Expert: - 1/25/2009

Question
Hello again Warren

I am about to purchase the hammer anger and was wondering what the drilling position for max hook potential is,  mostly because i don't know how to find my pap or really what that is.  I just know i always ask the driller to drill for max hook.  Thank you again for your valuable time and expert advice.

Randy

Answer
Randy,
Do you really need max hook? High flare layouts take a lot of oil off the lanes, quickly. And often need to be put away quickly when the lane conditions transition (dry out) from play.

Your driller should be able to council you on the best layout for the lanes/conditions you plan on bowling on. The driller can determine your PAP (Positive Axis Point), rev rate, axis tilt, axis rotation, etc. (depending on your skill level and needs).

But max hook involves maximum flare or a leverage pin position, the Anger doesn't have a marked Mass Bias, but swinging the Center of Gravity (CG) over and down, so a "double" thumb configuration (with a low weight hole, down near the thumb) will impact the weightblock and increase the flare potential even more. (Without a marked mass bias asymmetrical ball, this technique may help but it is not a major influence. Also, bigger pin out balls work better for this idea.)

Lastly, the imbalances in the ball need to match up to your speed and rev rate. So, strong drill angle and strong pin placement (pin to Vertical Axis Line - VAL), could cause the ball to roll too early or too hard on the backend. Too much top weight, or too little could influence the ball negatively for your speed or rev rate, also.

Without knowing some additional details, I can't really suggest more. But, I can tell you, I've experienced a few customers who expect magic from a new ball, with out being able to make any magic happen. If your skills could use a little improvement, please find a coach (at ibpsia.com or bowl.com/coaching) to help with how you throw the ball, your consistency, whatever will make you better.  Even a small improvement will help make the new ball work that much better.

Thanks for the questions. Bowl well, good luck with the new Hammer.