What is rg in bowling?

RG (Radius of Gyration) is a measurement used in bowling to describe the mass distribution of a bowling ball. The RG of a ball can affect the ball's overall motion on the lane and is an important factor to consider when choosing a ball for various lane conditions.

The RG measurement of a bowling ball is determined by calculating the distance between the ball's center of gravity and the axis of rotation. A lower RG measurement indicates that the ball has a more stable motion with less overall hook potential, while a higher RG measurement indicates a more skid-flip motion with greater hook potential.

There are two RG values to consider when examining the mass distribution of a ball: the RG value for the x-axis (horizontal axis) and the RG value for the y-axis (vertical axis). Each value affects the ball's motion in a specific way.

RG values are often printed on the labels of bowling balls, allowing bowlers to compare and choose the best ball for their needs. Additionally, ball manufacturers often use advanced technology to create asymmetrical mass distributions in balls, allowing for greater variability in motion and higher hook potential.