Mike Durbin's Average Builders: Proper Use of Tape

PBA hall of famer Mike Durbin shows you how to make adjustments to the size of your thumbhole if it's too large. He shows the audience how to put tape in the thumbhole of your bowling ball.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• PBA
• bowling
• sports
• Mike-Durbin
• average-builders

[brian1969a]

Personally, I always placed the rougher, white tape (of the pre-cut variety) in the front of the thumb hole and black electrical tape for the back. The precut white tape is textured, and it makes it easier to grip the ball, but the smooth black tape helps me get out of it cleaner.

[mrtvman]

thx irishpogi

[sommerssmith]

It seems ike I've seen this tip from two different seasons. Mike mentions the white adhesive, used for the front part of the thumb hole to give it an abrasive feel and a snug grip for the front, and then the black electrician's used for the back part since it's smooth and reduces the possibility of hanging in the thumb, plus the ol' pre-cut tape, and of course testing for the proper feel.

[brian1969a]

Oh, one more thing. If you are hanging up in the thumb, there's a couple of things you can do.

First, as you said, drill the thumbhole one size bigger and use tape.

Second, bevel the front part of the hole out a little, making a little "ramp" for your thumb to clear the edge better. By "front", I mean the part closest to the finger holes.

I did a combination of both, and I never had any more problems with hanging up in the ball or dropping it.

[brian1969a]

If you leave it for a few weeks, it shouldn't leave too much muck behind. A few months, however...use some acetone or fingernail polish remover, it takes it right off. Problem with that during competition is that someone might think you're doing something illegal to the ball.

As for how long to cut the tape, whatever feels best for you. Me, I have large hands and long fingers, but I just used the regular pre-cut stuff and it didn't bother me.

[brian1969a]

I had issues with just about every kind of black tape, to tell you the truth. The K-Mart stuff was the only thing that never slid around and didn't leave a residue (again, they apparently don't make it anymore).

I tried the pre-cut white tape like he shows here (I forget the brand name, but you can find it in your local pro-shop) and I never had any issues with it.

Yes, you can leave the tape in the ball over an extended period of time (cont)

[LoneWolf281]

Thanks a lot Brian a few more questions if you don't mind

So did you have any issues with the 3M tape sliding, or did it stick pretty well?

I have long fingers, should I cut the tape the length of my thumb hole or just do a generic length like 1 inch? Should it reach the rim of the hole?

I bowl 3 games every time I go to the alley, if the tape remains in place could I leave it in for the next visit or should I change it either way?

Anything in particular you'd recommend to remove the tape?

[brian1969a]

You can, yes. The only problem I ever had with using regular tape like that is when you go to remove it, there will be a gummy residue left behind. You can clean it out with acetone or fingernail polish remover, but if you are bowling a game at the time, it's kind of a hassle to try and do.

I always used a specially-made tape (bought at K-Mart, but they don't sell it anymore) that was perfect. It didn't slide around in the hole and didn't leave a residue behind.

[LoneWolf281]

Hi Brian (or anyone), I just got a ball (beginner) and I've been having some massive hang ups with my thumb in about half my games. Been experiencing drastic weather changes recently. I'm going to have it drilled a little bigger, I was wondering can I buy regular Scotch 3M Black Electrical Tape from a store? I like a smooth release. The precut black tape at my pro shop is pretty expensive, I figure I can get a roll of 3M and put a little pair of scissors in my bag and call it a day.Thanks.