Expert: - 8/20/2009

Question
QUESTION: Can you offer a suggestions why I am getting calluses and both my fingers are sore. I have changed inserts and the same problems exist. I have been bowling for 20+ yrs.

ANSWER: Yolanda,
If your fingers aren't used to new inserts they exert a lot more friction. The manufacturers suggest changing them every 50 to 75 games. I've seen grips that were hundreds of games old, not effective for the friction and lift they are designed to help you create, but still cushy enough that some bothers don't know they've lost serious effect because of the wear.

If you've been used to slicker, bigger grips, you may be experiencing a lot more friction. You should also recheck size every time they are changed. You may have gotten them to small???

Is the current problem with a new drill or just having new replacement grips installed? Thanks for the question. Let me know some more. Good luck.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: It actually started with my ring finger, just under the nail. It was almost like a carpet burn starting on that joint. I bought 3 balls in June from pro shops. Had a different pro shop check pitch he suggested I change the type of grips.  Friday I am going to a pro shop that's never drilled a ball for me and have him check pitch and size. I'm thinking of going to Keglers.

Answer
Yolanda,,
Are the grips causing you problems pitched grips? The burn/broken blood vessels under the nail could be several things. A single or combination of: span too long, hole or grip too tight, or too much forward pitch (in toward your thumb). Why are you bouncing around to different shops? No one place doing well?

One thing in this industry that is sometimes an issue, a style of fitting that works for the pro shop guy, is assumed to work on everybody. Some self taught or never taught people fit and drill balls. Adequately for some horrendously bad for others.

Big fan of the Kegel Training Center. If you go give the guys a big hello from me. They are top notch. Good luck. Let me know what gets changed. Thanks for the questions. Good bowling.