thumb slug

Question
HI,

I was bowling with one of my buddies bowling ball storm marvel pearl.
The span is different than mine.But i love the span it seems that my thumb comes out alot faster at release an i get a more consistent release.It doesn't have a thumb insert but i still come out of it clean.Do you need a thumb insert in a bowling ball.I ordered a storm marvel pearl so I'm going to get it drilled and was wondering if i should get a thumb insert or not.Since i have throw that ball with that span i have shot 6 games over 250. my buddy said my release looks more consistent.



Thanks David

Answer
David,
Thumb inserts are products made to exacting specifications so that with the same insert ball to ball the thumbs will feel the same (providing the drill jobs are identical). The work to finish a normal thumb hole might make some holes feel very slightly larger or smaller one to another.

When I have customers with multiple bowling balls, inserts are a way to allow each ball to feel the same. You don't NEED them, but depending on how sensitive you are to slight differences, you might find them helpful.

I'd suspect that your buddies ball fits you pretty well if you're throwing it better than your stuff. Do you go to the same driller? Be prepared to change your other equipment, to the same fit as the Storm Marvel pearl.

Clearly, you've stumbled onto the "magic" bowling ball for you. But be careful, the difference in reaction could be fit, the right ball, the right coverstock surface preparation, the right lane condition, the right layout, etc.

May I suggest you offer your bud the new ball for his? The new ball will potentially be slightly different from his, so you may yet have some issues. Good luck with the new fit, the new ball and your bowling. Thanks for the question.