win a ball from Bowling.com
« previous next »
Pages: [1]

Author Topic: Lane Condition VS Bowling Balls  (Read 1959 times)

Pinbuster

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4585
  • Former proshop worker
Lane Condition VS Bowling Balls
« on: August 16, 2004, 06:07:51 AM »
What drives bowling lane conditions?

Do the lane conditions change to try and combat the new balls or do new balls come out to battle the new lane conditions?

I would say that the lane conditions change to the new balls. The super hook in a box ball would be worthless on the type and amount of oil put out 15 years ago.

I can’t tell you how many bowlers I’ve seen go into the proshop and buy the newest hook monster then later complain to the center management about how dry the lanes are.
Logged

 

JOE FALCO

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6298
Re: Lane Condition VS Bowling Balls
« Reply #1 on: August 16, 2004, 02:42:59 PM »
Interesting question. In my mind it sounds ridiculous to think that manufacturers would create a BALL for a non-existing condition. Therefore I believe that CONDITION drives the NEW BOWLING BALLS! Why would CENTERS design their condition to fit a BOWLING BALL? I wonder how wrong I am?
--------------------
Hit them light and watch them fight
      J O E - F A L C O
Logged
RIP Thongprincess/Sawbones!

Pinbuster

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4585
  • Former proshop worker
Re: Lane Condition VS Bowling Balls
« Reply #2 on: August 16, 2004, 02:57:14 PM »
Joe – The key is hook sells to the average bowler. They have trouble making the ball hook much so the manufactures come out with a ball that hooks more and convinces Joebowler that he needs that ball to get him hook.

But then everybody goes out and buys the hook monster even the guys that can hook the ball. These balls then hook too much so they put out more oil to hold them back, particularly in the middle of the lane. You end up with the typical top hat block where the rev challenged guys can take the hook monster and play outside in the dry and get the hook they want. And the higher rev play goes a little deeper where there is oil to hold it back and swings it too the dry. Both end up with a shot that they can use the same ball on.

At least that is my view on it.
Logged

Walking E

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2101
Re: Lane Condition VS Bowling Balls
« Reply #3 on: August 16, 2004, 03:11:29 PM »
Keep in mind that these hook monster balls also seem to absorb more oil, so the house needs to keep putting more oil on the lane to keep protecting the lanes from the hook monster balls. It's an endless cycle, really.
As to which one came first, probably the ball, because as Pinbuster said: HOOK SELLS
--------------------
You weren't unlucky when you left that corner pin, so shut up about it already!!
Logged

Constantine

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 256
Re: Lane Condition VS Bowling Balls
« Reply #4 on: August 17, 2004, 12:52:39 PM »
quote:
It started with the balls, but it now has turned into an arms race.


I say it all started with a series of fires.  If lacquer wasn't such a fire hazard, then we'd all still be using hard rubber.
--------------------
Good luck & good bowling
Logged
Good luck & good bowling

Pinbuster

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4585
  • Former proshop worker
Re: Lane Condition VS Bowling Balls
« Reply #5 on: August 17, 2004, 10:31:28 PM »
Sawbones - Most of the doctored balls I ever saw simply had an illegal amount of side weight for the ball to hook. They might have lower the RG some as well.

It is so hard to compare. With the lane surface difference of lacquer a 2-piece plastic like a clear wolf or xxxl might hook way to early. You still have to keep the energy being released on the back end.

Certain core designs and pin positions might help that and allow you to throw the harder speeds of today and keep your carry.
Logged

Lane Bed

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 291
Re: Lane Condition VS Bowling Balls
« Reply #6 on: August 17, 2004, 10:45:38 PM »
The only problem is ... sigh ...  there is no going back now. Centers are struggling to keep the bowlers they have and won't take a chance on doing anything different. When there are multiple centers in an area a score war always brews. Example: in our area one of the leagues has 18 - 4 person teams and to be a captain in the draft you must average at least 234. Sigh again.

---------------------------

EvEryOnE rOlls OvEr thE lanE bEd
Logged

MSC2471

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2080
Re: Lane Condition VS Bowling Balls
« Reply #7 on: August 18, 2004, 03:24:56 AM »
Lane Bed: Score wars. Boy isn't that the truth. I have 4 centers within a half hour of where I live to the north, west and south of me. Three of the houses put out shots that elevate bowlers to 220-230 average status with no problem, and 1 house where the owner doesn't have a clue what to put out there and you are lucky to have a 600 series.

To answer Pinbuster's question, I think the new balls come out to battle the new lane conditions. Every time more oil is put out front, you can count on a new flood ball that will store all its energy for the drier back ends, wherever they may start in a particular house. I also agree that I've seen many people in my local houses buy the latest hook monster from their favorite company of choice, only to be disappointed as the ball takes out the corner pin or hits super flat because there isn't enough oil for the conditions they bowl on to properly use the ball for its primary purpose. Since I rarely see floods, I find the need for a hook monster only when I see them, which tends to be once or twice a year...

Matt
Logged
Pages: [1]
« previous next »