Expert: - 4/23/2009

Question
My question is, what is the balance hole good for?  Does it make the ball go longer or does it make the ball hook harder.  I have a hammer vibe emerald and I bowl on wood lanes and it goes brooklyn most of the time, so would the balance hole make it go longer and then snap in the backend?

Answer
Chuck,
Usually the weight hole is an option to remedy an imbalance, that if left alone would cause the ball to be illegal. But, since a weight hole can contact the core and alter it's dynamics, some change in reaction can be achieved.

Your plan may alter the reaction but a capable shop operator should be able to help moderate your ball reaction, using a weight hole, surface adjustment or possibly even a plug and redrill (last, most drastic option).

The green Vibe is a very strong, violent ball for the money. I'd try the first two options but in at least one case, I've needed to plug and redrill because the player took a very mild layout and still hooked the heck out of the ball.

Good luck with your Vibe. Thanks for the question.