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In a previous article, I mentioned that one of the major keys to success is a good fit. Some people find this very easily, while others struggle along the way. With so many variables in thumb shape and such, finding a glove-like feel can be a trying experience. Once found, duplicating the same feel can be equally as difficult. This is where the Exactacation process comes into play. To put it simply, Exactacation creates a mold which can be used to make clones of that thumbhole. Here is my step by step process for Exactacating a thumbhole: |
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First I draw the centerline of the grip, this will be used to align the notch in the mold cylinder. I do this to establish the back-center of the thumb. This is important, especially since most thumbholes are ovaled or beveled in some way. |
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The two components of creating a mold are the silicone and catalyst. The catalyst causes the silicone to harden and take on the shape of the thumb. Once mixed, the silicone takes 6-8 hours to cure. I always let the mold sit overnight just to be safe. We pour enough silicone to create a "head" in the cylinder, usually around 1/2" above the surface of the ball. This establishes the O.D. (outside diameter) of the thumb mold. After setting overnight, the cylinder can be removed and mold extracted from the hole. From here, we can start making inserts! Align the notches and then center the top of the mold in the cylinder. |
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The next step is mixing the quick plug for the inserts. I prefer using Ultimate Wizard plug, as it creates the identical feel and texture of a urethane thumb slug. Working out this material is easy, never gummy or brittle. There really isn't a better quick plug on the market, I've pretty much tried them all! It mixes on a 1:1 ratio, and takes approximately 20 minutes to fully cure. Remove the mold, and extract the newly made thumb insert... Let's clone some thumbs! |
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Finally, we take the ball we want to install this Exactacated thumb insert, in this case a BVP Ambush. This ball previously had a vinyl sleeve installed, so the 1 1/8th OD was already drilled with the same spans and pitches. First, I draw the centerline of the grip as this will align the notch in the Exactacated thumb insert. Next, I score the outside of the insert to roughen up the smooth texture. This will allow the 5 minute epoxy to create a stronger bond to the insert and prevent it from coming out! It is also extremely important to match the depth of the hole to the length of the Exactacated thumb mold! Drilling too deep will cause the insert to sink past the surface of the ball, and drilling too shallow will force you to trim the top of the insert. Either way, you won't achieve the goal of Exactacation!! After the hole is drilled, I like to run a bevel sander for a few seconds to open it up. It is best that the thumb insert fits snug, but not tight. (Forcing can cause the insert to feel tight!) So once the hole is opened, the insert is scored, and the epoxy is mixed/spread inside the hole, it is time to hammer in the thumb! Line up the notch to the back of the hole and lightly tap the insert while holding it to ensure alignment. I use a deadblow hammer with a very blunt face to reduce the chance of breaking the insert. If the depth was drilled correctly, the insert should bottom out as the top of the insert matches the top of the hole. |
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| From this point, clean up the edges, smooth it out and you have an EXACTACATED THUMB INSERT! |
