4.1.1 Acronyms Used in Spectre Cloud
📐 Acronyms Used in Spectre Cloud
Beyond the three primary span type acronyms, Spectre Cloud uses a number of additional shorthand terms throughout its interface. The following reference covers the most commonly encountered.
| Acronym | Full Name | Where Used | What It Refers To |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAP | Positive Axis Point | Bowler profile; layout fields | The point on the ball's surface at the end of the bowler's initial axis of rotation at release — the geometric anchor for all structured layout systems |
| VAL | Vertical Axis Line | Layout fields (VLS, Dual Angle) | The vertical line running through the bowler's PAP — used as a reference for pin and mass bias placement in VLS and Dual Angle layouts |
| MB | Mass Bias | Layout fields | The heaviest point of the ball's core — its placement relative to the grip center affects the ball's flare potential and backend motion |
| VLS | Versatile Layout System | Layout type selector; spec sheets | Storm Bowling's chart-based layout system for traditional thumb bowlers — see 2.5.1.1 |
| 2LS | Two-Layout System | Layout type selector; spec sheets | Storm Bowling's layout system designed for two-handed bowlers — see 2.5.1.2 |
| PAL | Performance Axis Layout | Layout type selector; spec sheets | Three-input layout system (drilling angle, pin distance, VAL angle) — referred to as Dual Angle in Spectre Cloud's UI — see 2.5.1.3 |
| CLT | Center Line Transformation | Bowler profile; Auto-CLT setting | A fitting measurement that defines how a bowler's finger centerline relates to the ball's grip center — used to derive lateral finger pitch — see 2.6.3 |
| OD | Outside Diameter | Insert fields; spec sheets | The outer diameter of a finger insert — the drill bit must match this dimension for the insert to seat correctly — see 2.6.6 |
| RG | Radius of Gyration | Arsenal Plus; ball detail fields | A measure of how the ball's mass is distributed relative to its axis — lower RG = earlier roll, higher RG = longer skid |
| diff / differential | Differential of RG | Arsenal Plus; ball detail fields | The difference between a ball's highest and lowest RG values — higher differential = more flare potential and stronger backend reaction |
| V | Vertical | Oval calculator; milling settings | The vertical axis of oval cut movement — see 2.3.5 and 2.3.6 |
| H | Horizontal | Oval calculator; milling settings | The horizontal axis of oval cut movement — see 2.3.5 and 2.3.6 |
| RPM | Revolutions Per Minute | Bowler profile (rev rate field) | The unit used to record a bowler's rev rate — how many times the ball rotates on its axis per minute during lane travel |
| RH / LH | Right-Handed / Left-Handed | Bowler profile; pitch settings; Auto-Invert | Shorthand for the bowler's dominant hand — affects pitch sign conventions, layout orientation, and Auto-Invert behaviour |
| F | Full Span | Spec Sheet Span | Measured span with all inserts included. Also known as the complete span |
| C | Cut-to-Cut | Spec Sheet Span | Full Span minus the thickness of the inserts. This is used primarely when drilling the thumb first and then having to find the measurement for the 31/32 hole for the inserts. Cut-to-Cut on the PBA tour (biggest hole to biggest hole) is known as H in Spectre. |
| O | Outer-to-Cut | Spec Sheet Span | Used with an interchangeable thumb insert. Typically when drilling a new ball for a bowler using an interchangeable, they won't need you to drill another thumb. This measurement makes it easy when drilling a new ball for this bowler, as they can simply show up to your shop, the holes are in the right spot, and they simply have to lock in their male inner sleeve. |
| H | Hole-to-Hole | Spec Sheet Span | Known as Cut-to-Cut on the PBA services truck, this is the biggest hole to the biggest hole. |
Related Sections
- 4.1.2 — Spec sheet overview: sections and layout (if applicable)
- 2.3.2 — Span type configuration: Full Span, Edge, Center
- 2.5.1 — Default layout type: VLS, 2LS, Dual Angle, None
- 2.6.3 — Auto-CLT: lateral pitch of fingers based on CLT chart
- 2.6.6 — Autofill Insert OD: auto drill bit size per insert type and grip
- 5.x — Oval Calculator: overview
- 9.x — Tips and Troubleshooting: glossary of bowling fitting terms
Tip: Print this page and keep a copy at the drill press during onboarding of new staff. Acronym familiarity is one of the first barriers a new team member faces when reading a spec sheet under time pressure — having a quick reference to hand removes that barrier in the first few sessions and builds confidence faster than repeated explanation alone.