Flair potential is the result of the ball changing from the bowler's axis at release towards the ball's preferred spin axis. For example, the Hammer Spike has a flare potential of 4-8 inches. If you drill this ball pin axis, it will flare the minimal amount, which in this case would be 4 inches. This is a drilling pattern that is good when the lanes have heavy oil (tight) in the front and the back ends are dry causing uncontrollable hook. This could be used on a short oil pattern and fresh, clean backends. Most people have heard of leverage. Placing the pin 3 3/8 inches from you positive axis point (PAP) creates a leverage drilling. This produces the maximum amount of flare in a particular ball. Going back to the Hammer Spike, which flares 4-8 inches, a leverage drilling in this ball would create a flare potential of 8 inches providing you have a strong release. Please note that all bowling balls have different flare potentials and maximum flare potential is dependent on the bowler's release. If you move the pin farther away from the PAP, the opposite effect happens. The farther you move the pin away from the PAP, the longer it will go down the lane. If you place the pin 5-6 1/2 inches from your PAP, you will create length with more backend reaction. This pin placement would be good to use when the front part of the lane is hooking. This will allow the ball to clear the heads easily and retain energy in the backends. Placing the pin in this position in the Hammer Spike would once again, decrease the flare potential to 4 inches.
Edited on 8/14/2006 9:53 AM
