Expert: Chip Aki - 12/26/2006

Question
Need some advice in selecting new ball. Last year I got my 1st high performance ball (15lb Big One). Did well over 3rd arrow on wood lanes. I am average to slower speed and primarily stroker, sometimes on verge of tweener. Over summer my house switched to synthetics. Now I really can't get much inside 2nd arrow and have to rely on down and in shot.I'd like to be able to get back to 3rd arrow or further inside.
Thanks
Kevin

Answer
Even if you get a new ball, you may not ever have the reaction that you were used to.  Synthetics tend to play slicker in the oil than wood lanes do, but where there is friction, you will get a sharper change of direction than on wood.
You may be able to go with a ball that has a strong pearl coverstock to give you a better change of direction.  The new Angular One may be a ball for that.
If your Big One is not dull, lightly sand it and see what it does.  If it does not finish well, the pearl may be the way to go.

Good luck,
Chip