Last week I wrote about proper fit and grip pressure. You could consider this week’s article a more in depth look at those tips. This week I am going to discuss “feel”. So, what does “feel” mean?  Feel is a personal thing. Some bowlers like the feel of their fingers when they release the bowling ball while others prefer to use finger inserts. There is no wrong or right feel. Every one should use what they like the best. This week I am going to answer some questions on finger and thumb inserts.

Every bowler that goes into a bowling pro shop and gets fitted for a fingertip grip for their new reactive bowling ball should get asked this question: “Do you want finger inserts and a thumb insert?” The majority of pro shops charge an extra fee for these items. So, do you need them?  

Finger and thumb inserts have been around for a while now but most consumers don’t know the benefits to using them. The biggest advantage to using finger and thumb inserts is for a consistent “feel” from ball to ball. Another reason to use them is the fact that they help protect your hand.

There are many different bowling balls in the market place and with this, many types of materials used to make these balls; therefore, if you own more than one bowling ball and have holes drilled in them, the insides of both of the holes are going to have a different feel from one another. Using inserts will solve this problem. Remember also that with different materials used, working out thumb holes can become very difficult to duplicate a “feel” from ball to ball.

Recently introduced are interchangeable thumb inserts. These inserts allow you to use the same thumb insert from ball to ball. As a result you should have the same feel from ball to ball. This is one of the best inventions introduced to the sport of bowling.

So, let’s recap: if you want a consistent release from ball to ball, I strongly suggest using finger and thumb inserts.  If you do not want to use the finger inserts, I still highly recommend using a thumb insert. Yes it will be a little bit more for the end price of the bowling ball, but the small price you pay to have the right “feel” is priceless!

T.J. Yeip is the Manager of GLC Bowling and the Lead Technical Advisor. He is an IBPSIA Advanced Certified Member and former PBA member. You can email your questions to him personally at thomas.yeip@glcbowling.com