Drilling Position

[LLWesMan]

I'm getting a Storm Virtual Energy - I have my current Brunswick Maxx Zone drilled with the pin off to the right of my right ring finger - basically in line with the other two fingers. Can anyone point me to a FAQ on how to determine pin position and where I should get my new ball drilled for best results? I generally roll about 15 mph with a decent but not overwhelming hook. Often play down and in.

[Stormed1]

http://www.morichbowling.com/Drillin...gleSeminar.htm

[LLWesMan]

http://www.morichbowling.com/Drillin...gleSeminar.htm

Wow that is technical! Is there a "for dummies" version?

[Strike Domination]

It's honestly a bit difficult to dumb it down without being as accurate. Layouts are relative to a person's PAP. The simplest I might be able to make it for you is to think about it in terms of distances in inches instead of angles. It might be similar, but not the same, and you can't be as precise in my opinion. Lower angles are like lower distances, and higher angles are like higher distances. Except for VAL angle, where the distance in inches can only be as high as the pin to PAP, if you so choose. When using distances the three parts of the layout are pin to PAP, MB/CG to PAP, and pin to VAL.

That's the basics, you will still have to have somewhat of an understanding of the Dual Angle system to understand what a layout actually does even when you use inches.

[DanielMareina]

I find the dual angle system is easy to layout on a ball, but not for the average person to understand what each angle means. Inches are easy to understand and explain. Pin positions are based off of your positive axis point, like the others said. Most balls are drilled with a pin between 3 3/8" to 5.5" from your PAP. 3 3/8" is a high flare layout and will create maximum hook potential down the lane. 5.5" is meant for smooth transitions into the hook phase. It starts to hook a little earlier and will not make a sudden jump at the end. If you are close to average as far as your PAP goes, a pin next to your ring finger will be 4" or 3.5" from your PAP.
If you are getting a virtual energy, I would recommend a 4.5" pin below your fingers. This layout works really well at keeping the transition not too jumpy, but still has a lot of power in the backend with that ball. The virtual energy, due to the polish and coverstock, reacts very late on the lane with a LOT of power. By having the pin below your fingers, you will get the ball to try and move a little earlier on the lane. This works really well with this ball. For the average person, a 4.5" pin will end up near their mid grip or a little bit toward the ring finger side of their mid grip. I would be glad to give more options if you tell me what you would like the ball to do.