Expert: - 2/4/2010

Question
QUESTION: I have a Virtual Gravity and the pin is next to my ring finger. I bowl on Tuesday nights. I use a 500 Abralon. My target is the 7th and 8th board. I stand on the 20th board. The ball is not grabbing. Do I need a higher grit like 1000 or 4000 for smooth? the lanes are oily.

ANSWER: Chris,
Probably smoother will save some energy. You could be throwing too hard, turning it to little or it's rolling out at your toes with the exceptionally rough cover adjustment (with 500 Abralon# that you are making.

You stand on 20, where do you roll the ball from #do you slide at 20)? drift? left? right? none? I love the Virtual for a straighter path to the pocket on OIL, lots and LOTS of oil. Is the Center of Gravity in your grip or is it swung out? Is there a weight hole? Is your ball new? How many games would you estimate if it's older? Let me know, and I can offer some other ideas. Thanks for the question.

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

QUESTION: I stand on 20 and roll the ball between the first and second arrow. Do I need a higher grit rather than 500 so that my ball will grab and hit the pocket? The Virtual Gravity is new and has a 4000 grit finish. I use a green Scotch like 600 so that the ball with grab and go in the pocket.

Answer
Chris,
You didn't offer more information about your game, how you slide, about the Virtual Gravity layout. How long have you been bowling? Is the Virtual your only ball?

You stand on 20, but you roll the ball when you get to the foul line, what board is the middle of your slide foot on at the foul line? Because if you drift into your swing path, your not going to turn the ball very well, and that might effect the ball reaction.

Is there a weight hole in the ball? Have you talked to the ball driller about the problem? The driller should be invested in your ball performing better than it does. If the ball doesn't work, why would you go back? Surface adjustments should be common but very few bowlers know to change a ball surface, and fewer want to or know how to.

How you sand the ball also influences how it can or can't grab the lane. Sanding with the track will kill the traction potential, across the track is the most influential and aggressive traction, and a cross hatch pattern is a moderate grid pattern to put on the ball. To much traction, too early, will make the ball seem like it isn't hooking.

I'd suggest that if your not getting enough ball reaction MANY things can be effecting what's happening. Jumping from a smooth surface (4000) to a Scotch Brite pad is very drastic, I'd think the ball is rolling out, but without any other information I can't be sure.

Thanks for your follow-up. Provide more info and I won't have to guess. Good luck.