What to say/Questions to ask before drilling a new ball

[ArtVandelay]

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) 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).

[Zothen]

I would have the pro shop watch you bowl! I would also suggest bringing in a ball if you have 1 as this will have a track on it,which will give the pro shop an idea of how you bowl. Also inform the pro shop of the type of condition your bowling on(ie-THS,oily,medium oil,light oil,etc)as this will also help him in giving you suggestions on how he wants to drill,so that you get the most reaction out of the ball.

Since your having problems with ball fitting,I would suggest having your hand span & fingers remeasured for proper fit!

The only bowling idiot that exists is an idiot who doesn't ask questions!

Zothen

[75lockwood]

Like Zothen said, have him/her watch you bowl, then don't necessarily say where you want the pin, but what reaction you are looking for out of the ball, and if he is laying it out with the pin somewhere you wouldn't suspect then question him, it should be a great learning experience for you (it was for me when i got my marauder drilled)

as for changing your ring finger location, this is done more often than you would think, your fingers are not the same length, so why should the spans be identical?

Ask the pro shop as many questions as you can think of! while he is drilling the ball he is effectively yours! take advantage, learn about ball layouts etc.

[ArtVandelay]

The only bowling idiot that exists is an idiot who doesn't ask questions!

Thank you for your kindness, but I have embraced my idiocies. hahahahaha.

I appreciate the input. I just wanted to get some general ideas and see if my thoughts made sense to anyone. Before I even posted I figured it was going to be an issue of, "Oh there's really nothing you can ask for/do that would be wrong, aside from asking him for holes for all 21 fingers and toes..." but none the less.

I think I'd be better off if I didn't realize how important this is to get the maximum usefulness out of the ball. I don't want a $180 brick on my hands. hahaha. Part of me is excited, part of me isn't. Eh, the good news is if I start to suck I can just blame the driller, and CERTAINLY rule out user error...

[scottymoney]

The drillers job is to make you happy. So if he is good at what he does he will make sure to find out what you want, make you throw a few balls to see what your style is and then be able to draw straight lines and measure correctly! ok that last part I am hoping your driller can do or you will be in trouble.

If the driller is good you will not need to ask any questions he will be asking you all the question.

My last drilling experience. I asked one question "Can I get this ball drilled"?

He then asked me all the questions going forward. Where do I bowl regularly? Where do I normally stand? What arrow do you normally play?
Followed by put your shoes on and go throw your ball now so I can see if with my own 2 eyes.
4 frames later he took my ball walked into the shop and went to work like a mad scientist..... ok not really but he made alot of lines!

He drilled it up made sure it was the right span and got the fingertips in. He then checked my thumb to see if it was the correct size and then it was back to the lanes to try it out and make sure my thumb didn't stick.

He did his job and made me happy and he created a customer for life. I asked him what days he normally works cause I didn't see him on my normal league night. And I will now go to him every time. Hopefully not too often or my wife may kill me!

[billf]

Call for an appointment and explain you want fitted and PAP measured while you're there. After that they will know to make sure of everything because you're serious. Forget pin up and pin down. That's all outdated terminology with dual angle layouts. People use it because dual angles are over their head and that's fine for the bowler, not the pro shop driller.