Holes galore!
We have holes in this thing, and I modified what I mentioned. I went with a 3 1/2" pin-midline, to keep the pin away from the fingers. Since i was making this longer, I then went from 6" to 5 1/2" pin-PAP. MB still 4 1/2. This ended up as almost the standard Ebonite #1 layout. Pin over bridge, MB next to thumb. The MB is 3" from my VAL.
Seems to have nailed the reaction on the head. Easy length, and when the ball gets to the spot you can tell it flares a whole bunch for such a long pin-pap distance. Smooth but strong once it does get there, and the hit seemed impressive, but then again they all hit hard nowadays.
I'll throw up a picture and results when I get to use it on the intended conditions Friday night.