Imbalance and Influence On A Balls Reaction

Any imbalance will effect a ball (within the parameters of the many outside influences). The degree of the influence is the responsibility of the driller. If you throw hard, (and have a decent rev rate, a typical axis tilt and rotation) and the lane is drier, the maximum top weight in a drilled ball of 3 ounces, might cause the ball to skid a little further but to hook violently. The same ball with more surface, might hook early, burn up and roll out.

Same ball shiny, with ball speed, on more oil might skid for days.

Players, their unique skills (speed, rev rate, tilt, rotation), and the lanes current state of condition (oily, medium, light, dry) all come into play when choosing to maximize top weight, lessen or minimize top weight or seek bottom weight.

Often, I choose more top to benefit slower players or players seeking later ball reaction. Top influences the down lane reaction. But, again, more top might make a ball unplayable on a lane with more oil.

Layout and imbalances are tools to shape the down lane action of a ball.
Ball surface helps manage the front part of the lane (rougher for more oil or more ball speed, smoother/shiny for slower speed, less oil).