My new Melee Hook

[Mike White]

What myth did he spew? The idea of using the same layout on multiple balls?

That's hardly a myth, the use of the same or basically same (or your favorite) layout on multiple ball types is a option used by many and works.

"and works" is not a good way to show that the idea isn't a myth.

If you only bowl on odd days in even months, and even days in odd months... that works just as well.

Because the lanes are walled up everyday of every month.

Now if you could show that using the same layout in multiple balls works better than trying different layouts does, then you could debunk the myth status.

The problem is, you still have to go out an learn the characteristics of each ball when drilled the same, or when drilled differently.

So drilling all the balls the same doesn't save you any work, or give you any extra knowledge about each ball.

Telling someone to stick to one layout is like telling someone to only bowl on odd days of even months.

It has no basis is reality.

[Doghouse Reilly]

"and works" is not a good way to show that the idea isn't a myth.

If you only bowl on odd days in even months, and even days in odd months... that works just as well.

Because the lanes are walled up everyday of every month.

Now if you could show that using the same layout in multiple balls works better than trying different layouts does, then you could debunk the myth status.

The problem is, you still have to go out an learn the characteristics of each ball when drilled the same, or when drilled differently.

So drilling all the balls the same doesn't save you any work, or give you any extra knowledge about each ball.

Telling someone to stick to one layout is like telling someone to only bowl on odd days of even months.

It has no basis is reality.

Okay lets see if I have that.

Knowing the layout and how it reacts on your other balls beforehand won't give you any idea how another ball might react with that same layout.

Only rolling the ball on the lanes will tell you how they will react.

If that's the case, that doesn't really disprove anything.

Because if using a layout you've had experience with doesn't tell you anything, using a different layout you haven't used before sure won't tell you anything either.

Whatever a different/unknown layout tells you about how a ball will react before you roll it, a known layout will tell you also. And if you've had experience with a certain layout before, you're going to know more about how a ball will react than you would with a different layout you haven't used before.

[bowl1820]

The idea of finding one or two layouts that roll well for you and putting that layout on different balls and allowing the cover, surface texture and core characteristics determine the reaction is one school of thought.

This idea has been around and used by many for years and has been discussed many times and articles wrote about it.

Since most average players bowl on house shots, the idea is a fair option. While it may limit some options in regard to lane play and ball reaction, you won't have too many surprises either.

Using varying layouts on different balls is another option and used by many also. IMO if your a more advanced bowler and bowling on multiple conditions, then this could be a better option. Because you may need more options in ball reaction for lane play.


Just something I've notice being on the all the boards for years.

I've read lot's of post's where players talked about getting & having all these different layouts on balls, "I need this layout for this shot and different one for that shot,one for a tournament" so on.

Then after however long, I started seeing those same players say when they get a new ball and somebody asks what layout are they going to put on it. "I'll just put my usual layout on it (pin over/ pin under whatever D.A. they say)" or when asked what layout they use it's "I only use one or two layouts" or they just say "I found these one or two layouts work best for me and thats all I use.)

They still bowl all the same things leagues, tournaments etc. but they have got rid of all these different layouts and pared down to just one or two layouts.

So maybe there is something to just having a couple of layouts you always use. Ultimately it's up to you to decide what you want to do.

[Mike White]

Okay lets see if I have that.

Knowing the layout and how it reacts on your other balls beforehand won't give you any idea how another ball might react with that same layout.

Only rolling the ball on the lanes will tell you how they will react.

If that's the case, that doesn't really disprove anything.

Because if using a layout you've had experience with doesn't tell you anything, using a different layout you haven't used before sure won't tell you anything either.

Remember, I wasn't the one who made the claim that sticking to one layout was the better choice.

Whatever a different/unknown layout tells you about how a ball will react before you roll it, a known layout will tell you also. And if you've had experience with a certain layout before, you're going to know more about how a ball will react than you would with a different layout you haven't used before.

You're making a claim that you will know more with a known layout. It's not clear if that claim is true.

If you have a ball / layout combination that is "working", then why are you drilling up another ball?

If you are also bowling on a different pattern, then the only reason to drill up another ball is because the balls you currently have aren't working.

So, in that case sticking with a non-working layout doesn't sound like good advice.

[ChuckR]

I mentioned in the beginning that My Mastermind Genius was about 40x4x30. I don't know for certain the UpRoar, which I love. The Melee Hook is 50x4x30. My Driller and his partner settled on this based on my delivery and the strength of the coverstock. Take it a little longer before hook for medium/high oil. Minor modifications make sense. Major modifications can lead to months of learning a new reaction. Then try and remember it when the conditions are such that you want to go to it.