When it comes to improving your bowling game, understanding how your ball is drilled is key. The Vector Layout System (VLS) is a method for designing layouts that influence how your ball reacts on the lanes. The system uses three primary measurements—Pin-to-PAP Distance, PSA-to-PAP Distance, and the Pin Buffer Distance —each affecting a specific aspect of ball motion. Let’s break down these three distances and explore how you can use this knowledge to tailor your ball's performance to your unique style.

1. Pin-to-PAP Distance: Controlling Flare Potential

This is the first number in the layout (e.g., 5x4x2) and measures the distance from the ball’s manufacturing pin to your Positive Axis Point (PAP).

Don't know your PAP?

Watch this video for help:

• What it does: The Pin-to-PAP distance determines how much the ball’s weight block will “flare” as it rolls. This affects the ball’s overall stability and its ability to create hook. Flare causes more fresh coverstock to touch the lane enabling the ball to create more friction.
• Range: The Pin-to-PAP distance can measure anywhere from 0 to 6 ¾ inches in distance. Bowlers rarely use distances below 1 inch and above 6 inches for various reasons.
• Shorter distances (1-2.5 inches): This range creates a low-flare reaction, resulting in a smooth, predictable motion. Shorter distances are ideal for specific conditions where control and early hook are needed. They lose hitting power faster which makes them generally more niche.
• Stronger distances (3-4 inches): This range creates an extremely early, unstable reaction that is best suited for players that are speed dominant. These stronger distances can cause the flare to hit the drilled holes before the ball enters the pins if the player’s rev rate is too high or core is too dynamic.
• Longer distances (4.5-6 inches): This range creates more length before the ball changes direction. These layouts provide a stronger downlane motion which increases hitting power and strike percentage. This is especially helpful as more games are bowled and the lanes hook more.
• Example: A 5-inch Pin-to-PAP distance provides a straighter ball path through the front of the lane and changes direction more at the end of the pattern creating more entry angle and hitting power at the pins.

2. PSA-to-PAP Distance: Shaping the Breakpoint

This is the second number in the layout (e.g., 5x4x2) and measures the distance from the ball’s Preferred Spin Axis (PSA) to the PAP.

How do you find the PSA on a symmetrical ball?

Easy, measure 6 3/4 inches from the pin through the CG like in this graphic:

• What it does: The PSA-to-PAP distance influences the shape of the ball’s motion at the as it changes direction at the breakpoint.  
• Range: The PSA-to-PAP distance can measure anywhere from 0 to 6 ¾ inches in distance. Bowlers rarely use distances below 1 inch and above 6 inches for various reasons.
• Shorter distances (1-3 inches): This range creates an earlier and smoother change in direction as the ball encounters friction. This shape tends to be best for players with higher rev rates looking for control.
• Longer distances (4-6 inches): This range creates a later and sharper change in direction as the ball encounters friction. This shape tends to be best as more games are bowled and the bowler is looking for more defined hook downlane.
• Example: A 4-inch PSA-to-PAP distance provides a straighter ball path through the front of the lane and creates a sharper change in direction at the breakpoint.

3. Pin Buffer: Managing Transition Length

This is the third number in the layout (e.g., 5x4x2) and represents the tangential distance from the manufacturing pin to the Vertical Axis Line (VAL).

What does 'tangential distance from the manufactring pin' mean?

The vertical dashed line running through the pin and the center of the core represents the Vertical Axis Line (VAL). The tangential distance (e.g., 1 inch, 2 inches) is measured outward from this line along the ball’s surface, moving toward the Preferred Spin Axis (PSA).

• What it does: The Pin Buffer distance controls how quickly the ball transitions from skid to hook to roll as it encounters friction on the lane.
• Range: The Pin Buffer distance can measure anywhere from 0 inches to the Pin-to-PAP distance selected. The Pin Buffer distance can never exceed the Pin-to-PAP distance.
• Shorter distances (1-2 inches): This range creates a faster transition from skid to hook to roll. This is ideal for bowlers who have higher ball speeds or lower rev rates.
• Longer distances (4-5 inches): This range creates a slower transition from skid to hook to roll. This is ideal for bowlers who have lower ball speeds or higher rev rates.
• Example: A 2-inch Pin Buffer distance creates a faster transition from skid to hook to roll.

Putting It All Together

To maximize your ball’s potential, consider your style and lane conditions:

• High-rev players may prefer longer Pin Buffer distances to smooth out sharp transitions.
• Speed-dominant players might benefit from stronger Pin-to-PAP distances for added flare and hook.
• Tournament patterns with higher volumes of oil may require a stronger layout like 4 x 4 x 2 to help create more friction.
• The final game of league might require a weaker layout, like 5 ½ x 5 x 4, for more control and less early hook.

By analyzing your current layout or experimenting with these measurements, you can fine-tune your ball reaction to match your unique game and the situation you are in.

Understanding the VLS gives you the knowledge to make adjustments and elevate your performance on the lanes. For even more in-depth layout information, visit our new Pin Buffer Layout System webpage.

Ready to customize your layout? Talk to your pro shop specialist to find the perfect setup!

INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE?

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