Expert: Russ King - 12/31/2006

Question
Russ, I bowl twice/wk in std house conditions, book 207, high series 784.  Pretty much down and in, medium track  using 22yr old Brunswick Rhino (a pro-am gift from a very young Parker Bohn).  The Rhino does fine in house conditions but has trouble on heavier oil conditions in tournaments.  Most of the guys I bowl with say my Rhino should be retired to the Smithsonian.

I just bought a Total Inferno with 2.5" pin, 2oz top.  I believe a layout that provides arcing, consistent roll rather than slide/snap would better fit my game.  I've tried to make sense of all the drill placement charts but they're all in righthandedese.  Pls suggest a layout for this ball?

Answer
Looking at the charts in a mirror will get you left handed layouts.As for the rhino, don't get rid of it just yet. You will need a go to ball when the new ball messes with your head.Looking at the label of the ball on a table,picture it as a clock.Up is 12 & down is 6. Right is 3 & left is 9.
The pin should be around 10 - 10:30 for an arc. As you move the pin closer to 12, it will delay the hook.As for side weight, it really doesn't matter any more. The Pin is the key now.As for a 2 oz top, when you drill out the holes, the holes will take out most of the 2oz.Once you drill it, try changing the surfaces to really fine tune the ball to fit what your looking for. The wet/dry sandpaper grits are 600,800,1000,1200,1500,2000,2500 on up to mirror shine.As you go up in grits, you get a delay in reaction.As you go down,you get more of what you are looking for.Your Pro Shop will have a ball spinner to do this.I DO THIS ALOT!

I WOULD RESURFACE THE RHINO AFTER YOU GET USED TO THE NEW ONE & KEEP IT AS BACKUP WHEN THE INFERNO THROWS YOU FOR A LOOP.