Expert: Chip Aki - 12/2/2008

Question
I was wondering how to read drill layouts. Like what is PAP, Pin, axis, mass Bias, VAL... I have been thinking about getting a more reactive ball, and i watched a video on youtube.com of a Storm Dimension and Storm Rapid Fire Pearl. they showed the drilling layout in the video before they showed the ball being thrown. I just want to learn how to read them so I am more knowledgeable about drilling specs, and bowling period.

Also, How do I find out what my rev rate, axis, and tilt is when I throw my ball. I am also wondering, since I seen you was a staff  of Storm, which I love their balls, what would be a good layout for a Dimension, and a Rapid Fire Pearl for me? I am more comfortable throwing the ball anywhere between the 15-20 board on a house shot. but I don't have a ball that will come back. I have an Absolute Inferno, and A Storm Thunderstruck Solid in my bag right now. Neither of which i can get to come back when they hit the dry spots. in the video of the Rapid Fire Pearl and the Dimension they seem to come back really easy with the layouts they showed for drilling. here are the layouts---

Dimension-pin 4 1/2" from PAP
Dual Angle-55 degrees by 30 degrees
Axis-4 1/2"

Rapid Fire Pearl-pin 4 1/4" from PAP
Dual Angle-50 degrees by 60 degrees.
Axis-4 1/2"

I would like to know how to read that and know what it is talking about. if you can help me it would be greatly appreciated. the proshop here in town won't tell you anything and only talks to their friends. they have nothing to do with anyone unless they are drilling for you. And you can hardly catch someone there. That is why I am asking on here. Thanks

Answer
I will answer the easy part first :)

For the ball reaction you are looking for, I would suggest the Rapid Fire Pearl.

For the definitions, go to the Storm website and look under the training topic.  There is list of terms and definitions.

If you have a video camera and slow motion playback capabilities, you can find your rev rate and axis tilt.  There is also a formula to figure ball sped with a stop watch, but I dont have that handy.

First you will need to find your PAP.  Throw your ball down the middle of the lane where the most oil is.  When the ball comes back, trace the oil ring that is closest to your grip holes.  Find the center of that circle and mark it.  Now mark the spot 180 degress from that on the right side of the ball.  That is your PAP.  Now locate the center of your grip.  Draw a line from your grip center to the right and halfway around the ball.  Draw a line from your PAP, down or up to the line from your grip center.  Measure the lengths of those lines and you will have your PAP.  It should look something like this..........Vertical 5 3/4 Horizintal up 1/8. The horizontal number may be a negative.

Place a piece of tape on your PAP and throw the ball.  At the release point, see where the tape is and that will give you your axis tilt.

Now place a piece of tape from your ring finger to your PAP.  Throw the ball can count the number of times the tape rotates and that would be your rev rate.

If you want some more layout info, check out the MoRich website.

Good luck,
Chip