Expert: Chip Aki - 9/18/2008

Question
QUESTION: hi. i want to know, if want to make my own layout (suitable with my style of play), what info i need to know? how want to draw layout? i want try to make my own layout and drill my ball by myself. hope you can help me. thanks

ANSWER: Most of the bowling ball company websites have layout information.  The information you would need to know for that is you PAP, or positive axis point.  Everything is measured off of that point on the ball.  Even if you dont know that, you can still come up with layouts that work for most people, but the more demanding layouts work off of the PAP.

You will also need to know your pitches and spans.  That information you can get off of an old ball with the proper tools.  Your pro shop that drilled your last ball would have that info as well.

There are clinics and training schools to learn how to drill balls.  Somd distributors offer than as does some of the manufacturers.  You could contact them directly to find out times and costs.

Good luck,
Chip

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

QUESTION: as pro driller, can u tell me layout for this style of play?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tk2CUGJnPVA

I'm playing using 2 hand like Australian Jason Belmonte. hope u can help me. thanks

ANSWER: You will need to find  your PAP to determine the best layouts for you.  Most bowlers with that style will use weaker layouts.  Some will even use layouts designed for a full roller.

Do you have a picture of your ball track?

Chip

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

QUESTION: http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k53/wadud/Boling/mybonanzaII300.jpg
that is my bowling ball. my track is beside (right side) middle finger hole and thumb hole (right hander). playing with 2 hand with high rev. big hook on light to medium oil lane condition. ball speed around 30-33km/h. standing at the last dot at left side and then throw through arrow 3 or middle arrow

Answer
The layout is really going to depend on what kind of reaction you are looking for.  If you want later hook, you will place the pin further away from your PAP.  If you want earler hook you will place it closer to your PAP.  There are a lot of variations in between as well.  Keep in mind, the more surface, or duller the ball is, the earlier it will want to hook as well.  Most high rev players tend to place the pin further from their PAP because of the hook they can create with their release.  Unless you bowl on the heaviest of oil patterns, I would not expect you to be using the high end equpipment due to its high hook potential.

Good luck,
Chip

Check Storm's website for any info they have on Belmonte's layouts.