2.5.1.2 2LS — Storm system for two-handed bowlers
2LS — Storm system for two-handed bowlers
2.5.1b layout
The 2LS (Two-Layout System) is a ball layout method developed by Storm Bowling specifically to address the unique PAP location and track profile of two-handed bowlers. Where VLS was designed with traditional thumb bowlers in mind, 2LS accounts for the significantly different axis tilt and rotation that two-handed delivery produces, providing a layout framework that is purpose-built for this growing style of play. Spectre Cloud implements 2LS as one of its four supported layout types.
Note: 2LS is a Storm Bowling proprietary system. The implementation in Spectre Cloud is intended to reflect Storm's published 2LS methodology. For the most current version of the system, consult Storm's official fitting and drilling documentation. ⚠️ Verify with your Spectre team: confirm that Spectre Cloud's 2LS implementation is up to date with Storm's current published system.
🎳 What Is 2LS?
Two-handed bowlers generate significantly higher axis rotation and lower axis tilt than most traditional thumb bowlers, placing their PAP in a different location on the ball and producing a track that behaves differently through the front part of the lane. Standard VLS inputs designed around a traditional PAP location do not translate reliably to two-handed players. 2LS was developed to give fitters a structured, repeatable layout method that works correctly for this delivery style.
- ✅ Purpose-built for two-handed bowlers — accounts for their typically higher rotation and lower tilt.
- ✅ Developed and published by Storm Bowling — a recognised standard for fitting two-handed players.
- ✅ Provides the same repeatable, chart-driven approach as VLS but calibrated for a different PAP profile.
- ✅ Growing in relevance as two-handed bowling continues to increase in popularity at all competitive levels.
- ❌ Not appropriate for traditional thumb bowlers — use VLS or Dual Angle for those fittings.
- ❌ Requires an accurate PAP measurement from the bowler's actual delivery — an estimated or assumed PAP will produce unreliable layout results.
📐 2LS Inputs for Two-Handed Bowlers
Spectre Cloud displays the following input fields when 2LS is selected as the layout type on a spec sheet. As with VLS, accurate PAP measurement is the foundation of a reliable layout.
| Input | What It Defines | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PAP Distance | Distance from the bowler's PAP to the pin | Two-handed PAP location differs from thumb bowlers — measure from actual delivery |
| VAL Angle | Angle of the pin relative to the bowler's Vertical Axis Line | Two-handed bowlers typically have a higher VAL angle than thumb bowlers |
| MB (Mass Bias) Position | Placement of the mass bias relative to the grip center | Defined by Storm 2LS chart for two-handed delivery |
| Track | The bowler's ball track — used to orient the layout correctly | Two-handed tracks are typically lower and more consistent than traditional styles |
Note: ⚠️ Verify with your Spectre team: confirm the exact input fields Spectre Cloud displays for 2LS spec sheets, and whether the field set differs from VLS beyond the values entered.
📊 VLS vs. 2LS — Choosing the Right System
| VLS | 2LS | |
|---|---|---|
| Designed for | Traditional thumb bowlers | Two-handed (thumbless) bowlers |
| PAP profile | Standard right-of-track location (RH bowler) | Higher rotation, lower tilt — different PAP position |
| Track type | High, medium, or low track | Typically low and consistent |
| Input complexity | Low — few inputs, widely understood | Low — same structure as VLS, different calibration |
| Published by | Storm Bowling | Storm Bowling |
Tip: If a bowler switches from a traditional thumb style to two-handed, create a new spec sheet using 2LS rather than modifying their existing VLS sheets. Their historical VLS records remain intact for reference, and the new 2LS sheets reflect their current delivery accurately.
🖥️ 2LS in a Spectre Cloud Spec Sheet
When 2LS is selected as the layout type — either as the account default (see 2.5.1) or chosen manually on an individual sheet — Spectre Cloud displays the 2LS input fields in the layout section. Completed 2LS layouts are saved to the bowler's spec sheet history alongside all other fitting data.
- ✅ 2LS layout data is stored with the spec sheet and visible in the bowler's drilling history.
- ✅ Cloned spec sheets carry forward 2LS inputs — review and update for new equipment before drilling.
- ✅ Arsenal Plus users can access suggested layouts and layout conversion tools based on recorded 2LS data. ⚠️ Verify with your Spectre team: confirm the extent of Arsenal Plus integration with 2LS-type spec sheets, and whether suggested layouts account for the two-handed PAP profile.
✨ Tips for Accurate 2LS Layouts
- ✅ Always measure the bowler's PAP from a freshly thrown ball — two-handed PAP locations are highly individual and should never be estimated.
- ✅ Be aware that two-handed bowlers often have more consistent tracks than thumb bowlers — use this to your advantage when orienting the layout.
- ✅ Cross-reference your inputs against Storm's published 2LS chart for the intended ball motion result before drilling.
- ✅ If the bowler is new to two-handed delivery, consider waiting until their PAP has stabilised before committing to a reactive resin layout — early-stage two-handed bowlers can have shifting PAP locations as their technique develops.
- ✅ Record observed ball motion notes in the spec sheet comments field after the ball has been thrown — this builds a reference history for future 2LS fittings with the same bowler.
🔌 Arsenal Plus Plugin
Users with the Arsenal Plus plugin have access to suggested layouts, layout conversion, and 3D layout rendering. For two-handed bowlers, ensure that the bowler's delivery style is correctly recorded in their profile so that Arsenal Plus suggestions are calibrated for the 2LS PAP profile rather than a standard thumb bowler baseline. ⚠️ Verify with your Spectre team: confirm how Spectre Cloud identifies a bowler as two-handed within the system, and whether this affects Arsenal Plus suggestions automatically or requires a manual setting.
Related Sections
- 2.5.1.1 — VLS: Storm layout system for bowlers using their thumb
- 2.5.1.3 — Dual Angle layout system (if applicable)
- 2.5.1 — Default layout type: VLS, 2LS, Dual Angle, None
- 4.x — Spec Sheet: selecting and entering a layout
- 3.x — Bowlers: recording delivery style in a bowler profile
- 7.x — Arsenal Plus: suggested layouts and layout conversion
Tip: Two-handed bowling is no longer a niche style — many pro shops now see it regularly across all age groups and skill levels. Having 2LS configured and understood in Spectre Cloud means you are ready to fit these bowlers with the same confidence and precision as any traditional thumb bowler.
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