Pin buffer is just one of the many aspects of choosing a layout when drilling a bowling ball. From my understanding, it determines how quickly the ball responds to friction, and therefore how angular the breakpoint shape will be. All other factors the same, a 1" pin buffer will rev up fast and hook quickly when it finds dry boards, while a ball with a 3" pin buffer will have a more gradual arcing motion. There is no one "correct" pin buffer for your game, it depends on which ball you're using, what part of the lane you're playing, and what the lane conditions are like, not to mention of course how you roll the ball. Talk to your ball driller about what options would fit your game best.
