Over the past several months on league (men's league, 5-man teams) I've noticed that there are some teams I bowl really well against and against some I bowl like crap.  So I've started paying more attention to what teams are which and here's what I've noticed.  The teams I bowl worst against are the one's made up of (primarily) younger players that really crank the ball.  My style is, for the most part, pretty average.  I think I fit the "Tweener" description pretty good.  My ball speed is about 17 mph and the pro shop operator says my ball speed and rotation are pretty evenly matched. 

So here's my question.  Do the crankers move the oil enough to where it changes the shot that much or is something else going on or, is this all in my head??

Thanks!!     

Absolutely it makes a huge difference in how the lanes transition.  Guys with lower revs and ball speed have to play the oil pattern, which on a house shot usually means starting outside of 10 board, and gradually moving in.  High rev players can, and do over power the oil pattern by starting deeper and blowing up the heads with their high rev rates and large hooks.  This forces the straighter players into big moves as they migrate inside 10 board. 

Even lower rev players will contribute to the problem if they use very aggressive shells and move inside the initial oil line. 

The best solution to your problem is to try to be aware of where other people are playing the lanes.  Sometimes it is possible to use very tame equipment, even urethane and try to stay well to the right of the power players.  Alternatively be prepared to make a bigger jump in to maybe 3rd arrow or deeper fairly early.  I have used both strategies.  Sometimes one works, sometimes the other works, and sometimes I lose my carry when I move in.