BubbaRay
11-10-2007, 08:25 PM
ONE OF THE problems IN bowling is that different surfaces lead to different ball reactions. You might think that bowling is as simple as a lane, a ball, and an approach, right? Not really--at least not nowadays. Lane conditioner can even out some of the bad characteristics, but not all of it.
On Wood lanes, by the third game of league play balls will hook a lot more on wood lanes because this surface often is the most rough in terms of friction between ball and lane. On such a rough surface, you must play deep inside lines, at faster speeds, with more loft and rotation, to keep balls alive. Other options to fight a tough wood lane include switching to higher-RG ball or using more polish--especially when there is less lane oil.
There are many misconceptions about synthetic lanes, with the foremost being that synthetics are more difficult to play. That's not true. Again, more significant a factor in difficult lane play is the lane conditioner used, not the surface of the lane.
Humidity will still make a difference in the characteristics of synthetic lanes, but not at the top of the lane. Humidity and sudden large temperature changes can affect the wood base that the synthetic surface covers. Humidity more often affects the bowler on synthetic approaches. In fact, centers with synthetics should have a good climate control system to provide a customer steady footing.
Synthetic lanes are more durable than wood only if enough lane conditioner is used. Friction from balls will be the same on wood or synthetic lanes, so lack of oil can also lead to "burn marks" on the ball where the track is located. Remember, there is friction between any ball and any lane surface.
GUARDIAN AND OTHER OVERLAYS
Overlays represent technology that is a less expensive alternative to a full synthetic installation. More often, overlays are used by centers that did not maintain lanes properly in the past. The center is essentially overlaying a bad surface. Not many people like how overlaid lanes play. The key to playing an overlay is in energy storage: Find balls, rotations, speeds, and lofts that get your ball through the first 15 feet cleanly, and your ball will have enough energy to strike. Guardian is my worst surface to play on. Strength is important for success on an overlay.
Tips on ow to play the different lane surfaces. Adjust according to your style.
On WOOD lanes, look out for higher/lower/more worn wood boards and make a mental note on the grain of the boards. Speed, loft, type of equipment, and ball surface will depend on the age and condition of the lane.
For SYNTHETICS, consider playing an outside line . Lane play depends on the oil pattern the center uses. You can use equipment with surfaces that are either polished or dull. You can attack synthetics effectively with most types of speeds and ball rolls.
Sometimes you'll see a "wear line" based on the lane lighting/shine. Get down to knee height at the ball return to see if you can identify the well-played area, and try to get just left of it.
For GUARDIAN, roll with loft, at higher speeds, with more polished and/or higher-RG equipment. Make smooth contact with the lane, applying less lift with your fingers, and decrease your revs.
Remember, most times it is the oil pattern, not the surface, that determines your ball reaction. Lane-surface information is supplemental to your standard adjustments based primarily on oil patterns.
On Wood lanes, by the third game of league play balls will hook a lot more on wood lanes because this surface often is the most rough in terms of friction between ball and lane. On such a rough surface, you must play deep inside lines, at faster speeds, with more loft and rotation, to keep balls alive. Other options to fight a tough wood lane include switching to higher-RG ball or using more polish--especially when there is less lane oil.
There are many misconceptions about synthetic lanes, with the foremost being that synthetics are more difficult to play. That's not true. Again, more significant a factor in difficult lane play is the lane conditioner used, not the surface of the lane.
Humidity will still make a difference in the characteristics of synthetic lanes, but not at the top of the lane. Humidity and sudden large temperature changes can affect the wood base that the synthetic surface covers. Humidity more often affects the bowler on synthetic approaches. In fact, centers with synthetics should have a good climate control system to provide a customer steady footing.
Synthetic lanes are more durable than wood only if enough lane conditioner is used. Friction from balls will be the same on wood or synthetic lanes, so lack of oil can also lead to "burn marks" on the ball where the track is located. Remember, there is friction between any ball and any lane surface.
GUARDIAN AND OTHER OVERLAYS
Overlays represent technology that is a less expensive alternative to a full synthetic installation. More often, overlays are used by centers that did not maintain lanes properly in the past. The center is essentially overlaying a bad surface. Not many people like how overlaid lanes play. The key to playing an overlay is in energy storage: Find balls, rotations, speeds, and lofts that get your ball through the first 15 feet cleanly, and your ball will have enough energy to strike. Guardian is my worst surface to play on. Strength is important for success on an overlay.
Tips on ow to play the different lane surfaces. Adjust according to your style.
On WOOD lanes, look out for higher/lower/more worn wood boards and make a mental note on the grain of the boards. Speed, loft, type of equipment, and ball surface will depend on the age and condition of the lane.
For SYNTHETICS, consider playing an outside line . Lane play depends on the oil pattern the center uses. You can use equipment with surfaces that are either polished or dull. You can attack synthetics effectively with most types of speeds and ball rolls.
Sometimes you'll see a "wear line" based on the lane lighting/shine. Get down to knee height at the ball return to see if you can identify the well-played area, and try to get just left of it.
For GUARDIAN, roll with loft, at higher speeds, with more polished and/or higher-RG equipment. Make smooth contact with the lane, applying less lift with your fingers, and decrease your revs.
Remember, most times it is the oil pattern, not the surface, that determines your ball reaction. Lane-surface information is supplemental to your standard adjustments based primarily on oil patterns.