Layout definitely matters! Surface also matters. Specifically when you're trying to attack a specific condition, layouts matter as well. I know a few PBA bowlers who just put the same favorite layout on all their balls and then adjust according to how the balls themselves differentiate themselves.

However, knowing your PAP and then knowing what layout gives you what result down lane is very important. If I have a very dynamic ball that gives a lot of motion due to the core/cover combination, I'm gonna put longer Pin to PAP layout on it, so it's controllable for me. I'm kind of a stroker. I throw between 12.5-13.5mph but I'm fairly accurate. I'm also rev dominant.

On my dry lane pieces I go with standard leverage layouts so I can be sure to get the ten pin out. There's  nothing more frustrating than getting to the pocket continually only to see a ring ten pin all day long. That's an indication that your ball is coming off the spot too hard and needs to be more gradually slowed down. This can be done with surface; moving into the oil a little more or having a weaker layout. The object for me is always to get that damn ten pin out, since I'm right-handed.

By changing layouts on my balls they become more useful in tournament play and there's fewer chances of me labeling the ball as a dud.

Lately I have been able to use medium oil pieces that I drilled extremely strong, on heavier oil patterns with success. So yes,.......layouts matter immensely.

JMHO, but if your rev rate is 450+ I don’t think layouts matter because they naturally create more entry angle and todays game is about carry percentage. Guys with lower rev rates are far more impacted by layouts and at times have to trick the lane just to have a chance like Lavoie using full roller layouts.

I Have been wanting to ask the question of whether layouts really matter!? i know they are VERY Important to each individual bowler, but does speed and rev rate matter in the equation? i used to roll my ball at 13-14mph and have a rev rate of 200. now i throw at 17.5 with a rev rate of 3-350. i use a pin up 5" layout on all my balls which is considered a strong layout. should i change bowling ball layouts due to my change in speed and revolutions? or does it even matter aside from pin up or down?

5" pin to PAP is not really that strong, but if your ball is going a bit too long now with your increased speed, just add a bit of surface so the ball will read a bit sooner.  Try surface first, but if you do not like your reaction, try going to a 4" pin to pap.

I Have been wanting to ask the question of whether layouts really matter!? i know they are VERY Important to each individual bowler, but does speed and rev rate matter in the equation? i used to roll my ball at 13-14mph and have a rev rate of 200. now i throw at 17.5 with a rev rate of 3-350. i use a pin up 5" layout on all my balls which is considered a strong layout. should i change bowling ball layouts due to my change in speed and revolutions? or does it even matter aside from pin up or down?

Speed and rev rate definitely make a difference. Since you’re throwing faster and with more revs now, it could be worth experimenting with your layout a bit. The pin up layout is solid, but you might find a pin-down or slight tweak works better for your current style.

old story:   Many many moons ago was taking part in a late night pot game.  10 bucks a game.  Pretty high stakes for the time.  A guy I had noticed watching for awhile asked if he could bowl.  The group said yeah, come on.  He proceeded to take over his shoes left his left sock on, went over and picked up a house ball, put his money up.  Bowled kida bad for a game or two.  Then took his thumb out of ball.  Revs picked up, his game improved, won a game.  I decided then I had seen enough. Begged out, got a beer and sat down to watch.  Some of the old Hustlers had talent beyond belief.   All had one thing in common.  They generally always hit the pocket but generally struck at will.  Some bowled just as well left handed as right handed.  Another thing most had was the ability to change roll on the ball.   But all had one thing in common.  No complicating the game.  Just throw the ball in the pocket.  Watched one in Houston one time at old Diamond bowl,  just palm the ball  Most of the time he didn't even look at how he was holding the ball.  Just threw strikes.  Thes guys never worried about dynamics of the ball.  Jimmie Garcia in San Antonio felt sorry for me one time and switched hands, still beat me   After all this, the moral of the story is learn how to bowl.  Might be surprised as to how many guys throw a ball they re paid to throw.