Expert: Chip Aki - 7/27/2007

Question
QUESTION: ok first off i just came back to bowling after about an 8 year hiatus, been bowling about a year now.  i'm left handed, fingertip bowler, currently using a black widow 16 lbs.  i've always been hard to drill for but i can't seem to find someone who can drill a ball correctly for me(i'm double jointed and all).  ever since i started back up again i've constantly had issues my thumb always blistering on the side(right side of left handed thumb), also lately i've been having a pinched nerve feeling at the base of my thumb that sorta leaves a part of my thumb numb.  i relieve pressure on the nerve by holding the ball slightly sideways in my approach. i've already had my grip length shortened due to a fingertip strain issue.  even when they shortened it they looked at it and said it looked like a good length but assured me shortening would relieve the pressure from my fingertips. my thumb hole is currently slightly bigger than my thumb so i use tape. doesn't seem i can find a way for them to drill my thumb hole so i don't have issues. any insight on this would be appreciated, i never had this issue  back when i use to bowl 8 years ago.

also i've been thinking about buying a 15 lb(heard there was no reason to go 16 lb anymore) black widow pearl online and i was wondering what kind of pin setup i should ask for? i tend to throw the ball between the first and 2nd arrows on the left side, straight down for some good length before a strong backend hook.

thanks,

jeff

ANSWER: 15# is the "in" thing now.  I rarely sell any 16# equipment anymore.
When ordering a ball, I would look for a 3-4 inch pin and 2.5 to 3.5 for the top weight.  This combination gives you the most layout options for any one ball.
If you are having issues with pain near or at the base of the thumb, span or pitch is the issue to look at there.  The rubbing on the side would be a pitch issue, while rubbin on the back could be size and/or pitch.
For the issue on the side of your thumb, add pitch in the direction of the rub.  That should help stop that issue if nothing else.
Where do you live?  I can try to find a reccommended shop for you near there.

Chip

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

QUESTION: Thanks for the quick timely response. I just moved to Atlanta, GA. I ordered some protection tape that I can wrap around my thumb, hoping that will be a temporary fix for the blisters. I would like to get drill setup fixed by the time I buy the Pearl so fixing the pitch/thumb hole would be great.

Jeff

Answer
There should be several good pro shops to choose from in the Atlanta area.  I do not know anyone personally there, but check the Storm website and see if there are any VIP shops there or look on the PBA website.  If you cant find one, I can ask around.  Just let me know.

Good luck,
Chip