How does that 2" pin Squatch look on a 32-33' pattern?
I wouldnt a ball of that strength on a 32 foot pattern even if it was a short pin. If I am going to use a short pin ball on a pattern that short then I am using something entry level like a Twist or Messenger and even then the pattern may be too short. I am not saying there isnt a spot for urethane. My question is this. How often are you going to be on a 32 foot pattern? Most of us are rarely going to bowl on patterns that short.
Don't confuse short pattern with low volume. Stronger balls can come into play often on shorter patterns because they'll burn energy and/or there's a higher volume of oil.
We just had a 37' pattern with 30 mls. Everything strong was in play because of the volume and a lower friction lane surface.
Next month we have a 42' pattern with only 17 mls. I wish I had something like a Twist or Messenger for it
I completely understand that and do not confuse the two. Longer patterns are typically lower volume and vice versa. That is why on patterns like Cheetah you can still use mid to high performance balls based on your ball speed. Plus, bowlers with faster ball speeds can get away with using resin on some shorter patterns. EX: Eugene McCune setting the record for highest pin fall on the Cheetah pattern back in 2010. He averaged 274 for 9 games which is ridiculous. I also am pretty sure I remember Mika using a Stinger Low Flare on TV on that same pattern. But now since urethane has made a comeback; it has become the popular choice by the pros on that pattern as well as other shorter patterns.
What some bowlers may not understand, is that when urethane was the dominate surface on bowling balls 30 years ago; oil patterns were in that 30-32 foot range and even shorter at times if you bowled a tournament. As resin came on to the scene; the patterns had to be lengthened to make them usable.
I will never forget the first time I saw resin on TV. Pete McCordic rolled a shot and the ball went sideways the last 15 feet before striking. My first thought was, "What the hell was that?!" That ball was the famous Excalibur.
