Ebonite

About Drilling Layouts

These layouts are for right-handed drilling. Reverse the layout procedure (mirror image) for left-handed layouts.

These drilling patterns are alterations of the ball’s dynamic fingerprint. The length, backend, and overall hook ratings are relative to the ball’s potential. Drilling a low RG ball with a high RG pin placement (near the track) will not create as much length as you would receive from choosing a high RG ball. Drilling a high RG ball to get into an earlier roll will not be as effective in heavier oil as choosing a lower RG ball. A higher RG ball will require more surface friction to react well in heavier oil. A lower RG ball will require a shinier surface to navigate medium to lighter oil conditions. When the RG differential (flare potential) of the core is greater, the differences between the different layouts will be more pronounced. When drilling a ball that has a lower RG differential (flare potential) the differences between length, backend, and overall hook in different drilling patterns is not as great. Please consult the Ebonite Ball Rating Matrix and catalog specs for the RG and RG differential ratings of our line of balls.

Choosing the correct combination of core dynamics and surface friction will be more important than choosing the correct dynamic layout. Matching the bowler’s ball speed, axis rotation, axis tilt, and revolutions with the lane condition is the secret to great ball reaction. Consult Ebonite’s Ball Selection Guide for guidance.

The heavy spot of the ball (center of gravity) is signified by the letters CG in the drilling instructions. The center of the core is identified by the PIN. The PAP in the layouts is the bowler’s positive axis point. If the bowler’s PAP is not known, we suggest drilling #1, placing the CG in the center of span.

The following ratings are used:

• Length: scale 1 to 10 with 1 being the earliest roll and 10 being the most length
• Backend: scale 1 to 10 with 1 being the least and 10 being the most
• Overall Hook: scale 1 to 20 with 1 being the least and 20 being the most
• Hook Style: description of the ball’s transition from skid to roll to hook. Arcing balls are preferable on wet/dry patterns and flip reactions are preferable playing inside angles

Drilling #1: Label Leverage

• Reaction: Length…5 Backend…7 Overall Hook…8
• Hook Style: medium hook, arc backend
• Lane Condition: Medium to heavy oil with a hooking track, fresher backends, great for slower ball speeds and minimal axis rotation.

Drilling #2: 12:00 Leverage

• Reaction: Length…3 Backend…10 Overall Hook…10
• Hook Style: maximum hook, sharp breakpoint
• Lane Condition: Medium to heavy oil blend, open up the lane.

Drilling #3: Rev Leverage

• Reaction: Length…1 Backend…9 Overall Hook…9.5
• Hook Style: large hook, controlled backend
• Lane Condition: Medium to heavy oil with carrydown, good for players with low tracks, maximum axis rotation, and faster ball speeds.

Drilling #4: Axis Leverage

• Reaction: Length…2 Backend…8.5 Overall Hook…8.5
• Hook Style: medium hook, controlled backend
• Lane Condition: Medium to heavy oil with fresher backends or spotty backends where predictable hook is most important.

Drilling #5: Medium RG - Strong

• Reaction: Length…6 Backend…9.5 Overall Hook…9
• Hook Style: large hook, sharp backend
• Lane Condition: Medium oil with carrydown, plays well inside of a defined oil line, great for medium to maximum axis rotation and above average ball speed.

Drilling #6: Medium RG - Arc

• Reaction: Length…8 Backend…5 Overall Hook…6.5
• Hook Style: small to medium hook, arc
• Lane Condition: Light to medium oil with hooking ball track, wet/dry conditions, great for players with slower ball speed, minimal axis rotation, or stronger revs.

Drilling #7: High RG - Arc

• Reaction: Length…10 Backend…6 Overall Hook…6
• Hook Style: small to medium hook, late revs, arc
• Lane Condition: Light oil with hooking ball track, dry conditions, great for players with slower ball speed, minimal axis rotation, or stronger revs.

Drilling #8: High RG - Strong

• Reaction: Length…9 Backend…8 Overall Hook…7.5
• Hook Style: small to medium hook, late revs, sharp backend
• Lane Condition: Lighter oil with carrydown, great for players with slower ball speed, medium axis rotation, or stronger revs.

Drilling #9: Low RG - Arc

• Reaction: Length…4 Backend…4 Overall Hook… 5
• Hook Style: small to medium hook, early revs, arc backend
• Lane Condition: Lighter oil, wet/dry conditions.

Drilling #10: Low RG - Strong

• Reaction: Length…3 Backend…6 Overall Hook…7
• Hook Style: small to medium hook, early revs, strong arc backend
• Lane Condition: Light to medium oil, wet/dry conditions, lower track players, faster speed, medium to maximum axis rotation.

Drilling #11: Full Roller

• Reaction: 3 3/8” from grip center; Length…3 Backend…10 Overall Hook…10
• Lane Condition: Medium to heavy oil, maximum hook
• Reaction: 1 1/2” from grip center; Length…5 Backend…8 Overall Hook…8
• Lane Condition: Medium oil with carrydown

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