What a difference a good fitting thumb makes

[vdubtx]

When I was in El Paso for the USBC Open Nationals I purchased a new spare ball. I guess at the time my thumb was swollen a little bit as I had to have the driller open the thumb up more than usual.

Got back home and started to use the ball and had to keep putting tape it in. Up to 6 pieces of white tape was in the ball on the pad side of my thumb. Was still too big.

My summer was a rather tough one, which wasn't helped in the least bit that my 10 pin spare conversions were suffering since I got the new ball. Was at a terrible 70% conversion rate, 20 % points lower than my normal conversion.

Finally had a chance this past week to get the thumb re-done at my local driller that I go to.

What a HUGE difference it makes to have a good fitting thumb. Last week's league I went 3 for 3 on the 10 pin. Practice yesterday, went 12 for 12 on the 10 pin. In my practice sessions I always do one full game of just 10 pin conversions.

[Mike White]

When I was in El Paso for the USBC Open Nationals I purchased a new spare ball. I guess at the time my thumb was swollen a little bit as I had to have the driller open the thumb up more than usual.

Got back home and started to use the ball and had to keep putting tape it in. Up to 6 pieces of white tape was in the ball on the pad side of my thumb. Was still too big.

My summer was a rather tough one, which wasn't helped in the least bit that my 10 pin spare conversions were suffering since I got the new ball. Was at a terrible 70% conversion rate, 20 % points lower than my normal conversion.

Finally had a chance this past week to get the thumb re-done at my local driller that I go to.

What a HUGE difference it makes to have a good fitting thumb. Last week's league I went 3 for 3 on the 10 pin. Practice yesterday, went 12 for 12 on the 10 pin. In my practice sessions I always do one full game of just 10 pin conversions.

Was there a reason in El Paso they couldn't just match one of your existing balls?

[Perrin]

I have the same issue with the ball I got in El Paso. the thumb is big taped on the thumb and 2 prieces of white and still too big.

For me it could be related to the that my old thumbs were all round and this one is oval so couldn't do a straight match

[Jaescrub]

Truth a good fitting thumb is always key !

[PauL757]

Thumb fit is very important. That is the biggest reason I started using the IT system. It could be something you might want to look into.

[dougb]

Good advice on the IT. My driller is so consistent -- I am lucky!

[fordman1]

About 10 years ago I started using what is called a thumb pillow. It is made of sponge with a very slick plastic on one side and sticky on the other. It is in 1/8, 1/4 and 3/8 thickness. They make your thumb very tight and it comes off smooth as glass. I no longer drop or hang up in the ball. Had to come up with new excuses after that. They are not very expensive but hard to find. Last a long time. Just put one piece of black tap in to make it really easy to change.

[Jessiewoodard57]

Thumb fit is very important. That is the biggest reason I started using the IT system. It could be something you might want to look into.

Having my 4 storms drilled for the IT system and each thumb slug will be just a hair smaller so as my thumb shrinks during the night I can switch to a tighter one. I often wondered why my PSO brings a box with 6 or 7 thumbs now I know.