Went bowling this morning, as usual. The lanes responded like they were quite oily (Is that a word?) and in fact, for awhile there were many oil lines on the balls when they were returned.

I questioned the guy on duty, asking if the pattern had changed, new oil, adjusted the machine etc. etc. He said NO to all of my thoughts. Usually our lanes, even when just oiled are on the dry side.

He then mentioned that the house had just had the A/C repaired and that the humidity was lower. Makes sense that a tune up to the A/C would lower the humidity but,,,,,

How much does the humidity affect ball response on otherwise unchanged oil patterns?

The building did not feel colder so the A/C units had always been working but perhaps not so efficiently !!

In general, I have found that higher humidity makes the same amount oil provide less friction (seems more oily, more skid) than when the air is drier.

Higher humidity seems to make some synthetic approaches more tacky or sticky. I need a higher number sole on Dexter shoes to slide the same.

Some info

From the Brunswick Synthetic lane care manual:

Atmospheric Conditions
It is important that proper climate control is maintained throughout the center.
Indoor humidity is a large factor in lane conditions and approach sliding characteristics.
A relative humidity level of 45% ± 5%, and a constant temperature
that is comfortable for the bowlers should be maintained.

----
Atmospheric conditions affect the approach surface. Sudden changes in temperature
of the lane surface or the conditioned air flowing across it can cause water
to condense on the approach surface. Relative humidity in a bowling center
should be maintained at a constant level no higher than 50%. The more constant
the temperature of the lane surface and the air in the building, the better. A
relative humidity of 45% ± 5% is ideal at a constant indoor temperature that is
comfortable for the bowlers, should be maintained.


also see:

The Weather’s Changing…Are Your Lane Conditions?
http://www.kegel.net/V3/ArticleDetails.aspx?ID=72

Lane Conditions and Cold Snaps
http://www.kegel.net/V3/ArticleDetails.aspx?ID=73

Weather, Topography, and Ball Motion
http://www.kegel.net/V3/ArticleDetails.aspx?ID=75

10 Things That Everyone Should Know About Lane Conditioners
http://www.kegel.net/V3/ArticleDetails.aspx?ID=6


The main affect the weather has is on the oil and it's viscosity. The cooler the lane surface is when oiled, the more the oil has a chance to bond onto the lane properly. When oil is applied to a cooler lane surface, the oil is kept from migrating, due to the disruption of heat. An oil pattern applied to the cooler lane surface will be truer to the intended lane pattern characteristics..

A lot of house's change the pattern lengths trying to compensate for it.