Hey all just wanted to get some opinions and see if this is normal.  In my PBAX league, which is on Brunswick Pro Anvilane I believe, I have finished week 3 on the Shark pattern.  I'm playing it like most would suggest to, with an inside line like 13 to 12 or something similar.  However, in the first week I was pretty lost and tried most things except for that line.  In that time, I found it weird that straight up anything except possibly outside five went through the face.  I ended up using a flatter release up five and it didn't do too bad, but it really bugged me that I couldn't use my normal release.  I thought the Shark was supposed to be heavier than that but it seemed the backend is pretty good.  I'm pretty much dialed in on a working line now playing between 11 and 15 with both my target and breakpoint.  I'm just tempted to try going a little outside of that again to see if I can actually find something.

Thoughts on how this condition is playing?

I do agree that something that reads the backend well is good on this pattern, although I'm not sure skid/flip is a great idea for me at least.  I've been using my Rival which is at 2000 abralon and it carries pretty well.  It doesn't necessarily "turn the corner" but it's enough for me to get by.  I might be tempted to try my Counter Strike which should go longer and it's pin up.  I actually have the problem of this pattern hooking too much at times.  Like I said my ball goes through the nose if I play up the boards at all, and it seems if I swing it even just a little it won't quite make it back which forces me to play the swing shot between 10 and 15 so it can get back.

I struggled too much with my fit the second week that I don't want to count that towards my average even though I made it.  First week 159, which was the week I scrambled for a line, second week 160, third week 182ish for average.  I'm averaging 165+ after the three weeks.  With my established line it's just a matter of executing better and making the spares as well as making the small adjustments necessary.  I have quite a bit of ground to make up because I feel I should be in the 180s in this league.

I may just have to give my Counter Strike a shot to see if I can end up playing straighter but still carry.  If I end up having to still swing it inside I bet my Rival will carry better.

Thanks River.  My Rival is pin below ring.  I've had moderate success playing outside with less rotation but I prefer my normal release, which is around 45 degrees of rotation, and staying inside.  I have fairly good carry, it's just a matter of executing.  Outside 10 at the break is a goner from where I'm standing.  Optimally, my target is 12 or 13 to start and swing one board.  In my fourth game I'm at 14 out to 12 and it's fine.  The Rival is at 2000 abralon.  Sometimes I wish it turned the corner more but that's not what I got it for.  I may try to use my Counter Strike if I have time in warm up, and that's pin above bridge/ring.  I will probably have to move right but that's my comfort zone anyway.  If I do I'll see which carries better and is more forgiving as well.  If it's my CS I'm going to kick myself for not thinking of it before.