Fingertip with no inserts

[billf]

I have a bad habit of grabbing?squeezing the ball at the bottom of the swing on occasion. While discussing this with a friend he suggested going without finger inserts. He bowled collegiately with Graham Fach and said that is why Graham doesn't use inserts. This got me curious so I decided to give it a try. I picked up a Storm Rocket with ten games on it for $20. Seemed like the perfect candidate. So the ball was plugged Sunday, layed out Monday and drilled Tuesday just before league. Being a scratch league it probably wasn't the best time to try it but I'm not very patient.
Much to my surprise the finger fit was more comfortable than with inserts. We went with middle finger 25/32, ring 3/4, the same sizes as my inserts. There is just enough room to add a piece of tape when the humidity drops. This worked so well I ordered a Motiv Freestyle last night with the same finger holes, no inserts. I will be picking it up on my way to work tonight. Now to decide if I want to get all my fingers plugged and redrilled or donate them and start over.

[1VegasBowler]

Norm Duke doesn't use any inserts either.

[billf]

a lot of them don't but I never asked why.

Tommy Jones needs to try it. I can't tell you how many times I've heard him on TV getting on himself for grabbing it at the bottom.

[bowl1820]

a lot of them don't but I never asked why.

Tommy Jones needs to try it. I can't tell you how many times I've heard him on TV getting on himself for grabbing it at the bottom.

Going with no inserts and leaving the edges sharp helps you learn to keep from grabbing the ball and will help reduce finger pressure. Drew who runs the proshop here doesn't use inserts, I tried his ball it feels like a razorblade against your fingers.

A lot don't like the friction they feel from inserts also.

[fordman1]

I saved a lot of money not having to by that stuff in the little jar. My palm would be black after bowling.

[foreverincamo]

I used to bowl without them. Did for years. When inserts first came out, they weren't soft or spongy at all. They were tough and lasted for years. I still have some in my Blue Pearl Hammer I bought in 1987.
I have inserts in all my balls, but I do wish they were made out of something harder.

[billf]

I saved a lot of money not having to by that stuff in the little jar. My palm would be black after bowling.

Did I miss something? What are you talking about?

[2handedsniper]

If I don't have inserts i don't bowl a 100 lol. I love love the soft padding

[bowl1820]

I saved a lot of money not having to by that stuff in the little jar. My palm would be black after bowling.

Did I miss something? What are you talking about?

I believe he's referring to the grip cream that comes in the little bottle.

I'm assuming that by using inserts, he no longer had to use it.

[Tony]

My first few balls were with no grips but I can't say I'd go back with that, I do see and know some guys who just never liked the grips and have never used them, same thing with thumb slugs, there are still people that don't use or like those either. It's all a personal feel for what makes it easier for you to bowl and score I guess, let us know how it works out for you.