I'm buying a raptor. looking for layout sugestion. I have a cruel le, it's 55x40x4.5. my track is 11 1/2, 13* tilt,15mph,pap is 4 9/16, 7/8up. thankyou

I have to tell you, I've had some great luck with my Raptor, after a plug and redrill. I first wanted to have it glide and pop, but it was too over/under. I plugged it up and redrilled it with 50* by 5" by 60*, and I have a ton of fun with this ball now. I can play as deep as I want, and I don't have to bang on it or grab it hard to get the response I want; plus it carries so well (like all MOTIV stuff!)

Don't be afraid of the arc-y, rainbow drillings. This ball really responds well to it.

with my slow speed and low revs. do think this would still work well with me.

well, probably not if you want to play second arrow.

If you are looking for a ball that can handle oil, then this ball is for you. If you bowl on a lot of friction, then you may wish to try a different ball.

Remember that you can tweak a lot of the reaction with the surface prep, whether you need polish or whether you need some application of grit.

My only point was that, although the layout you have in your Cruel works well for that ball, don't be afraid to use a different technique with the Raptor. My experience with the Raptor at 65* by 5" by 35* was very disappointing. It was improved when I used a rollier layout.

As a matter of fact, a layout like my 50* by 5 by 60* may work awesomely for you, especially if you may be rev-challenged. You'd definitely need oil either way for the Raptor; it's a monster!

I hope this helps.

thanks. my cruel le, the top wt: is 3.7oz and the pin is 3.5". should I do the same with the raptor. I don't know how he came-up with those.

Those specs should be pretty close; a pin close to 4" will end up most likely getting drilled out. Hopefully, your ball driller will make the shift to keep the pin out of the 'danger zone' so as not to create a weak spot in the cover.

More top weight will most likely result in needing a larger hole to keep static legal.

The weight hole in my Raptor is a P3 hole; I'm guessing that your layout will require a hole, too.

Remember to throw it first to see if you want the ball to start earlier or not. That will help you determine P3 (yes, you want earlier) or P2 (no, it starts soon enough for me) hole placement.

Keep us apprised of your results! Good bowling!

thankyou.. I like to play down and in. I like it to go long. I'm going to try your layout. Do you think I could maybe go 55, instead of 50, for more lenght?

yes, but remember, 5 degrees may or may not be very noticeable. You may just want to plan to dink around with your surface prep once you get the holes popped.

Add polish if you want more length; if it's going too long, take the 4000 box finish down to 3000, then 2000, what ever (just do it incrementally and systematically) until you find the reaction you are happy with.

Good bowling!

you could send a photo of the raptor, with the 50* by 5 by 60*. thanks

I'll try to do that today and post it by tonight .