Inner Sleeve of Thumb Switch Grip Needed for Two Hander?

[Mcygee]

I just purchased two used bowling balls that have a thumb switch grip installed. They came only with the outer sleeve. I have two questions....

1. Is there any reason I need to get an inner sleeve made when I don't use my thumb?

2. I noticed the hard outer sleeve sticks out just slightly. Should I be worried about that affecting it on the lanes?


Thanks!

[Jaescrub]

First if your two hands and not using a thumb then the thumb hole has to be plugged anyways.

[Amyers]

First if your two hands and not using a thumb then the thumb hole has to be plugged anyways.

The thumb does not have to be plugged as long as he doesn't have an additional balance hole. I'm sure Bowl1820 will comment on the rules but it seems like to me that you do have to put an insert in thumbhole if I'm incorrect about that you would need to have the ball checked to make sure that it is legal without the slug as it was probably weighted with a insert in it.

[bowl1820]

First if your two hands and not using a thumb then the thumb hole has to be plugged anyways.

The thumb does not have to be plugged as long as he doesn't have an additional balance hole. I'm sure Bowl1820 will comment on the rules but it seems like to me that you do have to put an insert in thumbhole if I'm incorrect about that you would need to have the ball checked to make sure that it is legal without the slug as it was probably weighted with a insert in it.

If there is no additional balance hole, then no you don't have to plug it. BUT since the unused thumbhole is considered a balance hole, you can't have a interchangeable grip in it. So you'd have to remove the IT/Switchgrip and possibly have the hole plugged if it doesn't meet the size requirements for balance holes.

Holes
The following limitations shall govern the drilling of holes in the ball:
1. Holes or indentations for gripping purposes shall not exceed five and shall be limited to one
for each finger and one for the thumb, all for the same hand. The player is not required to
use all of the finger holes in any specific delivery, but they must be able to demonstrate,
with the same hand, that each hole can be used simultaneously for gripping purposes. Any
thumb hole that is not used with the thumb inserted during the approach would be classified
as a balance hole.

2. One hole for balance purposes not to exceed 1¼ inches in diameter. This hole may not
exceed 1¼ inches at any point through the depth of the hole. (Slugs and tape will be
allowed, however interchangeable devices are not allowed)


Also the ball would have to meet static weight requirements for someone that uses no thumb.

SO If you have the IT removed, you might as well have the hole plugged too. Then if needed you can add the hole to make the statics legal and/or place the hole in a position that might gave you a better reaction.

[Amyers]

If there is no additional balance hole, then no you don't have to plug it. BUT since the unused thumbhole is considered a balance hole, you can't have a interchangeable grip in it. So you'd have to remove the IT/Switchgrip and possibly have the hole plugged if it doesn't meet the size requirements for balance holes.

Holes
The following limitations shall govern the drilling of holes in the ball:
1. Holes or indentations for gripping purposes shall not exceed five and shall be limited to one
for each finger and one for the thumb, all for the same hand. The player is not required to
use all of the finger holes in any specific delivery, but they must be able to demonstrate,
with the same hand, that each hole can be used simultaneously for gripping purposes. Any
thumb hole that is not used with the thumb inserted during the approach would be classified
as a balance hole.

2. One hole for balance purposes not to exceed 1¼ inches in diameter. This hole may not
exceed 1¼ inches at any point through the depth of the hole. (Slugs and tape will be
allowed, however interchangeable devices are not allowed)


Also the ball would have to meet static weight requirements for someone that uses no thumb.

SO If you have the IT removed, you might as well have the hole plugged too. Then if needed you can add the hole to make the statics legal and/or place the hole in a position that might gave you a better reaction.

Excellent as always Bowl

[Mcygee]

Thanks guys!

I suppose for now I'll use them as is as I'm not in a league and just getting started and learning. However, as soon as I can put up the cash for it, I'll see about getting it plugged and re-drilled without a switchgrip.

[JaxBowlingGuy]

Or put a regular slug in it and drill that. May be cheaper than plug and redrill

[Mcygee]

Or put a regular slug in it and drill that. May be cheaper than plug and redrill

Good idea. I'm picking up a new ball at the pro shop today. I'll ask him what he'd charge to slug and re-drill them.