some kind of rubber piece in the thumb

[steelcityguy0530]

My friend has a burgundy hammer faball. In the thumb hole is a small rubber piece. Its not visable from the out side but if you put your thumb in the hole it's kind of slanted. I'm guessing its to add some grip in the thumb, but what is it called?

[gabriel94509]

that might be one of thsoe thumb straight things. Basically it is supposed to keep you from being able to bend your thumb inside the hole.

[mongoliantreesloth]

Never heard of those. Got a link to somewhere that shows what they're like?

[Lonewolf300800]

gabriel is right. they used to sell a device that you'd put into your thumbhole to help you keep it straight and not cock your thumb in the hole. tried them years ago wasn't impressed with it, didn't fit me the way i wanted. but others have tried them and had success with them. not sure who makes them or if they still do but a simple internet search should get some results.

[BubbaRay]

Never heard of those. Got a link to somewhere that shows what they're like?

http://www.tenpinshop.com/productimages/display/SS-image-2007-09-30-470027ae4f3a1.jpg
Bowling Thumb Straight

Instead of gripping onto the ball with your thumb, it should be as straight as possible. To get out of this bad habit, this device is excellent for helping you get a better release, with more lift. ALso, if your thumb hole is slightly large, and/or you get sore knuckles, this could help you out!

Available in 4 sizes:

Small: 3/4" - 13/16"
Medium: 13/16" - 7/8"
Large: 7/8" - 31/32"
X-Large: 31/32" - 1 1/8"

[steelcityguy0530]

That thing seems to make the thumb hole more comfortable too.

[BubbaRay]

I neevr used on myself. But some people swear by them.

[Rowdy]

These things have any give in them? Or are they as hard as a slug?

[gabriel94509]

they have a little bit of give, but aren't as hard as a slug.

[mongoliantreesloth]

Looks interesting. Might try one if I get the chance. Thanks for the pic Bubba.

[bubbiesdad]

http://www.bowlersparadise.com/shop/accessories/thumb_straight.shtml

Here they are for sale.

[hbhammerhead]

i believe they are called a "thumbs up". i've seen them in my pro shop and my friend bought a couple of them. he never uses them though. they should just slide in and out of the thumb hole and are made of soft rubbery like material.