To Slug or not To Slug?

[Ryan1700]

Ok, I have mentioned in other post that I am new here. I don't know what questions have been covered. I did try to search this subject but didn't see it so here goes...

Every ball I have ever owned I have thumb slugged. I see others who don't and have seen some post from some who don't. I do it because that is just what I have always done. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of thumb slugs and the same for no thumb slugs?

Thanks!

Ryan

[rv driver]

As far as I know, there aren't any real disadvantages to thumb slugs. An advantage is that it offers a more custom fit for your thumb, and a more uniform fit between balls.

[AndrewRM]

Funnily enough I just emailed my proshop today about the thumb hole tearing up my thumb a bit and they suggested I get a thumb slug (solid as they call it). I did a bit of research and I didn't see any downsides to it, only positives. The only "downside" if you can call it that is that it costs more than no slug, which really doesn't count as a negative if you ask me.

[Ryan1700]

As far as cost goes, I am the same way AndrewRM. I am fortunate enough to have a career that allows me to spend a little money on my hobbies so I am able to get what I want for the most part. I had an older hammer Saw Blade with a slug that was drilled over 10 years ago. I took that into my current pro shop and asked them to oval the thumb out a bit and was informed that the material they make the slugs out of has changed dramatically. She told me that the older slug material was hard as a rock and ir I tried to sand a little out by hand, I could have sawed on it all night and done nothing. It is my understanding that these newer slugs are different. I see bowlers, both experienced/ high average players and casual bowlers with and without. I was just curious as to why.

[bowl1820]

As far as I know, there aren't any real disadvantages to thumb slugs. An advantage is that it offers a more custom fit for your thumb, and a more uniform fit between balls.
Okay what are we talking about here? Slugs or IT's? Their different.

Slugs are "usually" just urethane "slugs" that are glued in a ball and the hole drilled into them.


Interchangable thumbs (IT) are used to give a more uniform fit between balls. Now ITs use slugs in them.

[Aslan]

I do it because that is just what I have always done.
That about sums up why most people do it.


As far as I know, there aren't any real disadvantages to thumb slugs. An advantage is that it offers a more custom fit for your thumb, and a more uniform fit between balls.
No; interchangeable inserts (VISE, TURBO) allow that. Slugs are just...slugs.


I didn't see any downsides to it, only positives. The only "downside" if you can call it that is that it costs more than no slug, which really doesn't count as a negative if you ask me.
I'd like to see the "positives" list.

The older timers might be able to comment on old rubber, plastic, and urethane balls in terms of whether the thumb holes back then needed slugs...perhaps edges were sharper or something. But nowadays...nearly every person I've seen with one...it's just that way because thats what they've always done. Kinda like how everyone used to have their initials etched in the ball (because early on...all the balls were black and there wasn't a huge variety)...and nowadays some people still have initials etched in their ball...but it's rather pointless.

[Ryan1700]

I was referring to the slugs that are inset, glued, and drilled. I have considered experimenting with interchangeable inserts however. Since it is a similar topic, do you mind running down the pros/cons of those? Also, are you saying that the thumb slugging is pretty much pointless with today's balls?

[Amyers]

That about sums up why most people do it.


No; interchangeable inserts (VISE, TURBO) allow that. Slugs are just...slugs.


I'd like to see the "positives" list.

The older timers might be able to comment on old rubber, plastic, and urethane balls in terms of whether the thumb holes back then needed slugs...perhaps edges were sharper or something. But nowadays...nearly every person I've seen with one...it's just that way because thats what they've always done. Kinda like how everyone used to have their initials etched in the ball (because early on...all the balls were black and there wasn't a huge variety)...and nowadays some people still have initials etched in their ball...but it's rather pointless.

Actualy slugs are a modern thing for the few that had them they used to use vinyl inserts. The main purpose of a slug is to give every hole the same feel. As different cover/core material between balls feel differently.

Slugs also allow you to change the pitch on your thumb hole more easily than completely plugging and redrilling a ball

[Blomer]

Ever since I started bowling, just about a year and a half ago, used slugs. My spare doesn't have one and can't really see my self getting a new ball without a slug.

[SRB57]

I have been using thumb slugs and finger inserts since they came out. I am able to get the same feel on all my balls and I think it is easier on my thumb as far as blisters or cuts. I remember the original LT-48 and how rough the core felt. I had to drill the thumb big and plug it to get the right feel. Steve

[bubba809]

Never had one, never will. Not necessary.

[epiepenburg]

I went to slugs on all my balls, not the interchangeable inserts. I felt I was always using powder to get my thumb out of my ball clean when I wasn't using slugs. Since I have gone to slugs the only time I need powder is to dry my hands, I no longer need the powder to get the thumb out of the ball clean.

[vdubtx]

Slugs in every single ball. They just feel better and are more consistent than the just having the thumb against the ball material to me. Also, easier to get thumb re-done if you lose weight etc.

Can't change thumb size smaller without filling it and waiting a few days without slug. With slugs, they drill old one out, pound new one in and drill new size hole.

[foreverincamo]

I slug everything. The new softer slugs are customizable with just sandpaper. Use higher grit and you can polish them so smooth they'll never tear up your thumb.

[rv driver]

Okay what are we talking about here? Slugs or IT's? Their different.

Slugs are "usually" just urethane "slugs" that are glued in a ball and the hole drilled into them.


Interchangable thumbs (IT) are used to give a more uniform fit between balls. Now ITs use slugs in them.
Yeah, I was talking about the IT, which, if I have slugs done -- that will be ... it. I don't see the advantage in retrofitting all my balls with different slugs.

[rv driver]

The older timers might be able to comment on old rubber, plastic, and urethane balls in terms of whether the thumb holes back then needed slugs...perhaps edges were sharper or something.
There's no real difference that I can tell between old rubber or urethane and modern equipment. I had to have the hole in my rubber ball bevelled because it was too sharp. same with my old urethane.

Back then, I didn't have several balls -- I had one. So, now it makes sense for me to use an IT with a slug, because all balls will now feel the same, plus, as I age and my thumb varies more with use than it used to do, I can have several sizes of slug inserts at my disposal to keep the feeling consistent.

[rv driver]

I was referring to the slugs that are inset, glued, and drilled. I have considered experimenting with interchangeable inserts however. Since it is a similar topic, do you mind running down the pros/cons of those? Also, are you saying that the thumb slugging is pretty much pointless with today's balls?
My PSO said that an inset slug can be better "shaped" to one's thumb than simply trying to shape the hole. That, as far as I'm aware, is the only advantage to an inset slug -- that and, he said, some people just don't like the feel of the material in the ball against their thumb, so the inset slug may have a more appealing texture.

With an insert (like the IT, you can get any number of sizes to fit, so that, if your thumb swells during play, you can simply switch to a larger size and keep the feeling consistent. It's also important if you have an arsenal, because the IT is the IT and it will feel the same from ball to ball.

[nomad1721]

I use to just get the balls drilled, but now i use Its. I like the consistency of the feel better. I have never used slugs, so can't comment on them.

[Aslan]

I've never noticed much difference in feel one ball to another…especially with all the tape in the hole. But, I guess I never paid attention either so maybe there is a different feel.

[Mike White]

Slugs in every single ball. They just feel better and are more consistent than the just having the thumb against the ball material to me. Also, easier to get thumb re-done if you lose weight etc.

Can't change thumb size smaller without filling it and waiting a few days without slug. With slugs, they drill old one out, pound new one in and drill new size hole.

Technically this isn't true anymore.

With 1 hour plug the wait time can be cut down significantly.

Also, if a no-slug thumb hole becomes too lose, it can be converted to a slug, and available right away.

The most significant reason for a slug is so you don't feel the different textures in the ball (core, filler, cover)

[kingtut]

I just had two balls drilled up yesterday for the first time without a thumb slug. I have always used a thumb slug and using these new balls, I won't miss them at all. New pro shop and driller (Eugene McCune) tried some new pitches with my thumb and fingers. In just testing the new layouts, it was perfect! In practice I shot a 256 without even thinging about it. He said if it works, you really don't need a slug.

[foreverincamo]

I like my slugs. Wanted to go to the IT's but they're out of my price range for 6 balls. If my thumb gets a little swollen, I can open up a hole a smidge with sand paper, and use a little tape if my thumb is too small .

[Mike White]

I like my slugs. Wanted to go to the IT's but they're out of my price range for 6 balls. If my thumb gets a little swollen, I can open up a hole a smidge with sand paper, and use a little tape if my thumb is too small .

What is the difference in prices if you have a ball drilled to including "ball-it" as opposed to having it drilled with a glued in place slug?

Personally, I charge $10 for installing the "ball-it" parts, and $15 for drilling the "slug-it"

To drill a ball with a slug instead of into the raw ball, I add $5. $10 if it's an oval hole.

[fortheloveofbowling]

Anyone that is serious about their game should definitely get the interchangeable system. When you get to the point of a good consistent relaxed release you have the confidence that when you switch balls you will have the exact same feel. It is just difficult to get the same bevels and overall feel identical ball to ball without it. One less thing to worry about when managing your game.