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:


Revision #8
Created 6 February 2025 20:54:55
Updated 14 February 2025 20:29:19 by Chris Esdon