Whether it’s to increase the amount of revs, or to have better handling and control on your throws, finger inserts are a must have piece of equipment in your bowling arsenal. They help your fingers apply lift and rotation on your bowling ball, and also help protect your fingers and skin when releasing the ball.
Finger inserts vary in color, size, and material. We took a look at the current market and compared the top 3 finger inserts to help you decide what’s the best fit for you and your needs.
In our comprehensive guide to the best bowling ball finger inserts, we’ll show you the top finger inserts on the market and give you some advice when it comes time to choose. Let’s get started.
IN A HURRY? HERE’S OUR TOP PICKS…
| Name | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
Vise Grips Power Lift and Oval | 5/5 | Click for Price |
| Turbo Quad Grips | 4.5/5 | Click for Price |
| Ultimate Bowling Urethane Thumb Insert | 4/5 | Click for Price |
1- Vise Grips Power Lift and Oval
The first finger insert on our list is our top pick. It’s the Vise Grips Power Lift and Oval grip. The design of these fingertips are innovative to say the least. One side of the insert is actually oval shaped, while the other side is a power lift. The power lift will help you create more revs with the quarter inch pitch that’s made to enhance your grip.
The oval side, on the other hand, was designed to help the grip feel natural while providing a smooth and consistent release from every throw. There are a whopping 32 different sizes available as well as 12 colors to choose from.
What we like
- Comes in an array of different sizes and colors
- High quality
- Comfortable grip
- Oval shaped insert on one side for increased revs
- Low price
What we don’t like
- Needs a sizing chart for new players
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
2- Turbo Quad Grips
The next finger inserts on our list are the Turbo Quad Grips. The Turbo Quad grips are great quality, and come in a variety of colors, but have a smaller size selection (19 sizes) compared to their competitor, Vise.
The design is slightly different as well. One side is milled a perfect oval. This oval shape is flat though the center and was designed to mimic the shape of your fingertip to give it a natural and relaxed fit. The opposite side is a power oval. It has an eighth inch forward pitch for a slight increase in loft.
What we like
- Wide selection of colors and sizes
- Good quality
- Regular oval size on one side, power oval on other
- Low price
What we don’t like
- Needs a sizing chart for new players
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
3- Ultimate Bowling Urethane Thumb Insert
The last product on our list is actually a thumb insert by Ultimate Bowling. It’s made of urethane. It was designed with ease of installation in mind. It comes in both solid and dual colors to appeal to the masses.
It’s very easy to install and drill, while providing a great customizable fit for the most comfortable grip and feel due to the soft material composition. It also comes pre-sanded meaning you can install and drill this thumb slug immediately.
- Easy to install and easy to drill, Ultimate urethane thumb slugs provide a customizable comfortable fit and feel due to the incredibly soft material composition, Incredibly soft, 100% urethane
- Pre-sanded
What we like
- Made out of 100% urethane
- Variety of colors
- Comfortable
What we don’t like
- May require professional assistance for drilling
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon
What to Look for in a Bowling Ball Finger Insert
To find the best bowling ball finger insert for your needs, consider the following major aspects before finalizing a purchase.
Color
Picking a specific color probably wont help you get more revs or strikes, but it will definitely add to your style points. There are many colors to choose from, so don’t settle for something that you don’t like because you can most likely find a finger insert in the color you love.
Size
Size is the most important aspect to look for. A finger insert that is too tight can cause discomfort, paint, and even an injury. A finger insert that is too loose won’t benefit you much other than adding comfort to your throw. It’s important to make sure you know what size you will need before purchasing to get the most out of your inserts.
Best Bowling Ball Finger Insert Brands
Vise Bowling Grips
Vise has been around since 1983 and has been the preferred choice of bowling ball inserts by pros and aspiring pros in the sport of bowling. Vise has a number of USA and International Distributors making them one of the largest suppliers of bowling ball accessories and inserts.
Turbo Bowling Grips
Turbo developed the original 2-N-1 grip back in 1989. Since then, they have grown to become one of the top companies in the entire bowling industries, along with Vise Bowling Inserts. The name “Turbo” is known all around the world amongst avid bowlers.
Turbo is always striving to innovate with top quality grip and accessory products in the game we all love and respect.
Ultimate Bowling
Ultimate Bowling Products has been in the bowling industry for decades now. They have been providing bowling shops and bowlers with high performance bowling accessories and products including inserts, ball plugs, and cleaners.
They are constantly trying to innovate to bring new products to the table every year. They are widely known for their bowling ball plugs which are made out of urethane.
FAQs
What Do Bowling Ball Finger Inserts Do?
Bowling ball finger inserts are primarily used to allow your fingers to give you more control of your bowling ball whether that’s to increase revs, or to simply protect your fingers. Bowling ball finger inserts provide a good fit which helps prevent chaffing and irritation of the fingers and knuckles while bowling over extended periods of time.
How Tight Should Bowling Ball Finger Inserts Be?
If you cant grip and get your ball into position without feeling discomfort, then your inserts may be too tight. The proper tightness of a finger insert is when you can bend your finger without having discomfort/pinching, or having your knuckle too deep into the ball.
Do Pro Bowlers Use Finger Inserts?
A lot of pro bowlers who play with a fingertip grip, will use finger inserts in their bowling balls. Using the finger inserts allow them to better control the ball.
What Is a Thumb Slug In a Bowling Ball?
A thumb slug is another name for a thumb insert. Bowling ball thumb inserts are usually made out of solid vinyl or urethane. Once inserted in a bowling ball, they are then drilled to fit the bowlers thumb perfectly based on their personal preference.
Final Thoughts
Vise Inserts has been around and has stood the test of time which is why it has won the number one spot. It is the preferred choice by many professional bowlers around the world. With the precise machining, to the wide variety of colors and sizes, it’s a no brainer that this product was made for champions.
Turbo Quad Grips takes a very close second. Similar in design and quality, but they are lacking the wide size selection, and frankly just aren’t as sought after as Vise inserts in the professional bowling scene.
Whichever finger inserts you choose for your bowling ball, we hope this guide has been helpful in your purchasing decision. Thanks for reading!