Expert: Chip Aki - 12/2/2006

Question
Hello Chip, thanks for your quick response. I kind of figured you would need this info. O.K. my main ball I get the best overall reaction on the lanes mentioned is the "absolute inferno" 2" pin, label leverage and 400 wet sand. I went from 500 wet sand(abralon) down to 400 in an attempt to get the ball to read the midlane sooner. I have also tried the new "radical inferno" 3" pin, 3 3/8 stacked leverage. I had to knock this down to 320 wet sand to get it to finish as this ball is made to go long anyway. I have the ball because it came as part of a package when I bowled in the "Generations" pro am. I also roll an "ultimate inferno" 2" pin, label leverage and 500 wet sand(abralon).this ball does read the lane sooner, however, I get more back end from the absolute and more of an arcing, belly type shape than the ultimate, probably due to the pearl(swirl) cover. I also have the hammer "hawg" 3" pin, 4x3 drill and 500 abralon finish. My p.a.p is 4 3/4" over and 1" up, I have a medium rev rate and a 3/4 roll naturally but can change my roll and axis tilt. Well, I hope this information will help you to help me Chip. Thank you, Leon  

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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
Hello Chip, my name is Leon, hope all is well with you and your family. My question is; how can I achieve better cary. I know this is the age old nemesis of many if not all bowlers, however, in this one particular house i'm bowling it seems especially vexing. The lanes are synthetic and the oil is 38-40 feet. The outsides(1-8) are slightly more oil to create an out of bounds. The shot is real consistent in the fact that if you play from 9 in to 15 you can pound the pocket all night. I am on the left side but it is pretty even play on both sides with the rightys' having the same carry problems as the on the left. Now, I am a coach of the game and have tried everything I know with some success but I would like any input you can give me. Maybe more in the realm of cover stock and drillings that work best on synthetic as opposed to wood lanes. Examples; if the ball is coming in behind the head pin and you soften the speed it jumps a little high and I don't trip the six pin, if I move in and try to circle more the ball will hang a little(resulting in pro washouts), If I square up to 8-10 and stay behind the ball the ball goes too long resulting in ringing 7s , slow down and it jumps high. Well, I think you get the picture. Any advice you can give will be accepted eagerly and greatly appreciated. Thank you, Leon
-----Answer-----
I dont feel that there is a ball that is better on wood or on synthetics.  Differences in ball reaction is due mostly to the different oil patterns.  Lane surface plays a small role in the difference.  Just my personal experience.
What kind of ball(s) are you using now and what type of surfaces do they have?  Any layout info would be helpfull as well.

Thanks,
Chip

Answer
I notice that all of you equipment has quite a bit of surface to them.  What happens if you use a ball with less surface or polished?
Sometimes too much surface will cause the ball to hit weaker and not let you play as much of the lane.  They roll sooner and can, on some conditions, give you less recovery area.  Surface can be very good for control, but not so good for hitting power.

A couple of things I might try would be to go with a polishe ball and try to stay behind it.  As far as layouts go, try one with the pin above the fingers and the cg kicked to the positive side about 2 inches and bring the ball back to legal with a small hole.  Both of these options will let you play straighter and not get into the out of bounds, but should give you more kick at the pins.

Good luck,
Chip