Expert: - 7/28/2009

Question
I'm right-handed male bowler, 20+ yrs experience, 190avg.  How does pin placement affect ball revolutions? I just had a Lane One Buzzsaw 15lbs redrilled for my use.  The pin (drilled for someone else) is located over my fingers.  The ball doesn't seem to hook as much as my other ball (Messenger TI, pin below the fingers).

Answer
GW,
Pin placements help match core influence to what a bowler wants their ball to do.

The core position can help with flare potential. Positioning the pin to accentuate the flare of a ball, will strength the core influence. (The pin identifies the top of the weightblock) A pin positioned farther from your Positive Axis Point (PAP) means the core is in position for less flare. Core size, weight, and position can dictate ball reaction. Ultimately, the best ball reaction matches rev rate and ball speed on a particular lane condition.

When a player with a weaker release suffers, it is that their ball speed doesn't allow the ball to be effective. A weaker release on dry lanes, with slower speed, could cause a ball to roll out and be ineffective. Likewise, a weaker release on slick lanes, with faster ball speed, could cause the ball to skid too far and, again, be ineffective. Matching rev rate and ball speed (on a particular lane condition) is what helps create the optimum ball reaction. So using my previous examples, the weaker release on dry lanes with more speed will potentially match up better.

Generally your rev rate is your rev rate. The effect of the core position can influence what you get (ball reaction), but won't turn a guy with a 220 rev rate to 400.

The layout, even the ball itself (Buzzsaw), may not work as well, because it isn't drilled for you, or is as well suited for, what you need a ball to do.

Thanks for the question. Good bowling.