What are the benefits in your opinion of a RICO layout?
Jimmy,
This layout is used simply for stability and a predictable ball reaction. In a symmetrical core ball, the pin is put in the center of the grip, (usually 5 - 5 1/2" from PAP) with the CG 45 degrees from your PAP as seen in the diagram. The X-hole goes 6 3/4" from the PIN through the CG.
In an asymmetrical core ball, the pin is put in the center of grip, with the PSA (or mass bias) 45 degrees from your PAP. It would be ideal to find a ball with the CG inline with the PIN and PSA for this layout because of the X-hole location. The next variable with an asymmetrical core ball is whether or not to drill the X-hole 6 3/4" away from the PIN, which would drill through the PSA locator. Personally, I don't believe in drilling out PIN's or PSA's, but some folks do. Instead, I choose to measure 1 1/8" towards the PIN from the PSA and put the X-hole there. This will alter the measurement to 5 5/8" from the PIN!
The X-hole size can vary depending on the starting top weight of the ball. Generally, 2.5 - 3.5 oz is ideal for this layout. Using a 1" bit, drill 2 1/2" deep for your X-hole. Doing so will bring the ball back to USBC specifications for side & thumb weight, as well as raise the bowtie for your track flare. Lowering the pin will lower the track, which may cause flaring over the fingers. The X-hole will raise your bowtie up, eliminating tracking issues.
Ric Hamlin, who is credited with this layout, has been known to use this pattern quite a bit for tournament arsenals. Every serious bowler should have a bowling ball with this layout in their bag. When NO OTHER layout works, this layout gives the bowler something they would not find otherwise. The 'Rico' layout is one that tends to aide many different bowler types when lacking reaction. When using this layout, it is a must in creating the proper reaction, that this layout is known for, in using the weight hole. Many times I see the layout attempted without the weight hole and you will not create the overall strong reaction without it. The weight hole creates the strongest amount of asmmetry, in symmetrical core balls, by placing the weight hole 6 3/4" from the pin through the CG. Static weights, other than staying within USBC requirements, are irrelevant in the reaction. It is the placement of the weight hole. Bowler's that tend to be speed dominate will find, with the correct bowling ball choice, a stronger overall reaction, along with more continuation on longer patterns or patterns/conditions that have higher volume or amount of conditioner. When reaction is lacking, this layout will aide in creating. Bowler's that are considered 'rev' dominate tend to use this layout to help smooth out wet/dries by blending out the reaction from oil to dry. It helps slow the ball down in the oil to not be as responsive to friction. Bowler's that are considered 'rev' deficient or lacking revs and tend to struggling to find reaction on higher volume patterns, similar to speed dominate, find more reaction with this layout. Lower track bowler's or spinners, who tend to lack reaction, will find a stronger overall reaction using this layout. Higher track bowler's, who tend to have a larger track circumference and have issues with over/under type reactions, tend to find a smoother reaction in controlling the breakpoint by slowing the ball down in the conditioner.
Link to Rico layout info:
http://bowlingknowledge.info/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=181&Itemid=47
