Been going to post this for a long time. Finally with introduction of Badger pattern, and heavier oils it is probably appropriate.
For years we have watched as more power in terms of revs and speed have become integral to the game. Most people equate more hook to better carry because they mistakenly believe that increased entry angle decreases deflection to enhance carry. The truth is that increasing entry angle in and of itself does not reduce deflection, but merely changes the direction of the deflection. What really reduces deflection is the release of rotational energy regardless of the amount of hook that is being generated. A ball that is still releasing rotational energy will carry better at a 4 degree entry angle than a ball at the so called optimum 6 degree entry angle that has burned out.
How can we demonstrate the truth of my statement, and more important why is it important. The truth of the statement can be demonstrated by how the pros attacked the 52 foot Badger pattern. The newest BJ talks about this and states that the long pattern heralds the return of the stroker. It was impossible to create entry angle on the Badger, yet guys were driving the 5 out playing a fall back shot at 4th arrow. They did it by matching their speed to their rev rate in order to get the ball to release its rotational energy at the optimum time to minimize deflection without hooking the ball much. Something we strokers understood 35 years ago, but got lost in the short oil era.
Why is this important. Because I think the trend is going to be to longer oil, with higher viscosity ( Kegel Ice ). It is going to be harder and harder to simply over power such conditions because friction that has been abundant over the past 35 years is going to be at more of a premium if, in fact, we do see longer oil with high viscosity.
What are the implications for most competitive bowlers? It is not going to be about gripping and ripping it, but more about matching rev rate, axis rotation, and ball speed to best exploit less friction. High rev rates will still be an advantage, but lower axis rotations, and better speed control will be very important.