Finger insert question time!

[DLP]

The Fringe I picked up is already drilled fingertip and has inserts with relatively pronounced lifts.
My Path on the other hand (polyester ball), drilled semi-fingertip, has inserts but are just standard oval (no lifts).

I am finding that I can throw my Path comfortably without much fingertip discomfort. My Fringe on the other hand, overtime is starting to "wear" on the pads of my fingers and over time (especially if I don't rest two or three days between bowling) my fingertips become very sore.

What is the purpose of the lifts in the inserts? What is their benefit?

Since I'm finding fingertip discomfort should I change them out to be smaller lifts or none at all?

Also something I noticed tonight (and maybe it's because I took some advice and was holding my thumb straight) my fingernail was bottoming out in the thumb hole. If I have the Pro drill it a little deeper, will that impact the ball much?

[J Anderson]

The Fringe I picked up is already drilled fingertip and has inserts with relatively pronounced lifts.
My Path on the other hand (polyester ball), drilled semi-fingertip, has inserts but are just standard oval (no lifts).

I am finding that I can throw my Path comfortably without much fingertip discomfort. My Fringe on the other hand, overtime is starting to "wear" on the pads of my fingers and over time (especially if I don't rest two or three days between bowling) my fingertips become very sore.

What is the purpose of the lifts in the inserts? What is their benefit?

Since I'm finding fingertip discomfort should I change them out to be smaller lifts or none at all?

Also something I noticed tonight (and maybe it's because I took some advice and was holding my thumb straight) my fingernail was bottoming out in the thumb hole. If I have the Pro drill it a little deeper, will that impact the ball much?

I think the purpose of the lifts in the inserts is to allow a bowler to get more revs on the ball.

Most bowlers find a style of insert that they prefer and use it in all of their balls. Some of us prefer a certain style because they feel more comfortable. Others will sacrifice comfort, at least temporarily until they get used to the inserts, for an edge in performance. In your case I would change them to the same as you have in your Path ball.

Having the thumb hole drilled a bit deeper shouldn't have a noticeable effect on the ball reaction.

[billf]

I tried the lifts for awhile. They ended up tearing the callouses on my fingertips so I changed them and never looked back. Go ahead and change them to match your Pyramid. In my opinion, any gain in performance due to equipment is lost when you lose comfort.

Today's reactive covers don't require anywhere near the amount of lift as in the past.

I agree with John, a deeper thumb hole won't have a noticeable effect.

[dnhoffman]

My opinion is that if it's causing you discomfort then you'll make small but noticeable adjustments to try and compensate - which is the enemy of consistency.

You want to tips put in that will allow you to replicate the same motion consistently, and if something is causing you pain, it will fight that every step of the way.

[Tampabaybob]

Donna......There are many styles and shapes of the inserts and your pro shop should have several in stock for you to try. They're not expensive, so I'd say try a different style and have him change them out. As far as your finger tips hurting, if you've been throwing a semi-finger tip, then you will need to build some callouses up on your fingertips once you change over. Also depending on how you are releasing the ball, will also make a difference as will the amount (if any) pressure your gripping with. Explain to the pro shop, what' you're experiencing, and ask if he can even watch you throw a couple of shots. This way he may be able to help your problem out right away. Good luck, let us know how you make out. By the way, I ALWAYS recommend a fingertip drilling (even for the smaller kids) because of the comfort.

[DLP]

Inserts got flipped for tonights games to be without lifts and felt SO MUCH better. Thumb hole drilled deeper as well and the ball felt good. That being said, Dippy's getting a make over anyway.

[classygranny]

Inserts got flipped for tonights games to be without lifts and felt SO MUCH better. Thumb hole drilled deeper as well and the ball felt good. That being said, Dippy's getting a make over anyway.

I thought you were in LOVE with Dippy?

[DLP]

I am in love with Dippy and it throws well. That being said, it's currently drilled with the pin and the cg in a straight line with the drill pattern. The pin is between the fingers and thumb hole with the cg being behind the thumb hole.

Since I need to get the thumb addressed anyway and I've resolved myself to working with my backup ball instead of against it, we're moving the pin to the left, possibly moving the cg as well. And maybe a little more if we can figure out my positive axis point between now and next week when she goes into the shop new treads.

[Jaescrub]

That's good news I stuck my fingers in a ball that had lifts felt funny but to each his/her own