Expert: - 10/28/2008

Question
Warren,

All of my bowling balls have a pin height of 4 inches from center of grip. I have been reading that the higher the pin height the longer the ball will go. What is the maximum height you recommend & still recover? I could stand more length on most of my equipment. I have a PAP 5 7/8" over up 1 inch

                 Thanks,Dan

Answer
Dan,
Pin height will help a ball skid, but the recovery portion of your ball reaction is influenced by your ball speed, your rev rate, the lane condition, your axis tilt, your pin buffer, strength of the drilling and the Radius of Gyration of the ball.

As a general rule, utilize the ball core (and your skills) to control the backend reaction, while you can manipulate the surface of the ball to help control the front (or heads) of the lane.

If you'd benefit from length and all your equipment is set-up very aggressively, the layouts are getting the balls to roll to soon. Moderate the surfaces (smooth and/or shine) and you'll get more length. Also, your game is built around an earlier rolling ball, with less overall hook. So for you "straighter is greater."

Layouts are crucial for you. A dryer lane, stronger layout, duller surface all can result in very little wiggle room.

Your Positive Axis Point leads me to think your axis rotation is getting the ball to read early (less rotation angle, more forward roll, earlier roll). Earlier roll doesn't give you as much energy in the backend to get a lot of recovery.

Thanks for the question.