Expert: Chip Aki - 1/29/2009

Question
I've been in the bowling game for going on 4 years now, but the only bowling balls I've had success with are Blue and Burgundy Hammers. The smooth arc of urethane balls amazes me for some reason. Probably because I'm a high-rev player especially for being left-handed. The power game is me(I used to be offensive linemen in highschool if that says anything). My questions is what kinda of coverstock and core combination would help get into the new age of bowling balls. I've bought several reactive balls in hope of finding something right for me even with proshop help. My reactive ball lists includes: Ebonite; Crossfire, Predator. Storm Screaming Banshee. Hammer Hawg. Visionary Ogre skid/snap. None of which i could control with consistency. The predator I had drilled up real weak with the right below the fingers leaning toward my middle finger. And the ogre which is drilled to go long and skid/snap reaction. Both I had to play way inside around 20 to about 5. This was too difficult to learn. I have Burgundy hammer shined up as much as you can. I play around 12 to 5 with this. My blue hammer I keep dulled up and play aroud 16 to 5. Nothing as deep as the reactives have put me in. My questions is are there any bowling balls or drilling layouts that made them react more subtle and no so overly aggressive?

Answer
Any reactive will be more skid/snap than the urethane look you are used to.  
One suggestion I would have is to go with a weak core and a solid coverstock and keep the cover with a matte finish.  That will smooth out the reaction, but allow you to get a bit more hitting power than the urethane.
What you will want to look for is a low RG and a medium to high differential.  This will give you a ball that will want to roll a bit sooner and therefore give you a smoother reaction.  You will probably have to play with the surface to get it to match up for the conditions you are on.
A high RG ball will have the tendancy to be pretty snappy at the breakpoint.  Also, a polished ball will be skid/snap looking as well.  Try to use surface as that will round off the breakpoint.  Start with a 1000 abralon pad and go up for more length and down for an early roll.

Good luck,
Chip