Expert: Chip Aki - 3/6/2010

Question
Hi.
I am a high speed (avg.19mph) bowler with lower revs, about 260. I play on synthetic lanes mostly, and the condition would be typical house shot, heavy oil to med-heavy oil. I currently use 15lb balls but plan on switching to 14 to increase rev rate a bit.
And I know i will need to get that speed under control with a lighter ball.

I am looking to buy a new ball. Something higher end, and want some advice.

I want something I can throw up the track, or even say the 6 board(that far out) that will go straighter and at the end make more or an arcing(vs angular) but aggressive approach to the pocket.

Would you put the pin under the fingers and slightly right? I see a bunch of high speed players with the pin up above the fingers and their balls hook right at the last second.

When i truly throw with a free swing, and it feels comfortable its at about 19 mph off my hand, 16 or so at the pindeck. When i need to I can slow it down but that tends to force me to "tense" up or muscle a bit. So i need a ball that is aggressive enough to still hook despite my speed.

So any ball suggestions, surface suggestions, pin placement suggestions?

thanks
m

Answer
One of the issues with what you are wanting is a ball that is aggressive enough for you keep your speed where you are comfortable is not a good ball to go straighter.
However, I would suggest a Storm Virtual Gravity.  It has a coverstock that is very versatile and you could adjust it to give you the reaction you want.
I would sugggest placing the pin below and to the right of the ring finger.  Make sure you keep the key logo to the right of the thumb hole as well.

Good luck,
Chip