Analysis of Lane Technology and Its Impact on Bowling

Technological changes that affect a bowler's scoring potential include bowling balls and lane surfaces, chemicals, and equipment. This Usability Research Project will focus on lane surfaces and chemicals. Fort Wayne bowling centers were surveyed to determine type of lanes and strategies for applying lane chemicals. The purpose of the research and the survey was to assess the optimal lane conditions for consistent and high scoring by bowlers. The results of the research and survey, with findings and conclusions, will be disseminated to bowling center proprietors, interested in comparing their strategies with other bowling centers and improving their ability to attract and retain bowling leagues and tournament bowlers. This report would also be useful to the league/tournament bowler interested in a comparison of lane conditions by bowling center and in identifying the bowling centers most suitable for his/her bowling style.

According to the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame, bowling dates back to 3200 B.C., originating in Egypt. "More than 95 million people enjoy bowling, in 90 countries spanning 6 continents. Bowling is one of the largest participatory sports in the world." (History of Bowling) Bowling was a demonstration sport at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, Korea. In July of that year, this researcher participated in the California State games and won the silver medal in her average category. This researcher has been an avid bowler for more than twenty years. That personal interest led to the selection of this research project.

Bowling centers are standardized as it relates to the lane dimensions. Length of the lane is 60 feet. The width of the lane is 42 inches, with 39 boards. ("Ten-Pin Bowling," 2004) The approach contains a set of dots 12 feet from the foul line and another set of dots 15 feet from the foul line. These dots aid the bowler in the placement of his feet prior to moving toward the foul line and rolling the ball down the lane. The arrows are 15 feet from the foul lane and are used as the target when the ball is put into play. A basic understanding of lane dimensions aids the bowler in consistently making strikes (10 pins down with one ball thrown in a frame) and spares (10 pins down with two balls thrown in a frame)

American Bowling Congress (ABC)/Women’s International Bowling Congress (WIBC) monitors and approves the bowling lanes for all ABC/WIBC sanctioned competition. Their local affiliate, providing lane oversight for Fort Wayne Bowling Centers is Fort Wayne Bowling Association (FWBA). FWBA representative inspects the lanes annually and within 30 days before or after a bowler in a ABC/WIBC sanctioned competition makes an honor score. An honor score is 298, 299, or 300 game; 11 strikes in a row; or 800 – 900 series (total for 3 games).

In the 1960's all bowling centers had wood lanes with lacquer finish. Prior to that centers used a shellac finish. (Bowling History, 2002) Wood lanes are made of maple in the front part of the lanes ("the heads") and pine in the back part of the lanes. The color of the boards will vary, as opposed to synthetic lanes, where the color of the boards is more uniform. Darker wood play differently. A darker pine indicates a denser grain, which may help the ball turn toward the pocket (i.e. strike zone). Wood lanes must be resurfaced and screened to smooth them out. (Adler, 2003) The ball reaction is more consistent on smoother wood lanes. Bowling centers maintaining wood lanes are more likely to install recycled lanes, from a closed bowling center. There is the likelihood that you will be bowling on different surfaces from different bowling centers.

Dr. P. B. (Pete) Kelly, of the Laminated and Insulation Business Department of General Electric, is known for developing the idea of using a laminate for a bowling surface. A prototype was developed and tested at Red Carpet Lanes-South in Milwaukee. “The first synthetics delaminated because they involved a thin laminate glued over an existing lane.” Because of problems, synthetic lanes were slow to be adopted and installed by bowling centers.

Several major events resulted in the increase in popularity of synthetic lanes. At the 1989 ABC Tournament in Wichita, Kansas, numerous scoring records were broken. The tournament was held on synthetic lanes. Also, AMF followed Brunswick into the synthetic lane market. These two events, along with improvement of the product led to an increase in sales.

Randy Daniel, president of AMF Bowling Products, says, “Synthetic lanes will continue to increase in popularity as they offer more opportunities for standardization of play characteristics and reduced maintenance requirements.” And in the future, Daniel says, the focus will be on “how to integrate lane technology, oil technology and ball technology — all of which have developed dramatically, but quite independent of each other, in the last 10 years — to generate better and better consistency and improvement in the play characteristics of bowling.” (Johnson, 2000)

Synthetic lanes have continued to grow in popularity and new bowling centers select synthetic over wood lanes. Synthetic lanes are touted as having a consistent shot from lane to lane over wood lanes. Wood lanes are more susceptible to the wear and tear of throwing or rolling the ball down the lanes. They are known for having unequal wear across lanes and thereby resulting in different results, even when the same shot is used. However, with the technological advancement in finishes, i.e. Guardian, wood lanes have escaped their imminent demise. The polymer finish extends the life of wood lanes and minimizes the wear, resulting in a more consistent shot across lanes.

"According to Bowling Headquarters (2002), of 6,245 active centers with 126,762 lanes, 40.24% of the sanctioned centers (2,513) have 48.69% (61,726) of the synthetic lanes. The larger (and newer) centers represent a bigger slice of the synthetic lane population. Conversely, 59.75% of the centers (3,732, in all) have 51.30% of the wood lanes, or 65,036. ("Wood vs. Synthetic, 2002) These numbers will reverse as old centers close. New installations are almost exclusively synthetic.

Another condition contributing to scoring is the oil patterns. Machines that are used to oil the lanes can be set for numerous patterns that result in applying oil a predetermined length of the lane and varying units across the width of the lanes.

Oil is placed on lanes to protect them from the force, called friction, which occurs when the ball hits the lane. (Why We Oil Bowling Lanes, 2001) Oil can be applied in varying widths, lengths, and quantities across the lane. This is called the oil pattern. Oil is normally applied from the foul line to approximately 2/3 length of the lane. In most patterns the largest quantity of oil is applied in the middle of the lane, with less or no oil applied to the outside boards (5 - 10 on each side of the lane). Less oil on the outside would allow a bowler who missed the target a few boards to the right an area for the ball to hook back in, rather than slide into the gutter. With a larger margin of error, the bowler has the potential of a higher score.

ABC requires that a minimum of 3 units of oil be applied across the width of the lane. Because more bowlers release their balls inside of the 10 board on either side, more oil is normally applied in the middle. Quantity of bowlers, humidity, and type of oil used may result in oil evaporation, reduction, and/or carry-down. This will result in an advantage for different bowling styles and bowling balls throughout the day and throughout the course of play. The more skillful bowler will be aware of the changes in the lane conditions and adjust accordingly. A skillful bowler will adjust in one or more of four ways: angle, release, speed, and equipment.

Prior to World War II shellac was applied the full length of the lanes. After War World II lacquer was used and applied the full length of the lanes. In the 1960's, a urethane based finish was used on the lanes. Applying oil the full length of the lanes resulted in carry down of the oil on the ball getting into the pinsetting machinery and causing malfunctions. As a result, the final few feet were kept dry (not oiled). This created an opportunity for the ball to have an increase hook and angle entry to the strike zone (i.e. pocket) and increasing potential to carry a strike. (ibid) Different patterns will distribute oil to different lengths, which creates "short oil" or "long oil" condition. The amount of hook will be greater with a "short oil" condition.

When there is more oil in the middle and less oil on the outside, it is called a block condition. This provides for a larger margin of error, where the bowler can miss the target by a couple of boards and still get a strike by aiming just inside, in the oil, allowing the ball to drift into the drier outside boards. When there is more oil on the outside and less oil in the middle it is called a reverse block condition. Here the bowler will want to throw the ball straighter. (Dellolio, 2004)

Lane conditions and oil patterns have been attributed to inflating the average bowler's score. To combat the inflation, Sport Bowling was introduced to provide lane conditions that required higher skill levels to obtain higher scores. "There was 1 300 game per every 1280 games rolled in normal league in the year 2000-2001 season - whereas there were only 1 300 game per every 23,000+ games in test sport leagues that year. Moreover, the averages of most bowlers used to bowling on normal house conditions drops by 15 - 25 pins when they encounter a sport condition." (Bowling History, 2002)

Technology has allowed for the development of lane conditions that enable a less skillful bowler to score higher than would have occurred in the past. ABC/WIBC developed Sport Bowling to allow for more challenging lane conditions in league and tournament play. The purpose is to focus on the skill of the bowler rather than the technological advances. These conditions are more consistent with the conditions on the professional bowling circuit. (What is Sport Bowling? 2003)

Main Factors affecting Lane Patterns:

Lane Surface Hardness; Synthetic (90%+), Wood (45%+) or Overlay (28%+)| Type Conditioner: Low, Medium or High Viscosity| Cleaning: Full Cleaning, Half, 50'+, or Backend only| Oil Pattern: Layout of Conditioner from board to board (Top hat, Xmas tree, Straight, Blend...)| Humidity: The higher the Humidity the more the oil absorbs, moves or evaporates|

"This pattern is the Top Hat. This lane pattern will create either havoc or ease for bowlers. This pattern is best judged by the movement from the 10 board to the gutter and the 11 board to the middle arrow. Usually, the concentration of Oil is between the 2nd arrow on the right and the 2nd arrow on the left. So for the normal down and in-bowler, this shot is great if the speed is kept a bit on the faster side. For those who release slower, the outside will hook entirely early, forcing those type players to move 5+ boards left on the approach and keeping the same target. For those "Crankers" with a slower speed this pattern is great, with plenty of left and plenty of "Tug Room". If you throw the ball fast and swing it, then think about moving right and slowing it down with more projection to the gutter, or move back on the approach letting the ball react sooner on the lane."

"This is the Christmas Tree. This is the promoted "Easiest" Pattern known in this time. Because the Track Line (8-12) has more hold than the tophat, and the outsides can be drier. The middle is usually concentrated pretty well, with little friction. This pattern, is usually the highest scoring pattern out, depending on the backend friction."

"The Flat Pattern. Hardly seen in today's environment. This pattern was used back in the 80's, and is the great shot for playing the extreme outside line (3-5). If you crank it, well throw shiny equipment and throw fast. If you don't, move right and have a blast on the gutter."

Methodology

Methodology used to assess lane technology was divided into three steps. Step 1 was a literature review of types of lanes, oil patterns, and analysis of impact on bowler. Literature review was conducted via Ball State University library resources and Internet searches. Step 2 was determination of type of lane surface, quantity and location of oil placement by bowling centers in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The results were compared to the analysis findings from the literature review. Step 3 was determination of frequency of ABC/WIBC certification of the lanes. This information was gathered via interview of Fort Wayne Bowling Association representative responsible for inspecting and certifying that lanes adhere to ABC/WIBC specifications.

Step 2 involved developing interview questions and a script. The Interview questions are listed below.

    q              Less than 5 times/week
2.         What type of surface are your bowling lanes?
3.         How many feet down the lane do you apply the oil?
4.         How much oil is applied to the lane?

5.               What is the width of oil applied? Does it vary by board?
6.               How often does the State Certification Board check the lanes?
7.               How many leagues do you have?

Hello, my name is Ruby Cain. I am conducting a usability research study on bowling lanes in Fort Wayne as a school project. I have a few questions to ask. Can I ask you about your lanes?

The population targeted for survey was a non-random sample of bowling centers in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Respondents were bowling center owners, managers, current/former lane technicians, and/or other personnel. Survey was conducted via telephone. Surveys required one - five calls to obtain all of the answers to the questions. This was due to the unavailability of some of the respondents due to unavailability of the individual because they were working, bowling, or not in the bowling center. When calling back at the time and day suggested the respondent would often still be unavailable for the same reasons. After several attempts had been made, the person at the bowling center would recognize the researcher and make every effort to accommodate. Responses were obtained from 9 of the 11 bowling centers in Fort Wayne.

Most bowling alleys have synthetic surfaces. The variable would be the lane dressing -how often are the lanes oiled, is there variability in the amount, consistency, width, and length of oil dispersed, as well as frequency? How often does the State Certification Board check the lanes? There is an optimal amount of oil on the lanes that results in optimal scoring. If there is too much oil on the lane, the ball slides, further down the lane and does not roll, negatively impacting pin fall. If there is too little oil (i.e. dry) on the lane, the ball rolls too early and results in missing the target.

Dissatisfaction with lane conditions will result in the bowling alley losing the more serious bowling leagues (who will move their league to a competitor for the next year) - which of course are the major clients of a bowling alley. This would be an analysis of lane conditions for bowling alley owner.

In order to test these assumptions, this researcher has listed the assumption and method of evaluation below.

The more competitive (skillful) bowlers will select the bowling centers with synthetic lanes.

The more competitive (skillful) bowlers will select the bowling centers with the most frequent and consistent application of oil.

This research study will not include analysis of bowling balls, type of bowling chemicals, bowler characteristics, and age of the bowling lanes. The research study will be limited to type of bowling lanes, frequency, quantity and location of the chemicals (dressing) applied to the lane.

Most bowling alleys have synthetic surfaces. The variable would be the lane dressing -how often are the lanes oiled, is there variability in amount, consistency, width, length of oil dispersed, as well as frequency? How often are they checked by the State Certification Board? There is an optimal amount of oil on the lanes that results in optimal scoring. If there is too much oil on the lane, the ball slides, further down the lane and does not roll, negatively impacting pin fall. If there is too little oil (i.e. dry) on the lane, the ball rolls too early and results in missing the target (i.e. "the pocket") for getting a strike. Dissatisfaction with lane conditions will result in the bowling alley losing the more serious bowling leagues (who will move their league to a competitor for the next year)- which of course are the major clients of a bowling alley. This would be an analysis of lane conditions for bowling alley owner.

Results and Analysis

This section includes the results of the bowling center survey and FWBA interview are presented in this section and the analysis of the literature review and survey/interview results.

Fort Wayne Bowling Association (FWBA) respondent stated that for ABC/WIBC sanctioned events, bowling centers must have their lanes inspected annually and within 30 days (prior to or after) an honor score. An honor score is 298, 299, or 300 game; 11 strikes in a row; or 800 – 900 series (total for 3 games). In 2003 Pro Bowl West had the greatest number of honor scores of the Fort Wayne bowling centers. In 2003 Georgetown had the second greatest number of honor scores. These two bowling centers have more competitive leagues than the other centers. These centers are also two of the largest bowling centers in Fort Wayne.

In 2003 Northside Recreation, GE, Elks, and Lakeside centers did not report any honor scores. The respondent indicated that this is due to the small number of lanes and the usage by a smaller sample of the Fort Wayne bowling population, i.e. lodge members.

Bowling Center	# of lanes	Freq. of chemical application	Lane surface	Length of chemical application	Quantity (units) & width of chemical application	# of leagues
ELKS #155 BOWLING LNS	8	Daily or more	Urethane over wood	42 ft	.73 meters volume. 3 outside 35 center - tapers forms a crown	10+
G E CLUB BOWLING	12	Daily?	Water based over wood	?	?	4
GEORGETOWN BOWL (2003: Second highest # of honor scores in Fort Wayne, according to FWBA)	40	Twice daily	Urethane over wood	Sport shot: 35 - 40 ft Regular house shot: 39 ft	Sport shot: 19 units in all the 1 - 10 boards will have 2 - 4 units, inside 20 boards would be up to 10 units Stay above minimum and varies depending on sport or regular or tournament (they tell you) Machine has many different settings	25+
KEY LANES, INC.	24	Daily	Poly- urethane over wood	35 ft	20+ units in the middle; 4.5 - 7 units on the outside. Top Hat pattern	7+
LITTLE TURTLE'S HILLCREST BOWL	40	1 - 2 times per day	Synthetic (manu-factured)	37 ft	1^st 5 (3 units); more in the middle 10.5 units	25
LAKESIDE BOWLING LANES	12	N/S
NORTHSIDE RECREATION (oldest center in Fort Wayne)	24	Every Wed & Fri lanes are stripped & oiled	Urethane over wood (100% solid)	30 ft	Wick reservoir - Century 300 - 1976 vintage machine 3 units on outside, 19 units on inside	6
PRO BOWL WEST (2003: Highest # of honor scores in Fort Wayne, according to FWBA)	56	Once a day unless for a tournament (per instruct)	Urethane over wood	Varies by pattern: 35 - 40 ft	Varies by pattern Machine allows setting for different patterns	35+
VILLAGE BOWL	26	9 a.m. & 4 or 5 p.m.	Poly- urethane over wood	36 ft	2^nd oiling in the evening: outside is 5 units; inside 20; don't oil outside 10 in the evening	23 during the week
WAYNE RECREATION CENTER	32	N/S
WESTWOOD LANES	32	Daily, 2 hrs prior to league starting	Urethane over Wood	40 ft	6 units on outside, up to 20 - 60 units on the inside (more oil on the head and amount of oil reduced going toward the pins)	15

Surveying bowling centers was more difficult than anticipated. The individual(s) who could answer some of the more technical questions was usually the least available due to work schedule, league play, and/or not physically in the bowling center at time of inquiry. Calling back at the recommended time would often produce the same result.

The researcher's limited knowledge of the technical components of the oil dispensing machine and the different types of settings available (some of the machines had 25 or more settings) resulted in limited ability to verify responses. In some cases follow-up calls were made to verify/clarify responses. In some cases the respondent has less technical knowledge than the researcher and could not respond to more technical questions used to verify/clarify initial responses. Although some responses are incomplete, there is enough data to complete analysis.

Assumption #1: The majority of the bowling centers in Fort Wayne will be synthetic lanes.

All the respondents, with the exception of Little Turtle's Hillcrest Lanes indicated that the lanes were wood with finish (polyurethane, urethane, water based). This was consistent with the literature review. The bowling centers here are older centers and with the advances in the finishes for wood (i.e. Guardian polymer), many centers have increased the longevity of their wood lanes. These synthetic finishes have resulted in less maintenance and more consistency for bowlers. Therefore, even though the lanes are not synthetic, the finishes are.

Assumption #2: The more competitive (skillful) bowlers will select the bowling centers with synthetic lanes.

The bowling centers with the most leagues are Pro Bowl West, Georgetown, and Little Turtle's Hillcrest. They all have synthetic finishes and/or synthetic lanes. Pro Bowl West and Georgetown have the most honor scores. In the FWBA interview, the respondent indicated a preference for the wood lanes with synthetic finish over the synthetic lanes because since the wood lanes do not hook as hard as synthetic you do not have the over/under reaction.

Assumption #3: The more competitive (skillful) bowlers will select the bowling centers with the most frequent and consistent application of oil.

Frequency of oil application seemed to be related to number of leagues. All of the bowling centers seemed to have a strategy of consistent oil application. Georgetown respondent provided the most detailed account. Georgetown is the only Fort Wayne bowling center offering Sport Bowling. Respondent indicated that the oil pattern varied for Sport Bowling, league bowling, and tournament play. Pro Bowl West and Little Turtle's Hillcrest Bowl also sponsor tournaments, where the oil pattern specifications would be provided.

It is interesting to note that Sport Bowling will result in a lower average than traditional league play. This results in less reliance on lane technology and more reliance on skill and accuracy of the bowler. Therefore high scoring does not always equate to the most desirable lane conditions.

Assumption #3: The optimal amount of oil for optimal scoring can be determined.

The literature review revealed that the Block, Christmas Tree, Top Hat result in an advantage and possibility of higher scores. Westwood Lanes described an oil pattern that may be similar to the Christmas Tree. Key Lanes uses Top Hat pattern. Georgetown varies the oil pattern for traditional league play and Sport Bowling.

Other Observations and Conclusions

It appears that most of the lane technicians are very knowledgeable of the varying oil patterns. The finishes on the lanes indicate an interest in preserving and elongating the life of the lanes and providing optimal lane conditions for the clients. Bowling centers with wood lanes have taken special care to provide synthetic finishes to protect and elongate the life of the lanes.

Results of findings were that optimal scoring is not always desirable. Lane technology has advanced and provided for optimal scoring that forgives mistakes by a board or two. But the phenomenal increase in honor scores since the use of synthetics have many feeling the integrity of the game is at stake. The introduction of Sport Bowling on more challenging lane conditions rewards the more skillful bowler for accuracy. League and tournament bowlers have an option of choosing one or both of these options. This study will be helpful to bowling centers that may choose to offer both options.

It is recommended that bowling centers provide training to lane technicians so that they are aware of the technology available in the machinery, as well as future trends. Understanding the oil patterns and their impact on competitive or challenging play can enhance the current service offerings. The bowling center may want to provide bowling clinics for those interested in improving their scores.

This study will be helpful to bowlers who want to improve their averages. The information on lane finishes and oil patterns is helpful in determining the best adjustments to make for angle, release, speed, and equipment. The study also provides data on type of lanes, with Little Turtle's Hillcrest Lanes being the only bowling center with synthetic, instead of wood lanes. For bowlers who bowl there and at other bowling centers, they will now have a better understanding of why the same style of play and equipment does not provide the same reaction.

Analysis of Lane Technology and Its Impact on Bowling

Introduction

Methodology

Results and Analysis

Other Observations and Conclusions

References