First, sorry about the length and thanks to all who replied.
I was invited down to the lanes last night to throw on several experimental patterns and offer feedback. The pattern being used was oiled to
ft. and buffed to 43 ft. The pattern is typically flat in the heads, maybe a slight taper to the outside. I typically attack the lanes with urethane up the track, resulting in an early roll, arcing to the pocket (specs = medium/high rev rate, high track, ball speed 18 - 18 1/2 mph). This keeps me in or around the pocket, although leaves a few too many corner pins. I'm guessing I have one of the higher averages in the house at 209. We discussed that possibly oiling and buffing that long was putting too much oil down the lane, resulting in poor carry later in the shift.
Anyway, last night we worked on putting more units in the front part of the lane and buffing shorter. I was getting much better backend, and was able to play up the outside with urethane with better carry and, for the first time in a long time, was able to play inside with reactive equipment. I was able to change ball speeds, hand positions, and types of equipment and score from one area of the lane or other. This was an attempt to make sure the lanes would be user friendly for a wide variety of bowling styles. Now we'll see if the shot holds up for 6 games - a typical night with two leagues bowling 3 games each.
I also liked what I read about placing 3 units on the outside (10 board and out) with 20 or so units in the middle. Again, for everyone who feels putting up a wall is detrimental to the game, my friend is trying to compete for business with several other centers in our area, where award scores are a weekly, if not daily occurrence. Example, I believe he has had only 2 - 300 games bowled in his house so far this year. We have another house in the area that averages one/two a week, every week. Where would you bowl?
Again, sorry about the length. I'm still open to any other suggestions anyone may have.
Thanks again.
