Will using finger inserts help you take a better short? You will find different answers from different people. While some find finger inserts useful, some claim it has no additional benefits. The debate has been there for years. What about the professionals? Do pro bowlers use finger inserts also? Finding this might help you decide if finger inserts are really useful.
Do Pro Bowlers Use Finger Inserts
Yes, a majority of pro bowlers use finger inserts. It helps them get a better grip and make consistent releases. These are crucial factors for a good bowling score. However, not all the pro bowlers use finger inserts.
Finger inserts are a kind of plastic, mostly urethane tubes. These tubes are glued and inserted into the finger holes of the ball. Players have often shared their opinions in favor of finger inserts.
As mentioned already, not every pro bowler likes to use these plastic tubes. They like to take the challenge the ball has to offer. Many of them also shared that finger inserts make it difficult to release the ball in time. Players, such as Norm Duke, like the hard edge of the ball.
The use of finger inserts mostly depends on individual preferences. Some players find it comfortable, while some players find it unuseful.
Benefits of Using Finger Inserts
Finger inserts have several benefits to offer, for which players prefer to use them. The benefits of these tubes include the following:
Better Grip
Finger inserts can help bowlers get a better grip on the ball. You can have better control of the ball when you have a strong grip on the ball. By using finger inserts, you can lift and turn the ball, which is very difficult with bare drilled holes.
Customizable Sizes
Another benefit of finger inserts is that they are customizable. You can choose the shape and size of the tubes to fit your fingers perfectly. This will give you more control and balance on the ball. You will find it especially useful if your pre-drilled finger holes are much bigger than your fingers.
Better Release
Since you can have a stronger grip on the ball, it helps you have more control over the shots. The ball will not slip away from your hand, and you will be consistent in releasing the ball with more power during the release.
Finger Protection
If the holes on your ball feel tight on your finger, there can be several problems in bowling with bare hands. You can get calluses or blisters for not using inserts. Sometimes, the edge of the ball is a little sharp, and it hurts and affects your shots. Finger inserts can protect your fingers from the direct friction between your fingers and the edge of the holes.
Enhanced Delivery Action
Finger inserts let you have extra delivery action while leasing the ball. Once the ball comes out of your thumb, you can add extra action on the ball, thanks to the strong grip you get for these inserts.
What Happens When You Use No Inserts
It is not like that using finger inserts is a must in bowling. It assists you in having a stronger grip and offers some additional benefits. However, if you do not use them, then the following things can happen:
- If you do not use finger inserts, your fingers come into direct contact with the holes. This can cause friction and potentially lead to blisters.
- You can face problems in having a strong grip. For example, if you buy a pre-drilled ball and the finger holes are too big or very small for your fingers, you will face problems in having a natural grip.
- You can also lose control of the ball due to bad grip. This can result in inconsistent release and often affect your performance.
- Getting the desired power and rotation on the ball becomes more difficult when you use no inserts.
Nonetheless, it cannot be said that a player only faces problems for not using these tubes. Some players find using them problematic and so perform better when they use no inserts. The pros of not using finger inserts include:
- A bowler can get a natural grip on the ball. Sometimes, the inserts provide too much grip that makes it difficult to release the ball clearly. Players with tacky skin can relate to this problem better.
- If the inserts are not properly fitted into the holes, then using them can be painful. You get to avoid this problem when you do not use them.
- Some pro bowlers think that they can have more power while releasing the ball without any inserts attached to the ball.
- Additionally, you can save some money by avoiding using them, though they are not very expensive.
Conclusion
Finger inserts are helpful for new bowlers or bowlers who struggle with grip. Pro bowlers also use them to add more power and spin on the ball. Though some bowlers do not find them useful, these tubes are widely used by both newbies and pros. The use of the tubes solely depends on personal preferences in the end.
Passionate Bowler and Bowling Enthusiast
Jess Pinelli is a dedicated bowling enthusiast with a deep love for the sport that spans over 6 years. With numerous strikes, spares, and a few gutter balls under hes belt, he has honed his skills on lanes across the country. Pinelli’s journey in the world of bowling has been a remarkable one, from casual weekend games with friends to competitive league play and even a few local tournaments.
Driven by her passion for the game, Pinelli decided to channel her expertise and knowledge into the digital realm, becoming a prolific author on this bowling website. She’s your go-to source for everything bowling-related, from mastering the perfect hook to choosing the right bowling ball and even navigating the world of bowling etiquette.
When she’s not busy writing informative articles or reviewing the latest bowling gear, you’ll likely find Pinellis at her favorite local bowling alley, helping newcomers improve their game or enjoying some friendly competition with fellow bowlers. She firmly believes that bowling is not just a game but a community, and she’s committed to fostering that sense of camaraderie both online and offline.
