Expert: - 3/31/2009

Question
QUESTION: Right now I'm having trouble trying to decide on a good pin placement for a new bowling ball. I'm a 200+ average bowler with a high rev rate with decent speed(but can control). I'm trying to find a ball for heavy/sport condition bowling patterns, but I'm trying to figure out whether a 2-3in or 3.5-4.5in pin would be generally better for that type of oil. What does a larger pin mean in all actuality? Recommendations?

ANSWER: Tyler,
Surface (the coverstock texture and preparation) controls the front part of the lane (the heads) where the oil is heaviest and core helps control reaction and the hook on the last 20 feet (the backend) where the pins are.  

Higher rev rates and more ball speed (17+) often necessitates rougher coverstock preparation when more oil or less friction (sport, flat patterns) are present.

The length of the pin allows for flexibility in drilling, without needing or using a weight hole. Often a weight hole is helpful to fine tune a balls reaction.

A longer pin means the core of the ball is positioned inside the ball in a way slightly askew from the design. A longer pin allows core positions without holes that are longer and stronger then a short pin ball. A longer pin ball with a reaction enhancing layout and hole can increase flare potential dramatically.

What does your ball driller suggest? He knows your ball speed, axis, tilt and rotation, especially the conditions you will be bowling on?

Without knowing a lot more information, a recommendation is premature. Thanks for the questions. Let me know more.

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

QUESTION: It's rough for me because I bowl in a house without a pro shop or driller. I recently ordered a Smash Zone with a 4-4.5 in pin, now would the larger pin allow me to drill the ball to a more specific layout for heavy oil? Basically, with the higher pin will I be able to drill the ball accordingly to oil pattern or would I be better off with a smaller pin?

Answer
Tyler,
Pin distances and layouts are utilized to match a player (rev rate, ball speed, axis tilt and axis rotation) to the lane conditions (oily, medium, sport, tournament, THS).

Where do you get your balls drilled?

A longer pin can be positioned with a strong pin distance, smaller pin buffer and potentially a double thumb weight hole which facilitates more flare. All strong elements of layout, but if you roll 15 mph, the ball might hook way too early unless the lane has long oil, heavy oil or both.

Without knowing the info I mentioned before, any recommendation is premature. Thanks for the questions.