Matching Drilling Layouts to Patterns WE BEGIN WITH two more equipment-related questions for pro bowlers Mike DeVaney, Chris Barnes and Scott Norton. (Question No. 1 appeared last month.) When do you prefer using a weaker ball design with a stronger drilling layout,
such as a 3.5- to 4.5-inch pin distance drilling? DeVaney: “Often, I feel 3.5 to 4.5-inch pin-to-PAP distances are the most pre- dictable and controllable.” Barnes: “I use these types of drillings when I’m not crossing many boards through the front of the lane, but more when the front of the lane is hooking — when the pattern is flatter front to back.” Norton: “Generally when the pattern requires me to play more straight up, I prefer to have a weaker ball with a strong layout. This allows the ball to back off when I miss in because the cover isn’t that strong, but it’s drilled strong enough to recover a little should I miss a little left.” What drilling layout do you find most usable on a wide variety of lane patterns?
DeVaney: “A good starting point for me is 4.5-inches-to-PAP.” Barnes: “I tend to use a 5½-inch pin (above my middle finger) that enables me to keep the flares tighter through the front and create angle downlane. With my more end-over-end roll, this is key for me.” Norton: “My favorite layout, by far, is with the pin under my ring finger and the mass bias and CG swung out to the left. Because of my speed and low rev rate, I generally need help getting the ball into a roll, and this layout accomplishes that very well.”
Each month, bowlers journal interactive will reprint the BJ ball review by Joe Cerar. This issue also includes video demonstrations featuring one or more of the tested balls.
TIPS AND TRICKS TO MAKE YOU A BETTER BOWLER
THE TESTING This month, ball testing was performed at Classic Lanes and Olympic Lanes in Milwaukee. We were able to test on both AMF SPL and Brunswick Anvilane synthetic lane surfaces. Our test patterns included the USBC White and the PBA Viper. We also bowled on fresh and bro- ken-down typical house shots at both centers. My test staff included Scott Stolz and Matt Duty. Our rev rates range from 300 to 450, with ball speeds between 16- and 19-mph. All three of us can change our tilts and axis rotations to modify roll characteristics.
HOOK POTENTIAL 35-45: Balls with lower total hook ranges, best suited for lighter oil concentrations. Players with slower speeds or higher rev rates may also prefer balls in this range for medium oil ap- plications. 45-51: Balls with medium hook ability, best suited for the vast majority of “typical house
shots” and some lower-volume Sport patterns. This hook range should be represented by the “centerpiece” ball in most arsenals. 51-60+: Balls with greater total hook, designed for heavier oil volumes. Players with higher speeds or lower rev rates, who need added lane traction, may also prefer balls in this range.
LENGTH RATINGS 8-12: Earlier rolling balls that read the lane sooner. These products generally come factory- sanded with lower grit surfaces, and match up well with speed-dominant styles and those bowling on longer patterns. 12-15: Medium-length balls that produce easier length through the midlane. Good for most house shots and medium-volume Sport patterns. 15-19+: Balls off ering extra length for those bowling on lighter oil concentrations. Also ben- efi cial for slower speed players, or those with higher rev rates needing added push downlane.
BREAKPOINT SHAPE 10-13: Slower-response balls that read the friction areas more gradually. This range may in- clude balls with a urethane or mild reactive cover, designed for a smooth arc to the pocket. Can also help those with higher rev rates control motion and match up well from outside angles of attack. 13-15: Balls rated for slightly stronger and quicker reactions when encountering friction ar- eas (as when the ball leaves the oil pattern). This range off ers a balance of control and back- end angularity. 15-18+: Balls that respond more quickly and aggressively to friction areas. This range can help those with less hand action create more angularity near the pocket. Also preferred when playing deeper inside angles, which generally require more entry angle for above-average pin carry.
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// ////////////////// March 2013 15