When should I start to worry about the brand and type of finger grip?

[unclemantis]

I just got my new ball drilled a week ago. I was never asked what brand or type of finger grips I wanted. Was I given low cost entry level grips? Does it really matter the brand and type? When should I start worrying about it effecting my game? I have a 160 average again since I got the new ball! So when do I start worrying about the little things?

[bowl1820]

Most shops only carry one brand, usually either vise or turbo (The 2 major brands) and the majority of everyone gets either oval grips or round.

Grips are mostly a "feel" item, as long as you like the feel you have I wouldn't worry about it.

[unclemantis]

I wish mine felt a little softer

[ArtVandelay]

I wouldnt worry about it too much. I think we adjust to what we have. But, that being said, if you want softer grips, talk to your pro shop about that. If they dont have them, Im sure they can tell you what size to buy and what kind to consider. Once you buy them, I cant imagine they would charge you much to install them (maybe $5-10...?).

I do think grips are like tires, though. The softer ones might have slightly better grip and a smoother "ride," but at the cost of having to be replaced more often.

I like how interested you are in your purchase. When I spend money, I do everything I can to make sure its money well spent and I take good care of the product. But, you might be overthinking it a little. Its important to have the ball the way you want it, and be confident and comfortable with the way it is, but at the end of the day the ball is only as good as the throw you give it.

[J Anderson]

I wish mine felt a little softer

Unless you're bowling professionally I wouldn't worry about the grips if I were you. After a year you might be ready for new grips, or maybe you'll have the itch to get a new ball. Then you should ask about softer grips.

[unclemantis]

I wouldnt worry about it too much. I think we adjust to what we have. But, that being said, if you want softer grips, talk to your pro shop about that. If they dont have them, Im sure they can tell you what size to buy and what kind to consider. Once you buy them, I cant imagine they would charge you much to install them (maybe $5-10...?).

I do think grips are like tires, though. The softer ones might have slightly better grip and a smoother "ride," but at the cost of having to be replaced more often.

I like how interested you are in your purchase. When I spend money, I do everything I can to make sure its money well spent and I take good care of the product. But, you might be overthinking it a little. Its important to have the ball the way you want it, and be confident and comfortable with the way it is, but at the end of the day the ball is only as good as the throw you give it.

I still need to work on my throw.

Any suggestions on exersizes to do that will allow me to cup the ball easier and without pain at the end of the night?

[billf]

Exercise? Isn't that a long four letter word?
Wrist curls. Sit on the edge of a chair with your knees at a 90° angle. Lay your arm on your leg, wrist just past the knee, palm up. Bend wrist down (towards toes) then back up towards your forearm. You can do both arms at the same time. To keep it cheap, use a broom handle with milk jugs filled with some water as weight (adjust water level to adjust weight).

[ZRock]

With how light your ball is, doing bills exercise with just a soup can may be helpful

[unclemantis]

With how light your ball is, doing bills exercise with just a soup can may be helpful

I tried it using my ball in a sling. Didn't work out so well. I will try both Zrock and Bill's

[unclemantis]

Oh and here is a link to some photos of my ball. http://www.bowlingboards.com/threads/13395-My-Drilled-Hammer-Nail?p=75500#post75500

[Tampabaybob]

You've got oval grips and usually those are more comfortable. Throw the ball for a few months and if you feel they're too soft (spongy) have the pro shop replace them with harder grips. They're not that expensive that you can't change them out from time to time.

[J Anderson]

I still need to work on my throw.

Any suggestions on exersizes to do that will allow me to cup the ball easier and without pain at the end of the night?

This thread has some suggestions;http://www.bowlingboards.com/threads/6237-Trying-to-get-more-revolutions-with-little-wrist-strength?highlight=wrist+exercises

[ecub]

The only time you should worry is when you're a pro and sponsored by Vise, but prefer Turbo. :D

For us non pros, use whatever feels comfortable.

[unclemantis]

You've got oval grips and usually those are more comfortable. Throw the ball for a few months and if you feel they're too soft (spongy) have the pro shop replace them with harder grips. They're not that expensive that you can't change them out from time to time.

The cuitcule on my middle finger has been removed and i can see underneath the skin..... it is a little sore.... EW!

How do I fix this and prevent it in the future or is this just the way it is going to be?

[CeKnauss]

The cuitcule on my middle finger has been removed and i can see underneath the skin..... it is a little sore.... EW!

How do I fix this and prevent it in the future or is this just the way it is going to be?

One thing I've done to help with comfort issues in my grip is by putting a 1/2 inch reverse pitch on my fingers and using slightly larger-than-suggested oval grips. I also blister when I use Turbo grips, as they tend to be tougher for me, and therefore use Vise. This allows my hand to be in a more relaxed position throughout my swing and the top of my fingers don't rub on the other side of the grips.

Obviously it would take time and cost for you to plug and redrill the fingers, but perhaps consider some reverse pitch in the future to help relax your hand.

[unclemantis]

One thing I've done to help with comfort issues in my grip is by putting a 1/2 inch reverse pitch on my fingers and using slightly larger-than-suggested oval grips. I also blister when I use Turbo grips, as they tend to be tougher for me, and therefore use Vise. This allows my hand to be in a more relaxed position throughout my swing and the top of my fingers don't rub on the other side of the grips.

Obviously it would take time and cost for you to plug and redrill the fingers, but perhaps consider some reverse pitch in the future to help relax your hand.

Define: Reverse Pitch?

[bowl1820]

Reverse pitch: The drilled hole, either finger or thumb, is angled away from the midline (center) of grip.

http://0.tqn.com/w/experts/Bowling-1812/2009/07/Finger-thumb-Pitch_1.jpg

[unclemantis]

Reverse pitch: The drilled hole, either finger or thumb, is angled away from the midline (center) of grip.

http://0.tqn.com/w/experts/Bowling-1812/2009/07/Finger-thumb-Pitch_1.jpg

I will have to ask my proshop.