Aslan's Latest Nerdy Activity: The 4-ball arsenal tiered selection system

**Aslan** · 04-20-2015, 12:52 PM

This weekend I totally re-did my ball wish list and corresponding arsenal breakdown. I decided to set up a 4-ball arsenal "criteria" to determine a good "mix" to have. In simpler terms; I set up 4 categories and ideally your 4-ball arsenal will have 1 ball that fits unanimously into that 1 tier/category.

Without getting into laborious detail (only to be mocked later for even developing something so silly), and with Mudpuppy Cliff Notes in mind, the categories take into account FIVE factors (no order of importance):
1) coverstock (pearl, hybrid, solid)
2) cover finish (500-4000 abralon, high polish, matte/sanded, etc...)
3) RG
4) differential
5) PerfectScale Rating (bowlingball.com system/hook rating)

Now, this may make Rob angry...but not only does it NOT take into account the core shape (symmetric/assymetric)...but it includes PerfectScale which ball spec purists despise. But let me explain why:

1) In putting my current arsenal together...I ignored PerfectScale and went strictly by the numbers. That didn't work. Not only did it not work...but when the progression was fixed...the progression followed PerfectScale exactly.

2) The Storm Optimus Paradox: This is why I didn't include cores into the equation. Because the core might change the angle...it may even change the timing of the different hook phases...it may even do more than that. But if a symmetric core Storm Optimus can be an ideal skid/flip ball...then a ball should be able to fit in any category despite it's core shape.

Now...concerning #2...obviously the core will change the path. Obviously the core effects the ball in multiple ways. I'm just saying when putting a 4-ball arsenal together...having 4 symmetrics or 2 of each or 1 symmetric/3 assymetrics....probably doesn't matter. The goal is to get balls that are different enough in the other areas where you'll have options (good options hopefully).

I won't go into the numbers...but essentially, the generic 4-ball arsenal consists of the following:

1) A heavy-medium oil condition "1st ball".
2) A medium oil ball-down option.
3) A medium/light oil ball for lanes that are very broken down or lighter oil or shorter patterns.
4) A long ball for very dry conditions or wood lanes. OR...a true skid/flip option with a high RG, high diff, high polish surface, pearl, strong cover, etc...

So, each variable (see list of 5 above) is given a range. If your value falls in that range...that is your tier/category. You assess all 5 variables and then look to see if the ball fits more into one category than the others. If it does...thats it's category. Once you have 4-balls, one for each category, you have an ideal arsenal. And if it actually works as designed (IF), your ball progression will be 1,2,3,4 (in most cases).

I'll address potential pitfalls/failures of the system in the following post.

**Aslan** · 04-20-2015, 01:35 PM

Potential Problems/Early Frustrations:

1) How "strong" a cover is...is essentially unknown.

Using my current arsenal as an example; The progression according to this system SHOULD have been Rhythm, Encounter, Bullet Train, Slingshot. But that was not the case because (according to the pro shop) S79 cover on the Bullet Train was much more aggressive than the Rhythm or Encounter. There's not really any good way to know or measure that. And thats where I rely on PerfectScale...because PerfectScale predicted the progression perfectly....which 'could' mean that PerfectScale factors in coverstock "strength" as part of it's calculation.

2) Tier/Category IV is confusing

Tier IV is kinda a carp shoot. I mean...it's an ideal tier for a low level pearl ball that goes very long and isn't that aggressive...for very dry or short conditions. BUT....it's also an ideal tier for a cutting edge technology skid/flip ball that goes very long and then bites hard with an angular backend. Two very different balls can fit in that same category. But...since I could only have 4-balls in this experiement...those two tiers had to be combined.

3) Category/Tier II was the rarest
Due to the initial values used...most balls fit into the Tier III level. There were also quite a few Tier I balls. Tier IV was harder because it's looking for something more specific. But Tier II was very hard to find balls that matched most of it's criteria. Thats 'probably' just a byproduct of some ranges being bigger than others.

4) In some cases the 5 variables would conflict with one another
For example....is a Pearl with a high RG a good "first ball"? It may have a very aggressive core and cover...but is it going to go too long on heavier conditions and not make that turn without an excessive rev rate? Likewise, is a solid cover ball going to make a good Tier III or IV ball? Isn't it going to bite too early on lighter/shorter conditions?

But...it was interesting. Rather than set a lot of "musts/must nots"...I allowed the balls to move into the different tiers as long as MOST of the variables pointed towards a tier. So rather than set a rule that a pearl can't be a tier I or II...the system would allow a pearl to be Tier I (or II) so long as the PerfecScale rating was high, the RG was low, and maybe the differential was high.

So...mudpuppy cliff noting....what did I personally determine based on this little exercise??

1) I think for arsenal #3 (mid/late-2016 debut), assuming I'm still bowling (haven't given up due to sucking badly) and assuming I haven't decided to switch to 15lbs (after trialing arsenal #2 (late 2015 debut)...that my RotoGrip Defiant Edge will make an adequate Tier I (first) ball. That will allow me a stronger ball to start with and allow me to move the Ebonite Warning Sign into the Tier III category where it's more suited.

2) I decided to get a DV8 Ruckus on sale. I was holding off indefinitely on new ball purchases while I decide on the 15/16lb issue...but < $80 for a Ruckus is a great deal and I not only have never thrown a DV8 ball...but the Ruckus will be the highest PerfectScale rated ball > 230! that I've purchased.

But the Ruckus is a great example of one of the frustrations I had with this system. Is the DV8 Ruckus an ideal "first ball" (Tier I)? Or is it an ideal Tier IV skid/flip ball?? Lets look at the numbers:

RG: 2.592 (Thats high! Should go long.)
Finish: 500 (polished)

Diff.: 0.052 (Thats fairly high, should have a strong backend)
PerfecScale: > 230 (Thats very high! Lots of hook potential!)
Cover: Hybrid

Normally, a ball with that high of a PerfectScale rating...a hybrid or solid cover (causing it to hook sooner)...and a 500 finish (lots of oob surface)....thats a ball that is going to play well in heavy/medium oil. It's sales description even claims it is for medium/heavy conditions. HOWEVER...if I'm looking for a perfect skid/flip ball....here's a ball with a high RG that is polished...designed to go long...and it has a very aggressive cover/PS/diff....so this could be an ideal skid/flip Tier IV ball.

So as I'm sure the experts would contend...this system is a loose guide at best. I'd say it'd work well for a newer player...getting into their first real "arsenal" and just looking for a playable combination...assuming the person has relatively little brand loyalty and wants to try different things.

**Amyers** · 04-20-2015, 02:34 PM

Originally Posted by Aslan

Potential Problems/Early Frustrations:

1) How "strong" a cover is...is essentially unknown.

Using my current arsenal as an example; The progression according to this system SHOULD have been Rhythm, Encounter, Bullet Train, Slingshot. But that was not the case because (according to the pro shop) S79 cover on the Bullet Train was much more aggressive than the Rhythm or Encounter. There's not really any good way to know or measure that. And thats where I rely on PerfectScale...because PerfectScale predicted the progression perfectly....which 'could' mean that PerfectScale factors in coverstock "strength" as part of it's calculation.

2) Tier/Category IV is confusing

Tier IV is kinda a carp shoot. I mean...it's an ideal tier for a low level pearl ball that goes very long and isn't that aggressive...for very dry or short conditions. BUT....it's also an ideal tier for a cutting edge technology skid/flip ball that goes very long and then bites hard with an angular backend. Two very different balls can fit in that same category. But...since I could only have 4-balls in this experiement...those two tiers had to be combined.

3) Category/Tier II was the rarest
Due to the initial values used...most balls fit into the Tier III level. There were also quite a few Tier I balls. Tier IV was harder because it's looking for something more specific. But Tier II was very hard to find balls that matched most of it's criteria. Thats 'probably' just a byproduct of some ranges being bigger than others.

4) In some cases the 5 variables would conflict with one another
For example....is a Pearl with a high RG a good "first ball"? It may have a very aggressive core and cover...but is it going to go too long on heavier conditions and not make that turn without an excessive rev rate? Likewise, is a solid cover ball going to make a good Tier III or IV ball? Isn't it going to bite too early on lighter/shorter conditions?

But...it was interesting. Rather than set a lot of "musts/must nots"...I allowed the balls to move into the different tiers as long as MOST of the variables pointed towards a tier. So rather than set a rule that a pearl can't be a tier I or II...the system would allow a pearl to be Tier I (or II) so long as the PerfecScale rating was high, the RG was low, and maybe the differential was high.

So...mudpuppy cliff noting....what did I personally determine based on this little exercise??

1) I think for arsenal #3 (mid/late-2016 debut), assuming I'm still bowling (haven't given up due to sucking badly) and assuming I haven't decided to switch to 15lbs (after trialing arsenal #2 (late 2015 debut)...that my RotoGrip Defiant Edge will make an adequate Tier I (first) ball. That will allow me a stronger ball to start with and allow me to move the Ebonite Warning Sign into the Tier III category where it's more suited.

2) I decided to get a DV8 Ruckus on sale. I was holding off indefinitely on new ball purchases while I decide on the 15/16lb issue...but < $80 for a Ruckus is a great deal and I not only have never thrown a DV8 ball...but the Ruckus will be the highest PerfectScale rated ball > 230! that I've purchased.

But the Ruckus is a great example of one of the frustrations I had with this system. Is the DV8 Ruckus an ideal "first ball" (Tier I)? Or is it an ideal Tier IV skid/flip ball?? Lets look at the numbers:

RG: 2.592 (Thats high! Should go long.)
Finish: 500 (polished)

Diff.: 0.052 (Thats fairly high, should have a strong backend)
PerfecScale: > 230 (Thats very high! Lots of hook potential!)
Cover: Hybrid

Normally, a ball with that high of a PerfectScale rating...a hybrid or solid cover (causing it to hook sooner)...and a 500 finish (lots of oob surface)....thats a ball that is going to play well in heavy/medium oil. It's sales description even claims it is for medium/heavy conditions. HOWEVER...if I'm looking for a perfect skid/flip ball....here's a ball with a high RG that is polished...designed to go long...and it has a very aggressive cover/PS/diff....so this could be an ideal skid/flip Tier IV ball.

So as I'm sure the experts would contend...this system is a loose guide at best. I'd say it'd work well for a newer player...getting into their first real "arsenal" and just looking for a playable combination...assuming the person has relatively little brand loyalty and wants to try different things.

As usual your perceptions are overly clouded by numbers and what's on the manufactures websites rather than real world observation. I applaud what you tried to do here but some of your calculations are just off in my opinion others may disagree. Most bowlers don't want to start off with a pearl go long type of ball on heavy or medium heavy oil more of a solid hybrid with some surface to help prevent over under reactions.

The Defiant Edge would fit well as your class 4 skid flip pearl ball I know medium rg on that one but with it being a pearl and polished it will get down the lane similar to the Optimus.

The Ruckus is actually a type 2 ball not 1 or 4. The Ruckus does have a high rg but it is rubbing compound on it not polished which leaves a surface closer to 3k to 4k this ball is very similar to my asylum I have lots of friends who use this ball and it rolls very close to my Asylum. You could take the surface on this down to 2000 and it will make a serviceable type 1 ball also.

The Warning Sign is very similar to the Ruckus also not much difference between them

Generally I agree with some of your divisions here but think more along on these lines:

Type 1- Heavy oil medium/heavy oil should have some surface think Radical Guru, Hammer Bad Intentions, Roto Grip Hyper Cell (if you have the oil to need any of these)

Type 2- Decision time either a slightly weaker cover higher rg to keep the same line like the Asylum, Ruckus, or Hammer Bad A$$ or go polished skid flip Defiant Edge, Crux Pearl, or Hyper Cell Skid type balls depending on what you like.

Type 3- Control piece something to use when the reaction is out of control IQ tour or Fusion, Melee, Hooligan, or Sigma Sting. Typically medium rg lower differential say .35 to .45

Type 4- Low oil broken down Rotogrip scream, rumble, outcry Storm Punch Out Lights Out DV8 Outcast balls like your slingshot.

**RobLV1** · 04-20-2015, 02:50 PM

I read up to the part about making me angry and got a headache!

**Amyers** · 04-20-2015, 03:04 PM

Originally Posted by RobLV1

I read up to the part about making me angry and got a headache!

I'm impressed you made it that far

**bowl1820** · 04-20-2015, 03:23 PM

Originally Posted by Aslan

This weekend I totally re-did my ball wish list and corresponding arsenal breakdown. I decided to set up a 4-ball arsenal "criteria" to determine a good "mix" to have. In simpler terms; I set up 4 categories and ideally your 4-ball arsenal will have 1 ball that fits unanimously into that 1 tier/category.

Without getting into laborious detail (only to be mocked later for even developing something so silly), and with Mudpuppy Cliff Notes in mind, the categories take into account FIVE factors (no order of importance):
1) coverstock (pearl, hybrid, solid)
2) cover finish (500-4000 abralon, high polish, matte/sanded, etc...)
3) RG
4) differential
5) PerfectScale Rating (bowlingball.com system/hook rating)

TLDR

Just For comparison purposes.

Revolutions 2- The Changing Game
Chapter 8: Play Ball! Choosing Starting Equipment Lineup.

The Classic Players Arsenal:
Ball #1
Reactive with Lower RG and Fairly High differential (Mainly for heavier oil conditions)

Ball#2
Reactive with a medium to low RG and lower differential (benchmark ball/ medium conditions)

Ball#3
Polished/Pearl reactive with a medium to high RG and medium differential (medium to dry conditions)

Ball#4
Polyester (Plastic) Ball (Mainly spare shooting)
and/or
Optional Reactive/Urethane with a High RG and Low differential for dry conditions.

-------------

Note:
The PerfectScale Rating system can be misleading.

If your going to designate a "1st Ball" use a benchmark ball, so you can get a read on the lanes. So you know which ball to actually start with.

Best option on surfaces is to Adjust surface textures as needed during practice/warmup.

**Aslan** · 04-21-2015, 11:40 AM

Originally Posted by Amyers

Generally I agree with some of your divisions here but think more along on these lines:

Type 1- Heavy oil medium/heavy oil should have some surface think Radical Guru, Hammer Bad Intentions, Roto Grip Hyper Cell (if you have the oil to need any of these)

Type 2- Decision time either a slightly weaker cover higher rg to keep the same line like the Asylum, Ruckus, or Hammer Bad A$$ or go polished skid flip Defiant Edge, Crux Pearl, or Hyper Cell Skid type balls depending on what you like.

Type 3- Control piece something to use when the reaction is out of control IQ tour or Fusion, Melee, Hooligan, or Sigma Sting. Typically medium rg lower differential say .35 to .45

Type 4- Low oil broken down Rotogrip scream, rumble, outcry Storm Punch Out Lights Out DV8 Outcast balls like your slingshot.

Amyers-
The issue I have with your system (above) is that it makes determinations almost void of numbers. It's like the opposite of my system. Mine relies totally on numbers until you get to a tie (2/5 tier X and 2/5 Tier Y and 1/5 Tier Z). Your system simply says the 1st ball should be whatever is believed to be strongest, then next strongest, then a weak ball, then a weaker ball. And based on your examples...it sorta goes along with cost...which could be another way of measuring coverstock strength since generally the higher cost balls will have more aggressive covers.

Obvously the ideal way to determine an ideal arsenal is to go to some ball demo and throw every ball imaginable and then keep track of break points and ball paths and determine the best 4-ball combo. But that scenario is highly unlikely for non-pros, non-pro shop operators, etc... In my scenario, we have to put together an arsenal before throwing any shots with the balls. So we have to go by "something" and numbers/ball specs are all we have unless we insert bias such as the "belief" that the manufacturers are giving us straight information and/or the belief that the more expensive the ball, the sooner it'll hook.