Here are some **BASIC** rules on the different aspects of bowling balls:
RG - Higher the number the longer the ball will go / hold onto energy
Diff - Higher the number the more flare / hook the ball will have
Pearlized coverstocks slide more in oil and hook harder in friction than a solid coverstock would. When you add particles to the coverstock it will grab a little more in oil with a little less backend due to the loss of energy in the heads/ midlane.
Ultimately matching these different characteristics to a person's physical game and oil conditions dictates what a person looks for. A stroker trying to bowl on medium conditions would look for different equipment versus a high speed cranker. This is why it's worth talking to a pro-shop operator to better understand your game and what works for you.
Then you can get into drilling concepts with Pin distances, MB placement, etc. but that's not what your question seemed to be geared towards.
Hope that helped?
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-Chris : DJ's Pro Shop : Auburn, MA
