Expert: Chip Aki - 3/22/2004

Question
I've been out of the bowling world for about 6-7 years, however my interest has sparked again.  Previously I had access to a proshop, drill press and wholesale ball prices and experimented quite a bit by drilling my own equipment.  These luxuries are no longer and I'm trying to do my best by getting some up-to-date equipment within a reasonable budget scope.  Unfortunately, the people I used to confide in for advice in these subjects have moved on or are no longer with us (RIP "Verb").

I'm blown away by the enormous variety of selection that I now have in equipment.  Ironically though, I still see that some ball manufacturers have more or less stuck with their initial 2-piece core design.

My first inquiry is related to some of the newer designs that include a mass bias point.  Please explain in technical detail the relavance of this point on the ball, it's effect on ball dynamics with respect to drill layout, etc.  Is it correct to assume that all balls that have this marking also have asymmetrical core designs?

Next question is in regards to [re]finding my PAP (positive axis point).  What is the best method of doing this?  I currently have a ball that is marketed with a relatively mid-range flare potential, however the track pattern does flare more than 50% around the ball.  So how do I make my measurement?  Do I make an initial measurement, as soon as the ball leaves my hand?  Remember when it was popular to drill Blue & Black Hammers with the CG (Faball label) exactly on your axis point and slam a hole directly through it?  That's what I want now...  a nice even rolling ball, that I know when I throw it poorly.  It seems the guys in the pro shop now have no idea what I'm talking about...  All they know is "most people like it over the label with the pin at 1:30".  I'm just not satisfied with that type detail-oriented mediocrity from them.  

TIA!

Answer
Nothing is as it was with the balls of today.  Having said this, dont get too caught up in the layout hype and core design of the balls. About 70% of a bowling balls reaction is due to the coverstock, about 20% is core design and the rest is layout and lane condition.
Your pro shop is right about the 1:30 pin position.  It works for about 95% of the bowlers on about 95% of the lane conditions.
Even axis drillings that were so popular with the hammers flare with the newer core designs.
If you want to get your axis point off of the lower flaring ball that  you have, use the first oil ring closest to the grip holes.
Try the Track and Storm websites for some info on the various layouts.
All of the balls with a mass bias locator are asymetrical cores.  Any ball that has a pin that is 2 inches out has a mass bias that will affect the ball, but the balls with another part of the core to enhance the mass bias is a bit stronger.
A couple of balls that you might be interested in on the market today would be the Vortex II by Ebonite and the Super Charge by Storm.  Both of these balls are arcy and pretty smooth.

If you have anymore questions, I will try and help.

Good luck,
Chip