It seems I do this every 4 months or so, so here comes another one of my infamous analogies in understanding mass bias.  After talking to Ex last nite, I decided to write this cause even he liked this one......

Let's take your coffee cup with a handle (= weightblock).  Place the cup hanging halfway over the edge with the handle facing inward towards the table.  The cup will not fall over because the handle is helping it stay on.  Now rotate the handle 180 degrees to where it now also hangs over the edge with half the cup and the cup will fall over, correct?  This gentlemen (and ladies) defines the handle as our mass bias.  That sounds pretty simple, doesn't it folks?

Now take your ball and aim it thumb up and fingers down (12 to 6 o'clock) like it's rolling down the lane.  Imagine the handle of the cup is facing at about 9 o'clock.  In this position the handle will pull the ball left towards the pocket (positioning of handle = past val).  

Then place the handle at about 10:30, the handle will have to rotate downward to 9 o'clock before it can fall inward and this placement equates to the strong position.  Reaction = some delay before turning over.

Now place the handle at 12 or 1 o'clock (in line with the thumb or right of thumb). From this placement, you can see how the handle will have to fight all the way back around to the 9 o'clock in order to fall but in this positioning, it actually takes very long to do and can actually pull the ball the opposite way causing the track to clip the gripping holes.

This is a very generic definition but will hopefully help some of you understand the concept.  Please utilize this info to discuss with your driller on your next high tech asymmetrical Track ball.  Sorry to those who already know this but hope this helps those who don't......
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Rick Leong - Ten Pins Pro Shop
Track Intl. - Amateur/Pro Shop Staff  
Vise Inserts Staff
Trackbowling.com

Edited on 7/12/2005 12:04 PM