Choose An Asymmetric Bowling Ball

bowlingball.com, Originally Posted: 9/6/2014; Updated: 9/11/2022

If you are trying to raise your average or prepare for competitive lane conditions, you must build a reliable equipment arsenal. One step in developing an arsenal is to choose an asymmetric bowling ball to your bag.
It is important to begin developing your arsenal by using symmetric bowling balls for controlled ball reaction purposes and for reading the lane conditions.
Build your equipment selections around the most controllable and smooth reacting bowling balls and then add balls which provide a strong reaction allowing you to widen your delivery path angle and trust that the ball will hook back to the pocket.
Bowling ball symmetry varies from ball to ball based upon certain factors engineered into the ball construction process. Ball symmetry affects ball motion when you ball travels down the lane.
Symmetric ball cores provide a stable motion and most consistently reliable motion compared to more aggressive cores found in asymmetric bowling ball.
The more symmetrical a given ball is rated, the less aggressive is the hook potential rating resulting in a modest skid distance and a mild arc motion in the mid-lane.
The more asymmetric a given ball is rated, the higher the total differential is developed producing greater hook potential and a strong reaction in the mid-lane than do symmetric balls.
When you set out to add a new ball to your arsenal, pay attention to the following:
1. the coverstock - this is always the first consideration in choosing a new bowling ball. The coverstock is a chief factor in developing the length potential rating in a given bowling ball and how to match with the lane oil conditions.
2. the length potential rating determines ball skid length distance.
3. The hook potential rating will guide you in how aggressively the ball will react on the back end of the lane.

The best choices in equipment are ones which compliment your existing equipment by providing a ball reaction different than your primary lane reading bowling balls. It is important to balance your equipment choices and not purchase bowling balls which essentially do the same thing that existing equipment does.
When reading the lanes, use a stable core design such as a symmetric ball so you can determine the skid distance and the degree of back end motion the lane conditions allow.
If you need a ball that provides a stronger ball reaction than your lane reading ball, then switch to the asymmetric ball which will give you a longer skid distance and a stronger back end reaction.
Altering the coverstock texture is another factor in ball motion control. Selecting specific drilling layouts also affects ball motion.
It is a combination of these factors which leads effective ball options when facing competitive lane conditions.
The larger you build your equipment arsenal give you ranges in ball reaction capabilities. Ranges in ball symmetry and in coverstock aggressiveness are key factors in building your arsenal.
A balance of equipment using some stable reacting bowling balls and some more aggressive reacting balls can serve you well by proving ball motion options so you can play the angles on the lane that give you the best chances to hit the pocket.
You can get carried away relying solely on your bowling ball equipment to solve all of your challenges in the game and stray away from relying on your physical game skills as a shotmaker. Keep your thinking organized when you face lane conditions challenges.
There can be no question, however, that choosing the type of bowling balls which best fit your game is essential if you want to enjoy good results in competitive situations.