Vise/Turbo fitting tape (back of thumb)

[AlexNC]

Just out of curiosity, does anyone else experience any slip with the thumb when using fitting tape (the hada type precuts for the backside of the thumb). I keep my thumb quite snug, and when I am using the tape vs nothing, I start to experience slip - as if the thumb of the ball is going to come off early. So far I have tried both VISE red and aqua and experience the same thing. if I make my thumbhole anymore snug, i either can't get the thumb in or the tape comes off.

Might be an underlying issue with the reverse pitch on my thumb, but I am going to explore that this weekend.

[jab5325]

This happens to me ALL THE TIME with hada-type products.

The backstory (sorry for going Aslan here):

My thumb has gotten smaller after significant weight loss. As my equipment is currently drilled, the thumb is too big, so I bought the hada stuff to help. Instead, I almost dropped the ball, repeatedly and much more frequently, on my foot. So, off went the hada.

One of the balls I don't use often is a Hammer Saw Blade, new old stock, that I got off of a guy for $50. So, I had my PSO put a smaller urethane slug in it to see if I was "ready" to have my other equipment done. This was a bit too snug, so I again put on hada. While this helped, it's still a bit too small. So now, with my urethane, we're going to go a size between the original and the Saw Blade.

[Amyers]

I have this issue too when I tried using it in the past. When my PSO suggested it to me again he also recommended using a piece of textured white tape on the tape side of the thumb hole to help prevent this. seems to help if not cure the problem.

[SAbowler]

I use the Vise Red Hada strips and have no issue with slippage.

[foreverincamo]

I've used Hada tape and experienced the same issues. Now I only use black tape and only on the side, or sides combined. Nothing front or back.

[vdubtx]

I use blue hada on back of my thumb and white tape in ball on pad side of thumb. It's all a balance to find what fits you best.

Also, having a Vise IT helps to be sure you have consistent feel in all of your balls.

[djp1080]

Alex, I switched to the roll Vise or Storm protection tape. I cut it in a way to go over the end of the thumb and cover both the front and back. Years ago I had either reverse or zero thumb hole pitch. Today I have forward pitch set to 3/8ths. If someone is going to have slip it should be me, but I don't have an issue with that. Also, changed the finger grips to ovals only and I'm using a piece of Hada type tape around the middle finger tip. After reading Ron Clifton's articles on thumb pitch and trying it out I've been able to relax the grip of the ball significantly and allow it to roll off my hand. Consider changing to a more forward thumb pitch and see the difference.

[AlexNC]

Alex, I switched to the roll Vise or Storm protection tape. I cut it in a way to go over the end of the thumb and cover both the front and back. Years ago I had either reverse or zero thumb hole pitch. Today I have forward pitch set to 3/8ths. If someone is going to have slip it should be me, but I don't have an issue with that. Also, changed the finger grips to ovals only and I'm using a piece of Hada type tape around the middle finger tip. After reading Ron Clifton's articles on thumb pitch and trying it out I've been able to relax the grip of the ball significantly and allow it to roll off my hand. Consider changing to a more forward thumb pitch and see the difference.

I also read the Ron Clifton which is leading me to believe the pitch is an issue. My proshop checked my flexibility on my thumb and used the corresponding pitch for my span via the Bill Taylor chart. I tend to have a dry thumb which may also contribute. I plan on having them look at it this weekend.

As for insert tape, maybe I will try white on both sides for the time being per Amyers.

[AlexNC]

So I bowled league tonight and it was raining and warmer than usual. Perhaps I should have thought things out at this point...but I go with the white tape on both sides and it seems all good until warm ups when I am hanging up and lofting out to the arrows lol. I should mention, the white tape from Ebonite has a different texture than the regular white tape from other brands. Either way, it was a struggle and I ended up wasting all of warmup trying to address my thumbhole fit. I ended up using red Vise hada and black tape on the back of my thumbhole - a combination that has normally been slipping but with the humidity it worked.

Also, I think I really dislike the Ebonite ultra grip insert tapes. The white isn't bad on the front, but their black tape is harder and thicker. When I use 3/4 the edges of the tape are uncomfortable. When I try 1" it's not quite pliable to get it in without a struggle.

[bowl1820]

I've been using Storm Thunder tape and haven't really noticed any slipping with it, Now I just got some Black Hada tape so will have to see.

On the White tape one thing I like doing is to get the 1" wide then cut it into strips (depending on need at the time). I think it lets me customize the fit a bit more, like a lot of times I'll put two strips in like a railroad track. It gives me a lot feel and a good grip, but I can come out of it real easy too.

[Amyers]

So I bowled league tonight and it was raining and warmer than usual. Perhaps I should have thought things out at this point...but I go with the white tape on both sides and it seems all good until warm ups when I am hanging up and lofting out to the arrows lol. I should mention, the white tape from Ebonite has a different texture than the regular white tape from other brands. Either way, it was a struggle and I ended up wasting all of warmup trying to address my thumbhole fit. I ended up using red Vise hada and black tape on the back of my thumbhole - a combination that has normally been slipping but with the humidity it worked.

Also, I think I really dislike the Ebonite ultra grip insert tapes. The white isn't bad on the front, but their black tape is harder and thicker. When I use 3/4 the edges of the tape are uncomfortable. When I try 1" it's not quite pliable to get it in without a struggle.

Well I told you it wouldn't slip. Lol. Sorry it didn't work gotta watch that warmer wet weather.

I've never tried the ebonite tape I use storm or real bowlers tape. I prefer the real bowlers tape it's less sticky and easier to work with.

[AlexNC]

I've been using Storm Thunder tape and haven't really noticed any slipping with it, Now I just got some Black Hada tape so will have to see.

On the White tape one thing I like doing is to get the 1" wide then cut it into strips (depending on need at the time). I think it lets me customize the fit a bit more, like a lot of times I'll put two strips in like a railroad track. It gives me a lot feel and a good grip, but I can come out of it real easy too.

I've heard a few mention the thunder tape now, perhaps I will give it a try. I like the idea with cutting the white tape to customize. I have tried things on the front side of the hole, but nothing special on the back.

[AlexNC]

Well I told you it wouldn't slip. Lol. Sorry it didn't work gotta watch that warmer wet weather.

I've never tried the ebonite tape I use storm or real bowlers tape. I prefer the real bowlers tape it's less sticky and easier to work with.

I have used the silver Real Bowlers tape and like it a lot. My pro shop doesn't carry it - so I have to order it. Have you tried the smooth blue tape?

Speaking of it not leaving adhesive behind...

I had so many issues with tape last night. And I've always heard people complain about some varieties of tape leaving tackiness behind. I had never noticed it until last night. I could only get out of 2/4 balls without hanging up - yeah I know a Vise IT will help and its in the near future. I couldn't figure out why 2 of the balls kept hanging up. I had changed the back tape back to black and it seemed like a nice snug fit, but not excessive. I ended up using one strike ball all night and I was leaving single and 2 pin spares like crazy in the third game. Upon closer examination, the balls I couldn't use had a significant amount of residue left over from the tape, which was causing a lot of hangup. The slugs in these balls are black, so I just didn't see it.

[Amyers]

I have used the silver Real Bowlers tape and like it a lot. My pro shop doesn't carry it - so I have to order it. Have you tried the smooth blue tape?

Speaking of it not leaving adhesive behind...

I had so many issues with tape last night. And I've always heard people complain about some varieties of tape leaving tackiness behind. I had never noticed it until last night. I could only get out of 2/4 balls without hanging up - yeah I know a Vise IT will help and its in the near future. I couldn't figure out why 2 of the balls kept hanging up. I had changed the back tape back to black and it seemed like a nice snug fit, but not excessive. I ended up using one strike ball all night and I was leaving single and 2 pin spares like crazy in the third game. Upon closer examination, the balls I couldn't use had a significant amount of residue left over from the tape, which was causing a lot of hangup. The slugs in these balls are black, so I just didn't see it.

Your leaving the tape in too long. I do this too because I don't like to mess with them when they are right and I kind of like the feel of the tape after gets some wear on it but that's the trade off you have residue. To prevent it change the tape out once a week or so and the residue problem goes away. I keep qutips in my accessory bag and spray them with some ball cleaner to remove the residue when I remove the tape it takes it right off.

[vdubtx]

I change tape out every week before I bowl on Thursdays. In summer, I take tape out after each session as it would just get too sticky with my balls being left in my trunk all the time.

[AlexNC]

I've always been good about changing my tape....

however....

I probably committed a worse sin. It was all fresh tape, so when the white didn't work as the top layer I didn't want to toss all the black that was under it and reused some. Not a great idea. The sticky mess I found was on the sides of the slug where I don't tape, but it may have gotten moved around a bit in my frustration.

[NewToBowling]

I don't change out my tape as much as I should. I use 1 white layer and 1-3 black tape on back of thumb to start. My thumb fluctuates where I need only 2 black and nothing else to anywhere from 2 white and a couple blacks

[bowl1820]

I change out tape every week.

The longer you leave tape in the worst it gets. The texture wears down and the oils/sweat/etc penetrate the material into the adhesive, which can make it harder to get out, gooey, leaves residue.

If you wet sand & polish, the water gets into the hole affects it also.

[billf]

My thumbhole is so tight I use a spare slug to work it into before bowling. I use Turbo fitting tape. Each color corresponds to the speed of release or slickness/thickness of the tape. In the ball is usually 1 or 2 pieces of black for the back of the thumb.
Being an auto tech my thumbs are calloused and beat up. without tape I would never get out of a ball no matter how big the thumb hole was. I've broke my right thum three times so it's a bit more ovaled than most. I use a 1 1/4" slug so it isn't small either. I've yet to meet a bowler with a bigger thumb hole.