Expert: Chip Aki - 2/14/2004

Question
I just recently purchased a Flip-Side Wild by Columbia 300, and had it drilled by the proshop from which I made the purchase.  I was bowling at another house and the thumb hole was to small and had the proshop enlarge the hole for me.  While the ball driller was inspecting my ball he informed me that the person that drilled my ball had drilled into the "pin", he also referred to this as the ball's center of gravity.  He also said that the ball was pretty much ruined, is that true? If so, what could I do about it?  Thank you for your time.   
Willie

Answer
The pin is different than the center of gravity, but they sometimes can be located in the same part of the ball.  I will have to check, but I believe the Wild is a modified 3 piece core.  If so, drilling through the pin has little to no affect on the ball.
Even with other ball, drilling through the pin occurs.  I try not to do it, but it would not ruin the ball in my opinion, it is just the optimum way to drill the ball.
Again, if the core of the Wild is what I think it is, dont worry about the drilling location.  The ball should work fine.
By the way, the CG will be a little punch mark somewhere near the center of the label.

Good luck,
Chip