Mastermind Einstein Problem?

[MI 2 AZ]

Has anyone noticed a cracking problem with the Einstein?  I know two bowlers who between them have had 3 Einsteins crack recently.  One had his crack, got a replacement for it and the replacement from Brunswick cracked.

[BallReviews-Removed0385]

I have not. Mine's going strong.  Sounds like something going on though...

[BrunsNick]

As long as they are drilled properly 1" away from the fingers, beveled holes and fingers don't meet at the bottom, cracking usually never occurs. If a layout calls for the pin to get close to a finger, just modify it to drill the pin entirely out.

[MI 2 AZ]

Since Brunswick replaced the first one that cracked under it's warranty, I am assuming that it was drilled properly.  But, all three were drilled by the same pro shop, so maybe something there?

[BrunsNick]

I often give a good faith replacement on the first if it's drilled too close and explain the limited warranty in more detail.

[MI 2 AZ]

I never really paid much attention to their bowling balls to remember how close the pin was to the finger holes, but both use some type of interchangeable thumb system.  The last one that cracked, I noticed it had started at the thumb and was about two inches from reaching the middle finger hole (pin was off to the right of the ring finger) going the long way around the ball.

I always assume that the pro shop driller would know about the requirements of placing the hole away from or in, the pin.  I thought the 'pro' in pro shop stood for professional, meaning being trained in or proficient in or knowledgeable of, the trade craft of drilling?

[MI 2 AZ]

I wanted to add that I am glad that it is not a problem with the ball, but is probably something related to what the bowlers are requesting (layout or thumb system) or with the drilling process (since it is with the same pro shop).  I will relay that to the bowlers.

[BrunsNick]

There are definitely ways to prevent cracking, even with using interchangeable thumbs and finger grips. For the thumb, using a pilot hole before drilling the 1-1/2" (or whichever size is used) and letting the bit cut instead of plowing through it. Then, before installing the sleeve, take the sharp edge off. This works the same for slugs, when I was in the shop I would run into issues when my bits were getting dull and not drilling a clean hole. I would sometimes have to pound a slug in and that kind of pressure almost always led to the ball splitting over time. (Once on the press in my novice days)

With grips, making sure there's 1/4" bridge, touch the tops with bevel before installing grips. Same with extra holes, bevel them.