New to Forum, have questions.....

[Alticavis]

First, an introduction.....

Im Matt, From the St. Louis, MO area. I am 26, and have been bowling for almost 20 years. Was very competitive in my youth, but now am more recreational (yearly leagues, no tournaments or anything like that yet; maybe again someday). I Love the game, and enjoy the strategy and skill it takes to perform at a high level....

Now my question. It has been some time since I have gotten a *new* ball for myself, and I think it is about time. I never understood the Pro Shop/Ball Science part of the game, but now want to learn......that way my new ball selection I understand, and can be educated on what I want in a ball....

Using some tips I have read about, I am finding that my PAP is 5 11/16 over, and about 1/2 UNDER. In all my research, I have never seen any documentation of anyone with a PAP under the centerline......Could this cause an issue with ball selection?? My track is high, and on my current ball (a VERY old Columbia 300 Cuda/C), my track rolls right over my finger holes.......

Any help or insight is greatly appreciated!!!!

Matt

[kev3inp]

St. Louis is a hotbed of bowling. I've never heard of 1/2 under either. Maybe someone else has. It kind of makes me think that your current ball isn't drilled correctly, but I really couldn't say. Find a bowler there you respect and ask him where he goes with his equipment and have them check you out.

[Alticavis]

Thanks for the Reply!!! I had a connection, but he gets shipped off to Afghanistan Tomorrow. I am waiting to hear back from him before he leaves on a possible back-up connection while he is gone.....

Yeah, the ball used to be my Father's, and he handed it down to me, and I made due. All that changed between him using it, and me using it was the thumb re-slugged, and new fingertips (now I know my Dad would have a different PAP, becase he has a different release than I).......The span and everything else was the same!!!

If it is the case, and my PAP readings are incorrect, or my current ball is the issue, what would be the best way to know??

Wouldnt the PAP register the same on this ball, regardless of how it is drilled?? (because it would register off my release, and ball track?)

[kev3inp]

I would think it would be the same, but I've got 2 balls that have different tracks and I don't feel I'm doing anything different. One almost clips my fingerholes, the other doesn't even come close.

[The Mayor]

The layout on the ball can affect where the ball tracks. This is why many manufacturers give layout recommendations for low/medium/high track players. Many times when a high track player uses the wrong layout it will cause them to the hit the fingers or thumb. The best thing for you to do is to go to a qualified pro shop and have them watch you bowl and re-fit your hand. It can't be overestimated how important the fit of your ball is.

[Alticavis]

I would think it would be the same, but I've got 2 balls that have different tracks and I don't feel I'm doing anything different. One almost clips my fingerholes, the other doesn't even come close.

I hear ya. I used to have multiple bowling balls to compare with, but one definately wasnt drilled for me, and I stopped using it becase of that reason....


The layout on the ball can affect where the ball tracks. This is why many manufacturers give layout recommendations for low/medium/high track players. Many times when a high track player uses the wrong layout it will cause them to the hit the fingers or thumb. The best thing for you to do is to go to a qualified pro shop and have them watch you bowl and re-fit your hand. It can't be overestimated how important the fit of your ball is.

The Pro Shop that was recommended to me by a family member is a stand alone shop not attached to a bowling alley. It is Ray and Rich Orf up here in St Louis (dont know if those names sound familiar). I would think with as much experience as their website reports they have, they would be able to figure me out. You think??? The track on my current ball does suggest I am a high track bowler, so with that said, would drilling a high track layout suit me well, even if exact PAP may not be known???

Thanks for all the help and replies so far!!!

[The Mayor]

I hear ya. I used to have multiple bowling balls to compare with, but one definately wasnt drilled for me, and I stopped using it becase of that reason....



The Pro Shop that was recommended to me by a family member is a stand alone shop not attached to a bowling alley. It is Ray and Rich Orf up here in St Louis (dont know if those names sound familiar). I would think with as much experience as their website reports they have, they would be able to figure me out. You think??? The track on my current ball does suggest I am a high track bowler, so with that said, would drilling a high track layout suit me well, even if exact PAP may not be known???

Thanks for all the help and replies so far!!!


If you're hitting the finger holes, you definitely want to use a high track layout.

[bowl1820]

If your hitting the finger holes, knowing your PAP is important for a proper layout. To make sure the pin is in the pin safe zone, because if it's not, theres a greater chance of the ball flaring over the holes.

(pin safe zone: There was a general rule of thumb draw a line from your pap to the middle finger hole. if the pin is above the line its in the safe zone. if below there more of a chance it might flare over the holes. now that might not apply anymore)

Example I had got a Morich Labyrinth with a different layout than I normally used. The pin was low below my finger holes and The flare rings would bowtie right in the middle of my finger hole the ball wouldn't do nothing.

Also it is possible to have a pap under the centerline it's not as common as above, but there are some that have it.