Ovals VS. lifts for finger inserts......

[foreverincamo]

I have 8 balls currently drilled up, 7 with ovals and just put lifts in my newly drilled Marauder Mutiny. Thought I would change things up. Any thoughts on what you all use? If you don't use inserts, would love to know why.

[Mike White]

I have 8 balls currently drilled up, 7 with ovals and just put lifts in my newly drilled Marauder Mutiny. Thought I would change things up. Any thoughts on what you all use? If you don't use inserts, would love to know why.

I used to never use inserts because I didn't like the distance between the finger holes, 1/4" for the bridge then the thickness of the walls of the inserts added up to too much gap.

Since coming back to bowling, I discovered "lady" inserts. I use the largest size ( I think 6 1/2 ) giving the thinnest walls.

I don't need the insert to be snug around the finger, just need to feel a hint of lifter under my fingers.

[billf]

The only thing I would caution when switching insert type is they can change the finger pitch. For some it isn't a big deal while others will notice more finger pain.

I've always wanted to try no inserts but am timid due to the arthritis in my fingers.

[Timmyb]

Switched from lifts to ovals, along with a pitch and span change due to shredding my middle finger. No noticeable change in speed or turn.

[vdubtx]

The only thing I would caution when switching insert type is they can change the finger pitch.

Exactly this. Unless you need for a reason that your pitch changes, I would stick with ovals like your other equipment.

Who knows though, you may like the lifts side of the inserts and change all your stuff to the little bit extra pitch.

[foreverincamo]

We will see how the lifts go. It's $5 to change them over if they don't.

[JohnN]

Buy your own inserts ($1 each plus shipping on e-bay), tool ($10) and super glue and change them yourself. Depending on how deep your fingers are drilled you may have to trim them. Even when I buy a ball I supply my own inserts.

[foreverincamo]

Suppose I could do that. Thanks. Just need to make an insert removal tool first

[vdubtx]

Suppose I could do that. Thanks. Just need to make an insert removal tool first

Don't need a tool, can just use a screwdriver to get the inserts out.

I have a small screwdriver in my equipment bag that I use to insert or remove tape in my thumb holes. Can use same to remove finger inserts too.

[scottymoney]

Grips are very easy to remove, especially if the PSO didn't use half a bottle of glue to put them in.

I use very little and they hold well. I could also tell when changing them who put them in as any I put in myself were easily removed with not much effort.

I actually went from lifts to ovals and made them bigger, went from 5 and 4 to 6 and 4.5. It has helped my fingers and I can bowl many more games without any pain.

[Mike White]

Don't need a tool, can just use a screwdriver to get the inserts out.

I have a small screwdriver in my equipment bag that I use to insert or remove tape in my thumb holes. Can use same to remove finger inserts too.

It's also nice to have a bevel knife handy for those times where the insert tears when being removed leaving a chunk on insert still attached to the hole.

[foreverincamo]

I don't remember the grip size I use, but I've always put in right ones, then I grind them out to fit by feel. Too loose and you're having to squeeze the ball in order to hang onto it.

[foreverincamo]

If anyone buys finger inserts on EBAY will you let me know who you use please?

[shadd]

If anyone buys finger inserts on EBAY will you let me know who you use please?

And, how do you go about selecting sizes?

[Timmyb]

And, how do you go about selecting sizes?


Probably have to go to a pro shop to find out what works for you. You should feel a slight drag as you're putting you fingers in. It kind of seems all companies use a different sizing method, so make sure you know what's being put in from the getgo. I've bought them off eBay before, and had good luck with fit. Look for a reputable guy (high feedback).

[foreverincamo]

I'm just going to make my own removal tool. If I have good luck with the lifts I'll change over my other balls when I have the money.

[Tony]

Some or maybe all of the inserts have the size imprinted into them, and I once saw a size conversion chart to see what the equivalent size is in the other brand.

[NewToBowling]

The one problem is you generally have to take out the insert to see the size