Amature - Every time I read this thread I sit here and shake my head. You keep asking the same things over and over again and we keep telling you the same exact thing. If you don't like the answers, fine, move on. But don't keep asking the same questions over and over again, hoping people will change their answers to one you like better.

Everything you need to know about your span and grip has been answered multiple times. No, you shouldn't knuckle at all. No you should not have to squeeze at all. Yes you should go more forward until the ball is not slipping. The answers aren't going to change if you ask 10 more times.

Lefty, the ball is slipping off my hand sometimes. I only squeeze it sometimes. Should I make my span bigger to keep it on? I think I might need some reverse pitch then, so I can get out of the ball.

Thanks.

No.. I think if you gave me your new phone it would fix your problem though. ;-)

Hey, that phone is a business tool. At least, that's how I justify it. Can't expect you to use your [censored] old PDA at the lanes if the guy who wrote the site doesn't use something mobile to enter scores.

Tell you what - I'll trade you my new phone for your pricing plan.

Okay Lefty, I guess trying more forward is the way to go, and assuming my span is right it should work. But, hypothetically speaking, if my span were stretched by 1/8 or 3/16, will putting more forward in the thumb be no good?

Yes, if your span is just a little too long, going with more forward will not be good.It will be difficult to get out of the ball without some issue with a completely relaxed hand and if you grip even harder. It could also cause the blister/torn skin issue again. If your span is correct than there the main problem will just be a little hang up if it's too far forward.

Okay. I'm hoping it's not stretched and according to the span test(thumb in laying fingers over the holes) it's not. But when i put my fingers and my thumb, my fingers(mainly my ring) lifts just a hair as if it wants to come out of the hole. I just may be putting my fingers in a little far to begin with though.

Anyways, I have some fairly good news. I tested Ron C's Carpet today without making any fit changes and here's what I noticed. REALLY snug fit especially once I add regular tape. You know how you guys are saying you can hold the ball at your side and you'd have to wiggle your hand quite a bit to get it off? That's what I experienced and I was pretty happy. However, while on the approach and in my swing, I felt the need to grip it a bit. I feel like 1/8 forward and the carpet will be perfect(without it I'd probably need anywhere between 1/4 and 1/2). But even with that need to grip, I must not have been knuckling(since it was so snug I think it was nearly impossible) because after 5 games my thumb was no where near as sore as it would have been without the carpet. My thumb is kinda tired, if you will, from the bowling, but I'm sure that's unavoidable and everyone experiences it.

So the carpet is actually really helpful, to my surprise. I just hate that I possibly may require it to get the fit I want/need since it's pretty expensive. I showed my driller and he said you could get that stuff from an auto supply store, does anyone know anything about that? Other than that I was thinking of trying the Hada Patch #3 I have to see if I can get a similar result since you get more for your buck with that.

just go to the 99 cent store and look for packs of velcro strips. they have stickum glue on the back.. just use the loop part.. I think it is pretty close the the magic carpet from what I have read.. careful with leaving your balls in the heat.. the glue doesn't like alot of direct heat or sunlight and will come off and get gummy all over.
I think that is why they are at the dollar store..

but if it works a buck shouldn't kill your wallet.

No 99 cent store here, but there is a few $1 Stores . Is that basically the same thing? Either way, what section would I find it in? Like I said I heard there's things like this at auto supply stores too.

I said 99 cent store because I know that franchise has it and it sounded like you were on a budget.. you can find it in the "hardware" section. You can also find it at fabric stores, craft stores, hardware stores.. it is just more expensive.
I was told by coachjim that it isn't the same as magic carpet as magic carpet has a smooth and rough pile for the fibers.. sounds more like a velour maybe..the velcro may work though?
Or go and get some moleskin or mole foam from longs or walmart.. in the foot care section.