Icewall,
Stoned 8s, for a righthander, are completely different from 7s, 9s, or 10s. They're a combination of the power of the ball and bad luck in the way the head pin spins off the 2 pin.
7s, 9s, and 10s are all different and less well thrown balls. Many can be just bad luck, but are not the perfect hit that 8 pins (or 9 pins for left handers)are.
MO_BOY,
If you have to worry about a 4 pin or 7 pin, the ball wasn't a pocket hit, was it? Just hitting the 1 pin and the 3 pin at the same time is not really a "pocket" hit.
APheLion,
Maybe a slight (and I do mean "slight") scuffing of the cover with a grey nylon pad will help the ball have a mild, controlled burn off of some energy in the midlane in order to help control/reduce the hitting power of this ball. You've got to be VERY careful not to ake off too much polish or it will burn up entirely. There is a risk that I'm not sure you're willing to take, but it is an option.
I love the way Lanemasters balls seem to reduce the number of splits I leave, but sometimes, their hitting power is actually too much. In fact, I've learned I have to modify my normal drillings PLUS modify the cover too often with them. It can be an exasperating experience, getting their cover & drilling just right.
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