If your ball is polished, then you might try it at around 2000. The reason is that it will read earlier and smooth out the last 10 feet of lane vs. a polished ball. Usually 2000 is also not enough surface that you lose carry unless you are bowling on extreme dry. The other benefit is that you may be able to move inward a little for a swing shot. I have had many pearl reactives that I knock the shine off because of the more predictable read I get on the lane.

 

 

 

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation.

 

 

Release-wise, I also second the hand-behind-the-ball approach, and the idea of a rather weak ball with some high grit surface. Another popular option is urethane, also with a sanded surface. The charm of the stuff is (esp. for people with hand) that it creates most of its traction though the surface prep, not material porosity. You get a more even, early read, which could be an option. Spotty lanes and carrydown could make urethane troublesome, though.

Another valid option is a ball with an axis layout - pin very close to the PAP. This creates a very stable, early roll (more or less off of your hand) with virtually no over/under issues -  roll-out might become the challenge here.

 

Personally, I have a polished Proactive Power Groove with a semi-axis layout. It does not see much use, but I frequently put it in my bag for tournaments, just in case I get some freaky ball reaction. The PGs stable curve and good traction make it very easy to control, but it has to be played with authority to hit and carry well, due to its rolly nature. But as a "trick" ball, it is a great package!

DizzyFugu - Reporting from Germany
2010/11 Benrather BC Club Champion
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I used my old international Zone with 2000 surface (I don't remember what the drilling was, but the pin is about 1" below and to the right of the ring finger) and had much more success tonight.  I was actually playing a bit more inside than I thought I would, playing around 18-19 at the arrows to out around 13 or 14 at the break point.  I ended up shooting 278 the first game, then struggled a bit as the lanes transitioned.  I was forced to move more left and that's when the carry problems began.  Lots of half tens.  I probably should have considered going to something a bit stronger while staying in the oil.

 

I had to do a prebowl for next week after that, and the pair I went to was a bit more touchy inside, so I switched to my Natural and moved out to 5.  This also proved to be much more effective, but I didn't have much room to miss.  I little right and it would creep high and a little left would skid leaving a flat ten.

 

Overall, I'm much more satisfied this week than I've been in the past few months.  I still need to work on how to manage the transition, but at least I'm giving myself a better chance to score with this approach.  Thanks again for the reponses!