Been bowling really well this year.  Getting to use my older urethane equipment (which suits my style better usually), playing the shot out closer to the gutter, going more "up and at them", and getting great results.  Had my average all the way up to 216 for the first time in years, and was really having fun.

 Then came the three week Christmas break. I dreaded it, because I tend to slump after a while off, so I made sure to practice plenty, and keep things going.

 Came back and first set was 595. No problem I thought, you'll get them back next week. Then I shot a 572, a 585, a 600, and last night another 572.

 One of the higher scoring bowlers came by the table, and told me he had noticed me "struggling", and came by to share some info. He bowls there a lot, knows some of the lane guys, and told me "they changed the oil over the Christmas break".

 I asked him if it was the pattern, and he said no, just the type of oil.

 Now, as many of you know, I've been using urethane exclusively this season, but it has been working well for me. Now, I can't get a urethane ball to finish through the pin deck to save my life.

 I, honestly, just thought it was me. I'm older now (56), and just figured maybe it had caught up with me. Figured I didn't bowl enough to really be that sharp or deseve that average.

 SO, now here I am. Middle of the season, jacked up average, and the shot that I did it on is gone. I'm costing my team wins, bleeding pins at a terrific rate off my average, have absolutely no clue what to do, and getting so frustrated that I just almost want to quit.

 Why, if it were you, would you wait until the middle of the season to change?

 The center has, so I really have no choice but to do so, but any change I make is really just a blind "shot-in-the-dark" sort of thing.  😔

 Anybody have any constructive advice? I really don't have the money right now to build a mid season "arsenal", but could probably get my hands on a couple IF I knew where to start.

Good advise,  I second it....

I'd definitely try some reactives, too.  Assuming they went to a more slippery oil, such as Kegel Ice, I'd also add some surface to maybe 2000 or so to keep the reaction more smooth.  If needed you can go lower, but 2000 is a good starting place.

Don't worry about the 14 lb. ball changing your timing.  My spare ball has been 14 for years while the rest is 15 lbs.  and it doesn't affect it one bit for me.  As long as you don't change your mechanics you should be fine.  The trouble some guys have is when they think about it, then feel like they should throw it faster, and then they change their timing...  Just roll it the same way.

I don't think you mentioned which urethanes you were using, other than older.  Would a stronger newer urethane like the Crow help?  There are also urethane/reactive blends I believe.  How close to the gutter?  2-3 board?  Can you move closer?

BTU?

 Thanks again guy for your help and your suggestions.

 MI2AZ,  the urethanes I have been using are a black hammer from 1987, a red pearl hammer from 1988, and an ebonite nitro from 1991.

 Just as I have tried surface adjustments, I have tried moving in further, out further, forward, backwards. Basically everything I could think of. I can still find the pocket, but the balls just will not finish through the pins like before when I do.  I don't think a modern, flaring urethane would help much either. I would end up having to play a swing shot with it to get it to roll, and everybody knows that trying to use the outsides to make up for the backend reaction just doesn't work. You either have a reaction, or you don't, and right now, I don't.

 Good times Good times,

  Yes, I have considered the BTU, to the point that I have private messaged someone with personal experience with it to get the true lowdown on that ball. It is definitely on my radar, I just want to make sure I do this right, because with my finances, I probably only get one chance at this right now, and don't want to mess it up, you know what I mean?


 I've been in this situation before, and it is just very frustrating to find myself here again, trying to make sense of why it always seems to work against me. I honestly cannot remember one of these midseason changes that ever helped me, but several that have hurt me. Guess I should be used to it by now..................😕

as for why did they change oils, there can be a simple explanation.

Perhaps they ran out of the oil used in the first half and couldn't get it anymore and were forced to start using something different.