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Author Topic: Effect of different oils on ball choice?  (Read 1826 times)

1MechEng

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Effect of different oils on ball choice?
« on: April 28, 2008, 12:59:05 AM »
I know that some houses use different oil blends for summer vs. winter in climates where the temperature can vary greatly between Dec. and June.

Does this change in oil often necessitate a change in type of ball being used due to different friction values / oil drying rate?

For example: I bowl in 2 different houses, both with synthetic lanes. Oil absorption should be at a minimum (compared to wood lanes) since they are oiled before league. However, I have noticed a change in ball reaction over the last 4 weeks, coincidentally with a change in temperature (from 40 deg F to 65 deg F). Where I was using solid balls (LevRg, Show Time Sanded) all winter long, I now find that the solid balls are not reacting well (burning up?!) and that my pearl ball (Revolution Vengeance) is reacting much stronger and sharper for me. I have asked and the house has not changed the pattern or oil volume. I didn't ask about the type of oil being used or if it has changed, though.

Wondering if anyone else has seen this happen, and if there was an explanation of "summer lane oil" formulations vs. "winter lane oil" formulations.

Thanks for your input in advance.
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AngloBowler

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Re: Effect of different oils on ball choice?
« Reply #1 on: April 28, 2008, 09:19:06 AM »
It's more likely that they haven't changed the formulation. For the most liquids, as the temperature increases the viscosity decreases. This means that there may be the same amount of oil in the same place, but it doesn't stay there for long. The less viscous the oil, the more mobile it becomes, so it might be that during the colder weather, the pattern holds up longer making them seem wetter, meaning you can use the solid ball. In the hotter weather, the oil moves faster giving the appearance of a drier lane, making the pearl a better choice.

Just my thoughts....
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dizzyfugu

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Re: Effect of different oils on ball choice?
« Reply #2 on: April 28, 2008, 09:41:06 AM »
I witness this phenomenon in my club house - grip level varies wildly between summer and winter (despite similar oil patterns). In summer, the old AnvilLane surface develops so much grip, it is unholy. I carry my Reaction Rip in the bag for this occasion, drilled for ultimate length and snap when the lane is still fresh. The ball does not work for me in wintertime, though...

Oil viscosity can have additional and surprising effects, too. If anything stays the same, a more viscous oil will keep the lane/pattern in good shape for longer, but carrydown will become a big issue as well as oil that is carried by the balls into the pins and machine.
Pinfall can dramatically change, because the friction between pins and ball is reduced in the course of play. It is not you, it is the oil...
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Edited on 4/28/2008 9:42 AM
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dicnic

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Re: Effect of different oils on ball choice?
« Reply #3 on: April 28, 2008, 04:00:58 PM »
But isn't the INDOOR temperature about the same, winter and summer? It might be a few degrees F higher in summer, depending upon what the thermostat is set on.

The humidity is probably higher indoors during the summer but I cannot imagine it is terribly different. If the humidity is too high, mold will be growing inside. If the humidity is too low, bowlers will complain of nosebleeds, dry hands etc.

To prove this, one way or another only takes a hygrometer and a quality thermometer. The following site will tell you how.

http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/maho/yohoyohe/momo/momo_002.cfm
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wooddaddy

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Re: Effect of different oils on ball choice?
« Reply #4 on: April 28, 2008, 04:04:23 PM »
why not just learn to move your feet instead
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icewall

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Re: Effect of different oils on ball choice?
« Reply #5 on: April 28, 2008, 04:09:27 PM »
something is definatly different as each week i have seen the same thing.

i went from standing around 20 (3-4 weeks ago) to standing lined up with the left gutter! thats crazy! and this house has been known for putting out oil... either they are putting it out less often due to oil prices or its the weather changes.

and this is with a lanemasters buzz polished lightly. just an unreal amount of hook that i NEVER had to deal with... and this is in NJ... im used to there being no oil.
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1MechEng

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Re: Effect of different oils on ball choice?
« Reply #6 on: April 28, 2008, 08:08:32 PM »
quote:
why not just learn to move your feet instead


I'm not having a problem moving my feet, etc. It's just that the equipment I prefer (strong solids) isn't matching up as well because it's burning up. This change I've noticed isn't a feet/line issue. It appears to be a lane condition issue.  
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1MechEng

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Re: Effect of different oils on ball choice?
« Reply #7 on: April 28, 2008, 08:08:32 PM »
quote:
why not just learn to move your feet instead


I'm not having a problem moving my feet, etc. It's just that the equipment I prefer (strong solids) isn't matching up as well because it's burning up. This change I've noticed isn't a feet/line issue. It appears to be a lane condition issue.  
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Engineering * Bowling = a fun and practical application of rotational kinematics.

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