Author Topic: Bear Oil Pattern (Read 3653 times)

Strider · « **on:** July 28, 2022, 05:54:11 AM »

I haven't bowled on Bear for several years. I looked online and one site said it had almost 29 mL of oil, the other 23. Pretty big difference. I know it's not dead flat anymore, but (especially for the fresh) does it like to be played more up the boards, or is it one you need to add some shape right off the bat? The heavier the volume and the flatter the pattern the more up the boards I generally play (with something stronger). If it's lighter and less flat, I generally start a little further left and hook it.

TWOHAND834 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 28, 2022, 09:09:47 AM »

Quote from: Strider on July 28, 2022, 05:54:11 AM

I haven't bowled on Bear for several years. I looked online and one site said it had almost 29 mL of oil, the other 23. Pretty big difference. I know it's not dead flat anymore, but (especially for the fresh) does it like to be played more up the boards, or is it one you need to add some shape right off the bat? The heavier the volume and the flatter the pattern the more up the boards I generally play (with something stronger). If it's lighter and less flat, I generally start a little further left and hook it.

Is there a way you can contact someone to see what version you will be bowling on? Either way; the pattern is going to be very flat regardless which version they use. So I would always start straighter on the fresh with a control piece but just take something you can use for each version (EX: Something like a GB4 Solid, Dark Web, or even Zen Master for heavier volume and maybe like a Burner Solid, Hyped Solid, or Messenger Solid for the lighter volume). Have to remember that as you move deeper; the pattern becomes completely flat. The key is to start more towards the outside going up the boards until you help to break down that area. Then make a big move inside to help create hold as you try to bump that track area. So maybe start playing around second arrow until the ball gets to be too soon. Then when you do make your move left; make a big move like an 8 with your feet and 5 with your eyes and make sure the breakpoint is still around the original breakpoint you started with. I found this site that gives a good insight of how to tackle this oil pattern:

https://bowlingguidance.com/pba-bear-oil-pattern-for-better-score/

Jesse James · « **Reply #2 on:** July 28, 2022, 10:00:01 AM »

Quote from: TWOHAND834 on July 28, 2022, 09:09:47 AM

Quote from: Strider on July 28, 2022, 05:54:11 AM
I haven't bowled on Bear for several years. I looked online and one site said it had almost 29 mL of oil, the other 23. Pretty big difference. I know it's not dead flat anymore, but (especially for the fresh) does it like to be played more up the boards, or is it one you need to add some shape right off the bat? The heavier the volume and the flatter the pattern the more up the boards I generally play (with something stronger). If it's lighter and less flat, I generally start a little further left and hook it.

Is there a way you can contact someone to see what version you will be bowling on? Either way; the pattern is going to be very flat regardless which version they use. So I would always start straighter on the fresh with a control piece but just take something you can use for each version (EX: Something like a GB4 Solid, Dark Web, or even Zen Master for heavier volume and maybe like a Burner Solid, Hyped Solid, or Messenger Solid for the lighter volume). Have to remember that as you move deeper; the pattern becomes completely flat. The key is to start more towards the outside going up the boards until you help to break down that area. Then make a big move inside to help create hold as you try to bump that track area. So maybe start playing around second arrow until the ball gets to be too soon. Then when you do make your move left; make a big move like an 8 with your feet and 5 with your eyes and make sure the breakpoint is still around the original breakpoint you started with. I found this site that gives a good insight of how to tackle this oil pattern:

https://bowlingguidance.com/pba-bear-oil-pattern-for-better-score/

Man! Twohands834 you do know your stuff!

I remember our club put that pattern out about 5 years ago. When I say, that was a very humbling experience,,,,,,Whew! I did learn a lot about myself and my skill level at the time. (it wasn't as good as I thought) But your plan of attack is spot on for sure. It took me all day to figure it out though. Last of 6 games. SMH

milorafferty · « **Reply #3 on:** July 28, 2022, 10:02:52 AM »

My PBA league is currently on Bear. We are using the 2022 PBA Bear version. It's 41 ft long and a total volume of 30.6 mL of oil. It's not flat, but pretty close. The largest ratio across the different zones is 1.81:1, but most of the pattern is 1:1 or close to it.

I do best with some surface(1500) on a solid, symmetrical core ball playing up the boards to start, then as the pattern transitions a bit, I can move a little inside and swing it a couple of boards, but anything missed right is a washout and a slight tug and it crosses over.

Tough pattern and what bowling should me in my opinion.

On Edit: Forgot to add, we are bowling on AMF HPL lanes that have a very defined track from many years of league play. It would be much tougher on Brunswick Pro Anvil.

Strider · « **Reply #4 on:** July 28, 2022, 04:43:02 PM »

I think we're using whatever is newest - 2021 or 2022. The 2019 one has the lower volume. So, looks like pretty decent volume, but still want to try straighter to start.

I don't really want to take a 5th ball. Unless the pattern is very long I always have my Tsunami H2O. It might not play, but it's a security blanket and often works when nothing else does. I'll have my Rubicon UC2 which might be good games 3 and 4. Spare ball is #3. I can take my Phase II which for me is my oil ball. With my slower speed I don't see this as a great option on 41'. Which brings me to my Venom Shock (2000 abralon) or Ordinance C4 (500 grit + polish). On paper the C4 should be great, but it almost never is (never matched up well with it). The VS hooks a lot in the back so probably not a great choice on the fresh. The C4 doesn't shape for me at all with any surface. I tried a lot of things before I came up with 500 + polish. But it sounds like the C4 is the ball I should try.

The other problem is that it's a singles league and we move each game. Lots of people playing all over the place so it's very unlikely people will start straight and right, then move in after a spot is somewhat burned in.

TWOHAND834 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 29, 2022, 06:38:24 AM »

Quote from: Strider on July 28, 2022, 04:43:02 PM

I think we're using whatever is newest - 2021 or 2022. The 2019 one has the lower volume. So, looks like pretty decent volume, but still want to try straighter to start.

I don't really want to take a 5th ball. Unless the pattern is very long I always have my Tsunami H2O. It might not play, but it's a security blanket and often works when nothing else does. I'll have my Rubicon UC2 which might be good games 3 and 4. Spare ball is #3. I can take my Phase II which for me is my oil ball. With my slower speed I don't see this as a great option on 41'. Which brings me to my Venom Shock (2000 abralon) or Ordinance C4 (500 grit + polish). On paper the C4 should be great, but it almost never is (never matched up well with it). The VS hooks a lot in the back so probably not a great choice on the fresh. The C4 doesn't shape for me at all with any surface. I tried a lot of things before I came up with 500 + polish. But it sounds like the C4 is the ball I should try.

The other problem is that it's a singles league and we move each game. Lots of people playing all over the place so it's very unlikely people will start straight and right, then move in after a spot is somewhat burned in.

But you have to remember the volume. 30ML is a lot. Even though it is 41 feet; the reverse starts at 40 feet. If it was 41 feet but the reverse started at 33 feet; then you would have 8 feet where the oil volume is fairly light on top of the 19 feet of backend. IMO; I would start with the Phaze II in practice and then go from there. On flatter patterns; the key is to control the backend on the fresh. You will not want a lot of "shape" coming off the pattern. The key is to control the pocket and concentrate on spares until the track starts to wear in and the shot opens up a little when you then can move in and go to a ball with a little more shape on the backend.

Strider · « **Reply #6 on:** July 29, 2022, 07:23:07 AM »

I forgot to look at how I played Dragon. It's longer at 45' and maybe a little less volume? From memory The Phase II wasn't a good look for me even on the fresh. I think I switched to my UC2 pretty early. Maybe the higher volume of Bear as opposed to the longer length of Dragon might dictate a stronger ball being necessary? There might be some other higher volume (but not long) patterns from years past I took notes of.

TWOHAND834 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 29, 2022, 08:39:38 AM »

Quote from: Strider on July 29, 2022, 07:23:07 AM

I forgot to look at how I played Dragon. It's longer at 45' and maybe a little less volume? From memory The Phase II wasn't a good look for me even on the fresh. I think I switched to my UC2 pretty early. Maybe the higher volume of Bear as opposed to the longer length of Dragon might dictate a stronger ball being necessary? There might be some other higher volume (but not long) patterns from years past I took notes of.

Correct. If you look at the link I am going to include; Dragon is 45 feet. But two things stand out. The first is the volume is 5ML lighter than Bear and the second is that while Dragon is 45 feet; the reverse drop is at 37 feet. This means that the oil volume between the 37 foot mark and 45 foot mark down lane is fairly light (15 ML as opposed to the full 26). If you remember the telecast earlier this season when they were on Dragon; Tommy Jones was able to take a Widow Ghost and play around 15-18 at the arrows and bump out to 8-10 breakpoint and have a pretty good look once the shot opened up for him. On Dragon you dont have to be as concerned about controlling the backend as much as you do on Bear because oil tapers off at 37 feet and then there is only 15 feet of backend as opposed to almost 20 feet. So on Dragon; you could use something with a little more shape whereas on Bear control is a premium out of the gate until you get to probably game 3 depending who else is on your pair.

https://tournamentbowl.com/TournamentFiles/tournament_511/LMP%2045-1%20KEGEL%20(PBA%20Dragon%2045).pdf

Strider · « **Reply #8 on:** August 13, 2022, 02:47:13 PM »

First week was no good. Phase II wasn't a good look - too strong too early. H2O wasn't enough early, but saw some action late. I used the UC2 a lot, but my execution was pretty bad (way more me than the ball). Spare shooting saved me the first 2 games, but haunted me the last 2. Lot of low scores, but I still lost ground to the field.

Last week, brought the C4 Ordinance and it was a great choice. Stronger than the H2O but more rolly than the UC2. I was able to use it 3+ games before it stopped shaping right down lane. Finally found a good type of pattern for the C4. Had one of the high scores for the league.

The C4 will probably be my go to next week - 40' TOC (Don Johnson). Supposed to be the newest version, but all I could find online was the 2019 version that shows 30.7 mL of oil and ratio of 2.4/1. Either way it sounds like it should play somewhat similar to Bear.

Strider · « **Reply #9 on:** August 18, 2022, 08:57:35 AM »

The TOC played tougher (to me) than Bear. Similar feel, but much of an out of bounds outside of 7. The C4 was OK, but a little more surface would have been much better. Moved in with the UC2 for games 2 and 3, but back right with the C4 for game 4. Started off lousy, but got better each game. Because of switching pairs no defined friction ever developed.

For the step ladder finals we got fresh oil and we used my starting pair where I shot terrible. Yah! Used the C4 most of game 1, but the oil transitioned several times so it wasn't pretty. Switched to the Uc2 and moved left in frame 9 and squeaked out an ugly win. Used the UC2 for my other 3 games as well, shooting better each game although I had to move back right of 4th arrow my last game. Lost to the #2 seed with a 232, but what can you do? #2 and #1 both struggled for the championship. I think the amount of urethane caught up with them. Wish it would have happened a game earlier though.

Author Topic: Bear Oil Pattern (Read 3653 times)

Strider

Bear Oil Pattern

TWOHAND834

Re: Bear Oil Pattern

Jesse James

Re: Bear Oil Pattern

milorafferty

Re: Bear Oil Pattern

Strider

Re: Bear Oil Pattern

TWOHAND834

Re: Bear Oil Pattern

Strider

Re: Bear Oil Pattern

TWOHAND834

Re: Bear Oil Pattern

Strider

Re: Bear Oil Pattern

Strider

Re: Bear Oil Pattern