Sarge Easter Grip - Bowling's Most Bizarre Grip | BrunsNick

People often ask me questions about my grip and they are usually something like, "Why are your fingers so weird looking?" "Why is your thumb way the heck over to the side?" "Why do you drill it that way?" "Did you lose a bet?"
So I wanted to give the overview of not only the Sarge Easter Grip, but the story of why I started using the grip and the injuries that happened along the way. In order to understand why I use the Sarge Easter grip, you have to learn how I got there in the first place.
Questions about the grip? Post them below!
#SargeEasterGrip #BrunsNick

[@glenngerstner8862]

Mike Fagan used this grip too. Fun facts: Sarge Easter did not start bowling seriously until 1940 when he was 58, he was stationed in Madison Wisconsin and was taught the finer points of bowling by Tony and Connie Schwoegler (the first bowler to be successful with a fingertip grip). He was a finalist in the BPAA All-Star (100 games in 9 days, now the US Open) in 1948 at age 65 and won the BPAA doubles when he was 67 with Ed Lubanski, who was only 21.

[@brunsnick]

Nice piece of history info. 👍🏻

[@deanw0654]

Thank you for the explanation on the grip! Never saw that grip before. Thanks for sharing!

[@richr115]

Recenly came across you channel. Great content by the way. Facinating explaination of your grip change through the years. Awesome.

[@the_belsch]

I have used Sarge Easter since about 2003. I did a one day clinic with Mo in 2021 and he told me to go to 3/4 reverse on the ring finger too. It’s been great. I guess you are partially to thank for that. Great videos.

[@waynewells915]

Great info Brunsnick! I’ve always wondered about that but never heard an explanation.

[@Kurobuta35]

interesting... thanks for the video!

[@joecerar9303]

Best video yet!

[@brunsnick]

Thanks Joey!

[@jimk9290]

Thanks for explaining the things that led to using the Sarge Easter grip. Also, the pitch details are appreciated. I can see going to that some time, because as it is right now, I have all my balls drilled with a relaxed span. Middle finger is full fingertip, as is the ring finger. However, I have fairly oversize finger holes, since sometimes I wrap my fingers, and sometimes I don't. When I don't wrap the ring finger, I throw it with a semi-fingertip, which I used to have on both fingers. Anyway, I'm headed over to the 3 yr. old videos now to check out more of the details. Your release is very relaxed, and I need help with that.

[@arniejonassen]

I had (have) the exact same issues you described. Years ago I increased my span a little to get some more revs on the ball and while I had immediate success my ring finger started to hurt a lot. I ended up messing around with shortening my span and changed the pitches and dropped the ring finger a tad and my finger (and hand) have been a lot better but not close to 100%. I think maybe I need to try Sarge Easter and see how it feels. Great video.

[@brunsnick]

That’s how I always felt with fingertip no matter what I did. It was okay but just not perfect. Might be worth a try on a burner ball to see.

[@scottythompson940]

Cool tech bowling Brunsnick

[@mtdpw234]

GREAT VIDEO SIR.......LOVED THE RETRO VIDS OF YOU THROWING THE ROCK.......:-)

[@brunsnick]

Figured I’d dig into the vault. A little hard to use some since many were originally filmed 640x480. 😆

[@davelee3360]

Great info I damaged my ring finger over 20yrs ago but it didn't effect my bowling but now it does so I've been thinking of trying this to see if it will help with pain

[@brianshidler5792]

I too remember those vids. Nice to see it explained for those who don’t know. I did it 15 yrs ago myself, no particular reason, just tried it. I personally saw no advantage for me. I still use no grips, no slugs and just break the edge of the holes with my barrel sander and call it good. It’s easy to repeat and as simple as it can be… now my pitches, that’s a whole different story 😆

[@brunsnick]

You’re an animal!

[@deadpolymers3416]

Your journey to, away from and back to sarge Easter mirrors mine almost change for change. Shock in the arm, lost of grip pressure, eventually went to SE with way more forward thumb. After a few years I went back to normal finger tip, did well for a while, but within a year grip pressure and wrist fatigue set in again and I went back to SE. However in my case I eventually switched hands, in order to allow my right side to fully recover. Now I bowl 2H lefty, and I’m a bit older then you. No pain at all anymore... but my average did take a dive, but it’s getting better.

[@frankiealonzo1039]

Hi I did the same now went back to normal grip now having problems I may go back to that grip thanks for sharing

[@brunsnick]

Our hands will let us know when something is wrong, just have to listen.

[@josephelden4573]

Back in '73 when I first started adult league bowling there were a couple of guys using this grip. One older fellow told me it was a variation on the old 2 finger (thumb and middle) grip. I think locally it was called a "Bates" grip. Couple of the older guys in that league still used 2 finger grips.

[@newbloodink]

Thanks for this! Im going into my 8th month of bowling and most of what I learned has been from watching vids like this and others unfortunately no help from my PSOs. Still trying to learn layouts but when it comes to fnger positioning I've noticed that this style suites me better. All my balls currently finger tip even, no pain but I find my self having to stick my middle finger out "super finger tip" so that they feel even. Where as if I go middle finger first now my ring finger is jammed in there. Since noticing this I've been able to throw better shots.

[@brunsnick]

You’ll dial it in with more reps. 👏

[@jamesjones5055]

Thanks for the info , did not know ring finger was not finger tip and no grip👍🏻

[@vanni9283]

In addition to Robert Smith, Marshall Holman used a variation of the Sarge Easter during his days on tour. His ring finger was dropped slightly to a semi-fingertip grip rather than a conventional grip.

[@brunsnick]

Sweet, didn’t know that.

[@BassRacerx]

Ive been having grip issues and will have to get a ball to try it. Maybe ill pick up an ocean vibe and try sarge easter

[@HOBOCOP_II]

I went 3/8 reverse 3/8 right with my 1st 2 I converted. Try them tonight hopefully it works out.

[@alittlefield06]

I actually did the same thing. I bowled with the normal fingertip for years through juniors. In about 2013, I was having so much pain in my ring finger's second knuckle, I slowly started backing the span down. That's when I decided to do some research on the Sarge Easter grip. Went to it for a few years and loved it. Tried fingertip again in 2017, and that lasted for about a year. The pain was coming back to the point that it was a struggle getting through a 3-game league set. Ended up going back to it in 2018, and haven't looked back. Absolutely no pain in the ring finger anymore, these days. Still have the same struggles with the swelling, and I am debating about using the Vacu-grips down the road, as well. Otherwise, best decision I have made. My rev rate dropped initially when I was first getting used to it, but, now it's back to normal, roughly. As for my release, I actually find that with not having that ring finger basically "lock" me into the ball, I can actually be a lot more versatile at the bottom of the swing and the release. It's been a great change for me.

[@brunsnick]

Awesome. Yes there is a trial period with the grip and then you rev it and manipulate it as normal once comfy. Vacu is a must try.

[@alittlefield06]

@@brunsnick after the tournaments this spring, I'll more than likely be moving things towards the Vacu-grip. It's something that I have always been interested in. And seeing that a good number of the pros use the same thing to help with the swelling, I think it's something that I am going to move to.

[@BigNickSnr]

Thanks for this video, Nick. I'm looking at every grip option to help get away from being a spinner and thought this might be one. I have a natural tendency to chicken wing that I just can't seem to stop no matter what. And funny fact, I used to work in a Brunswick Center in the 90s and used to jokingly call myself BrunsNick. Who knew?

[@brunsnick]

That’s funny.

[@peterthebowler]

Great video and perfect timing. I just started contemplating putting a sarge easter grip for my middle finger as i'm having lots of problems. Any advice?

[@brunsnick]

It’s not usually the middle finger that leads people into trying the Sarge grip. Might want to sort out your grip issues with your pro shop before trying a new one.

[@ptythefool]

I have tried this. Had a middle finger injury in the past. It does work, but I think your tilt is more prone to change and obviously your rev rate will decrease a bit. It's a good alternative if you want to continue bowling while letting a finger injury heal. Now as for your specific use case - I don't know what 'lots of problems' entails. If you don't want to feel your middle finger while bowling, then it's something to try. My fingers are skinny enough I was able to actually put the hole below my fingertip drilled holes to try it out.

[@jeremybrady567]

My hand and your hand have lived the same life lol went through same steps and ended up with best scores and consistency with sarg !!!! What I was surprised about most was that I was still able to stay up the back of I wanted to witch is something I didn't think I would be able to do with sarge . I was way wrong and can wheel it right or jam it up the track with no pain wish I never went though all the trials and tribulations. But then I wouldn't know what bad is and what good is .

[@brunsnick]

Awesome! Brotherrrrrrrr 😎

[@erikroy1425]

I remember those older videos

[@erikroy1425]

Actually bought a Scorchin Inferno because of your review

[@LILWIPEOUT]

I found your video incredibly valuable, and it came at the right time for me. As I’m a one-handed, no-thumb bowler I had been grappling with persistent pain in my ring finger. I recently stopped bowling for just one month and found my fingers reducing back to normal size, but I still have a little bump on my ring finger. My guess is due to all the swelling and torn muscles turning into hard scar tissue because I use conventional grip. I’ve never really known too much about different pitch angles so I might give that a try first. Additionally, I’m curious about Sarge Eastern, particularly in addressing the issue of my hand spazzing during my league games, primarily during my backswing, which often results in ball drops. I’m wondering if Sarge Eastern could be a useful technique for a one-handed, no-thumb bowler like me. Your insights would be greatly appreciated Nick. When ever you have time!!

[@brunsnick]

Could work just fine. Try it and see.

[@kevinanderson9093]

I've thought about it. But always wonder how much difference there is in feel when you release the ball

[@remington1439]

Nick’ what a true story of your bowling career life at Brunswick. Just amazing what you told us you went through to get were your at Now. I am beginning to get arthritis in my hand and you guess it’ it’s my right finger. So I am going to take my oldest ball and get the pitch reversed in ring finger 3/4 I believe you said, 1/4 on index. Short store= I bowled 24 years right handed’ 2018 car accident (no fault) but I lost the use on my right arm. After surgery I asked the doctor about bowling professionally and he said not with the right you won’t even pick up no more of a Gal of milk. Well he was right. My passion is as good as yours, so I continued as a lefty and if finally paid off Nick. My avg is 210 and I’m loving the game again. I APPRECIATE your change in bowling and wish more success to you. Wow what a amazing life altering change you went through.✌🏼 11:34

[@brunsnick]

Righty to lefty is much more impressive to me! Thanks for sharing!

[@thomasdaly1001]

So I'll try to make this short. Your story and mine and extremely similar. I'm now 37 and realizing my hand just can't deal with the pain I get. My grip always feels good for so long then randomly starts to hurt or not feel consistent. I do not currently use grips, haven't for a long time. Anytime I have used grips they tend to dig into my fingers and they end up splitting open. Whenever I put my hand in the ball I feel as if I have to twist my fingers away from the thumb then put my thumb in to get the comfort feel and have the ball sitting in my hand properly. However this is extremely hard to repeat especially with my hand swelling up and down. So sarge easster seems like it would potentially help with all the above. Having the length shortened slightly and with the ring finger being conventional I feel like it will help position my hand in a way I don't have to twist to get that feel. Am I on the right thought process or am I over thinking it? I realize you never know how a new grip will be until you actually try it I guess I am just curious if it's worth the effort? Could it potentially be a fix for the symptoms I'm having? Thank you for your time and very helpful video!

[@rossodowd911]

Just started testing this grip. Just went to 3/8" reverse in ring. Span 3 3/4" might try more reverse like yours. My thumb is 0/0. It's there a rule for thumb pitch, or just all preference? I usually have thumb issues, either squeeze or can't get out of them ball. Always putting tape in and taking it out. Thanks

[@brunsnick]

Thumb is kind of your own preference and what you can clear. If you’re 3-3/4 conventional, are you about 4-3/4 fingertip? 0 might not be enough reverse to clear. You want to make the thumb as snug as can be while you stop squeezing and clear it still.

[@whattheheckman3004]

I had gone to sarge Easter this summer after having some slight discomfort in my ring finger. I had the idea after throwing some of my friends balls which had the grip, it also turned me to the Brands of Brunswick in the process.

[@brunsnick]

Love it. Welcome to the brands!

[@brandonferris8934]

Do you use a grip in your ring finger? If not, is it just a round hole with a little beveling, or is there more to it? Thanks!

[@brunsnick]

No grip. Just a round hole with bevel and a few pieces of white tape. 👍🏻

[@jamesbryant455]

I've had my tendon repaired in my ring finger and had to stop bowling as a result. In your opinion would going to this grip allow me to return to bowling? I get different answers from different ball drillers. I'd love to get back into the sport

[@brunsnick]

I believe it would.

[@brandonferris8934]

I just watched your video in which you drill your Conspiracy Theory. I have a couple of questions (it's been more than three years now since I've drilled a ball with a thumb - bear with me!). 1. Do you drill finger then thumb then finger in that order for a particular reason? 2. For your thumb pitches, do you drill the 1 1/2" outer hole at those pitches, or are those the pitches you drilled into your actual interchangeable thumb itself? (I can't quite see the pitch in your bottom digital readout.).

[@brunsnick]

Easier to hit cuts 1 at a time. Could go thumb finger finger too, same results. I always start on the middle finger. Thumb outer is drilled with same pitch as thumb inner. 3/16 fwd 1/8 right.

[@dragonchr1s]

Hey Nick. I was looking for info about your wrist positioning during your swing. It looks like you invert your wrist as you come to the top of your swing. Can you talk about that, the why and how? Im wondering if that’s something I should consider as I can’t seem to build the strength to keep my wrist cocked so to speak throughout the swing, it breaks the bend as I go into the backswing resulting in a bit of strain. Perhaps the inversion will take out an element of fighting gravity and enable a better release…

[@brunsnick]

It’s kind of just a natural relaxed motion for me, I don’t try to cup my wrist but I know it does at the top and then it naturally unloads at the release. I’m fairly neutral at the point of release as my fingers are not below the equator of the ball. The last thing you want to do is muscle your swing or force your hand/wrist to do something it doesn’t want to.

[@dragonchr1s]

Thanks Nick! I'll have to remember to experiment with it and see how it goes :)

[@chuckk.3045]

I believe I may have arthritis creeping into my ring finger, when I'm done bowling league my ring finger aches tremendously, would the Sarge Easter possibly help with this?

[@brunsnick]

Might be worth a try. If you haven’t had your fit checked as you’ve aged, you may need to shorten up the spans and add some more forward pitch to the thumb. The finger may need a little adjustment with reverse if your flexibility in the fingers has worsened with arthritis.

[@1985supramk2]

Please finish your answer about how it affects ball roll. I only have a dropped ring finger drilling and I think it definitely lowers rev rate

[@brunsnick]

My PAP never did change, nor did my rev rate at the time. As I have gotten older, my speed and rev rate has gone down pretty dramatically. Once you get accustomed to grip changes like this, your rev rate shouldn’t change. If there is a big drop in revs or an increase in tilt, the grip max need an adjustment.

[@Remark997]

How does it feel when you release the ball? Do both fingers exit at the same time or do you feel more middle finger dominant?

[@brunsnick]

It’s definitely middle finger dominant. Next time I shoot video I’ll capture some ultra slo mo shots.

[@Remark997]

That would be awesome, thanks!

[@retiredslamjamm]

I am a senior and got back to bowling after retiring 7 years ago. I have developed arthritis in my middle finger upper joint (DIP). I use a finger tip and the pressure on the middle finger causes more pain when throwing, causing me to adjust my release to reduce the chance of pain. would the Sarge Easter reduce pressure on the middle finger and changing the finger pitch help this condition? or do you have another suggestion? Thanks

[@brunsnick]

Likely a shorter span, more reverse (in middle finger) and maybe vacu grip in that middle finger would be where you want to start.

[@nathanielsims7253]

Does the Sarge Easter grip help get more rev on the ball, that’s always my issue on the sport patterns

[@brunsnick]

Nope.

[@sanake2636]

hey i am a relatively new bowler(1 year) who also has a high backswing and similar hand position at the bottom of my release. currently struggling with smoothening out my release as i tense up my arm a lot, do you think it would help if I use the sarge easter grip over fingertip grip?

[@brunsnick]

Not necessarily no. If your arm is tensing up that means you’re probably squeezing the ball during release. Have your fit checked with your pro shop or if you think it feels okay, make some tweaks with some tape in the thumb to snug it up.

[@user-to3ez8wi4x]

Did you ever try the CLT/offset thumb drilling?

[@brunsnick]

Nah.

[@Lush1954]

Any suggestions on a standard Sarge Easter layout that be used. I don’t know if there is a shop in my area with someone skilled in this but maybe a standard layout can get me started. I have wrist & joint issues and this grip just sounds like it may help.

[@brunsnick]

You’ll need to be measured. Can’t really help you with your fit, but the ring finger is just measured for conventional grip with more reverse pitch. That’s really all there is to it.

[@Lush1954]

@@brunsnick thanks much.

[@traviskirk3834]

Speaking of old balls I have a blue beast urethane from Columbia 300 that I am thinking of getting redone because I bowl on old wood on burned up oil. And putting it with my faball blue hammer that I also got from a garage sale and also put the blue beast urethane and my faball blue hammer with y faball blue pearl hammer urethane. Typical lefty more speed then revs up the boards. Any suggestions for what layout for the blue beast urethane welcome

[@brunsnick]

I tell just about everyone to drill their low flaring urethanes 4” pin to PAP by 20-30 VAL. Get the pin up and in a stronger position and let the core tumble.

[@traviskirk3834]

@@brunsnick thank you alot it will really help when my other urethane balls start hitting hard .

[@MrEroupe]

So i stopped bowling about 17 years ago because i ripped a tendon in my ring finger. I just started bowling again last year but it has been painful. I have never seen this before but i think i need to try it, but im not sure if my pro shop has even seen this, any tips that i can share when measuring for this?

[@brunsnick]

Measure for standard conventional. Use at least 1/2 reverse and 1/2 right to start (assuming you’re right handed). The bridge should not be more than 1/4” ever.

[@brandonferris8934]

Nick, exactly how much right pitch do you use on the ring finger in your Sarge Easter grip?

[@brunsnick]

5/8

[@brandonferris8934]

Thank you. I think I'm going to plug one of my balls and give this a try. Playing around with it a bit it seems like it might help tame the elbow chicken wing I used to have when I used my thumb. Three years into the two-handed experiment and I'm not making any progress (besides the lack of adequate ball speed with two hands I mentioned in my comment on the Hammer Raw video, I just CANNOT produce enouch axis rotation. I've tried every imaginable combination of pitch and fit, but my ball roll is extremely forward, to the point that my ball quits severely.), so I'm going try going back to using my thumb. My rev rate with my thumb was painfully low, but I could actually bowl, whereas with two hands I'm expending tons of energy and frustration trying to throw one decent shot.

[@brunsnick]

@@brandonferris8934 best of luck with the switch!

[@jdparker4663]

Do you put your ring finger down to second knuckle when holding ball then

[@brunsnick]

Yes.

[@r.t.8367]

Dumb question - forgive me. I've got issues with the 1st knuckle of the middle finger. Have you ever heard of anyone reversing the grip and doing full fingertip on the ring finger and conventional on the middle finger? Thanks!

[@brunsnick]

No not really. Might want to look at shortening the span there with a vacu insert. Have your pro shop take a look.

[@r.t.8367]

@@brunsnick Will do! Thanks for the quick reply!

[@nordattack]

I currently use conventional grip in all my balls with finger inserts. Would there be any advantage to going to Sarge Easter?

[@brunsnick]

Only one way to find out.

[@bobbygilchrist2051]

I thank you for the information, I have been asking the pro shop to help with my grip. I now have the correct name and how it looks. I will be testing a ball with this drill layout. Thank You.

[@matthewlaframboise]

What was the blue ball?

[@brunsnick]

Columbia Boss

[@remington1439]

I would like to know the numbers you were talking about so I can explain to the PSO I go to. Then he can read your comment on your finger pitch, I snap shot the video subject but if they haven’t heard this then I have your number on the finger, plus I will show him this video and he if he has time to hear it. Thank you so much. I just subscribed to your videos and caught the new DV8 for 2H or 1H and you were great

[@brunsnick]

Which numbers? Pitches on the ring finger? 3/4 reverse 5/8 right.

[@remington1439]

@@brunsnick just tell my PSO Sarge Easter grip 3/4 reverse is your middle finger .5/8 right is ring finger? Thank you so much and I enjoy your show.

[@brunsnick]

No, the pitches in my ring finger are 3/4 reverse and 5/8 right.

[@austinbaker7599]

Volume on the last videos has been very loww on my end, i have everything turned up.

[@brunsnick]

Thanks for letting me know.

[@markfujimoto3530]

Didn't you and your brother bowl at Gable House back in the day? Or maybe just your brother?

[@brunsnick]

Paul did for sure.

[@is_tolek5492]

Did hammer stop putting carbon fibre in their higher end equipment?

[@brunsnick]

It's still part of the outer core manufacturing process, but hasn't been a part of Hammer's marketing for some time now.

[@jamesbelshe6452]

I use sarge easter grip but I'm two handed player that uses his thumb.

[@idek6652]

I believe Mike Fagan uses this no?

[@brunsnick]

Used to.

[@thomasmerrick8948]

What exactly is the "SARGE EASTER" grip. Is this drilling known by another name?

[@brunsnick]

Not to my knowledge.

[@Lank2thepast]

Baggy jeans and hair gel. Those were the good old days.

[@brunsnick]

Frosted tips too

[@HackAttackx10]

he Knows why he calls it the stinky pinky....