Pin placement/weight

[mike_thomas93]

I had a question, folks: Every now and then, I hear a mentioning of a pin weight on a ball (like 3 inch 4 inch 5 1/2 inch, etc.) and I was just wondering how is it measured? How can you tell what the pin placement/weight is? And how do the different sizes play out into a bowling ball performance?

[bowl1820]

I had a question, folks: Every now and then, I hear a mentioning of a pin weight on a ball (like 3 inch 4 inch 5 1/2 inch, etc.) and I was just wondering how is it measured? How can you tell what the pin placement/weight is? And how do the different sizes play out into a bowling ball performance?

It's not Pin Weight, It's Pin "Length".

There are two different ones depending on what is being referred to.

One's the Pin "Length" is the measurement from the CG to the Pin.
Different pin lengths here can make it easier to use different layouts. a 3"-4" pin length is a standard range and it will let you use most layouts. Too Short/Long distances can limit layout options. The length is marked on the box or you can measure it with a flex tape or quarter scale.

the other is the Pin to P.A.P. (Positive Axis Point) measurement and is measured from your P.A.P. to the Pin.
Simply put the the Pin to PAP measurement will adjust how much the ball flares.

On a symmetrical ball 3 3/8" is the strongest point.

On a asymmetrical ball the farther from PAP the more it will flare.
Closer to 6 1/4" produces more forward roll, closer to 2 3/4" produces more side roll.

To measure it you would need to know where your PAP is.

[dnhoffman]

And beware of cheap balls you find on ebay, many of them are so cheap because of short/long pins.

[mike_thomas93]

Thanks for correcting me there, bowl1820. And thanks for you reply. Certain broke it down well to where I can understand it better.

[mike_thomas93]

Never bought a bowling ball off ebay before, but thanks for the heads-up still, Mr. Hoffman. Sooo with you saying to be aware, does that mean that it would not be a good idea to even buy a ball off ebay from someone?

[Perrin]

should be ok as long as the pin length is specified. but if they don't/won't tell you th pin length then good luck. you may get a 1" pin or a 5" pin either one limits how you can drill the ball and have it Static legal.

[mike_thomas93]

Thanks for the piece of advice, Perrin. I'll be sure to keep that in mind assuming if it ever even goes that route.