on before has certainly changed. Swapping to the fingertip grip has changed my wrist position, my release angle, even where I stand to start because I am now curving the ball really well. Before the fingertip grip I was throwing an arrow straight house ball that I am convinced I was shoving down the lane not rolling. What are you thoughts on this? Should the pro have been more thorough in locating my PAP? Is is really that important for my first ball? Was there more he should have done.

Secondly, there is a weight hole in my ball near the thumb. Now I did not ask for a specific drilling pattern. The pro said that they added the weight hole because it will help me. "Make the ball stronger.." was the phrase he used. Is this a common thing to have in a ball? Does having a big uncovered hole cause any issues? Also one of my fingers is SUPER close to the PIN.. is that common?

Other than that I just need to learn to control the balls hook. Since I have never thrown a hook before it is a challenge. I find that I am hooking to much. I think this is because I am rolling my wrist over but I am not sure. I also cannot throw that ball straight. I addition the drilling was expensive! $55.00 for the drill and $29.99 for the slugs. I mean those are the posted prices so its not like he made them up but it seemed high to me. It was really the only place I could find with an even partially decent ball driller. Anyway. Those are my thoughts. Overall I am happy with my ball. It seems to do what I want it to do and once I learn to control it I am sure I will be throwing strikes without issue. Thanks for any feedback you guys might have. I can post a picture of the drilling if that would be helpful.

Thanks
Ed

[Zothen]

Welcome to the boards!

If this is your first finger tip ball then the drilling is what he felt would be best for you. As for the weight hole,it serves 2 purposes. 1)It makes the ball legal for sanctioned leagues and tournaments(Not all balls have weight holes) or 2)It will make the ball react in a paticular way(In your case stronger). Their are no known issuse that I know of by adding a weight hole.

I believe your PAP was guessed because you had no previous finger tip experience(Don't hold me to this) and as far as drilling and grip prices go,it sounds about right depending on where you live.

I would suggest getting a coach to help you control the hook and join a practice league would be great as you usually get either free bowling or discount bowling coupons to use during non league time.

Zothen

[e-tank]

My drilled estimated my pap as i have no formal measurement of it and i didnt see a point of getting one as my style has changed so much over the past 3 months. Now that i have a consistent style its something ill look into. Maybe you should look into a wrist brace if youre having trouble with hand and wrist position. Last drilling price was pretty standard. Mine charges 65+ 10 if you want inserts. Other places charge less but my driller is one of the best in san diego and every time i go there he educates me more on bowling so ill gladly pay more.

[billf]

Being your first fingertip grip ball, the driller probably used a "generic" PAP which is acceptable. Being that you didn't have a ball drilled that way in which to accurately find your PAP, there really wasn't much of a choice. A high percentage of bowlers have a PAP of 4" over and I believe that's what most drillers use for a generic PAP.
The extra hole, balance hole, get back hole, whatever they want to call it today, serves a purpose and is not an issue. Pin close to finger holes...that's up to debate. Some ball companies won't honor the warranty if the pin is within a 1/4" of inside edge of the hole (it is beveled under the grip creating an optical illusion of being closer). If there is a warranty issue, DV8 will honor it and then go after the shop for making the mistake (been there, done that) so don't worry.
Given that the shop took the time to fit you properly, see your game to give their knowledge on a layout that would benefit you most, I find the price very acceptable. Most shops offer their balls with drilling included with grips and slugs extra. If that's the case then when you see a ball on the internet, add the drilling cost to that to determine who is actually cheaper. Then ask how well the internet company will be with sharing knowlegdge, tips, etc. You will see that the more you visit the shop, the more they tend to share and at times, the more discounts you will receive.
If you do decide to go the internet route for your equipment, including tape, rosin, etc. then check out the owners of this forum www.bowlingball.com and also check out www.bowlerX.com Both are reputable companies.

[jbeck]

My drilled estimated my pap as i have no formal measurement of it and i didnt see a point of getting one as my style has changed so much over the past 3 months. Now that i have a consistent style its something ill look into. Maybe you should look into a wrist brace if youre having trouble with hand and wrist position. Last drilling price was pretty standard. Mine charges 65+ 10 if you want inserts. Other places charge less but my driller is one of the best in san diego and every time i go there he educates me more on bowling so ill gladly pay more.
e-tank
I was wondering where in San Diego do you get your ball drilled? I've had mine bought and drilled at the Naval Base and it didn't cost that much, but if the guy you say is worth it then that's where I would like to get my next ball drilled.

[Tampabaybob]

e-tank
I was wondering where in San Diego do you get your ball drilled? I've had mine bought and drilled at the Naval Base and it didn't cost that much, but if the guy you say is worth it then that's where I would like to get my next ball drilled.

If you see some of the better bowlers (high average bowlers) ask them for their advice on who's in the area that they like and why. Everyone probably will have a different opinion, but that's usually the case. Find someone that you relate to well and stick with him. He'll get to know you and your bowling style and equipment and will be able to best recommend what you should use and purchase as well as what type of drilling will suit your needs.

I would think there are many good drillers in the San Diego area that you could find.

[remix]

Find someone that you relate to well and stick with him. He'll get to know you and your bowling style and equipment and will be able to best recommend what you should use and purchase as well as what type of drilling will suit your needs.

This is good advice from TBBob. I got back into bowling a few years ago and after about a year I found a pro shop with certified instructors that I liked. Through a few lessons and equipment changes my league average jumped from 165 to 193 in one season and this year to 210. I pay a little more but the benefits of having this relationship with someone that knows my game has benefited me greatly.

[Tampabaybob]

This is good advice from TBBob. I got back into bowling a few years ago and after about a year I found a pro shop with certified instructors that I liked. Through a few lessons and equipment changes my league average jumped from 165 to 193 in one season and this year to 210. I pay a little more but the benefits of having this relationship with someone that knows my game has benefited me greatly.

This is a great response and a great testament for new bowlers to find a local coach. Most of the good coaches across the country have had many years of experience and can help most bowlers improve. Thanks for letting everyone know how much it helped you, I'm sure your coach is very proud as well !

[aussiedave]

Hello Fellow Bowlers,

First let me say that I hope the new year finds all of you well. I was fortunate to receive a new DV8 Misfit under the tree this year. Since it was my first ball, and I haven't been bowling long drilling was pretty intimidating. So I went to my local AMF that has the largest Pro Shop. There was a nice older man who works there who was very helpful. He watched me bowl about half a game, took a TON of hand measurements, asked me about my general bowling style and what I wanted the ball to do. It seemed pretty thorough and overall I had a great experience. A few things sick out in my mind however and I wanted to get some advice.

First, I am not sure that he helped me find my PAP. In thinking this over I wonder if it is because my bowling style has COMPLETELY changed now that I have a fingertip grip. I mean I am positive that whatever axis I was rotating on before has certainly changed. Swapping to the fingertip grip has changed my wrist position, my release angle, even where I stand to start because I am now curving the ball really well. Before the fingertip grip I was throwing an arrow straight house ball that I am convinced I was shoving down the lane not rolling. What are you thoughts on this? Should the pro have been more thorough in locating my PAP? Is is really that important for my first ball? Was there more he should have done.

Secondly, there is a weight hole in my ball near the thumb. Now I did not ask for a specific drilling pattern. The pro said that they added the weight hole because it will help me. "Make the ball stronger.." was the phrase he used. Is this a common thing to have in a ball? Does having a big uncovered hole cause any issues? Also one of my fingers is SUPER close to the PIN.. is that common?

Other than that I just need to learn to control the balls hook. Since I have never thrown a hook before it is a challenge. I find that I am hooking to much. I think this is because I am rolling my wrist over but I am not sure. I also cannot throw that ball straight. I addition the drilling was expensive! $55.00 for the drill and $29.99 for the slugs. I mean those are the posted prices so its not like he made them up but it seemed high to me. It was really the only place I could find with an even partially decent ball driller. Anyway. Those are my thoughts. Overall I am happy with my ball. It seems to do what I want it to do and once I learn to control it I am sure I will be throwing strikes without issue. Thanks for any feedback you guys might have. I can post a picture of the drilling if that would be helpful.

Thanks
Ed
I haven't taken the time to read any of the replies but what you said seems very familiar to me, so here goes.
Firstly, the ball you got is a pretty strong hooking ball, so to counter this hook, you will have to make sure you get the ball out on the lane - don't be afraid to toss it out about 6 feet or so. This will serve to negate some of the hook.
Another thing you can try is to hussle up to the line a bit quicker and get some more pace on the ball with your own ground speed. You will have to step back at least 2 feet for this. Making more speed this way is easier and less problematical than trying to generate more pace by forcing the ball. If you combine these two factors, you will get a lot more pace and it won't effect your timing too much.
Another one you can try is to have a bigger pushaway, but this will effect your timing and can lead to balance problems.
The way your pro drilled the ball is common for those who want a smoother arc - there is even a standard guideline for drilling this way. Finding your PAP is more for the more advanced bowler using high end balls, but some may disagree with this idea.
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