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