I purchased a 13# Hammer Blade solid.  The pro shop owner watched me bowl with my old ball before drilling it out.  I told him in my opinion I needed more back end.

I picked up the ball and tried it in two leagues.  #1 - second shift #2 - fresh oil shot medium condition.

The ball was rolling and flaring way too much.  Went back and had it polished with Ebonite Factory Finish.  Used again in league #1.  Tightened up the line a lot, shot 224 out of the gate with an open dead center.  Now the ball seems better.  League 2 - back to flaring and rolling too much though not as bad as first time around.*  It seems like instead of backend he gave me flare.

I'll try my best to describe the drill.  Pin directly above the ring finger, cg kicked out pretty far with balance hole approx. 5-1/2 inches from grip center.
I was told pin, cg and mb are running parallel with my track.  MB in strong position.  What should I expect from the layout.

What is the best part of the lane for me to play.  I was standing on 20 and playing 2nd arrow bellying  it out a little.

*I cleaned the ball with 409 orange cleaner after I used it the first time in league #1 after it was polished.
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LadyWannabe

Edited on 2/25/2004 7:30 PM

Edited on 2/26/2004 1:25 PM

This is the second pro shop I've gone to.  Why do they all give me more flare when I ask for more backend?  With my slow ball speed more flare equals less energy in the back.

What is the best drilling layout for me to handle medium to medium/heavy fresh oiled and second shift with some carrydown?
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LadyWannabe

LadyWannabe -- The ball selection and surface preparation are both more important than the layout.  Consider buying a urethane ball with a dynamic core, such as the Slate Gray Gryphon or the XXL.  Use a 5 x 4 layout, then either polish or sand until you find the reaction you want.  --  JohnP

Thank you all for responding.

I was unhappy with my original pro shop so I tried this one based upon several recommendations from this forum.  

Being a woman with limited bowling ability makes it difficult for me when dealing with a pro shop.  I read and try to learn as much as I can.  When I ask questions about why they did this or what it's going to do I never seem to get a completely straight answer.  It's like they resent my questions as I obviously have no idea what I'm talking about.  So, I give them as much information as I can about what I'm looking for and rely on their expertise.  

I actually hate going to buy a new ball because it never seems to be a pleasant experience for me.  Most people are happy to buy a new ball as it should be a happy experience.

When I purchased this ball I told him I wanted more backend.  After he drilled it I used it and it was rolling and flaring too much.  I went back and told him and his immediate reaction was "How am I supposed to know the exact lane conditions" said defensively.  I then asked if it could be the drilling layout and he said "No, there's a lot stronger flaring layouts".  So, I'm at a disadvantage because I don't know what to believe.

So, what is a woman to do??

P.S.  Is it possible to change the location of the balance hole?  Would it make a difference?  Also, since I already have the Track Clean N Polish is it okay if I use it?

P.P.S  Bob7 - It's the Blade Solid Reactive
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LadyWannabe

Edited on 2/26/2004 12:16 PM

Edited on 2/26/2004 12:18 PM

Thank you all for the information. You've given me a lot of food for thought.

Tomorrow  before I bowl I'm going to clean it with the Track Clean N Polish and see how it reacts.  I'm also going to measure the CG distance so we can determine exactly what position the MB is in.  I'll also measure the distance of the balance hole.

I'll let you know the results.
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LadyWannabe

Edited on 2/26/2004 4:19 PM