Absolutebowling-Thanks again for the information.

Regarding your choice of layout, while it is true I want a strong move off the breakpoint, it is getting to that point that becomes a problem.  As the lanes dry up, the balls check up and move earlier.  What I am looking for my later shift balls to do, is to "push" a little farther down lanes.  The Toxic does this after my BWP starts becoming a little uncontrollable, the Vibe should do the same for the Toxic.  In a nutshell, I am looking for the push to the breakpoint, then still have enough energy to come off and carry.

I have tried the various "Rico'ed" layouts, the ball rolled smoothly, but still started checking up.  Plus I didn't like the "reaction shape" it created on the lanes.  So I am still more confident with my current choice for layouts.  Though I still need to get some additional input from my driller/coach.

As far as moving in and using the dry.  I haven't been able to.  I've been studying pros and looking for ways to move in and swing the ball out.  Even talked with my coach and other bowlers who work at the center.  To my basic understanding is that they lay down a few units along the gutters downlane to eliminate a wall and/or don't strip the edges of the lane-maybe that's why the house I bowl at is considered one of the "tougher" houses in the area.  With the middle flooded, and carrydown an issue, and no real wall to bounce off of, unless you have a slow ball speed, you can't play anywhere inside of 15.  Believe me I have tried in practice.  Only to have most of the staff and other bowlers tell me that what I am doing won't work.  

I was stubborn for a bit and kept at it, but I ended forcing the shot which lead to more bad habits, and my average dropped considerably.  From watching others, I've seen two people play inside of the 15 board, both had tons of grab at the bottom of their swing and ball speeds around 9-12.  At other houses, what you mentioned holds true, and I can make such a move, if the lanes allow it.

That all being said, in rare cases, there is an option of moving to around 15 and swinging it out, if the lanes dry out enough and there are people playing around the gutter.  With the current layouts/balls I use, they are versatile enough that they will still have enough energy to come back, in the times that I have been forced to make such a move.

Nevertheless, I still prefer to try and use the ball covers to compensate for changing lane conditions.  Because all of those times I have had to make a move, I found myself wishing for a weaker ball and trying to get it to push a little downlane.  I haven't invested in one for whatever reason-maybe I'm getting a little smarter with age.  *shrug*

Charlest-It is difficult to put into words my desired ball reaction shape.  In simple terms, I want the best of both Vibes.  Long ball reaction, that snaps back to the pocket in a smooth controlled way.  Either way, with the Ebonite equipment that I have currently layed out-I get the length and the snap.

Now that I have switched to Hammer, the ball reaction shape that the BWP and Toxic have-they fit what I am looking for.  I am hoping the CV does the same.

I contemplated the BV...but everyone says it "arcs".  That got me thinking, I change the backend reaction, but I doubt I can make a ball that arcs do something else.  Thus I went with the CV, and if need be, I will make those cover adjustments.

In the end, its just all words.  



Edited on 7/18/2007 1:33 AM

Edited on 7/18/2007 1:38 AM