I recently purchased a Melee and will probably be drilling it within the next couple of weeks. I am looking at two different layouts, Rico or pin over ring with the cg swung back through the grip center. My question is, will one of these layouts play into the strengths of the ball better than the other or should the ball take to them about the same? With the pin up layout I am aiming for long ish (enough to get through fairly burnt heads) with more of a forward break. The goal is a ball to stay playing a narrow line with when conditions are tight.

My numbers are 15 mph off the hand, 350 - 375 rpm, tilt 13*, rotation ~45*, axis 4.5" straight across. I am right handed.

On a side note I am planing on also purchasing a C300 Eruption Pro, or would like to at least. I was going to drill it 5.5 x 2.5 x 2 (roughly 30* x 5.5" x 28*) as that drilling worked well at producing a nice benchmark reaction for me on a 2Fast I once had. I may aim for a slightly weaker drilling but it will be something of that nature. If there is anyone having experience with both of these balls that wanted to throw in their $0.02 (for example, if you think the melee would work better with the layout I want on the eruption pro) it would also be appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any feedback!

-Brad

If you are looking for a more versatile layout, I would go with the pin up so that it will clear the front part of the lane better since you like playing straighter lines. You can always adjust the surface if you need it too hook earlier because of the 500, royal compound, royal shine box surface will help it get down the lane farther. The Melee has a smoother motion overall.

I Am in 100% agreement with Brandon.  Id say pin up (30-40*) VAL around 4 5/8" to 5" pin to PAP with a slight shift of the cg to allow enough side weight for a balance hole to fine tune the reaction therefore when all is said and done you will still have a few more possibilities to either add more diff/flare to the ball by using a low weight hole (just drill fingers deeper if theres too much finger weight) or if you like the reaction your getting then just punch a hole on your PAP until statics are legal.

Remember on sym core the drilling angle is irrelevant and only used to shift the cg for the use of balance holes as the PSA is going to almost always migrate to the drilled thumbhole. 

I think u might actually love the box surface of the melee which is very clean thru the heads, and i believe this would give you the look youre hoping to fill on the lanes.  It should be a great ball to smooth out the over/under and keep your angles in front of you.  I love my melee for that same reason at 500/1500 dull, but i have a ton of axis tilt which is my downfall. 

Based on the information we have available, I would agree with Sean and Brandon.  The Melee works best with a shorter angle layout that allows it to flare a little more and read the dry a little sooner.  Pick the shorter angle drill and enjoy!