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Author Topic: US Open pattern, need help  (Read 1399 times)

skbowl800

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US Open pattern, need help
« on: April 12, 2007, 04:50:12 PM »
I am bowling in a tournament in a few weeks and they are throwing out the US Open pattern, on wood lanes.  My question is, of the current balls in my arsenal, what 3-4 should I take with me to give me the best shot at winning?  Also, what surface should I put on each of them?  
TNV (oob finish)
Roto Grip Epic Saga (1500 & polish)
Roto Grip Horizon Pearl (oob ?)
Storm Fired up (?)
Roto Grip Neptune (oob)
Circle Athletics Hardcore XXX (Sanded @ 4000 abralon)
Dynothane 357 Magnum (?)

*** Also*** I would love it if anyone from this site were to make the trip out to Longview Washington for this tournament, I know there isn't many of you on this site from the PNW but any and all are welcome.  2 day tourney april 28-29th I think.  
I can post drill patterns if needed but basically they all have pins over ring finger.  I know on TV Pete Weber was playing really deep inside on this pattern and I can play that line but will I need to?  Any info you guys can give me would be much appreciated.

Edited on 4/13/2007 1:16 AM

Edited on 4/19/2007 1:25 AM

 

Joe Jr

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Re: US Open pattern, need help
« Reply #1 on: April 13, 2007, 01:04:24 AM »
Yea your gonna be inside, on that pattern 10 out is basicly OB, so inside and direct is only way to play them. Out of the balls you have listed, i'd take the Hardcore, Saga, Horizon and TNV and consider putting some surface on at least 1 of the pearls.
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skbowl800

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Re: US Open pattern, need help
« Reply #2 on: April 13, 2007, 01:14:17 AM »
Which of those balls do you think I should put the surface on, I would think the Saga or the TNV but I could be wrong.  The Hardcore is a Solid and I have it at 4000 should I go lower?  I am a power tweener with about 380 revs but only throw it about 16 mph.

Splitz

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Re: US Open pattern, need help
« Reply #3 on: April 13, 2007, 06:35:00 AM »
Depends on the surface and how much pressure they dial up on the pump when they oil.  I've played it mostly right up the center, little swing over third arrow with a nice firm speed, but I've seen people play second arrow, first arrow, fourth arrow and even I who am not a big handed bowler, have been deeper than 4th on beat up wood lanes with guardian heads and light oil.  To guess what it will be isn't practical.  All you need to know is that on the flat pattern, if the lanes are in good condition, it plays the same everywhere.  You get "X" boards of hook no matter where you throw it and it's up to you to find an angle that gives you the best carry.  If the lanes are worn, then the track will change the characteristics of the flat shot, giving you an area that will hook a little more than others on the lane, some extra recovery, that you may be able to use to your advantage, maybe.

I get in trouble when I slow down and try to force the ball to do things that the lane doesn't want to give you.  I also get in trouble when I go to a ball that is more dynamic, as in drilled for long strong or one with a really rough agressive cover.  

Take something along that isn't too strong as you may find it is the easiest to control.  On the Open pattern, don't worry about strikes.  They are nice when they come, but spares are gold!  If you stay out of trouble and keep clean you will be tough to beat.  If you try to make up for opens with strings of strikes it will be a really long and painful experience.  Good luck!  I think this is the most fun pattern out there!

djones

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Re: US Open pattern, need help
« Reply #4 on: April 13, 2007, 02:58:59 PM »
You may wish to go and view the Schlemmer Report from the U.S. Open, posted 3/6/07 in the Storm website. There were 3 bowlers using Storm on TV that week and the report is very detailed on what worked that week. Basically, strong polished pearls with label drillings (Agents, Dominations, Shifts).

My experience on this pattern is exactly what the others have mentioned, start around 3rd arrow with little angle and clean release. Get it too wide it sails. If you hit it too hard, reaction will be inconsistent. Expect to move deeper continually. Scores should increase as the day goes on. However, you will be as the mercy of the others that are bowling. If most approach this pattern as they should, transitions will be as expected, if not, good luck.

As Splitz mentioned, the wood surface may change things as it is a much higher friction surface. What may happen is the heads will dry out faster than on synthetics causing you to use as weaker ball sooner.

I guess the main thing concerning this subject is that experience is the best teacher on tough patterns. Good luck.

skbowl800

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Re: US Open pattern, need help
« Reply #5 on: April 14, 2007, 03:10:26 AM »
Thanks for the info guys, I really appreciate it.  I am trying to talk the guys who own the alley into oiling me a pair of lanes with that pattern so I can practice on it to get a better idea of what I need to do to be successful.  Thanks again, feel free to give me more ideas too.

troublin

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Re: US Open pattern, need help
« Reply #6 on: April 17, 2007, 02:21:41 AM »
Skbowl800
What I've heard and seen everyone is correct you do need surface on the ball and an inside line. Remember Saturday are brand new pins and Sunday are the gold pins.
Should be fun! I'll be there to try my luck. For $50 entry might as well give it a shot plus I enjoy triangle bowl
            Goodluck to you and just have fun

novawagonmaster

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Re: US Open pattern, need help
« Reply #7 on: April 17, 2007, 08:40:51 AM »
I loved that pattern.
It's very flat so it really places the focus on premium shot making.
I had the most success playing a small swing across 14 at the arrows to a breakpoint of 11. Previous posters who mention OOB outside 10 are correct. I tried playing straight up the outside boards (first 5, then 10) with little success. Seemed too jumpy out there. Keep it in tight and don't give away the pocket. I would recommend scuffing that TNV. I did this with mine and it is a different ball...much more predictable. We were playing a fresh shot on synthetics, so your experience may be different. We also only bowled 3 games in a doubles format. Not much traffic. Your lanes may break down sooner and more severely. I would expect to end up fairly deep inside as the lanes transition.
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skbowl800

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Re: US Open pattern, need help
« Reply #8 on: April 19, 2007, 01:24:39 AM »
-the watcher-
I was just asking for help deciding which balls to take with me since I had never bowled on this pattern before.  The guys down at Triangle bowl are going to oil a pair of lanes with this shot tomorrow and I am going to run down a roll a few to get a better idea of what to expect.

JessN16

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Re: US Open pattern, need help
« Reply #9 on: April 19, 2007, 06:47:56 PM »
I'd bring at least one ball at 800, maybe even 600 or below, just in case the volume is heavier than you're expecting.

I've got a fair bit of hand and the last time I bowled on that pattern, the only shot at the start was third arrow, with no swing at all, using something with a ton of surface on it. I brought a truckload of balls and ended up throwing an old Storm La Nina, sanded. It wasn't until the middle games that I was able to even back up to a Dark Thunder at 800 matte.

But my experience was on ProAnvilane. If you're on wood -- and if the volume is lower -- you'll be making changes well before I did.

Jess

skbowl800

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Re: US Open pattern, need help
« Reply #10 on: April 20, 2007, 06:23:16 AM »
Well, I went down and was able to roll a few practice games on this shot.  It is a pretty demanding shot, I needed to move about every 5-6 shots or so.  It was definately a lighter volume of oil.  I bowled a total of 7 games and by the second games I was standing on the 45 board and crossing 29-31 at the arrows out to about the 12-14 (approx) at the break point.  By the 4th game I was lofting it over the gutter and the best reaction I was getting was when I was between 34-36 at the arrows.  I don't see myself needing anything with surface on it as I was having trouble with everything reading the lane way to early.  I am going to go down and practice on it some more next week and I will be bringing the Neptune, 357 Magnum and Fired up to see how they match up.  Thanks again for all the help.