Symmetricals are less susceptible to release variations thus more consistent...asymmetricals slow down or transition quicker thus shortening the down lane window

Symmetricals are less susceptible to release variations thus more consistent...asymmetricals slow down or transition quicker thus shortening the down lane window

Far be it from me to disagree with Rico because he knows more than I probably ever will about bowling but I've read a lot of Jeff Richgels stuff and he talks a lot about the reason he usually doesn't care much for Asymmetrical balls is because they don't respond to hand position changes. Basically that the asymmetrical motion overcomes the bowlers release or that's how I read it and I've read other high end bowlers and coaches who had similar opinions. Then I read this though a lot too. One of them has to be incorrect doesn't it.

I think some of it with asymmetrical balls comes down to a few things:

1. A lot of backroom PSO's just don't know how to properly evaluate a bowler and drill them. I've had PSO"s offer to drill an asymmetrical ball for me that has never seen me bowl and had no idea of what my pap, rev rate, or axis rotation were.

2. People tend to use too much ball anyway and asymmetrical balls tend to be even stronger couple this with the PSO's tending to use stronger drillings on them it makes a bad situation worse.   

3. With those stronger balls and drillings bowlers tend to play more hooking lines which reduces carry.

I have a couple of mid range asymmetrical balls with weaker drillings and I personally feel like sometimes they actually soften out some of the release mistakes I make. Asymmetrical balls also tend to hold their tilt better which helps me with my lower speed. Just trying to learn and I know just Rico isn't one of those ball drillers I've referenced here. 

Asymmetrical does not retain rotation longer it loses it quicker...

Symmetrical loses tilt faster than asymmetrical.  That creates a longer hook zone because they are losing tilt but maintain rotation longer.  Asymmetrical lose rotation faster but they retain tilt longer.   That creates shorter hook zones. 

As a low rev guy I like asyms when I move in, but prefer symmetrical balls when playing out.  Examples, two top balls in my bag are Paradox and IQ Tour solid.  Love the Paradox on long patterns and when I need to get deep on house shots.  It is also versatile enough to play further out, but usually not my first choice.  Tour is much better on medium to short flatter patterns where I need to keep the ball in front of me playing out further and control mid lane and back end.  Next ball in my bag is old Cobalt Vibe that is unique in being smooth off the break point for a pearl.  Again it is not a ball I get deep with unless playing on total toast.

I am also experimenting with a Lock, and it is apparent that I would never try to play more direct with it.

Bottom line, asyms hold the tip better for me when I need to go away from the pocket.  Symetricals are more controllable at the breakpoint.   Not a question of preferring one or the other.  Kind of like asking a carpenter if he prefers a hammer or a saw.     

Unless a ball has zero offset (zero pin out and or zero top weight) it is asymmetrical...it depends upon the strength of the asymmetry whether it is relevant or not...this is where many get lost
Until the asymmetry gets into the low teens (.013+) it has minimal effect...