Curious but is there a reaction shape that you prefer and have better success with? Personally I cannot stand flippy or delayed reacting balls. To me be backed reaction is harder to read and less consistent. I prefer an earlier and smoother transition. Starting to notice that ball manufactures today are making different reaction shapes in all there lines two companies that stand out in particular is STORM, MOTIV and BRUNSWICK probably others also. Bowlers now can build an entire arsenal based on their favorite reaction shape and not worry about being limited to certain conditions. Thoughts?

When I was younger and dumber, I used to always look for whatever ball had the most hook rating.  More was better to me.  But after understanding what the real goal is in bowling and finding a ball - hitting the pocket across the most amount of user variability, I quickly found that balls that snap, flip, or seemingly go horizontal across the boards at the very last minute is NOT what I wanted.  I still see this today in my current league and those that do have some of the worst averages.  Yeah it looks cool when you strike, but enjoy the splits and brooklyns.

What I have had success with given how I bowl and how I want to generally throw from the left side of the 20th board out to between 5-10 and come back strong but predictable, I like balls that roll strong into the pocket.  I leave very few 10 pins relative to other RH I see.  Last night I left a lot of 4 pins. 

So basically I've tried almost all the main bowling companies and found Storm meets my need the best.  Back in the day the Columbia Messenger Ti was my favorite ball.  Now it is a polished Storm Vertigo.  Both balls FAR from industry 'hook monsters'. 

The reaction shape of any ball depends on a bunch of things.  Some are manufacturer design, some are layout and surface, some are how you release the ball.  A ball designed for a rolling arc motion may work best for higher rev higher axis rotation bowlers because they get too much snap with a skid flip ball.  But the skid flip ball might be perfect for an up the back bowler that needs help on the backend. 

I'm glad the manufacturers are better defining their ball motion design ( like MOTIVs ball guide ) so we can make good choices with what we need - instead of trial and error.

I'm with those who prefer the strong finish, but not too angular. 

When I feel like I know where it's going to finish it breeds confidence, which keeps me more relaxed, which helps me to bowl more consistently, etc...

It really depends on what angle I am playing.  If I am playing out, I want a smooth reaction with nothing jumpy.  Low flare layouts on symmetrical solids matches up for my game and gives me such a look.  As I move toward 3rd arrow or deeper I want something that will go long and make a hard move, even with my end over end roll.  Strong asymmetrical higher flare layouts are my choice from deeper angles.  Not looking to open up the lane, just get a strong move off the breakpoint which ideally is not outside 10 board.