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Author Topic: Is the Breakpoint the same?  (Read 1402 times)

Asura

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Is the Breakpoint the same?
« on: August 12, 2009, 10:18:48 PM »
Hi guys, given the same lane condition, when 2 different bowlers compete against each other is their breakpoint the same? Let say that bowler A have more revs (450+ rpm) than bowler B (250 rpm). I was having discussions with some locals here and they seem to agree that the breakpoint is the same regardless of different styles.

I read an article stating that only the exit point (where the ball exit the oil) is the same, not the breakpoint. Then, I went watching Walter Ray playing against Tommy Jones (2008 Geico Classic Match). Walter was using board 6 as his breakpoint, whereas Tommy uses board 3.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6B7AUt0emk

So what do you guys (especially for those with coaching experience and certifications) think?

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98custom

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Re: Is the Breakpoint the same?
« Reply #1 on: August 13, 2009, 06:43:45 AM »
Well if you mean breakpoint as in board x on a lane then no that obviously would not be the same. Additionally something like a foot mark (42 feet for example) is not always going to be the same either. There's a few reasons for this but I'll give you the simplest.

First, on some patterns there are differing lengths of oil on different parts of the lane. So for example from the gutter to 10 may be 36 ft and 10-10 may be 40 ft. If you're playing inside 10 there is longer oil which on a normal basis (there are always exceptions to the rule) your breakpoint would be further down lane.

Secondly, speed affects breakpoint. Have you ever thrown your ball right through breakpoint even though you hit the same line? You've altered the breakpoint distance even though it may break off the same board.

Ok one more reason, the ball itself. There's a reason cores are dynamic and surfaces aren't all the same. Different combinations will produce a different amount of length on the same exact lane condition for the same bowler.

Also, I think these reasons negate that the balls will have different exit points as well.

I hope this helps and I'm sure some more knowledgeable people will comment and correct my deficiencies.
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