A simple solution?

With the advancement in ball technology in recent years, adjusting to changing lane conditions has become an art for some and a nightmare for others. I hope what follows will help those in need and stir interest in those who already are proficient.

The chart below is designed to help the bowler determine with which ball to begin competition and to help that individual make competent decisions during lane condition transitions.

Due to the different types of lanes, lane finishes, lane oils, lane oil patterns, styles of bowlers, pin/CG placements, shell preparations, etc., you start to see the need for a simple solution in this complex sport. With all these choices, it is impossible to give a bowler exact directions. Nevertheless, before drilling your ball, it is up to the pro shop operator to make educated decisions that will complement your style and the lane condition you expect to confront.

But who helps you during competition? The accompanying chart can help you make some of your decisions.

Example 1: If you experience dry heads, you usually will want a ball with a high—not low—RG.

Example 2: If you experience strong back-ends, you usually will use a ball with high torque to preserve energy in the ball. A low-torque ball may lose its energy too soon. This is especially true if the mid-lane is dry.

Example 3: If the entire lane is dry, you will want a ball with a mild or mellow shell, high RG, high torque, and low differential.

Example 4: If the entire lane is wet, you will want a ball with a low RG, low torque, highly aggressive shell, and high differential.

As you can see, this becomes too complicated for the bowler during competition since we all know, You bowl best when you think less. It is much easier to reference this chart for a ball choice than to start thinking about what RG / torque / differential / shell you should use. The criteria already is designed into this chart and listed as six basic lane conditions. The reason for only six conditions is to keep it simple. There are thousands of lane condition variables—too many to try to analyze here.

To use this chart, simply use your gauge or benchmark ball (a ball with control) during warm-up and read the lanes. Note the condition, and match it to one of the six conditions on the chart. Then read across the chart and see if you have one of the "first-choice" balls in your bag. If not, go the second choice, and so on.

Generally, we do not list more than three rankings because the specifications by then are too far from being recommended for these six lane conditions. If you do not have a ball that is listed in the selection list for a given condition, maybe you should analyze your equipment and see how many conditions for which you actually are equipped. (I have analyzed several customers’ equipment and found that all of their balls only fit the "D" condition. When confronted with another condition, they were severely limited.)

If the conditions change during competition, you are faced with several choices. Do I look up this chart for the current condition and change balls, or do I adjust my target / feet / speed / hand position?

This is where experience pays big dividends: Both can and do work it is a personal preference based on past experience. Some conditions allow for numerous target changes and still score. Then there are times when a target change causes you to have an erratic break point. When this occurs, you may elect to go back to the old target, reference the chart, and change balls.

These decisions can get complicated, so try to keep it as simple as possible. Always remember: The lanes are ever-changing, and the ball you choose in the first game may have been the right one, but it may or may not hold up game after game.

As you use this chart, you probably will find some exceptions due to various lane conditions. If you would like a more detailed description of this chart or help with analyzing your current equipment, feel free to contact me.

This chart is theoretically designed, based on ball specifications and not from actual experience.

The tests we conducted using this chart have proven to be of significant benefit.

Your favorite ball may or may not be ranked or listed as you think it should be. (A good bowler, with the help of a good pro shop operator, can make a ball work in a different category than what appears on the chart, but it is easier to use the selection list.)