Expert: Chip Aki - 5/20/2006

Question
Sir,
I love to bowl, right handed, avg 190+ but cannot seem to top 200 avg.  I leave many corner pins, especially weak 10s and would like a hard hitting layout to kick out those darn 10s. I currently have the Storm La Nina drilled (with balance hole) to go long and then hook with pin right next to ring finger.

I am thinking about purchasing the Lane #1 Tsumani or Cobalt and was wondering what is the best way to have it drilled with NO balance hole.  I currently do not swing the ball.  I am a down and in player (5-10 board) with 15 mph and very slow 5-step approach.  I am a very good spare shooter but not consistent a stringing strikes.

Any pointers on drilling, pin placement, etc is greatly appreciated.
Don

Answer
It looks like you dont have enough ball speed to use the La Nina, regardless of how it is drilled. Unless you bowl on heavy oil, stay away from any coverstock that is of the particle type.  You will need to look for a solid reactive, and polish it, or a pearl reactive coverstock.
I would place the pin above the ring finger with the CG to the positive side of the center line.  Then if you would need to get the ball to react a bit sooner, you can add an extra hole or lightly sand the ball.

Good luck,
Chip