Expert: - 3/14/2008

Question
QUESTION: Could you explain to me what a lower flaring drill layout would look like for a right handed/stroker- style bowler.I
was reading an article in March issue of BOWLING THIS MONTH
commenting on the Brunswick Ultra Zone bowling ball and this type of drill layout was suggested for a stroker-style
bowler for dry lanes. Also, how important would different
pin placements,top weights, and CG location play a part for
this type of layout? Thanks in advance Warren.




ANSWER: John,
Read the Layout article of the Bowling This Month March issue, on page 38 and it will help you with the following.

The lower flaring layout typically is pin close to the track (5 1/2 to 6 inch plus pin to PAP), or pin close to the Positive Axis Point (PAP). (Looking at the Ball Master Chart on page 40 of that issue) Pins further from the PAP (in positions B1, B2, or B3, for a right hander) very close to the track, doesn't let the core come into play. High (above fingers) and left of centerline looks almost like a layout for a left hander.

Putting the pin close to the PAP (example H4 if PAP is H5) the ball will roll very early but not flare much because the top of the weight block is so close to where it wants to be (the preferred spin axis, bowlers PAP).

Top weight (1-3 ounces) will help the ball carry down the lane on some oil. If the ball gets on too dry a portion of the lane, big top weight will often helps create a DRAMATIC ball reaction. Pin placements, top weight and CG placement all influence what the ball will do.

Rob Mautner points out in the BTM Layout article that close is often effective enough. As you drill different equipment, you should be able to hone in on optimum placements of the Pin, Mass Bias, CG, weight hole and static weights for you. There is a rule change before the United States Bowling Congress to eliminate the static weights rules. Until that happens....

By the way, I'm NOT a fan of trying to lessen the effectiveness of a ball with weak layouts, as was suggested in the Brunswick Ultra Zone review in the magazine. Why try to weaken the ball or your delivery when lanes are dryer. Get a ball (typically less expensive) made to play on (or better suited for) a dryer lane!

Thanks for the questions. Bowl well.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Warren for your response to my question. I will re-
read the layout article again. I would like to ask you two
more questions. When reading information about a bowling ball that has a high track flare or medium to low track
flare potential, what is this information ? Knowing the RG differential of a bowling ball means what to a bowler ?

Answer
John,
High track flare exposes the ball's fresh surface to the lane every rotation (often multiple rings of oil appear on the ball in a broad swatch across the front and back of the ball).

Increased track flare will increase the potential for a ball to hook or hook more, a benefit for a player with higher ball speed, or for players rolling on heavily oiled lanes.

Track flare also removes oil from the lane every rotation, so some balls can change the lane (and the amount of oil on it) more readily than others. So, lower track flare balls remove less oil (sometimes causing a bit of oil carrydown). Low flare balls would play better for slower ball speed bowlers, or on conditions that are shorter or medium to lighter oil patterns.

RG Differential (or RG Diff) is an indicator of the potential for flare before drilling (.060 is max). Last seasons, Ebonite No Limit had a grandfathered core of .063 and .071 in its 16 and 15 pound balls, respectively. High flare often translates to an arcy ball reaction but higher rev rates and more ball speed creates more entry angle when lanes have longer or heavier patterns.

Thanks for the questions. Bowl well.