Expert: Chip Aki - 1/10/2011

Question
I'm trying to gain an understanding of the game, so I hope you can help.  I'm curious about creating a quick response at the breakpoint.  Which factors help create a quick response and how?  My thought is cover is the key and pearl is the most ideal.  Now, which core attributes would you say help the pearl speed up the fastest?  RG, RG Differential, or Mass Bias?  My thought is with the pin up, the RG will create a surge that will push the ball like a landslide off the dry.  I think RG Differential could slow the response.  Mass Bias would be more benefital with the pin up I think.  

I would be curious to know your thoughts on this.  

Thanks,

Erik

Answer
Pearls will read the friction quicker or in a shorter distance.  Pins below the fingers will help with that as well.  Balls with a high mass bias will too.
The higher the RG, the later the ball will want to change direction.  Whether you create this with the layout or core, it can cause the ball to be really sensitive to spead changes and launch angle.
The higher the differential, by core or layout, the more gradual or arcing the reaction.
I prefer pin down and a low mass bias if I want a quick read off of the dry, especially if there is an out of bounds to the outside of the breakpoint.

Good luck,
Chip