Track flare - good or bad?

[Nollster]

After my ball guy explained the multiple oil rings on my ball, I understand what track flare is.  What I can't quite grasp is, is it a good or a bad thing??  My oil pattern has about five rings over a 4-in area where I used to see only one with my old ball....Looks kind of cool, but I don't know if it's helping me or hurting me....

[Constantine]

Greater track flare means that more fresh surface of the ball is being used.  As a ball slides in the oil, it picks up oil on the surface.  The next time the ball rolls in the same spot is must cut through the oil it has already picked up plus whatever oil is on the lane.

So on oilier lanes, higher track flare helps the ball hook earlier and more.  Likewise, on drier lanes, low track flare helps the ball go longer and hook less.


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Good luck & good bowling