There could be a couple of things that could make this an X-Out. Ebonite wants to keep the CG within 1 1/2" of the Pin to MB line. Also it sounds like it has the Columbia CG Logo instead of the Ebonite CG Logo.
All the logos are Hot stamped in the ball so it probably got through before the stamp was changed. At the Track Training camp a couple of years ago I saw a Kinetic Energy with a Hammer MB logo on it.
With the way your ball looks like it is drilled there could be limitations to how it could be drilled. with Mass Bias and CG location and ability to place a weight hole and give you a drilling that doesn't roll at your toes. which kind of sounds like is happening.
I do agree with Dizzy that a High Performance ball may not be the best choice for a begining bowler but heck if it's free what can you say.
The last thing that has me concerned is your ball driller say she didn't know what kinds of reaction your going to get. I would have concerns about going there again.
Ball fitting, layout, and drilling is both Art and Science. There is so much info and training available to ball drillers that should be able really match up a bowlers style with a ball and to the condition they are bowling on.
I hope she at least got your PAP and drilled from that.
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Rick Guined
Owner/Operator: New Millennium Proshop:
http://s239.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/Guined/Vise PBA Regional Staff Player
IBPSIA Certified Technician
USBC Bronze Certified Instructor
www.viseinserts.com