Hi I hope this is the right place to post this. Way back when I was younger I bought and old black beauty that a friend of by dad's had It was drilled with a "claw" grip IE thumb and 3 fingers. It fit me perfectly. I eventually got this old relic to really bend the corner on the old wood lanes. It used to roll a lot like the new stuff does.

I just finished #2 in our senior league and use a Storm X factor. I really like the ball and it works great on the lane conditions (med oil) I probably roll this with almost as many revs as the younger hot shots as I'm still pretty stong for an antique. I get a little stiffness in the 3rd finger after 6 games but I have a little more span than the measurement should be. I just like it that way as my hand stretches a bit. I get a pretty good flare and the ball really snaps on the back end.

Finally the question. It would seem that if I added the 4th hole like my old "claw" I could get a few more turns and a little less wear and tear on my hand. I suppose I could just try it. The worst would be to plug it.

watta ya think.??

bentwings

A friend in my fall league actually has 4 finger holes. I never bothered to ask why, but I think it was due to a wrist or hand injury.

Then there's another guy who has the usual 2 finger and thumbhole, but palms the ball. He's not very good at it - go figure.

i think you should try it if it has worked for you before. like you said you could always plug it.

bentwings,

I concur with Horrorphile. If the 3rd finger hole feels natural to you and it can give you more control to the ball, then by all means go for it.

Chunky

I'm gong to run over and have the ball drilled for the 4th finger. I don't think I'll put a grip in it. The old ball had quite a chanfer or relief under the finger. I'll need that as I've had both little fingers broken a few times and they are a bit stiff.
I sorta wish I still had that old black beauty. Unfortunately it was 'executed' with a single shot from a 300 Winchester Magnum at 100 yds. Perfect shot dead center!! It vaporized. haha
We'll see how it works.
bentwings

Hey Bentwings, I currently utilize a pinkie hole in all my drillings. It took some pressure off the other fingers and I am able to bowl more often with less stiffness. I did not see a major increase in revs but with the new equipment and oil patterns excess revs are more of a testosterone issue than a requirement. As you see I crossed the half century mark early this year and currently I average and bowl better than at any time in my younger days. Looking forward to my Pro Card in April and then some regional and senior events. I also noted that you have a Storm X-factor. Nice ball but consider picking up something new to compliment it I understand there are many members of the community that seem to thrive with old equipment even bragging about the old stuff but it will not react as well as newer products. I have an AMF XS (The white ball) which still hooks and could probably average 200+ on a house pattern but any serious pattern or tournament would result in over and under reaction. Currently use Storm Equipment except for a Track Arsenal Aggressive that was drilled exclusively for PBA patterns. Good luck