MY NEW BUZZSAW IS 15-LBS., 4-OZ. WITH 3-OZ. TOP AND 2-3" pin. The label drill has a 7 flare and 8 backend, while the stacked has 8 flare and 9 backend. The drilling specs say the pin at 12 p.m. relative to the CG makes the ball driller-friendly for both lefties and righties. I use leverage weights now, and believe I'd like the stacked better. What's your opinion? I belly the ball around third arrow, and move in later as needed. I averaged 194 last winter, and throw medium hard.

KEEP IN MIND that the ball ratings provided by the manufacturer are their own; no single standard is used by all the manufacturers. The ratings are determined by using staff players and highly skilled amateur players. These hook ratings are not the results most league or casual bowlers would see. Lane #1's Richie Sposato is correct in giving "stacked" leverage a higher hook potential than label leverage. Label leverage is obtained by placing the pin 3 3/8" relative to the positive axis point with the center of gravity in the grip center. This layout will not normally require a balance hole. With stacked leverage, the pin and CG are placed 3 3/8" from PAP. This layout utilizes the pin, heavy spot of the ball (CG) and the area where the core is closest to the surface of the ball for a higher hook potential. Most often, stacked leverage will need a balance hole to be within USBC static weight guidelines. The position, size and depth of the hole can be used to alter the core dynamics to increase or decrease back end reaction slightly.

BROWN LINES AND PAIN. WHAT GIVES?
A couple of months ago, my pro shop replaced my worn finger inserts with new grips. He said these inserts would get me more hook because they had finger pitch built in. Since then, I've noticed brown lines on the tips of my fingers, and my fingers burn when I bowl. I also have pain on the back of my hand and in my forearm. How do I fix these problems? Also, how do I get more turn on the ball?

SINCE THESE PROBLEMS arose with the new inserts, I'd guess you probably had oval or round inserts originally. These types of inserts have a straight wall and match the pitch drilled into the ball. For example, your fingers need zero forward/reverse pitch, and the ball originally had oval finger inserts. If these inserts are replaced with a power oval, the forward pitch will be changed from zero-to-1/4 forward pitch. This will alter the contact point of the inserts on your fingers, and can create a slightly longer span along with the accompanying problems you mentioned. Have the shop replace the inserts with regular ovals, and you should get the feel of the ball back... and also see the physical problems go away, provided you haven't caused some tendon or ligament damage which may be remedied by some down time to rest your hand. And, here is a news flash: Forward pitch in the fingers will not create more hook. Hook is a result of the bowler's timing, leverage of the arm/hand at release and a strong hand/wrist position at release. To obtain more turn or revs on the ball, do not turn the ball with your hand/wrist before or at the bottom of the swing. Low or spinner tracks will require drier patterns to work best. To increase rotation and hook potential, I suggest a few sessions with a USBC Coach.

PIN IN PALM IS UNIQUE, BUT HOW?
I went with a friend to a PBA Regional event last week. He was going on about how the pin was drilled in the palm, and how you don't see league bowlers use this. So I can carry on a conversation with him, what is the purpose of this and why would he not see this in his leagues?

YOU GO, GIRL! This is a great question and we're glad to see you want to be more versed in bowling. You will see a lot of higher skilled and Tour/Regional players use a "pin in palm," pin above fingers, or a pin on center line drill. As a rule, we would not use one of these drills for an average league bowler because these pin placements "stand up" the weight block, reduce core dynamics and give the average bowler a stable roll and less reaction potential. For better players, these drills will add to length potential, stabilize the roll and reduce flare/ hook potential. These layouts will take the extreme power of modern cores out of the equation and allow the better players to have control of the ball reaction. The high caliber players can create ball reaction with the strength of their release. These players will change ball reaction with changes in hand/ wrist position, ball speed, and you will actually see them move on the approach and change target lines to keep striking as the oil patterns wear from play. Most league bowlers have one way to release the ball, one place to stand and one target line they can play. These bowlers need help from the core through pin placements, which will create dynamic imbalance and flare/hook potential.