Expert: Chip Aki - 12/9/2008

Question
What does a 0, 1, 2, et al quotient mean for pin placement and for top weight when ordering a ball?   I roll a pretty straight ball, with a small flip at the end.  I'm a tall, and big guy, who rolls the ball pretty hard, and while only bowling for three years, have gone from a 130 to a 175 average with good scoring this year.  I have a storm pyro - given to me, and an elite black label with an odd pin placement - I'm sure neither of these balls are ideal for my "game."

I bowl in two leagues - a men's league with medium to heavy oil conditions, and a fun league with much drier conditions in a different house.  I am most concerned about performing well in the men's league.  

What do the pin placements and top weight mean and based on the etremely limited info here, what do you suggest?

Answer
The most versatile pin to look for is a 2 to 3 inch distance and the top weight is a 2.5 to 3.5 ounces.  You would be able to use a wide variety of layouts to help fine tune the balls reaction.  Simple is usually the easiest to control.

With your ball speed, the lower top weight number would be best so the ball will try to get into a roll earlier.

I would also go for a solid coverstock and not a pearl.

In the Storm line, the T-Road solid would be a good economical choice.

Good luck,
Chip