Interesting to hear his point of view about bowling in the mainland today...

Heavier pins, USBC  , ect...

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rEcw5CDVzAQ&feature=player_embedded

I'm with you. Good interview, but have to go back and watch the end.  What Robert states about pins has been a point I have made for many years, it is the single one item that USBC can control that in a short period of time that ALL centers would have to replace that can affect the scoring pace. This is no matter what the balls or lane conditions that are allowed. Now the BIG problem with his theory of making them heavy is whom they affect most and its not equal. IF you did go a pound heavier it would have a greater negative affect on the youth, women and elderly to complete or probably to ever enjoy bowling. In other words the affect would be greater on those rolling lighter bowling balls than those that throw 16 pound equipment. Even the majority that use 15 pound balls would be affected slightly more than those that use 16's. What weight they chose would be the final determining factor there. Now, what I would propose is that they go to flatter bottoms (aka Gold Pins from past PBA) and lower the center of gravity. Thus reducing the off hits carrying and pins being knocked over with the lightest touch from another pin coming across the lane or out of the gutter. The scores would go down but I believe the affect would be more equitable than weight alone. This could be accompanied with a small minimum weight increase, but to a weight that is tested to not be damaging to the lighter balls as much. I am sure the robot in Arlington could be used to test the theory and find something for example 3 or 4 ounces heavier with a flatter bottom, lower CG and maybe eliminate the hollow or reduce this hollow to reduce pins from flying around as easy.

That was actually interesting to listen to.  I'd be all for increasing the weight of a pin, but like Tex said it would affect youth, women and seniors the most... in some areas like mine, seniors make up a large amount of the league bowlers. There are 3 senior leagues in the day during the week, a women's league, and many also bowl at least 1 of the other night leagues

Proprietors that are allowing easier conditions are arguably doing what they need to do for their business.  The amount of people that want things more challenging is unbelieveably small. 

I've been a scratch bowler who's carried a 200 or better average since the mid-1980s starting with a shiny surface LT-48 (soft rubber for those of you who are too young) and 9R series Columbia Yellow Dot. You can propose revisions all you want. But what does hold true is that the talent always rise and emerge; they (like myself) will carry a top average no matter what era.

That said, I agree that making heavier pins is a way of getting some control of scoring conditions. Make them 4 pounds instead of, what, 3 pounds, 6 ounces. And require that houses put out a flatter ratio of oil, say, no more than 6:1. But then you create a catch-22 situation. I would strongly suspect that you will chase more bowlers away than keep them.

Quote from: Good Times Good Times on September 16, 2014, 02:37:19 PM

Quote from: Joe Cool on September 16, 2014, 02:12:34 PM

The amount of people that want things more challenging is unbelieveably small.

While true...........thank God I'm not one of "them".   

I moved to a new area and have found the shot to be more challenging than where I left.  I'm thrilled about that, but I'm realistic enough to know that I am in the minority on that.  Fortuantely the people here seem to be used to this type of shot.

That's a good thing.....it keeps you sharp and honest.  Like I said before, I embrace being in the minority on this topic. 

Keep the work ethic strong Joe and let us know what you're seeing and what you're doing to score as the season progresses.