2.6.2 Pitch Suggestion — auto forward pitch based on hand flexibility

2.6.2   auto

The Pitch Suggestion setting controls whether Spectre Cloud automatically recommends a forward thumb pitch value based on the bowler's recorded hand flexibility. When enabled, the auto-suggestion engine uses the flexibility measurement taken during the bowler's fitting to propose a starting forward pitch — saving the fitter from consulting a reference chart manually and reducing the risk of applying an out-of-range pitch for a bowler's hand type.

📐 How Hand Flexibility Informs Forward Pitch

Forward pitch is one of the most directly comfort-driven measurements in a bowling fitting. Too much forward pitch restricts the thumb's exit from the ball; too little — or reverse pitch applied without justification — can cause the thumb to hang or the ball to drop early. Hand flexibility is a reliable proxy for where to start the forward pitch conversation:

• ✅ Less flexible hands — typically benefit from more forward pitch to accommodate the thumb's natural resting angle and ease insertion and extraction.
• ✅ More flexible hands — can comfortably tolerate less forward pitch or even mild reverse pitch, supporting a cleaner, faster release.
• ✅ Spectre Cloud's suggestion uses the flexibility value already recorded in the bowler's profile or spec sheet to calculate a recommended starting pitch — no separate lookup required.
• ❌ Flexibility-based suggestions are a starting point only — always verify with a physical fitting before drilling. Other factors including thumb shape, knuckle size, skin condition, and personal preference all influence the final pitch decision.

🛠️ Enabling or Disabling Pitch Suggestion

1. Navigate to Settings from the top menu.
2. Locate the relevant settings section. 
3. Find the Pitch Suggestion option.
4. Toggle the setting on or off according to your shop's preference. 
5. The change takes effect immediately for all new spec sheets. Existing spec sheets are not affected. 

📊 What the Suggestion Looks Like in Practice

In order for this auto-suggestion to work, there needs to be a middle finger full span and a thumb flexibility selected. The fitter can accept it, adjust it, or clear it entirely.  Below is the reference chart that is used in the software.

The PRO column is suggested for more experienced bowlers.  This is where the matrix is 4 1/2 span = 0 pitch.  Everything is relative to that and will suggest more forward pitch compared to other values.

Related Sections

• 2.6.1 — Overview: why leaving all auto-suggestions on saves time
• 2.6.3 — Next auto-suggestion setting (if applicable)
• 2.4.2 — Does your machine display forward thumb pitch as positive? Y/N
• 2.4.3 — Display +/- in pitch tiles: showing direction arrows to avoid errors
• 4.x — Spec Sheet: entering and reviewing pitch values
• 3.x — Bowlers: recording hand flexibility in a bowler profile

Tip: Hand flexibility changes over time — particularly for older bowlers or those managing arthritis or injury. If a returning bowler's pitch suggestion seems off, check whether their flexibility measurement in Spectre Cloud is current before overriding the suggestion manually. Updating the flexibility value will recalibrate the suggestion for all future spec sheets.