View Full Version : Ron's Magic Carpet
PASSIONATEBOWLER
08-15-2008, 02:30 PM
If you've tried Ron C's magic carpet - what did you think?:confused:
How does it compare to tape? How long did it take you to get use to it? Did you find yourself using less tape?
Rowdy
08-15-2008, 02:38 PM
One,you have to open up the thumbhole to use it.
Two,too snug a fit WILL take the skin off your thumb. As in no skin at all.
They're kinda like Band-Aid's for a bad fitting thumbhole.
If you think you need them,I'd rather see you get your grip and span checked first.
Thepainscoming
08-15-2008, 02:42 PM
rowdy that is not what it is, i love it. it keeps you able to have a snug fit, while either having a faster release, or u can flip it and slow it down. also it keeps the hole from having a bunch of suction in their so u dont need a vent hole.
Rowdy
08-15-2008, 02:52 PM
rowdy that is not what it is, i love it. it keeps you able to have a snug fit, while either having a faster release, or u can flip it and slow it down. also it keeps the hole from having a bunch of suction in their so u dont need a vent hole.
Gee,tape does the same thing.:)
But only if you know how to use it right.
Thepainscoming
08-15-2008, 02:55 PM
tape doesn't have u come out of the ball faster.
Rowdy
08-15-2008, 02:57 PM
See previous answer,second line.
BigDog
08-15-2008, 03:13 PM
I like it - It allows my thumb to swell and/or shrink a tad - It works very well for me...
Dave34
08-15-2008, 04:12 PM
I tried it and didn't like it. Like Rowdy said, it's nothing proper use of tape can't do. I can't speak to what pain said, because I already had/have vent holes in all of my bowling balls to prevent suction.
To answer the last question, yes it will make you use less tape, but it's so much more than using tape it's probably not worth it.
Rowdy
08-15-2008, 05:03 PM
Yeah,but tape IN A PROPER FITTING THUMBHOLE. Once I got the size and PITCH of the thumbhole right I've only had to use three pieces of tape in a hole. One in the front for feel and two in the back to take up some slack. The next week I had to take the back two out due to thumb swell.
Now,once you get the size and pitch right,the thumb relaxes. Just ask Can. He's found out what a proper grip feels like. Pay attention here:When the thumb is relaxed there is no suction on it. A tight thumb has suction.
can-ham
08-15-2008, 06:02 PM
Yeah,but tape IN A PROPER FITTING THUMBHOLE. Once I got the size and PITCH of the thumbhole right I've only had to use three pieces of tape in a hole. One in the front for feel and two in the back to take up some slack. The next week I had to take the back two out due to thumb swell.
Now,once you get the size and pitch right,the thumb relaxes. Just ask Can. He's found out what a proper grip feels like. Pay attention here:When the thumb is relaxed there is no suction on it. A tight thumb has suction.
This no joke, I never realized how much I squeezed the ball until I used a proper drilling, which was last night!
The thumb was so tight I put my fingers in then my thumb and I couldn't get my thumb out of the ball. I'm taking trying to reset my pres-shot routine. My hand was programed for some squeeze. But once I realized what relaxed meant it was money. In fact by the end of the night I felt I could have use a piece of tape or two in the thumb.
So if I relaxed the ball came of so smooth, but if I pinched it would almost seem like it hung up and there would be some loft.
If you need more than three pieces of tape in your ball then you need to go here to find a new driller:
http://www.ibpsia.com/pros.asp
My guy is one of only 11 IBPSIA certified drillers in Canada.
idlehourlegend
08-15-2008, 07:57 PM
also it keeps the hole from having a bunch of suction in their so u dont need a vent hole.
Its called a thumb slug.
I like them, in fact I've used them in all my strike balls for the past few years. Even with them installed, I usually have 1 or 2 pieces of white tape upfront. My thumbhole is drilled slightly larger than it used to be. I also use a round hole. I'm very particular about the fit of my thumbhole, it has to be very snug.
Loose thumbhole= automatic squeeze
Magic carpet isn't going to fix a bad fit. That's not it's intended purpose. If the only problem is a loose thumbhole it might help with that. It's not a cure all, I'm sure you can get the same benefits with 3 pieces tape, layered properly. Some people complain about the cost but their bags are filled with nu-skin, hada tape and all kinds of other thumb products. I don't carry any...
Pay attention here:When the thumb is relaxed there is no suction on it. A tight thumb has suction
The thumb is supposed to be relaxed and the thumb hole is supposed to be tight. The two go somewhat hand in hand.
Its called a thumb slug.
not all slugs are vented.
idlehourlegend
08-15-2008, 09:26 PM
not all slugs are vented.
I know, but all mine are so its easier that way.
Thepainscoming
08-15-2008, 09:59 PM
a few of mine arent
Rowdy
08-16-2008, 06:07 PM
The thumb is supposed to be relaxed and the thumb hole is supposed to be tight. The two go somewhat hand in hand.
Sorry,but on this one I refuse to compromise. The thumbhole should never be tight. A teeny-tiny bit snug,yes. But tight,never.
A thumbhole,(with or without a slug), should be drilled so that you BARELY feel it when the thumb goes in. This allows for swelling of the thumb and allows tape to be PROPERLY used to take up the slack. This eliminates any suction problems also.
Like Can,it took me a long time to finally get it right. I went through FIVE drillers before I found a guy who would shut the hell up,listen and drill what I needed in the ball.
One re-measure and two tries later and we had a winner!!! A clean release,more revs and a huge improvement in ball reaction. Then I just dumped the bag on the floor and told him to punch 'em all up with the same grip and when the two balls I ordered from him came in to put the holes here,here and here with the same layout.
Guess who I buy everything from now???:)
snug...tight...
you say tomato, I say tomato
Rowdy
08-16-2008, 06:28 PM
snug...tight...
you say tomato, I say tomato
Snug=Strike.:)
Tight=Pull.:eek:
You make the call.
Thepainscoming
08-16-2008, 09:27 PM
when i had my hole tight enough that i had to actually push it in, it felt AMAZING and it came out very cleanly yet i had no squeeze. so what works for u may not work for everyone.
bluerrpilot
08-16-2008, 10:07 PM
The biggest advantage of the magic carpet that nobody has mentioned or considered....
1. A slug or insert with or without tape will become tacky or slippery when you sweat. But the nature of the cloth/Velcro like substance wont allow that.
2. It allows for a "flexible yet snug fit" Even a properly fit grip wont allow that.
Rowdy
08-19-2008, 02:03 AM
The biggest advantage of the magic carpet that nobody has mentioned or considered....
1. A slug or insert with or without tape will become tacky or slippery when you sweat. But the nature of the cloth/Velcro like substance wont allow that.
2. It allows for a "flexible yet snug fit" Even a properly fit grip wont allow that.
1. Try drying your hand.
Wanna bet??? Go ahead,sweat into one of those magic things and all you get is a soggy mess. I've seen it.
2. "Flexible yet snug"? How does that work? Is that along the lines of "Virtually no maintence"?
But you are right,a proper grip is only one size. Just the same as your hand is only one size. Oops.
Rowdy
08-19-2008, 02:04 AM
when i had my hole tight enough that i had to actually push it in, it felt AMAZING and it came out very cleanly yet i had no squeeze. so what works for u may not work for everyone.
I sure the hell hope you're still talking about a bowling ball.:rolleyes:
1. Try drying your hand.
Wanna bet??? Go ahead,sweat into one of those magic things and all you get is a soggy mess. I've seen it.
2. "Flexible yet snug"? How does that work? Is that along the lines of "Virtually no maintence"?
But you are right,a proper grip is only one size. Just the same as your hand is only one size. Oops.
Sorry but you're wrong.
1. I don't remove them when I'm changing surfaces on the spinner. They get completly soaked from the water but there is no soggy mess. (Now, I'm not going to ask why you were looking inside another bowlers thumb hole. lol)
2. The carpet material is well carpet so it has some "give" to it. That allows the flexible part of "flexible yet snug."
EIGHTBALL033
08-19-2008, 10:09 AM
THEM IN ALL MY BALLS IN WINTER LEAGUES,HAD TO REMOVE FOR SUMMER MY THUMB SWELLS ALOT IN SUMMER,SHRINKS IN WINTER,I AGREE WITH ALL SLAP SAID ABOUT THEM,FOR EACHES OWN,SOME MAY LIKE THEM SOME MAY NOT:eek: :cool:
Rowdy
08-19-2008, 03:04 PM
(Now, I'm not going to ask why you were looking inside another bowlers thumb hole. lol)
I wasn't. They were in MY thumbhole,thank you very much.:p I don't go peeking in other peoples thumbholes.:eek: It's not polite.:)
I wasn't. They were in MY thumbhole,thank you very much.:p I don't go peeking in other peoples thumbholes.:eek: It's not polite.:)
Good to know, I was worried there for second....lol
Rowdy
08-19-2008, 09:36 PM
The glue in those things doesn't tolerate alcohol very well for some reason.
PASSIONATEBOWLER
08-20-2008, 12:34 PM
Wow! Thanks for all the feedback. Unfortunately, I'm just getting back to the site - after posting the question.
I ordered the magic carpet, tried it for about 3 frames Monday, and it was too snug. However, since I paid twenty dollars for it, I plan to give it another shot the next time I practice. However, my initial thought is: It probably will not work for me, unless my thumb shrinks considerably more in the winter.
Wow! Thanks for all the feedback. Unfortunately, I'm just getting back to the site - after posting the question.
I ordered the magic carpet, tried it for about 3 frames Monday, and it was too snug. However, since I paid twenty dollars for it, I plan to give it another shot the next time I practice. However, my initial thought is: It probably will not work for me, unless my thumb shrinks considerably more in the winter.
did you read the instructions?
1. There is a "break in period"
2. If your thumbhole was snug to before adding the carpet, it may need to be opened up.
Rowdy
08-20-2008, 03:04 PM
Wow! Thanks for all the feedback. Unfortunately, I'm just getting back to the site - after posting the question.
I ordered the magic carpet, tried it for about 3 frames Monday, and it was too snug. However, since I paid twenty dollars for it, I plan to give it another shot the next time I practice. However, my initial thought is: It probably will not work for me, unless my thumb shrinks considerably more in the winter.
You can shave the "carpet" part of them down. You did make the thumbhole bigger first,right?
Thepainscoming
08-20-2008, 10:14 PM
basically its like 3 pieces of white tape from what i've found.
TenPinSniper
08-21-2008, 05:49 AM
From my experience opening up thumb a little does not work, you really have to open up the thumb to make it work, probably the next size bigger drill bit.
BubbaRay
08-21-2008, 06:10 AM
Also try putting it in the other way. Put the top part facing down and the down part facing up. It changes the feel and gives you a quicker release. The idea of this carpet is to have that snug feeling but not the hangup or drag during the thumb release.
Rowdy
08-21-2008, 12:24 PM
From my experience opening up thumb a little does not work, you really have to open up the thumb to make it work, probably the next size bigger drill bit.
We've found that if you use a Dremel and cut a shallow channel for the carpet to fit into you don't need to drill out the thumbhole. That preserves the side to side feel in the thumbhole. But then you're stuck using the carpet in that thumbhole unless you either want to put a bunch of tape there or drill out the slug and start over.
To me it's too much work for too little gain.
Thepainscoming
08-21-2008, 07:27 PM
Also try putting it in the other way. Put the top part facing down and the down part facing up. It changes the feel and gives you a quicker release. The idea of this carpet is to have that snug feeling but not the hangup or drag during the thumb release. bubba they come with a red mark on one side of it, if u put that up at the top in the hole, its the faster release, down its a slower release.
PASSIONATEBOWLER
08-22-2008, 07:16 AM
did you read the instructions?
1. There is a "break in period"
2. If your thumbhole was snug to before adding the carpet, it may need to be opened up.
Yes, I read the instructions, and read that there is a break in period. And, 'No' my thumbhole was not snug before. However, I do plan to try it again. I'll post the results soon. Thanks.
PASSIONATEBOWLER
08-22-2008, 07:18 AM
You can shave the "carpet" part of them down. You did make the thumbhole bigger first,right?
No, I didn't make the thumbhole bigger - Don't want to do that much adjusting. I just thought if I could get away from layering tape, and use one piece of carpet, it may save me a bit of time.
PASSIONATEBOWLER
08-22-2008, 07:21 AM
Also try putting it in the other way. Put the top part facing down and the down part facing up. It changes the feel and gives you a quicker release. The idea of this carpet is to have that snug feeling but not the hangup or drag during the thumb release.
Sure, I will try that. The first time I tried it with the 'red marker' down (slower release option). Next, I intend to try it with the red marker up. I really feel that I didn't give it enough time. Actually, what happened is my 'practice session' turned into a session with three other bowlers that came unexpectantly, so you know how that goes...it turned competitive.:o
tjb0621
08-22-2008, 11:40 PM
Ok want to say thanks. I have always had trouble with my NM coming out of my hand too early. Pro shop assured me it was me. I did buy some
magic carpet tape some time ago and liked it- But still had ball come out too early on occasion as I am still fairly new at bowling I assumed yes it is me. Well after reading all the posts on carpet tape and standard tape i decided to try the carpet tape one more time with tape in front on thumb hole also. Felt too tight to me but like I said I read the posts and listened. Well I won the sweeper. Bowled 130 pins over avg. for the three games. So a BIG thank you for posting your opinions and sharing your knowledge. Yeah baby!
PASSIONATEBOWLER
08-26-2008, 08:11 AM
Ok want to say thanks. I have always had trouble with my NM coming out of my hand too early. Pro shop assured me it was me. I did buy some
magic carpet tape some time ago and liked it- But still had ball come out too early on occasion as I am still fairly new at bowling I assumed yes it is me. Well after reading all the posts on carpet tape and standard tape i decided to try the carpet tape one more time with tape in front on thumb hole also. Felt too tight to me but like I said I read the posts and listened. Well I won the sweeper. Bowled 130 pins over avg. for the three games. So a BIG thank you for posting your opinions and sharing your knowledge. Yeah baby!
Cool! Way-To-Go, HammerHead!:p
Gnarly
08-30-2008, 08:33 PM
I really like the carpet. For me it does everything Ron said it would. After I get a ball drilled, I run hot water over my thumb to get it to swell up like it would on a hot and humid day. Then I will have some material removed from the back of the thumb hole a little bit at a time until I get a good fit with the carpet. This way I don't have a problem when the thumb swells and when it's not hot and humid I usually only have to add 1 piece of white or black on the front side and it's perfect. Good stuff!
Stampy79
08-30-2008, 09:23 PM
Just remember that Rowdy said if you use these, your thumb doesnt fit properly and we all know that Rowdy is the leading expert on ball fitting techniques so we are all wrong as usual in the cases when Rowdy doesnt use the item in question. Just remember that MOST thumbs are not round, and that is the main reason for them anyway. Simple fact is, if you like them, use them. As far as tearing the skin off, THAT is a bad fitting thumb !
ps. I love them and my thumbs fit well
2KDriver
08-30-2008, 10:03 PM
Very observant of you Stampy;) I've noticed that as well:p
Rowdy
08-31-2008, 12:05 AM
Just remember that Rowdy said if you use these, your thumb doesnt fit properly and we all know that Rowdy is the leading expert on ball fitting techniques so we are all wrong as usual in the cases when Rowdy doesnt use the item in question. Just remember that MOST thumbs are not round, and that is the main reason for them anyway. Simple fact is, if you like them, use them. As far as tearing the skin off, THAT is a bad fitting thumb !
ps. I love them and my thumbs fit well
Where do you come off with this bilge water? I see your attitude didn't improve during your absence.
Go crawl back under your rock and take this crap with you.
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