The pin length and top weight can affect drilling options. The pin length is the distance from the pin to the CG, the heaviest spot on the ball. Top weight is the difference in weight between the top and bottom halves of the ball when the CG is placed at the north pole and the ball is clut in half at the equator.
In general, longer pins and higher tops tend to produce a longer and stronger reaction while shorter pins and loewr tops tend to give more midlane read with less backend. Neither hooks "more" than the other. I believe that a big part of the difference is the fact that longer pin balls usually get drilled with the pin higher above the midline, which also tends to give a longer and stronger reaction. In all actuality, the differences are minor.
Very long or very short pins and really high or low top can limit drilling options. You won't be swinging the CG out real far if the ball has 4oz of top weight and a 5" pin. Likewise, you won't change the static weights much no matter how you orient the CG in relation to the pin if the pin length is only a half-inch.
If you're wanting to order something and are unsure about what to get, 2-4" pin and 2-3oz of top weight will let your driller lay the ball out almost any way he wants to without running into difficulty with ending static weights. You may need a weighthole for certain layouts, but you won't need an auger to drill it.
SH
