I always try a pearlized, or at least a polished solid, on wood lanes first. The wood lanes are softer so the ball wants to start sooner, which is usually not good for pin carry.
As far as synthetics, I usually try a solid reactive first, then move to a pearl later if necessary, and only when I see pronounced carry-down do I ever think about the particle balls. Most of the synthetics I bowl on have PLENTY of oil, too.
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notclay
Lane Carter, Strike Zone Pro Shops - Salt Lake City, Utah