I just got my Thing in yesterday.  I ordered a Thing Returns but The Thing came by mistake.  I am thinking about keeping it, as pearls haven,t been good to me.  I have an Element (dull) with pin and cg stacked next to ring finger.  If I leave the Thing shined and drill it the same way will it be enough difference in reaction.  I really like the Element in a polished state but want to keep it for heavier oil.  I have a high track (Pap is near 6").  Both of the houses I bowl in have dry backends and settle down a bit after the 1st game.  The ball has a 4" pin and 2.82 tw.  I am also considering layout #4 but with a 2 1/2 to 3" pin  location with cg in grip.    I want the ball to be less hook than my Element and smooth out the dry  backends, and  still work in carry down.   If not, the Element handles carry down well.  Any opinions will be appreciated.

I have mine drilled 4.5x4.5 with the pin below ring -- which for my pap tilts the CG slightly left.  With your high track I would be leery of going much more than that.  As a matter of performance, you should drill it for as much flare as you can handle while giving the drill length.  For both the Thing and Thing Returns, I think that a 3.75x5 or 3.5x5ish drill pattern provides the best mix of length and movement.  My Thing Returns is drilled 3.5x5.5 and that seems to provide the best reaction.  When I drill up my next Thing, I am certain I will use this same pattern.
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