Doug,
There are obviously several other factors going into the equation here (as your friend points out), but I'll be glad to make some general observations.
For my game, when I start playing those kinds of launch angles, I prefer to use balls with lower degree layouts, such as 25-45 degrees. I typically combine a medium strength ball, such as a Whirlwind or RXS300, and use the shiny coverstock to get it down the lane. I'll normally use a medium to longer pin distance, such as 5" - 5 3/4" from my pap. But then I use the smaller degree layout to move the mass bias or preferred spin axis out towards my pap. This gives the ball a stronger move downlane (again for my game) and gets the ball through the pin deck properly.
Just some suggestions. Good luck!
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Jeff Ussery
Powerhouse Training Clinics
www.proshoptraining.comPro Shop Help Desk Hotline - 785-843-2658