Longer patterns are different from heavy oil. Longer patterns you want a ball with a quicker response to friction.

Yeah. TeeP, think of it this way: the earlier a ball starts the earlier the energy is spent. This is going to happen with the "strongest" coverstocks for asymmetrical and symmetrical cores. On longer patterns energy would be spent early but with still oil to go through down the lane.

Using a ball that isn't as early, but still strong, gives it more to work with when it comes off the end of the pattern. So for example instead of looking for something like the Dare Devil Trick, go for the Dare Devil. Truth Pearl and Quantum Fire Pearl (or maybe Classic Black) also comes to mind.

This is actually a bit harder to recommend for since ideally I like strong asymmetrical pearl/polish options for longer patterns. There aren't a ton of strong pearl/polished symmetrical balls ideal for longer patterns either. Which might be a good thing in terms of reducing options to pick from. 

Generally longer sport patterns still have a decent amount of oil where stronger balls can be used. If you have a longer format 5-6+ games then mid range balls come into play.

The symmetric or "more symmetric" options would be: Truth Pearl, Scandal Pearl, Phobia, Tyrant Pearl, True Nirvana, Quick Fix.

Asymmetric options: No Rules Pearl, Inception Pearl, Mako Attack, BW Gold, Gauntlet, Maverick Pearl, Verdict.

keep in mind it all starts with the bowler. I just watched the PWBA last night where they bowled on a 51 foot low volume pattern and they all used very strong balls with rough surface prep. the bowler's that had the best results released up the back of the ball. the bowlers who didn't do well released off the side with more axis rotation. there balls hooked in the heads and when they adjusted in a few boards never sniffed the pocket.

Quote from: six pack on September 03, 2017, 11:35:08 AM

keep in mind it all starts with the bowler. I just watched the PWBA last night where they bowled on a 51 foot low volume pattern and they all used very strong balls with rough surface prep. the bowler's that had the best results released up the back of the ball. the bowlers who didn't do well released off the side with more axis rotation. there balls hooked in the heads and when they adjusted in a few boards never sniffed the pocket.

Which event? I haven't seen a pattern that length. A rough surface blows up the heads which can put you in a tough spot on longer patterns

Rochester.
The PBA should use such patterns. Nasty, 51 feet but low volume and low scoring.

I just practiced on some 43 ft Kegel pattern and the only thing I could get to hook early enough and carry was a 500 Grit Gamebreaker 2. 3" Pin to axis, no hole. It flares about 7" for me. Surface and is going to be your #1 weapon for the real oil.

You don't need a ball to hook to hit.  You need to get it in to a roll.  I know it is a listbart, but sometimes it works better to try and play s pattern rather than blow it up.

"But, but, I can't stand where I want and get it to bounce off the dry, so I must need moar surface!!"

Quote from: avabob on September 03, 2017, 09:24:40 PM

You don't need a ball to hook to hit.  You need to get it in to a roll.  I know it is a listbart, but sometimes it works better to try and play s pattern rather than blow it up.

"But, but, I can't stand where I want and get it to bounce off the dry, so I must need moar surface!!"

Who tells me that I can't go straight up 5 on a heavy 45 foot pattern with a hang spot at 43 feet?  MOAR MOAR MOAR SURFACE....until I shoot 150 and crawl away...sniffle.

(The above is not to be confused with an actual event that occurred June 7th, 2017.)