Expert: Chip Aki - 2/2/2007

Question
I was given a Columbia 300 High Flare Scout Urethane ball and wonder if it would be worth my time having it redrilled.  Would I then be working with a ball that has little curve? And I've noticed the synthetic lane approachs are "slow" and a lot of people have trouble with their timing being off.  If the timing is my problem do you have any suggestions for that?  Thanks for all your help !
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
I have a 14# Storm Hot Rod hy-brid and bowl on 3 leagues in 3 different houses.  2 houses are old and have wood lanes(at both I am ok) but at the new house with synthetic lanes I just cannot get the ball to act the same- if they have oiled it takes off if not I cannot get it up in the pocket- is this ball the one I need there or do I need to change to like an 800 grit for traction.  My average is 160 at old houses and 130 on the synthetic..Any suggestions??
-----Answer-----
It looks like you need a ball with a stronger surface than the Hybrid.  I would look at the Scout HiFlare particle by Columbia, the Saturn by Roto Grip.  Storm has a Jolt Particle coming out soon that would work well too.

Good luck,
Chip

Answer
If the ball is a standard urethane, it will hook a little sooner than your Hot Rod, but will not hit as well.  If it is the Hi Flare Particle, then it would be a good choice.
The best way to attack approaches like you describe is to keep your feet slow.  If you get too fast, the less slide will cause you more trouble.  You might also get one of the shoe socks to place over your slide shoe.  That will help you slide.

Good luck,
Chip