What is pin buffer?
Emma Payne
Published Jan 07, 2026
Pin buffer is a reverse way of measuring pin height. As the pin moves towards the VAL, if it stays the same distance from the PAP, the height of the pin above the midline (or, really, below, putting the pin below the midline is exceptionally rare) must increase. Further from the VAL, the lower the pin.
What does PSA mean in bowling balls?
The preferred spin axis (PSA) on an asymmetrical ball is one of the most misunderstood topics surrounding bowling ball technology in today's game. A majority of bowlers don't realize how important it is and how much more the ball reaction can be fine-tuned when drilling an asymmetrical ball.
What is pin distance on a bowling ball?
The distance that is often referred to as the most “unstable” is 3.375 inches, as this is the pin distance that orients the core at a 45 degree angle to the PAP.
What is Val angle in bowling?
The Angle to the Vertical Axis Line (VAL)
The Vertical Axis Line (VAL) is a line that passes through the bowler's Positive Axis Point (PAP) and Negative Axis Point (NAP) when extended completely around the ball. The VAL separates the top and bottom of the ball on the bowler's initial axis of rotation.
What is the difference between pin up and pin down on a bowling ball?
Pin Down Bowling Ball Layouts - Pro tip friday. Last week, we started talking about the difference between pin up and pin down bowling ball layouts. Pin up layouts are quicker off the break point and better for fresher patterns depending on the pin to PAP location.
44 related questions foundWhat is intermediate differential in a bowling ball?
Intermediate differential - The difference in radius of gyration between the Y (high RG) and Z (intermediate RG) axes on the bowling ball. The higher the the intermediate differential the stronger a balls PSA.
Do all bowling balls have a mass bias?
The term “mass bias” refers to the fact that the center of mass of a bowling ball is not located directly under the pin of the ball. Having a “mass bias” causes the center of gravity (CG) mark of a ball to move away from the pin, resulting in a pin-out ball. Therefore, all pin-out balls have a mass bias.
How important is the PAP on the bowling ball?
The PAP is important because it can be seen throughout a shot and the bowling ball's reaction is influenced by how far the pin and mass bias is away from the PAP.
What is the best pin placement on a bowling ball?
Pin Lower Than the Finger Holes.
What is Scratch bowling?
Scratch bowling is when all bowlers are credited with only their original score (no handicap). Many, if not most, tournaments are scratch tournaments. Tournaments like the Midwest Scratch Bowlers Series and Senior All Star Bowling Association (SASBA) are major scratch tournaments.
Are heavier bowling balls better?
In general, the heavier the bowling ball will be, the better as a heavy ball will be more impactful, carry more power, and will have more chances of hooking than a lightweight bowling ball. The heavier ball will be able to knock down more pins when two bowling balls are thrown at the same speed.
What is dual angle?
Using the DUAL ANGLE LAYOUT TECHNIQUE™ developed by MoRich, allows the ball driller to design precise ball reactions by choosing the drilling angle, the pin to PAP distance and the angle between the Pin to PAP line and the VAL.
Does pin to CG distance matter?
It doesn't really matter. I requested a 3-4" pin from Motiv and for some reason the ball i got only had a 2 1/4 - 2 1/2" pin. I still used the same layout i planned on using.
Do symmetrical bowling balls have a mass bias?
Asymmetric bowling ball core designs will have mass bias markers on the ball surface but symmetric balls will not. Symmetric balls do have slight mass bias influence, but not sufficiently to require a marking indicator.
What are the bowling pins called?
Bowling pins (historically known as skittles or kegels) are the target of the bowling ball in various bowling games including tenpins, five-pins, duckpins and candlepins.
How fast do bowling balls go?
According to USBC's study on the motion of bowling balls, an ideal bowling ball speed is measured at about 16 to 17 miles per hour when the ball enters into contact with the pins. Upon delivery, the bowling ball speed is measured at approximately 20 to 21 miles per hour.
What is RG and diff?
We define differential as the difference between the maximum and minimum radius of gyration, better known as the X and Y-axes of the weight block. RG-differential indicates the bowling ball's track flare potential. Therefore, the higher the differential, the more the ball will flare.
What does DIFF mean in bowling?
Differential (of Radius of Gyration) - The difference of the radius of gyration of a bowling ball's X axis (the weight block vertical) compared to the radius of gyration of the same ball's Y or Z axis (the weight block horizontal). Differential is an indicator of a bowling ball's track flare potential.
What's the difference between RG and differential bowling?
In short, the RG of a bowling ball is an account of the location of that mass inside the given bowling ball. Differential of RG is the difference between the maximum and minimum Radius of Gyration. RG-differential indicates the bowling ball's track flare potential.
Does a bowlers PAP change?
The only way to change the PAP typically for most bowlers is to change the amount of tilt on the ball, not rotation. The track may increase or decrease in size depending on how much they spin the ball, which would change their pap.
What is a thumb slug in a bowling ball?
A Thumb Slug Education
Thumb slugs are actually known by a number of names including: inserts, solids, and of course, slugs. No matter what you call them, they are all the same. Typically made of vinyl or urethane, they are a solid piece of material that is placed in the thumb hole of your bowling ball.
Who makes bowling balls in the USA?
If you are searching for American made bowling balls, you can't miss finding them right here at our site. Brands such as Motiv, 900 Global, Roto Grip, and the majority of balls Storm (with the exclusion of the Ice Storm and Tropical line), are produced in America.