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View Full Version : Using Tape to snug up the fit.



tumblebug1949
12-21-2011, 09:12 PM
I went out and bowled a couple of games this afternoon and after reading a couple of articles on the use of tape, I tried it.

Until learning the proper use of tape on youtube, I didn't realize the different uses for the white and black versions.

My ball needs two layers of the white textured tape under the thumb or one layer of the white under the thumb and one layer of the smooth black tape on the back side of the thumb.

Each layer of tape take up a little space. Use just enough to making the ball fit perfect. The white tape I got had a textures surface for a little better grip. The packaging stated that the white tape could also be purchased smooth or in an extra rough texture.

The black tape is for a somewhat different purpose than the white. It is smooth and is meant to be placed to fit against the back side of the thumb. It is meant to take up space but also provide a smooth release of the thumb.

I was surprised at how well these items worked. My Storm Reign and T-Zone spare ball were only recently drilled. When things are normal, the grip is about right. When it is cold out or dry, and my thumb is a little smaller, the tape does wonders.

If you decide to try some, be aware that the pre-cut tape comes in different widths. I got the widest, being 1 inch. I figures if I wanted 3/4 inch or smaller, it would be easy to cut.

Happy bowling

v33dubfox
12-21-2011, 11:37 PM
It is also a good idea for those (like me :P) that have some difficulties to keep the thumb straight. You can add a piece of tape every now and then so that you can get used to keep your thumb straighter. When I re-began bowling last year, I had no tape in the ball. Now, if I use that old ball, I have something like 3 or 4 tapes in it if I want to be comfortable.

tumblebug1949
12-22-2011, 02:39 AM
I have heard of that v33dubfox. Bending the thumb at the first joint can lock it in the ball. If nothing else, it can keep it from releasing at the right moment. As far as the number of pieces of tape used, I have heard of 8 pieces being layered in the thumb hole of a ball. I am not too sure it would not be better to have the thumb hole plugged and re-drilled if it takes that much tape to get it to fit.

I also read a review from an individual stating that the black tape made by a certain manufacturer would not stick and kept peeling off. As it turned out, he was trying to adhere the tape to his finger instead of the ball. I guess that is part of the reason I decided to write the post on bowling tape. There is at least some tape out there that is made to adhere to the skin. I think it goes by the name "Second Skin". It was made to adhere to the base of the thumb nail and continue down the thumb, covering the back of the first joint. It is supposed to prevent blisters.

Oh, for those that may decide to try using tape, a tooth pick or paper clip may be useful to help position the tape in the correct spot. The ends of the tape are also cut differently. One end is square and the other is rounded. The square end is supposed to go in first. There is at least one youtube video demonstrating the application of tape. You may save yourself some time if you view this before hand.

Anyway, I found the white and black bowling tape quite useful and would encourage others to try it. Nothing like a snug fit on the ball.

Good Bowling
Tom

littlelegs
12-22-2011, 08:13 AM
I have to admit to being someone with 8 pieces at the moment in one of my balls. I have a valid excuse though - as I've posted before I love using Ron Cs magic carpet (extra thick tape with a 'pile' to it that has some give in it) and was silly enough to run out. Some more is on the way but until then the thumb hole's packed with tape to get the right fit. Oddly enough it works but even so I'll be glad to get rid of it all and just have one piece of carpet in..

StormGirl
12-22-2011, 10:53 AM
i read on Ron c's website that the max number of tapes shouldn't exceed 5 and you should always have at least 2-3 for are to flow through and not create a suction cup effect when you insert your thumb

littlelegs
12-22-2011, 11:43 AM
i read on Ron c's website that the max number of tapes shouldn't exceed 5 and you should always have at least 2-3 for are to flow through and not create a suction cup effect when you insert your thumb

Makes sense. As I say I only have loads in the one ball at the moment as I'm totally out of his particular tape and nothing else is close to being that thick. Usually I have one piece of his magic carpet in and one piece of 'normal' black tape simply as I like the feel that way. To prevent the suction happening I usually get my driller to put in a small air hole although now I've switched to the magic carpet suction isn't really possible.

10-in-the-pit
12-22-2011, 12:02 PM
Will the magic tape get ruined for those of us that soak our bowling balls to clean out the oil? I have tape in my ball as well and the white tape does not get affected by the bath but the black tape doesn't do as well.

littlelegs
12-22-2011, 12:10 PM
I've had it survive a soak but as I don't do it too often couldn't say if this would be the case every time. Certainly the backing seems a lot stickier than normal black tape and slightly stickier than white tape so I'm thinking yes. It'd probably be best to shoot Ron a quick email to ask. I'd imagine contact details are published on the site. One thing you would have to do is make sure you give it plenty of time to dry out though as having a 'pile' to it it'll hold moisture for longer than normal tape.

DanielMareina
12-22-2011, 12:30 PM
First of all, if you need 5 pieces of tape, your ball isn't drilled properly. 0-3 pieces is a good fit. Secondly, bending your thumb at the first knuckle isn't good for a release. If you need to bend the knuckle to hold on to the ball, you either need a tighter fit, or more away pitch in the thumb. To get a smooth and proper release, your thumb should be straight and pressing equally across the entire thumb (not just the pad of the thumb).
As for white and black tape to tighten fit, I personally use 1 or two pieces of tape in the front of the thumb hole, and like to use Turbo thumb tape on the back of my thumb instead of tape on the back of the hole. Not only does it mean that you can change balls, and still use the same one piece of tape, but I feel like it gives a more even release than skin does. I never bowl without the tape on the back of thumb.

tumblebug1949
12-22-2011, 12:52 PM
Thanks for the information Daniel,

I am new and just learning about the different products. I like the idea of the tape being on the thumb so none or not so much is needed in the different balls you are using. I looked the "Turbo" brand website and they do have quite a wide selection. And in varying amounts, should you want a little or a lot. Again, thanks for the info.

Tom

littlelegs
12-22-2011, 01:18 PM
First of all, if you need 5 pieces of tape, your ball isn't drilled properly. 0-3 pieces is a good fit. Secondly, bending your thumb at the first knuckle isn't good for a release. If you need to bend the knuckle to hold on to the ball, you either need a tighter fit, or more away pitch in the thumb. To get a smooth and proper release, your thumb should be straight and pressing equally across the entire thumb (not just the pad of the thumb).
As for white and black tape to tighten fit, I personally use 1 or two pieces of tape in the front of the thumb hole, and like to use Turbo thumb tape on the back of my thumb instead of tape on the back of the hole. Not only does it mean that you can change balls, and still use the same one piece of tape, but I feel like it gives a more even release than skin does. I never bowl without the tape on the back of thumb.

Certainly no disagreement here with 5 pieces being too much. As I say I usually use just the two although may add a third once in a blue moon when the ball's warm and my hand's a little cold.

I know people have posted on the forums that they were able to get used to relaxing their thumb (once they realized they should be doing so) almost instantly. I wish they same were true of me. I spent far too long gripping with my thumb (as way too many bowlers do) and learning to relax without thinking about it took me ages. Sure, I could bowl a few balls relaxed, but would find I drifted back to gripping slightly unless I made a conscious effort not to. Easy enough to know when I did, way too much loft and I'd often pull my arm too and so miss left.

I finally got over that a few months ago, but it took me weeks rather than a day or xx number of games to do so. Maybe I'm just slow on the uptake but I'd guess that when you've been repeating something for a long time, stopping isn't that quick and easy for everyone.

I'm rambling a little as that wasn't really in reply to your post Daniel just for those who (I can't believe I'm unique in this) don't find changing bad habits as quick as they'd like. Great advice in your post as usual and I simply digressed.

10-in-the-pit
12-22-2011, 02:45 PM
My thumb used to get too many callouses and blisters until I started using the flexible tape on the thumb. I use white tape in the front to give it more texture, but I like having a clean back part of the thumb that is just the thumb slug because it has a relatively smooth feel to it and my thumb would exit the ball easier. It's all preference, and unfortunately, it includes lots of trial and error. But 5 pieces of tape is a little excessive which would prompt me to start over with a new slug.

DanielMareina
12-22-2011, 06:11 PM
As a pro shop guy, I would say that if you have a hard time "relaxing" your thumb, it is probably due to a pitch issue. Most bowlers (85% of the one's I have drilled) use a 1/8" away pitch in their thumb and fingers with a finger tip grip. I spent years tearing up my knuckle, gripping the ball, thinking I could fix it by just relaxing. It took me two years before I found the solution. That solution came to me when I learned how a ball is drilled, and started doing it myself. I have low flexiblity in my thumb and fingers. I moved my pitch away, and I stopped having to try to grip it. The problem wasn't effort, but an actual physical limit to the angle I could bend my thumb. I now use 3/4" away in my thumb, 11/16" in my middle finger, and 7/8" away in ring finger. This is A LOT of away pitch, but I can finally relax my grip and let the ball come off smoothly.
The way to find out if this is your problem is to try and touch the pad of your thumb to the line on your palm below your pinky finger. If your thumb can't touch it easily, you probably could use more away pitch. Also, if your hand is bigger, we use more away pitch as the standard due to your hand getting farther around the curve of the ball. If you can't touch that line, or your grip span is 5" or more, I recommend trying 1/4" away pitch and see if it helps.

littlelegs
12-23-2011, 10:26 AM
Thanks for the pitch post Daniel. You see a lot of posts and articles across the Internet about changing pitch but rarely anything with details and reasoning behind it. Unfortunately pro shop quality can vary quite a bit and many who drill balls don't properly understand pitch. Thankfully though many, like yourself, do and the advice can be invaluable. Way too many new people to the sport want to buy the hookiest ball they can see online when they really should be contacting people like yourself as the first stop.

tumblebug1949
12-23-2011, 11:30 AM
Hi all,

The main problem I noticed about going to a Pro-Shop was, as a newby, I knew absolutely nothing about what to expect nor had any way to badge weather or not the shop knew what they were doing. If a new bowler doesn't have some friends around that know bowling and can advise him, he is not in a very good position.

I have to travel a good distance to get to a pro-shop. The first and closest that I went to wasn't worth much. The bowling center employees recommended a different shop. I travelled 85 miles round trip to the one recommended and payed $70.00 to get a ball drilled.

I went to a third I found on the internet that was 75 miles away round trip and found it had just changed hands. I had a spare ball drilled there at a cost of $30.00 plus grips. I was most satisfied with this last shop. If I put what I know about the knowledge or capabilities of these pro-shops it would add up to almost nothing.

I am not saying they are not the best there can be. I am just saying for a new bowler, it is a big and maybe expensive unknown.

Tom

littlelegs
12-23-2011, 11:58 AM
It's a fair point. I think you have to figure that as a new bowler a shop that will take time to talk to you and preferably watch your game before any ball advice is probably a good place to start. If they don't do that I'd be wary especially if they're located in the same building as the lanes.

I've known several places, including my current local lanes, that will sell a ball out of the book via the counter staff with no suggestion to those new or just returning that the guy who coaches and drills it is consulted first :( Good for them though I suppose as they quickly sell a second ball when the person realizes the first wasn't quite right to progress with.

DanielMareina
12-27-2011, 12:48 PM
There are a lot of pro shop employees that will not put in the work that is necessary to drill a ball perfectly. I recommend finding a bowler in the center that has a few balls and ask them if they get them drilled there. I have a bunch of bowlers that get there equipment from me, and bowl at another center that also has a pro shop. Also, it is always best to ask the pro shop before you buy anything about what kind of pin position they recommend for a new bowler. If they aren't willing to give you a decent explanation, they probably won't give you the time when they are drilling either.
As for new bowlers, it is hard for a pro shop to watch you throw a house ball with a conventional grip and have an idea what they will throw a fingertip grip ball like. It is a guessing game on the first one, and a lot of those bowlers have set in their head a perfect ball, but that doesn't mean it is the right one for them. Most of my job is to tell my customers why the ball they are looking at isn't good for what they want it for, and what ball would be good for that. I have a new bowler this year that has a Taboo, Black widow, Cell Pearl, and a Theory. He asked me what I thought of the Storm Nano!!! I said, "I love it, but you don't need one". He had four asymetrical, top of the line balls, and he only bowls on house shots!!! I talked him into a Storm Frantic, and he not only saved $100 from the Nano, but he loves the Frantic. He assumed that if he spent the money on the most expensive, that it was the best ball for him. Most pro shop guys would be happy to sell the $255 ball, but I knew he would be happier with the $155 ball. That is why people recommend me over most the local shops.

littlelegs
12-27-2011, 09:37 PM
That's the problem Daniel, but then for someone brand new to bowling that hasn't a huge choice of bowling centers (Maine is unfortunately a great example of that) hopefully a little advice from the pro-shop is better than buying totally blind even if the people working there aren't the best. The advice you'd probably hope was given for someone new would be a reasonably priced, mid-ranged reactive ball so that they can get the feel and experience of fingertip/hook bowling before progressing. i.e. something that won't break the bank to start as unless very lucky they'll probably move onto something else fairly quickly.

If only there were more pro-shop owners around with both your integrity and knowledge. Again though when the alternative for many is buying totally blind so to speak...

tritt7
01-12-2012, 08:19 PM
When desperate I have been known to use velcro like the magic carpet, it works pretty good.

aussiedave
01-16-2012, 07:37 PM
I went out and bowled a couple of games this afternoon and after reading a couple of articles on the use of tape, I tried it.

Until learning the proper use of tape on youtube, I didn't realize the different uses for the white and black versions.

My ball needs two layers of the white textured tape under the thumb or one layer of the white under the thumb and one layer of the smooth black tape on the back side of the thumb.

Each layer of tape take up a little space. Use just enough to making the ball fit perfect. The white tape I got had a textures surface for a little better grip. The packaging stated that the white tape could also be purchased smooth or in an extra rough texture.

The black tape is for a somewhat different purpose than the white. It is smooth and is meant to be placed to fit against the back side of the thumb. It is meant to take up space but also provide a smooth release of the thumb.

I was surprised at how well these items worked. My Storm Reign and T-Zone spare ball were only recently drilled. When things are normal, the grip is about right. When it is cold out or dry, and my thumb is a little smaller, the tape does wonders.

If you decide to try some, be aware that the pre-cut tape comes in different widths. I got the widest, being 1 inch. I figures if I wanted 3/4 inch or smaller, it would be easy to cut.

Happy bowling
Discovered the tape myself the other day and used it to get some better feeling on a ball I bought off the pre-loved rack in the pro shop.
Thanks for the tips on the different colours and their uses.
ad.

fix_2_0
01-19-2012, 06:04 AM
Keeping your thumb straight is the key for a successful release- and tape helps a lot. I agree with V33-- everyball is different