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Michael Fagan's Main Arsenal

 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

Usability Chart             Gap Balls

 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 

Arsenal Usability Chart
(Please read the following explanation before viewing chart)

This chart describes how we have Michael's arsenal set up for him. This does not indicate what the ball will do for you. Balls can and will do different things based on a bowlers style and competitive environment. The tour offers unique conditions and transitions, you may or may not be exposed to. This is not the Ball Comparison Chart used to compare the Brunswick lineup. You will notice the layout used on each ball along with the dynamics of the ball before drilling.

This chart is relative to a bowlers environment. On the PBA Tour, bowlers compete on lower friction surfaces with a unique balance of oil not only side to side but front to back as well. Bowlers competing in this environment have to have a clear picture of these balances or ratios. This chart helps clear up that picture. If the ball does not react like it is suppose to it provides a clue to be used for lane management strategies.

Vertical scale-Quicker Response to Slower Response

Balls that are high on the chart indicate balls that will react to the friction with a quick or abrupt change of direction to the friction (where ever it is). If that friction is in the front the ball may appear to be early. If that friction is down lane it will look like skid/snap. The lower the ball is in the chart the slower or smoother the ball reacts to friction. These balls are usually less sensitive to the differences or changes in friction on the lane. Bowling balls can appear to react differently than they are placed on the chart because of the competitive environment. We are describing how the pro staff uses the selected ball if it's reaction does not fit the chart description we will opt for a different ball or surface preparation to match it's usability. This chart helps eliminate the confusion a bowler can feel when trying to make a decision.

Horizontal scale-high friction lane to low friction lane

Balls that are further right on the chart indicate balls that increase the friction between the ball and the lane. Balls that are further left on the chart indicate balls that provide less friction between the ball and the lane. The lane surface has a lot to do with ball reaction and when the amount of friction between the lane and ball changes the ball can appear to react differently than indicated on the chart. When this happens we opt for a different ball or surface preparation. This helps eliminate the confusion a bowler can feel when making ball choices.

 

Quicker Response to friction

                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
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High Friction Lane   Low Friction Lane
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
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Arc
Slower response to friction


Ultimate
Inferno

Original
Inferno

BVP
Punisher

Impulse
Zone

Zone
Classic

BVP
Goliath

BVP
Nemesis

Absolute
Inferno

Warp
Zone
     

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael's Gap Balls

Gap balls are not a part of a bowler's main arsenal. They are kept around for special circumstances. Having too many balls in an arsenal can lead to confusion. We focus on understanding how the main arsenal relates to each other and defining how each one is best used. The next line of balls we keep around are a secondary group of balls that the bowler is not as familiar with and only get looked at when the main arsenal is not doing the job. Following are pictures of Michael's Gap balls.