I've drilled a couple balls with this layout.  No its not a full-roller layout.. its a 3/4 roller layout... but with reversed flare (like a full roller layout).  The trick is to locate the pin in such a place as the bow tiw of the flare is located below the thumb (so the ball flares underneath the thumb hole).  You are correct, the pin distance is taken from your negative axis point... This layout works best with longer pin outs (with your PAP/NAP, probably need something with a 4.5" pin or longer and a low top weight (2.5 oz or less).  The critial criterion is that the line between the pin and your PAP must be at least 1.5" below the bottom edge of the thumb hole.  This ensures that the ball will flare underneath the thumb hole and not overtop of it.

I'n not sure about high/low RG balls... This layout produces a ton of midlane read and a mild arcing backend.  Its nice for playing straighter angles to the pocket... I have found that for me, it worked best on balls with a very strong solid resin cover or high-load particles.  I tried it on a pearl and particle pearl without much success.  I put the layout on a Goliath (after polishing the goliath) and had the best carry percentage in league..in recent memory.

Here is an ARTICLE on the layout and some more description


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"This kind of inconsistency play against a team like New England will get you completely blowed out."
- Emmitt Smith 11/18/07
-Not only is he a poor commentator, but he fails to show basic knowledge of the English language- fire him!