Fitting

Learn the step-by-step process of fitting a bowler's hand.  Both conventional and fingertip grips for one-handed bowlers.

Understanding a spec sheet

Understanding a spec sheet

Terminology

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Span: The distance between the fingers and thumb used for the purpose of gripping the ball. 

Hole Size and Shape: The internal measurements and shape of the hole or insert used. 

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Pitch: The angle at which a hole is drilled in the ball. Pitch is defined as it relates to the center of the bowling ball. (A hole with “Zero” pitch would be any drilled hole where the center of the hole, if extended, would pass through the center of the ball.)

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The measurement of pitch is the distance that the center of the hole deviates from the center of the ball in a specific direction. 

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The Pitches are based off the X and Y axis of each individual hole, Y being parallel to the centerline.

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Forward Pitch: Term given to any hole where the center of the hole extended would pass above the center of the ball.  

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 Reverse Pitch: Term given to any hole where the center of the hole extended would pass below the center of the ball.

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When viewing the back of your hand, forward pitch is towards the inside of your hand and reverse pitch is outside of your hand.

Side Pitch:  The right and left components of pitch in which the center of the drilled hole passes to the right or left of the center of the ball. Parallel lateral pitches are not the same as zero lateral pitch in both fingers!  

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Why we do that?  

The proper fit will allow the customer to use less effort to grip the ball, allowing them to have a more relaxed arm swing and release. To accomplish this there is a relationship between span, pitch, hole size and shape.  

image.png - 50% Span (distance between the holes) 

- 30% Pitch (angles of the holes) 

- 20% Hole size and shape 

Conventional Fitting

Conventional Fitting

Anatomy of a Conventional Fit

Key principles

  1. Fingers are inserted into the second joint
  2. Thumb is seeded all the way into the bowling ball, up to the base of the thumb
  3. Good beginning grip
  4. Lower revolution rate at point of release
  5. Ball reaction is smaller and allows the bowler to focus on other aspects of their physical game

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Conventional Fitting

Step-by-step guide

Following these steps will ensure a proper fit

  1. Warm up the hand, massage/bowl
  2. Measure the MIDDLE FINGER
  3. Measure the THUMB FLEXIBILITY
  4. Measure FINGER and THUMB hole sizes

Constants to fill out on the spec sheet

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Mark the bowler's hand with a pen

  1. Mark the MIDDLE FINGER
    • Find and mark the bending point of the SECOND joint.
    • Measure 3/8 under the joint, draw a line.
    • Use this line for your measurement.

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Using the fitting tools

Evaluate the flexibility of the thumb.

The bowler's hand must be relaxed. 

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Complete your Fitting Sheet

  1. Use the same pitches as what's in the thumb.      Ex: Span: 3 1/2,  flexibility: 120° = 3/8 forward

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- Select a hole size that... Fingers easily passes through up to but not including second joint             même chose pour le pouce ?


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Not sure ?   When in doubt, reduce the hole by 1-64 inch. You can always enlarge the holes.

Finger Tip Fitting

Finger Tip Fitting

Anatomy of a Finger Tip Fit

Key principles

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​

Finger Tip Fitting

Step-by-step guide

Following these steps will ensure a proper fit

  1. Warm up your hand ( either massage or bowl)
  2. Measure the MIDDLE FINGER
  3. Measure THUMB FLEXIBILITY
  4. Measure FINGER & THUMB hole sizes

Constants to fill out on the spec sheet

    1. Bowler Hand (Left or Right)
    2. Bridge between the fingers = 1/4
    3. Lateral pitches: 3/8 (middle finger) and 1/2 (ring finger)
    4. 5/16's rule

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Mark the bowler's hand with a pen

  1. Mark the MIDDLE FINGER
    • Find and mark the bending point of the FIRST joint.
    • Find and mark the bending point of the SECOND joint.
    • Measure the distance between both lines.
    • Divide that distance in half.
    • Draw a line.
    • Use this line with your fitting tools.

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5/16's Rule:

This rule is used to find the measurement of the RING finger.​

  1. Find and mark the FIRST joint of the RING FINGER​

  2. Slightly cup the client’s hand, similar to the curvature of a bowling ball.​

  3. Draw a line from the FIRST joint of the MIDDLE FINGER onto the RING FINGER​

  4. Measure the distance between both lines on the RING FINGER.​

  5. Use the following equation:​  Measurement from #4 is hereby designated X.​  ---  5/16 – X = +/- distance of the RING FINGER​

​Ex #1 : If X (distance between both lines on the ring finger.)is 7/16​  --- 5/16 – 7/16 = -1/8​

The span of the RING FINGER is 1/8 shorter than the span of ​the MIDDLE FINGER.​

​Ex #2: If X is 1/8​  ---  5/16 – 1/8 = 3/16​

The span of the RING FINGER is 3/16 longer than the span of ​ the MIDDLE FINGER.​

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Using the fitting tools

Fingertip Pitches

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Pitch what you see! 3/4 or more is very possible and sometimes required


Evaluate the thumb flexibility

The bowler's hand must be relaxed.

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You might modify pitch for the following reasons:

-A longer thumb (Over 2 5/8'')

- A shorter thumb (Under 2'')

- Very moist skin

- Extremely dry skin

- If the bowler uses excessive grip pressure

Recap of measurements

FINGERS:
THUMB:

Choosing Ball Weight:

        Choosing the correct ball weight is crucial for first time and novice bowlers. Improper weight can make a comfortable grip uncomfortable.

Checking the Hand

Your customers hand will not always be perfect, the importance of checking for the unusual cannot be overstated.

Possible modifications are necessary for:

Fitting Checklist:

Finger Tip Fitting

Drilling an Oval Thumb

3 Measurements

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Taper base of thumb

 

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Inserts & Slugs


Inserts & Slugs

Turbo

Turbo Quad

                                                                                                                               

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Power Oval:

Power Oval Mesh:

Turbo Quad 2

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Oval Nubs: 
Semi:

Turbo Quad Classic

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Perfect Oval:
Power Regular:

Turbo Quad Power SB

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Power Regular:
Semi:

Turbo Ms Quad

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Power Oval: 
Power Oval Mesh:

Turbo Slug

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Available Colors:
Available Sizes:

 

Switch Grip Outer

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Available Colors:

 

Switch Grip Inner Blank

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Available Colors:

 

Switch Grip Black Inner 1 1/4

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Available Colors:

 

Switch Grip Colored Inner 1 1/4

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Available Colors:

 

Switch Grip Inner 1 3/8 

 

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Available Color:
Inserts & Slugs

Vise

Vise Powerlift/Semi

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Powerlift:
Semi:

Vise Powerlift/Oval

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Powerlift:
Oval:

Vise Oval/Powerlift Oval

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Oval:
Powerlift Oval:

Vise Oval Nubs

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Oval Nubs:

 

Vise Grip Semi

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Oval:

 

Vise Easy Slugs

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Available Colors:
Available Sizes:

 

Vise Dual Easy Slugs

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Available Colors:
Available Sizes:

 

 
Inserts & Slugs

Ultimate

Ultimate Powerlift/Oval

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Powerlift:
Oval:

Ultimate Powerlift/Semi

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Powerlift:
Semi:

Ultimate JR Powerlift/Semi

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Powerlift:
Semi:

Ultimate JR Powerlift/Oval

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Powerlift:
Oval:

Outer Interchangeable

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Available Color:

Inner Interchangeable 1 1/4

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Available Color:

Loaded Inner Interchangeable

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Available Colors:
Available Sizes:
Inserts & Slugs

Contour

Contour Oval

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Oval:

Contour Semi Cerise

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Semi:

Contour Lady Semi Cerise

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Semi:

Contour Super Soft

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Powerlift:

 

Contour Oval Nubs

 

 

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Oval Nubs:
Inserts & Slugs

Jopo

Jopo Power Flat/Oval

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Power Flat:
Oval:

Jopo Power Oval/Oval

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Power Oval:
Oval:

Jopo Twist Outer

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Available Colors:

Jopo 1 1/4 Twist Inner Empty

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Available Colors:

 

Jopo Twist Inner 1 1/4

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Available Colors:

 

Jopo Twist Inner 1 3/8

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Available Colors: