bowlingball.com received a lot of email about pin placement (Also referred to as distance or length).
The pin placement is the distance between the Pin and the Center of Gravity(CG). This used to be one of the biggest factors in drilling a bowling ball. And because of USBC static imbalance rules, still plays a small part. The biggest factor in bowling ball performance is the distance of the pin from your Positive Axis Point, not from the CG.
For a demonstration of the CG’s impact on ball performance, take a look at BrunsNick’s CG’s Don’t Matter Part 1 and Part 2.
18 Responses to “Talk Bowling #9 – Pin Placement / Distance / Length”
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I have a ball speed of 18.5 but low revs 225-250. Would a pro CG help me? What layout would you reccomend?
Great question. I will try to get Brian or Tony on here to better answer this one for you.
Hey I just found this website today and I find it to be very informative. Can you guys do an episode that explain how to pick a drill layout for a ball? I notice that most ball have many layout option, how do you know which one to pick and the reaction that will result.
THanks
Jody,
That is a great topic idea. We will definitely get to this one. I have added it to my list of show ideas.
Can you go over the different types of coverstock materials and when to choose which type?
We sure will. Adding this one too. I love all the ideas. Keep them coming. Our show may just get longer and longer.
So if i place a pin 3-4" from my PAP would that give me more overall hook than if i were to place the pin 5-6" from my PAP? or would it make it roll up earlier?
Great question. Again, I think Brian or Tony are better suited to this one. But from what I have read, it depends on the core.
A symmetric core works like this. As you move away from your PAP, you increase the instability of the core, which will create more hook. But only up to 3 3/8" (45 degrees), after this, it goes the other way.
On an asymmetrical block, it seems that further you go, the more you hook potential. But again, this can vary widely.
Please don't take my word for it…
I will try to get you a more competent answer soon.
Ok thanks…and if it helps any the ball is the virtual gravity…i had just ordered it and was wondering where to place the pin
Hi Jeremy,
Generally if you want the most reaction out of the ball, meaning max length + max hook, you would put the pin 3 3/8" from your PAP. The closer you get the pin to the PAP, the earlier the ball will roll. This will create a more controlled reaction down lane.
For more backend reaction, you're going to put the pin further from your PAP. This creates more length and gives more of a skid/snap reaction in the backend.
Let us know how you ended up laying out your Virtual Gravity and how it works for you. Right now that is still one of the favorite balls in my bag.
hello, i just watched the video on the Second Dimension and that ball looks extremely smooth and very strong on the backend..i love how it finishes through the pocket too…i'm thinking about getting this ball when it comes out also..how did you guys like the ball?
Well i just received my Virtual Gravity today and WOW!!! This ball is amazing, it is exactly what i wanted…i placed the pin 3 3/8" from my PAP…i love how the ball just pushes through the pins and how hard it hits..it's def. the best ball i have ever thrown
..i have a 191 avg…today i bowled with it in league, the first time throwing this ball and started out kinda shaky because i didn't know where to set my mark and the first game i bowled a 166 and got dialed in and shot a 241 and a 236…thanks alot for your help. You guys are probably satisfying a lot of people and keep it up!
Thanks again
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Hello, i just purchased a brunswick C System 4.5 ball… i have a old danger zone hpc, and a old quantum with side hole drilled…. the DANGER ZONE HPC is drilled to for more lenght, pin is located just outside my ring finger in little high, my QUANTUM is drilled to hook little sooner, pin is outside ring finger and even with fingers i believe…. DANGER ZONE i throw between 5-8 board, QUANTUM i throw around the 10-13 board. (IM A LEFTY)
I WOULD LIKE TO THROW THE C SYSTEM 4.5 FROM THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE LANE, 15-18 BOARD OUT TO THE GUTTER AND LET IT SNAP BACK IN…. WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND FOR PIN LOCATION FROM GC, AND PAP
THANKS
JESSE
Hey Jesse,
One thing you can do to research a layout pattern for the C System 4.5 ball is to go to our home page at bowlingball.com, click on the "Drilling Layouts" button at the top of page, then click on the Brunswick logo in the matrix of manufacturers, and then find the 4.5 ball and click on the link and you will find every suggested layout for that bowling ball. You will find some information about rev-rate for certain drill patterns, ball speed and oil conditions which the 4.5 ball matches best with suggested drillings.
We are at a disadvantage not being able to watch you bowl and measure your rev-rate and speed to suggest a layout pattern specifically but with a little research, you will narrow the layouts down to one or two which will give you the best chance to open up the lane with the new ball.
Of course, other variables come into play. Oil volume on given lane conditions may steer you to play a slightly different angle than you wish to play. The length of the oil pattern will also dictate the break point on the lane you must target to get a good ball reaction to the pocket. One thing we always suggest is to consult a local certified coach or perhaps a professional bowler or pro shop operator experienced with layouts of the 45. ball and familiar with local lane conditions.
Finally, since the 4.5 ball is constructed differently than the Quantum and the Danger Zone, then it makes good sense to check the suggested manufacturer layouts at our site which we have already recommended and experiment after you drill the ball with a surface preparation to read the mid-lane and allow the ball to recover aggressively to the pocket.
Also, have you viewed the videos we provide for the C System series bowling balls? If not, we suggest you do so before making a final decision on a layout pattern. Watching the ball roll down our test lanes on a given oil pattern and oil distance with a known layout pattern might lead you to your final decision?
Hope some of these ideas help? Thanks for visiting bowlingball.com.
Hi Jesse,
Going along with what Mr Carrubba has already said, it is very difficult to recommend a layout for someone without watching them bowl. Judging based on the information you have provided we can assume that you are between a stroker to a light tweener. If you are looking to move inside, you will want a layout that will produce more flare potential and increase the amount of ball surface that will contact the lane. I would suggest using a fairly strong layout and putting the pin between 3 3/4 to 4 1/4 away from your PAP.
Mike is right. That layout would match what you are looking for, Jesse.
Please also consider getting into the habit of learning as much as you can for yourself about layout decisions in the future. Research is the key to gaining knowledge. That is why we suggest using our online resources at bowlingball.com such as the "Drilling Layouts" feature, the "Perfect Scale" feature, our wonderful videos on the latest bowling balls, access our articles, and so on so you become better familiarized with the ball selection and layout pattern selection processes. Good luck.
Hello. ive been bowling for 5yrs now and have seen my average increase every yr. was wondering as your game increases do you need to change how your have your bowling balls drilled. i was wondering if a 3-4 pin distance be good