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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

  • Before starting the measurement, you can already write down some data on your 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

  • BT Ball Fitter
  • Innovative Fitting Ball                                                Prendre un photo avec le bal fitter pour montrer where to measure ??

Fingertip Pitches

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

Importance of the inserts

Compensate for the angle in the insert.

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Missing Miss Quads

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Evaluate the thumb flexibility

The bowler's hand must be relaxed.

  • Pull back on the thumb to measure the flexibility
  • Follow the chart provided for the correct pitch based on span/flexibility

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You might modify pitch for the following reasons:

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

    • Add 1/16 - 1/8'' reverse

- A shorter thumb (Under 2'')

    • Subtract 1/16 - 1/8'' reverse

- Very moist skin

    • Add 1/16 - 1/8'' reverse

- Extremely dry skin

    • Subtract 1/16 - 1/8'' reverse

- If the bowler uses excessive grip pressure

    • Check hole sizes to determine if they are too large

Recap of measurements

FINGERS:
  • Check finger flex.
  • For 80+% of your clients use REVERSE pitch only.
  • ALWAYS REMEMBER TO COMPENSATE FOR GRIPS.
  • Write down pitch on spec sheet to avoid confusion.

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THUMB:
  • Refer to thumb pitch chart.
  • No lateral pitch for beginner/novice bowlers

 

Choosing Ball Weight:

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

  • If the bowler is using a house ball comfortably for one game, and then gets tired... The same weight as the house ball, when fitted properly, should be fine
  • If the bowler uses a house ball for three games with little to no problem, two pounds heavier than the house ball with a proper fit, should be fine
  • For Junior bowlers; 10% of their body weight + 2 pounds as a maximum. You could also do same weight as their age to one pound less than their age will be fine
  • Always let the customer test out the weight of the ball before drilling, to confirm the choice ( put undrilled ball in a see-saw)

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:

  • Arthritic joints
  • Tendinitis
  • Sensitive nerve or tendon
  • Pain, soreness or swelling
  • Callus, pathological callus
  • Missing fingers

Fitting Checklist:

  • Determine and record hole sizes and shape
  • Determine flexibility of the hand
  • Measure and record the span
  • Determine and record vertical thumb pitch
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