Author Topic: How to define oil conditions??? (Read 773 times)

The Ratpack · « **on:** August 20, 2006, 02:00:47 AM »

I am starting to learn how to read the oil graphs and charts that are put out to show how the lanes are dressed, however one thing is unclear and that is the definition as to what constitutes Light, Medium and Heavy oil patterns as in the volume of oil measured in microlitres.In my BTM recently it had a section on this and it was helpful but stopped short in this definition, as an example it showed a graph oiled in a 3-1 ratio with 280ml at the edge and 920ml in the middle so would this be classed as light/medium/heavy as a pattern?.Thanks for any replies.

SprayNpray · « **Reply #1 on:** August 20, 2006, 10:25:54 PM »

quote:
so basically what consitutes what is based similarly on the bowler IMHO

Ok that was about as clear as mud. If I get your meaning though, you are saying that what it feels like is what it is! Sorry, that is asanine. An oil pattern is what it is, and what it feels like to bowlers of different styles is irrelevant.

To answer the question the best I can, BTM lists the oil patterns they review balls on in terms of pattern length and number of units, and I think that gives the best idea. I have heard that a good rule of thumb for units is 25/50/75 light/med/heavy. If you have say, 60 units, it would be a medium-heavy pattern. If I remember right, they usually call 50 units heavy oil though. When I speak of units, for a THS it would be referring to the volume in the middle of the lane (heavier inside, lighter outside).

Obviously the length of the pattern has a lot to do with how a ball reacts as well, so a short pattern could be 37 ft or less, while a long pattern may go up to around 50 ft.

I think you have to know both pieces of information (length and volume) to be able to get your bearings; one or the other is not enough.
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-SawFreak

~Predicting my next opponent runs into a BUZZSAW!

~Proud original member- F.O.S.

Edited on 8/20/2006 10:23 PM

janderson · « **Reply #2 on:** August 21, 2006, 10:54:14 AM »

quote:
I think you have to know both pieces of information (length and volume) to be able to get your bearings; one or the other is not enough.

Volume and length are good indicators as well as the type of conditioner being used (some are more viscuous than others) and the surface to which the pattern is being applied. The volume, length, and type of conditioner applied to a brand-new Brunswick pro-anvil surface is going to feel much "heavier" than the exact same volume, length, and type of conditioner applied to a 10-year-old wood surface that hasn't been cut in five years.

In short, there are many variables that determine how "heavy" a pattern is. From there, it is all relative.
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J.J. "Waterola Kid" Anderson, the bLowling King : Kill the back row

Author Topic: How to define oil conditions??? (Read 773 times)

The Ratpack

How to define oil conditions???

SprayNpray

Re: How to define oil conditions???

janderson

Re: How to define oil conditions???