QuestionHello, I see that Chip is on vacation, but my hopefully my question could be answered. Ok, I just recently had my local pro shop owner find my PAP by watching me throw a couple of shots. Now, I'm looking to get a ball for each lane condition, from heavy to light oil patterns. So my question is I'm looking to see which drilling layouts would compliment or match up to my PAP for every lane condition, it being 5 1/8" over and 1" up. I already have a ball for heavy oil, which is the Roto Grip Mutant Cell and a ball for medium-heavy oil, the Cell Pearl. So, starting with those balls first and along down the Roto Grip line, any advice on what layouts to use to every lane condition to match up to my PAP? I know I am a tweener, fast ball speed, medium rev rate and axis rotation. Thanks!
Answer
www.TrueBowlerAdjustme
Tim, great start to learning about your individual ball motion! Sorry for the late response my computer went belly up on me during the week. Just got it back working a few minutes ago. You were the first task on my mind.
You can tweak the reaction of your ball based on "the release" you used to find your PAP. Generally, you can move the pin 1 1/2 to 2 inches to get an appreciable change in ball reaction or "flare" on a bowling ball.
Finding your PAP was the first step. The hard part is watching the reaction of the bowling balls you have currently in your arsenal.
Gauging what bowling ball you should purchase next for any lane condition often takes the eyesight of an "on the spot" professional who can "literally" see your deliver with (a ball you own) on a drier condition. This "benchmark ball" can be used as a starting point to conquering that drier lane condition, or any condition.
Matching a bowler's style, speed, lane condition, with a good layout, and ball cover is an art. Hundreds of dollars can be wasted if you don't have someone in your corner who can actually "see" what you and your current bowling equipment is doing.
Just based on what you have shared, you are looking for a more symmetrical bowling ball with either a smooth curve appeal to it, or a symmetrical ball that can be drilled to go long. Since you are a tweener, a layout with the pin 4 1/2" to 5 inches from your PAP will begin to minimize the flare on a symmetrical ball for you. Also, a layout 2 1/2 to 2 inches from your PAP on a symmetrical ball will give you smaller flare on a symmetrical ball.
This will also allow you to get further down lane on a drier condition. This second drill will also get the ball into a roll sooner at times depending on your type of release, (spinning or forward roll).
In summary Tim, symmetrical bowling balls often give the best length in my opinion, just like a spare ball. Their path is often a smooth roll on the lanes. Once you match your delivery, speed, and ball cover to the lane condition, tweaking the ball layout gets easier.
However, you have to know how the Pin distance from the PAP affects the roll and response of the ball. If the pin is placed in too strong of a position from the PAP the ball could roll out in the oil.
If the ball is placed in too weak of a position from the PAP, it may lack the strength to carry a strike. Having a pro shop professional or certified coach "watch" your delivery, on a drier shot, is the best start to finding a truly good ball for drier conditions.
All ball manufacturers make good low end symmetrical balls. They are best for not overreacting on the drier conditions. Best wishes Tim, and conquer the dry lanes!
-Gary
Las Vegas, NV.
www.TrueBowlerAdjustments.com (It's a great book, buy it today.)
