Expert: Chip Aki - 11/20/2007

Question
 I have big problems getting ANY ball through the synthetic heads.The best through is a Urethane shiny.Even my plastic hooks in the heads.The lanes are fairly dry. But there is oil in the heads.I have moved all over the lane finding only 6 frames or so of smooth running in the heads.Then, they start grabbing the ball.My team members also can see this happening(ball jumping left as it hits).I can stroke the ball down & in with several hand positions (walter Ray)& I also heavy hit the ball cranking( ROTH,BOB HANDLY).I rarely had this problem on wood(I grew up on wood av. 230).I am very smooth with a lot of leverage & throw 16 lb. mainly.I have dropped Reactives now only throwing Urethanes & shiny Rubber for spares.AV. NOW 205 UP FROM REACTIVE BALL 192.

I stay dead behind the ball(cranking),high track,perfect grip,finger grips/thumb slug.
 I do not bend my elbow & I lock my wrist into position.
My stroking speed is around 16-18 & cranking speed around 19-22mph.I am very accurate hitting dimes at 50ft. when heads let me.I put white tape over my fingers to read the roll. The tape runs smooth end over end with good heads & it flutters when it grabs the heads.

I bowl in 3 centers & this reaction reads like early hook with a big oily delay at 40 feet (ball never recovers).I have experimented a lot. But,never hitting the right combination.

   Q
     Is there a certain combination LAYOUT of weights/pin/surface to get through the heads without a Mika lift/loft ???

Answer
Sorry for the delay in answering this.

The only layout would be to place the pin above your middle finger, but if you track high, you may roll over the holes.

Normally, you would want to spin the ball more to create some skid through the heads.  If you come around the ball, but over hit it with your fingers, the ball will still read the lane very early.

Does anyone else have this problem?

What is your PAP?

Chip