Assuming the backs are clean, and not knowing the width of the pattern (i.e. any dry outside boards etc...), my chice for the shadow bowling would be to try my Carbide Plus. I would stand at almost 30 board, and throw a couple of shots from 16 to say 10, to see reaction.  With my speed, that should work for awhile.  I would also use my Tsunami and Cobalt during shadow, with different stances and lines to see their reactions, as I am SURE that before the set is over, I would be using them.

Dave
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On a sport shot or tough pattern shot my approach is the same.  I take a pearl reactive ball and test the lanes with it.  I will throw my first shot down the second arrow and see how heavy the oil is.  If the reactive pearl slides too much then I know I need a ball with more surface.

Depending on how much time I have I test the lanes with the ball i'm going to use based on the amount of oil.  I will swing the ball from different spots to find if there is a friction area to play.  If there is no defined spot then I play as straight as possible.  If there's a friction area at the back end then I know I have some room and can swing it a bit.

A good tip that I have learned is if there is not defined friction area at the end of the pattern I will stay away from swinging the ball.  I will play it safe and use a down and in line.  This way if you miss your target or throw it to fast you can still make it to the pocket easier than if you swing it.