ArtVandelay
12-10-2012, 12:31 AM
So... Now that I know I should probably be tipping the ball driller unless they're awful, it's time to move on. I'm hoping to get my new ball (Lane 1 Droid (http://www.bowlingball.com/products/bowling-balls/Lane1/10124/Droid.html)) drilled in the next few days. Because I am, of course, much older and wiser than I was when last I had a ball drilled I'd like to go into it knowing what to discuss with the driller. What questions to ask, etc. In a perfect scenario, it sounds like perhaps I can have them take a look at me throwing my current ball to get an idea on how to drill the new ball.
The Droid is engineered to have a smoother hook. My only concern is for the ball to have all its energy concentrated on the roll phase at the end of the shot. I have always felt that if I can get it turning end over end and hit the pocket within 3 rolls, I have the greatest success and least splits. So am I looking to have the "pin," higher? I generally throw from the left hand side of the lane (my left foot normally plants around board 30) and my Hammer No Mercy skids through the oil, and once it hits the drier area, it is normally around board 8 to 5, when it cuts back in.
But the problem is, my current Hammer was drilled quite poorly, and the span is very uncomfortable. While I CAN throw it with my thumb in, there are series that my thumb will swell too much and I often have to stop due to pain and go back to my two finger method. I've been doing that for years now, and I'm decent with either method but I want this new one to be drilled with a much shorter span (and I'm going to get the interchangeable thumb insert, I've decided. I heard if you don't like your thumb hole, it only costs about $15 to get a new one!).
I'm also considering (and tell me if this just sounds ridiculous... I'm new to this ball drilling thing) asking if perhaps my ring finger hole can be moved ever so slightly down on the ball (and when I say slightly, I'm thinking half a centimeter might be TOO dramatic). I'm also curious if the thumb hole has to be directly between the two finger holes or if it's possible to move it slightly closer to the middle finger hole for a more natural feeling position. Are these ridiculous ideas? They make sense in my mind, but I don't want to do something that will effect my ability to become better with this ball.
Any advice is appreciated and don't hesitate to call me an idiot, because I honestly have no idea what I'm talking about! I just trust you guys to point me in the right direction so I can have a more meaningful conversation with the ball driller (ouch).
The Droid is engineered to have a smoother hook. My only concern is for the ball to have all its energy concentrated on the roll phase at the end of the shot. I have always felt that if I can get it turning end over end and hit the pocket within 3 rolls, I have the greatest success and least splits. So am I looking to have the "pin," higher? I generally throw from the left hand side of the lane (my left foot normally plants around board 30) and my Hammer No Mercy skids through the oil, and once it hits the drier area, it is normally around board 8 to 5, when it cuts back in.
But the problem is, my current Hammer was drilled quite poorly, and the span is very uncomfortable. While I CAN throw it with my thumb in, there are series that my thumb will swell too much and I often have to stop due to pain and go back to my two finger method. I've been doing that for years now, and I'm decent with either method but I want this new one to be drilled with a much shorter span (and I'm going to get the interchangeable thumb insert, I've decided. I heard if you don't like your thumb hole, it only costs about $15 to get a new one!).
I'm also considering (and tell me if this just sounds ridiculous... I'm new to this ball drilling thing) asking if perhaps my ring finger hole can be moved ever so slightly down on the ball (and when I say slightly, I'm thinking half a centimeter might be TOO dramatic). I'm also curious if the thumb hole has to be directly between the two finger holes or if it's possible to move it slightly closer to the middle finger hole for a more natural feeling position. Are these ridiculous ideas? They make sense in my mind, but I don't want to do something that will effect my ability to become better with this ball.
Any advice is appreciated and don't hesitate to call me an idiot, because I honestly have no idea what I'm talking about! I just trust you guys to point me in the right direction so I can have a more meaningful conversation with the ball driller (ouch).