Expert: Chip Aki - 4/5/2010

Question
QUESTION: Is there a general rule of thumb or a common pattern,etc. one uses to drill a bowling ball if the bowlers PAP is not known? Was wondering since i was never asked such questions on my last ball but see the PAP referenced in many questions concerning drilling a ball? Is there any way i can send a pix of my drilling and tell me what i have for pattern? thank you

ANSWER: If the PAP is not know, it is common to place the pin near the ring finger with a shift of the CG to the right of the center line.  This gives the best reaction for most bowlers.  
If you send a pic, trace the first oil ring of your ball track.

Chip

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

QUESTION: attached pix shows my drilled ball and the layout. this is rotogrip mutant cell. what can you tell me about the way it was drilled and how should it react and if it drilled correctly for this ball? thank you

ANSWER: Was the balled weighed on a scale to make sure it is legal?

Ball reaction is dependant on the bowler, but just looking at the layout,this ball should flare a lot and be arcing.

Chip

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

QUESTION: why do you ask if this was weighed? no it was not but is a 14# ball. what am i looking for when the ball is released in relationship of flaring and arcing and is is this a good or bad thing? is it drilled correctly then in your opinion?

Answer
I could not tell if there was an extra hole drilled for balance purporses.  That is why I asked if it was weighed.
I would say the ball was drilled in such a way it would provide a good reaction for most bowlers, but it would depend on the lane condition and style of bowler more that the layout.  I would expect this ball to be best on a heavy oil type of condition or for a bowler with high ball speed.

Good luck,
Chip