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Author Topic: Zone Matrix  (Read 6340 times)

Steven

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Zone Matrix
« on: May 29, 2009, 04:26:43 AM »
In the just locked Zones topic, I asked if there was a Zone Performance Matrix available for review from any source. Given that there have been approximately 75 Zones released (not counting overseas releases), I think there is reasonable consensus that such a matrix would be valuable.

Because there have been so many Zones, a chart would be helpful in sorting out what each one does. From a consumer perspective, no one wants to spend money on a new Zone just to find out that it's a repeat of something they didn't care about. Conversely, if a new Zone duplicates a reaction from one of the beloved oldies, I'd want to know to consider it for purchase.

From what I've been able to determine, no such Zone Matrix/Chart exists. So if I wanted to create one, where would I go for information? I know I can piece some information together from:

www.brunswickbowling.com
www.bowlingballreviews.com

But there are holes in some of the desired data. Are there any other sites that would be useful for data collection? Thanks.
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Steven

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Re: Zone Matrix
« Reply #1 on: May 29, 2009, 12:39:11 PM »
I want to construct the whole Zone line. I know that goes back to the mid-90's, but I want it to be complete. Who know, I might find the number closer to 100 when they're all dug out.
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NoseofRI

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Re: Zone Matrix
« Reply #2 on: May 29, 2009, 12:49:56 PM »
I'm just curious as to why you are so interested in having this happen.  Yes there are a lot of zones, but just from general research and talking to a brunswick staffer/rep, or a trusted proshop guy that's been around for a while, you'll be able to find out anything you'd like about all the zones.  I'm even sure if you ask nicely and are genuinely interested BrunsBob, JustRico, or maybe even Brunsnick might actually answer a question or two for you.

What your honestly asking for, is for Brunswick to basically compare the HR hitters of the 60's to the HR hitters of the 90's and put them into a legit matrix to show where they rank.  
And you'll also asking for something that pretty much no company has ever done anyways.  Why not also ask storm to do a matrix of their Thunder line, because there's probably about as many of those as there are Zones.
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Re: Zone Matrix
« Reply #3 on: May 29, 2009, 01:01:00 PM »
Steven,

With all due respect, I'm just curious as to why you'd want a complete matrix when nearly all of them are no longer available (unless you got lucky).

The other problem that I might see with that request is that when the first Zones were released, the lanes had approximately 1/2 the amount of oil on them  as they do now, and in addition, today's lane oils are a much higher viscosity. Any comparison on a chart would be inaccurate, in my opinion, because we're talking a span of maybe 15 years. Am I missing something?

On edit, as I was typing my response, NoseofRI, was on the same wavelength as I was.





--------------------
Lane Carter, Strike Zone Pro Shops - Salt Lake City, Utah
Brunswick Pro Shop Staff

www.brunswickbowling.com

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation.

Edited on 5/29/2009 1:03 PM
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taylorj99

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Re: Zone Matrix
« Reply #4 on: May 29, 2009, 01:09:47 PM »
Kind of what I was referring to in the other thread. Unless you have all of them, I'm not sure how you could accurately compare them either. Sounds like a lifelong project.
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Monster Pike

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Re: Zone Matrix
« Reply #5 on: May 29, 2009, 01:55:16 PM »
Which one would be better for the Cheetah?
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Here's a thought for you grammar police: Have your own backyards cleaned up before trying to clean up others.

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Re: Zone Matrix
« Reply #6 on: May 29, 2009, 02:02:35 PM »
Quote
Which one would be better for the Cheetah?
--------------------

Was there a Cheetah Zone?


--------------------
Lane Carter, Strike Zone Pro Shops - Salt Lake City, Utah
Brunswick Pro Shop Staff

www.brunswickbowling.com

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation.
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Monster Pike

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Re: Zone Matrix
« Reply #7 on: May 29, 2009, 02:17:57 PM »
Dude, your in a Zone.....
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Here's a thought for you grammar police: Have your own backyards cleaned up before trying to clean up others.

A.K.A. Monster Puke, it's catching on....
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taylorj99

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Re: Zone Matrix
« Reply #8 on: May 29, 2009, 02:25:03 PM »
quote:
I withhold judgement for now, but I am curious as to the motives also.


I believe his motives are pure. Maybe you're just gunshy...cough....cough
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NoseofRI

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Re: Zone Matrix
« Reply #9 on: May 29, 2009, 02:46:45 PM »
quote:
I withhold judgement for now, but I am curious as to the motives also.
--------------------
We got a kinder, gentler machine-gun hand


I too am quite curious, especially since he's hasn't responded to any questions regarding the situation since shortly the one saying that he wants ALL zones on it.
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Steven

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Re: Zone Matrix
« Reply #10 on: May 29, 2009, 03:29:00 PM »
quote:
With all due respect, I'm just curious as to why you'd want a complete matrix when nearly all of them are no longer available (unless you got lucky).
 


I understand the general skepticism for my pursuit of a Zone Matrix. The easy answer is "why ask why?'. But there is more to it than that. For practical personal purposes, I've built a matrix for Lane#1 equipment, and it's been very useful for up front evaluation of new Lane#1 releases. The Lane#1 matrix has been helpful for me in determining if a new release is something I should think about buying, or pass because there is too much duplication with what I already have. I drink the kool-aid, but I don't stupidly buy a release just because it's there. I've found that when I do buy something new, I've successfully predicted the reaction, and I haven't wasted money on a needless ball.

The other part is it's just a weird hobby. I like collecting bowling ball  information. I've owned the Danger Zone Red Alert, Danger Zone HPH, Danger Zone HPD, and Target Zone. The Red Alert scored me my first sanctioned 300. I still have bowling friends that are into Zones, so I thought it would be interesting to tackle. With 75+ Zones released, it will be a lot to take on.

I also understand that with the different oils and rating systems, it might be really difficult to put together. That's why I'm asking for any links or other resources that might help.    

Thanks to all for the information provided so far.
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NoseofRI

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Re: Zone Matrix
« Reply #11 on: May 29, 2009, 03:57:00 PM »
Okay completely understand your interest.  Your best bet may actually be to first seperate the era's of Zones.  Because beginning with the release of the Time Zone, some of the later zones have been designed to seemingly re-create reactions of other balls that have come and gone in their line.  One example if I remember correctly is the Time Zone used a very similar concept of the Red Fuze.  So throughout the years they've tried to change the reactions in the Zones each time they've brought them back.
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Re: Zone Matrix
« Reply #12 on: May 29, 2009, 04:16:29 PM »
I try not to get into any "bashing" of one company's product over another's. If something is working for you then great, continue using it.

My Absolute Inferno, although it's been gone for a few years, will always be a favorite. I'm saving it deep within a locker and only bring it out to give it a little air. Many years ago I owned a Danger Zone Red Alert that was great, too.

Since I've been using Brunswick exclusively, and using every release, there have only been about 3-4 balls that I didn't match up with me very well. I do adjust the cover on many of them, but that's to be expected because we all bowl on different conditions and lane surfaces.

The VAST MAJORITY of them I would use a similar line to the pocket with. The reason for that is #1 in importance regarding ball reaction is the BOWLER and what he does with the ball (speed, revs, etc.). Second would be the COVER preparation. Third would be CORE design, and fourth would be LAYOUT.

All too often we get caught up in which layout, and treating it as if it were the most important factor. It can COMPLIMENT the right cover prep and bowler style, and where he plays on the lane, etc., but it won't dominate the other factors.  

So, in my humble opinion, many of the balls (Zone or otherwise) would have some overlap, if not a great deal of overlap. Again, #1 in what affects ball reaction comes from the bowler, not the ball. Does this make sense?


--------------------
Lane Carter, Strike Zone Pro Shops - Salt Lake City, Utah
Brunswick Pro Shop Staff

www.brunswickbowling.com

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer and not of Brunswick Corporation.

Edited on 5/29/2009 4:17 PM
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Steven

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Re: Zone Matrix
« Reply #13 on: May 29, 2009, 04:58:31 PM »
notclay: Thanks for the response. I've always had a lot of respect for your postings and thoughts on bowling in general. You've added a lot here that probably deserve topics in and of themselves. However, what caught my eye in particular was the following:

 
quote:
So, in my humble opinion, many of the balls (Zone or otherwise) would have some overlap, if not a great deal of overlap.  


If this is so, then are you suggesting that a Zone Matrix would provide little if any value as a predictor of future Zone releases?
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Steven

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Re: Zone Matrix
« Reply #14 on: May 29, 2009, 05:17:28 PM »
CGsSuK: Poor wording on my part (it's been a long day). I meant to say,

"If this is so, then are you suggesting that a Zone Matrix would provide little if any value as a predictor of reaction when a new Zone comes out?"
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