Drilling Layouts and ball reaction?

[Phonetek]

On today's equipment, how much do drilling layouts really influence the balls reaction? I know surface is the biggest factor of influence but let's forget about that for a minute. Say you bought a good benchmark ball that you really liked that's good for fresh oil. Obviously as the shot transitions it's and the backends get fried that same ball that's good on fresh isn't going to work. If you got another of the same ball, same surface and drilled it with a different layout could it then be used as the go to ball to take up where the first one left off? Or is the differences so neglidgeable that you'd have to go to something completely different?

[rkj4243]

The cover and core are what give each ball it's unique properties. Based on your thoughts, the layout MAY slightly alter these characteristics, but not enough that you could use differing layouts to adjust to transition, especially on a house shot.

Better to ball down and stay in same area, or possibly ball up and move into more oil in the head area while still being able to get the desired length and carry to score.

[Phonetek]

It was just a hypothetical out of curiosity. I was watching some ball review videos and they frequently show the different layouts and the different reactions using the same ball. I wasn't sure just how much it really mattered. I was also thinking more for Sport than THS.

[djp1080]

How did you do on the sport shot? Or should I ask?

[RobLV1]

Back in the old days before balls had dynamic cores, the only way to "tweak" the reaction was to manipulate the static weights using different layouts. Today, static weights mean virtually nothing, and there are so many balls on the market (200-300 at any given time) that you are better off just buying a different ball with different specifications and using the same proven layout that you know works for you. In this way, you can easily anticipate the reaction that you are going to get before the ball is ever drilled. Does that make sense?

[Stormed1]

It makes at sense ROB. But in relatiom to the original post if you watch videos by Justin Wi on Motiv balls he shows 3 different layouts and also doys a path trace so you can see the dfference between the 3 layouts on the same ball

[Phonetek]

How did you do on the sport shot? Or should I ask?

I'll let you know tomorrow, first night of league is tonight. My confidence isn't exactly brimming though. I kind of overdid it yesterday bowling with my Sunday regs and my boss. We got into a "Low Ball" competition and ended up shooting 14 games. My thumb is a balloon today, I can't fit it in my thumb hole right now even with no tape. LOL I am a bit nervous to be honest. First "official" league night in many many years. Wish me luck! <making sign of the cross>

[Phonetek]

Back in the old days before balls had dynamic cores, the only way to "tweak" the reaction was to manipulate the static weights using different layouts. Today, static weights mean virtually nothing, and there are so many balls on the market (200-300 at any given time) that you are better off just buying a different ball with different specifications and using the same proven layout that you know works for you. In this way, you can easily anticipate the reaction that you are going to get before the ball is ever drilled. Does that make sense?

Yes that makes perfect sense Rob, I wouldn't expect less from your replies. I guess the trick is finding that proven layout. When I see layouts written like 60x3@3" for example if that even exists, those numbers are still confusing to me. I mean I understand Pin up/Pin down, I know what PAP is, Axis tilt, flare, RG, differential are and have a pretty good understanding of them. I guess I don't understand how they all work together to where I can go to a PSO and say "Drill it THIS way" and be confident that's what I should do. I feel like I'm missing something to put it all together to where the light bulb will go on regarding layouts 101.


It makes at sense ROB. But in relatiom to the original post if you watch videos by Justin Wi on Motiv balls he shows 3 different layouts and also doys a path trace so you can see the dfference between the 3 layouts on the same ball

Yes, those are the exact videos I was watching that prompted the OP Stormed.

[RobLV1]

Keep in mind that, when you see videos like those mentioned, they are usually posted by a company Staffer who is forced to use only one brand of bowling ball. If you are not a staffer, you have all the different releases from all the different companies to choose from. Again, if you use one or two layouts on all of your equipment, you'll always know what to expect from a ball before you buy it.

[chip82901]

I'm with Rob on this one. I try not to change my layouts too much between balls. I have a favorite layout (5x4x2) that I put on pretty much anything that I think is going to be a benchmark. I usually like a lot of length out of everything, and I have a fairly high track, so pin under is usually a bad thing for myself as it causes me to flare over fingers. That being said, I do have 1 or 2 that are slightly different in layout. What I have found, is that sticking toward 1 brand of balls does make it easier to know what each ball is going to do with a similar layout. Doesn't necessarily mean that is what you should do, but it is what I have found easier for myself.

[Stormed1]

I have 4 basic layouts i use...... symetrical 60x4.5x30 - pin up and 60x4.5x60 pin down
asymetrical 55x5x30 pin up and 65x5.5x60 pin down

[Phonetek]

I have 4 basic layouts i use...... symetrical 60x4.5x30 - pin up and 60x4.5x60 pin down
asymetrical 55x5x30 pin up and 65x5.5x60 pin down

Would you indulge me and tell me why you use each of those layouts and what they do for you to help me get a better understanding?

[Stormed1]

basically I use the longer pin to pap to control the flare due to my slow speed (12mph). Too much flare and the ball hits like a wet marshmellow for me. I prefer pin down balls due to their slower transition and rsulting arc vs snap. The pin up balls are layed out to be more anguler so that when i am forced in and have to open my angles I have the recobvery to kick out the 10. I also have a couple balls with strong covers (Absolute Truth and REspect) That are drilled 60x5x30 (again due to my slow speed) but they need OIL for me to throw effectively. I drilled my son a Respect and webt 50x4.5x30 for his he's young and still has speed (LOL)