Expert: Chip Aki - 12/31/2007

Question
Chip,Happy new Year 1st! I think I  have spoken to you about my roto grip..The pro shop that I deal with, at least for now, is on wood lanes. Went to him, and said that I was getting to back end at all, very little hook, and Im usually on synthetic lanes. he used 400 grit on the ball.
I shot it on wood lanes, and the reaction was ok, and just about what I wanted.  I used that same ball, later that week int he house that I was in, after he told me the reaction should be the same...NOT! I have adjusted my position from 2nd dot to the left of center, to 4 inches back in the same area. Nothing inthe back end. Frustrated! Can you help on the surface change? Im using finger tips and my thumb usually starts around 2..Thanks in advance

Answer
Thank you.
The problem with adjusting ball surface is like with most things, to much of a good thing is not a good thing.  The more surface the ball has, the earlier the ball will want to go into a roll.  This can make the ball calmer on the backend, not stronger.
You may actually have too much surface on your ball now.  
If you can, place a piece of white tape on your PAP,(positive axis point), and watch for the tape to make its turn toward the pocket.  If it is well before the breakpoint you are hoping for, you have too much surface on your ball.

The difference in ball reaction is due to the different oil pattern more so than the different lane surface.

Good luck,
Chip