Hi – I believe that a bench mark ball is a ball with a weak to moderate core and cover stock. All manufacturers have this type of ball. The ball needs to be configured to not over read the lane / oil conditions that you are playing on. The key question is, “What is the lane-man giving me tonight?†The benchmark ball is used for a few practice shots to determine oil pattern and the best ball selection for the start of the event. If the bench mark ball goes straight, you know that you will need a stronger piece and or line change. If the bench mark ball starts hooking in the heads, you know that you will need a weaker piece and or line change. You will also know where the oil line is on the lane so that you can properly play what the lane-man is giving you tonight. Many times, I find that once I have determined the oil pattern I will stay with the bench mark ball to transition. Than I will need to make a ball or line change to play the transition! Hope this helps – Denny
