It's important to determine why the ball is reacting the way it is. At times, especially
during late league sessions, there is a significant amount of "burn" in the pattern.
A strong ball will often roll-out very quickly and give the impression that the ball
is not "hooking", when in fact it is. It is simply hooking much too early. It's important
to watch your ball's reaction to determine why the ball is behaving the way it is.
As for carry down, many articles have been recently written stating that carry down
is simply a phenomena that no longer exists--given the large absorption rates of
today's balls, coupled with the higher rev rates that are becoming increasingly more common. There is some truth to this, however make no mistake, carry down indeed
still exists. You will definitely find it on lanes following an open bowling session just occurred--- where house (plastic) balls were used. You will also find it with certain lane oils and (lane surface) combinations. For example, I bowl in a classic trios league
(late league). We follow an earlier classic league. We bowl on HPL9000 surfaces, with a 41 ft THS. Last year, the house used Infinity oil. This year, they switched to Kegel
Ice. The difference was profound. There is much more carry down this year compared to last. The result? Most of the better strokers are struggling, whereas
the power players are seeing their scoring paces surge. Also, the proliferation of power players has resulted in more oil being pushed horizontally.
It has been a challenge for the straighties in trying to find the right combination
of ball selection, surface/drill angles, hand position and lane angles to try and minimize the sudden surge of 5-7's, 8-10's. It's a challenge because it takes
some of us out of our comfort zone, but that's what bowling is all about.
I'll offer this as a final comment. There is nothing better that having some "hand".
For those of you who got it, I'll gladly give up a few months of paychecks to get some of it---lol! Maybe in my next life.
