No oil during open bowling ... only during leagues?

[GoKidd]

Has this become common practice?

I was just told today that my local AMF/Bowlmor house will only oil the lanes for league play and after closing on two nights per week.
Are you kidding me?
How are we supposed to practice if the lanes are never oiled?

Is AMF/Bowlmor no longer interested in retaining leagues, just concentrating on kids and other walk-ins using house balls?
Wow.

[vdubtx]

For AMF/Bowlless yes that has become common practice. They don't care about league bowlers any longer. All they care about is glow bowlers.

[GoodGravy]

One of the houses I play at only oil their lanes every 3 days....they are pretty good about oil if you call a head and give them a pattern you would like to use. But yes, for an average drop in open bowling practice, it is not the best conditions...

[MICHAEL]

our AMF, said they put some money in the oil machine, and will have excellent oil, and layout!! And judging by all the 300 we have had, 5 on one night, I would say that's the case!! Our Amf, knows they will lose some nice size leagues should the oil not be PERFECT!! They lost a bunch years ago because of bad oil application!! Here in Kansas City Mo. we take are bowling on leagues serious, and expect the lanes to be up to par!! When I say serious, we have a lot of fun too!!! LOL NO EXCUSE for NOT having FRESH OIL at the beginning of EACH and EVERY LEAGUE.... and our AMF Does exactly that!

I think most lanes don't worry about oil for general public, when they bowl! (MONEY thing, and most don't know the difference, and throw lane balls) (:)

[mike_thomas93]

In my city, we don't always have a truckload of oil, I guess a decent amount, but that is just inscrutable ://

[bowl1820]

AMF houses have always been the most hated houses (bad lanes, bad oil, bad service etc.) and since Bowlmor took over the comments on other forums have been even worse.

[striker12]

if you think thats bad about your alley only oils the lanes for league try here in kingston the one bowling alley only oils the lanes on mondays and fridays that's it they never oil the lanes on tues,wed,thurs, sat, sun and i use to bowl the jrs there on sun and they where always bone dry.


but i cna sya this best time to go and practice is 1hr 30min before a league starts because normaly the bowling alley's put oil down at around that time.

[bowl1820]

A interesting tidbit:

The bowling alley's are not required oil the lanes at all!

USBC rules only say what the minimum's are if they do oil them.

[MICHAEL]

AMF houses have always been the most hated houses (bad lanes, bad oil, bad service etc.) and since Bowlmor took over the comments on other forums have been even worse.

MAYBE at most houses, but I can give you Two here in Kansas City, that are excellent at putting down good oil! 5 stars! Both always have fresh oil for each and every league, even the non sanscitoned senior leagues! That would be our NKC 48 lane AMF, and our AMF on Vivion! At both AMF's at league meetings, they said that even with the changes, they promise to keep the lanes up to the high standards we on league expect! So I guess bowl1820, it an individual thing of bad management, at a given AMF. Hey this 64 year old had a 300 a few months ago at a AMF, with what I would call PERFECT OIL!!! LOL There were other great scores that day too!!

[Aslan]

The place I bowl at has leagues Sun-Fri and I always get there to practice before the leagues start...and they have half the lanes shut down for oiling. So I don't think it's an issue. But after hearing this....I'm gonna send an email to ask. How do they expect to grow the game if people can't practice on at least "house" conditions? Here I'm worried that even if I can bring my average up in house leagues I'll never be able to bowl on sport patterns...yet if they don't oil the lanes for even a THS...then WTH?

But wouldn't you know? I mean, if they aren't oiling, wouldn't your bowl hook mid-lane? My ball refuses to hook at all...maybe my lanes are oiling the whole 60 feet??? : )

[GoKidd]

But after hearing this....I'm gonna send an email to ask. How do they expect to grow the game if people can't practice on at least "house" conditions? Here I'm worried that even if I can bring my average up in house leagues I'll never be able to bowl on sport patterns...yet if they don't oil the lanes for even a THS...then WTH?


I also emailed AMF from their web site with the same question. We'll see if we get help ... or just the dry, corporate line.

[e-tank]

wow thats pretty bad. I can barely keep the ball on the lane when cosmic bowling after friday leagues. My house oils before leagues and before closing. I couldnt imagine trying to bowl on lanes that havent been oiled for days

[dnhoffman]

I expect random conditions when open bowling, and deal with it as I read the lane.

That being said, if the oil isn't fresh for league I throw a FIT with the alley.

We had one house over the summer that consistently screwed up the oil every week, I took about three teams with me when I left, and let them know why we were leaving.

[GoKidd]

Thanks for the heads-up, gang.
If I cannot find a better house in the area, I guess I'll be done with bowling.
Bummer. After three full seasons, I'd just started to figure out the game.

[vdubtx]

I wouldn't give up GoKidd, summer can be a slow time for bowling centers in many areas as a lot of people just don't bowl leagues over the summer(myself included this year). Wait for Fall leagues to start ramping up this week and see how the houses are for oil then.

[MICHAEL]

Don't make A HUGE MISTAKE and QUIT!!! You will regret it the REST OF YOUR LIFE!! Don't let a little lack of, or improper application of oil take you away from bowling!! The oil is something that can be worked out!!
One thing I would demand,,, beginning of all league play, FRESH OIL! I don't know any alleys that keep it oiled for recreational bowlers! So I wouldn't get upset with that! You might bring a can of 30 weight ball oil, and lube your ball when the lanes are dry!

[Hampe]

One of the centers here has designated practice days (Sunday and Monday) where they will prepare a lane for you if you let them know you're coming before hand. The other center pretty much always has a few lanes oiled up for league members to go practice. Friday and Saturday in both centers is a crapshoot, and usually the lanes are bone dry. I don't even bother going friday or saturday unless it's just for fun with some friends. Bowling isn't as much fun when your ball starts hooking at the arrows....

[MICHAEL]

One of the centers here has designated practice days (Sunday and Monday) where they will prepare a lane for you if you let them know you're coming before hand. The other center pretty much always has a few lanes oiled up for league members to go practice. Friday and Saturday in both centers is a crapshoot, and usually the lanes are bone dry. I don't even bother going friday or saturday unless it's just for fun with some friends. Bowling isn't as much fun when your ball starts hooking at the arrows....

Fun is what you make it!! I grew up not having much, so it doesn't take much for me to have a GREAT TIME! I find a way! Next time your on dry lanes, try different releases,,, or a plastic ball.....

I can throw my high end ball at the 10 pin, with my palm up, and get it 90 percent of the time,,,, it roles straight and does not hook off to the left. I rarely use the plastic now, because of this release change on that pin! Works like a champ.

Look at drier lanes as a challenge, and play around with different hand and wrist releases! Its all fun... just a matter of adjusting, and finding the right combination

[Stormed1]

We'ree locky . Around here 99% of the centers oil twice a day. First thing in the morning and just before league.

[Hampe]

Fun is what you make it!! I grew up not having much, so it doesn't take much for me to have a GREAT TIME! I find a way! Next time your on dry lanes, try different releases,,, or a plastic ball.....

I can throw my high end ball at the 10 pin, with my palm up, and get it 90 percent of the time,,,, it roles straight and does not hook off to the left. I rarely use the plastic now, because of this release change on that pin! Works like a champ.

Look at drier lanes as a challenge, and play around with different hand and wrist releases! Its all fun... just a matter of adjusting, and finding the right combinationLol....don't get me wrong, Iceman! I don't mean to say it's not ANY fun at all. Just not the same. I always have a good time bowling on dry lanes with my buddies.....hell it even makes it a bit more fair if I can't use my high end equipment playing the lines I'm used to. I just can't show off as much as I'd like to :D

[GoKidd]

Yeah ... fun is one thing. Learning is another.
I'm trying to learn how to bowl in league conditions.
The manager at AMF even kept a straight face when he told me ... "I like to bowl in different conditions."
Uh ... yeahhhh ... but if the lanes are always dry, that doesn't sound like variety.
This just sucks.

[Hammer]

I bowled at our AMF one day with my urethane Blue Hammer for some practice with my wife. The surface on my ball is 4000 Abralon. It was sooo dry that I was standing with the arch of my left foot(I am left handed) on board 26 with my break point between board 5 and 10 and making it back to the pocket for some strikes. Don't forget to remember what ball I was using, a urethane ball with 4000 Abralon
surface. My target is different on league night becaues I see them put down oil right before our league starts so I don't have to throw a
boomerang shot to hit the pocket. :cool:

[e-tank]

Thats pretty crazy hammer! Reminds me of some of the dry lanes of cosmic bowling using my taboo spare going coast to coast haha

[Aslan]

We'ree locky . Around here 99% of the centers oil twice a day. First thing in the morning and just before league.

I asked the lady who runs leagues how often the place oils where I'm planning on joining. She said every morning they clean and oil and just before leagues at 4 or 5 in the evening.

So thats not bad. I'm not sure how dilligent they are about it on Saturdays...and I know for a fact they don't apply oil over "all" the lanes in the evening...only the ones they're preparing for league play...but still better than I guess what some are seeing.

[MICHAEL]

Yeah ... fun is one thing. Learning is another.
I'm trying to learn how to bowl in league conditions.
The manager at AMF even kept a straight face when he told me ... "I like to bowl in different conditions."
Uh ... yeahhhh ... but if the lanes are always dry, that doesn't sound like variety.
This just sucks.

Different sports patterns, ok,,, but un kept lanes benefits no one!!! What a dork reply to your question! I would find another place to bowl1

[GoKidd]

... Well, oil fans, the embargo has been lifted (allegedly).

The manager of this AMF/Bowlmor house has heard from several of us in the leagues and has agreed to go back to the regular oiling schedule, despite corporate guidance.
We have to hope for the best.
If not, I found a cute Mom-and-Pop house not that far away that does care about the sport. Their lanes are great, though the scoring system, settee area and kitchen are kinda ... rustic/retro.
Still, I was totally ready to jump ship and still will if this corporate attitude at AMF surfaces again.
I guess I get to bowl a bit longer!

But, being cautious, I don't think I'll invest in any more equipment until I see where this is headed.
Oh, the cost of bowling ... nah, that's a different thread.

Thanks for all the input, gang.
I appreciate it.

[e-tank]

heres and interview with the ceo of bowlmor amf


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=4ekEgTqQkMQ

what a joke

[Aslan]

"I don't think anyone takes bowling seriously"....I officially despise him. I give his idea 7 years before it's bankrupt.

[MICHAEL]

"I don't think anyone takes bowling seriously"....I officially despise him. I give his idea 7 years before it's bankrupt.

I agree to a certain extent!

1. If bowling has been going down hill, and a dying sport, which is well documented.

2. If his Yippy, rich, wealth locations brings people to the Game, ( notice I did not say SPORT)

3. If those lanes he purchased were about to close down due to lack of use

Then

What this guy is doing is good in an indirect way for sure! We in the SPORT, may not agree with his thoughts and ideas about bowling, but he is, in his own way bring people back to the GAME. Big difference here being GAME, AND SPORT!

I don't think we should Hate the guy for saving old lanes that were about to shut down! He is catering to a CERTAIN GROUP, as I mentioned earlier! His role model works GREAT in New York, and various other locations where VERY RICH wealthy Yuppies work, stock broker's bankers, ect ect,,,!

Would this role model work in my city here in Kansas city, where they have owner ship in AMF? No, It would not! We take our bowling serious, and would bowl in a circus tent as long as the OIL WAS Laid down properly!

Big difference between THE GAME of bowing, and SPORT LEAGUE! Mr Bowlmor, good for you that you are bring people back, and saving old close to closing lanes back to life!

Just know that there is a Market, Group of us out here, that DO TAKE THE SPORT SERIOUS, and would not even be caught in a High End no oil, 5 buck a beer bowling alley, eating truffles!

[MICHAEL]

Its was made very clear to us that all leagues will have fresh oil applied just minutes before we bowl! They will also stay on the wicks, and keep the oil machine well maintained!! I would say that is the case,, we have had some GREAT GAMES, and many 300, and some 800's this last few months... So no need to PANIC! LOL Maybe Bowlmor will be good for the (GAME), and (SPORT)!
I am speaking for the metro Kansas City Mo. AMF lanes!! (:) Iceman!

[Aslan]

I agree to a certain extent!

1. If bowling has been going down hill, and a dying sport, which is well documented.

2. If his Yippy, rich, wealth locations brings people to the Game, ( notice I did not say SPORT)

3. If those lanes he purchased were about to close down due to lack of use



I don't see this guy "saving bowling" by buying old lanes and making them into his non-sense sports bar extravaganzas.

Example: Temecula Lanes
I like it because it's near the casino so I can stop there on the way back. The problem is, when they "re-did it" and "re-opened"....there are now 20 lanes...and some giant area for private parties with lanes and pool tables and a lounge. As lanes like "Bowlmor" even hint at turning a profit...more actual bowling alleys are going to "change". You'll see less focus on leagues, and lane oil, and the sport...and more focus on "birthday parties" and "corporate parties". And as they push league players out...the sport dies. And what they don't "see" right now...is that once you lose that core...you're done. You can't survive on birthday parties, corporate functions, and cosmic bowling. Those are great little "income extras"...but you need the sport and the league players as your core.

Bowlmor is a sports bar with a couple lanes in it. If lanes across the country start cutting back lanes and following that model...it's about 7-9 years before bowling essentially disappears in most areas outside of the midwest, Vegas, the East Coast, and Florida.

Even my current lanes. I used to bowl at a local lanes...they closed last month...the owners sold it to a company that wants to put in some whole foods grocery store. The place I bowl now...a more modern place...but there I times I walk in there and I feel "unwanted"...as if I'm "in the way" of their corporate parties. There are curtains and areas roped off...and I go to rent a lane and hear, "Well...I can give you lane 3...but you'll have to be done by 6:30 because I need it for the league and I'm short lanes due to the parties." How long before league players are turned away because they are "in the way" of the birthday parties and barmitsphas?? And no....I have no idea how to spell "Barmitzpha".

[Bunny]

I heard from Barry they really wanted the Yorba Linda guy out so when he was ONE DAY late with his lease payment he got the boot. Apparently, there is a Sprouts and a Staters right in the same area. Stoopid.

We are lucky in So Cal to have lots of centers in a fairly small radius. There are still many centers that are not Bowless or UnLucky Strike.

Carter is AMF and was looking pretty shabby but right after the merger with Bowless they put in new carpet and replaced the pins. Next up is new seating. They have a good variety of leagues; Vegas, Scratch, El Cheapo ($9), and No-Tap ($11). They oil their lanes and have pretty good discounts for league bowlers including, two free games a week, free practice Wednesday afternoons, and $2 games whenever you like. That's a pretty darn good deal.

And no attitudes at Carter. Management is very open to fixing any issues and listening to suggestions.

:)

[MICHAEL]

I heard from Barry they really wanted the Yorba Linda guy out so when he was ONE DAY late with his lease payment he got the boot. Apparently, there is a Sprouts and a Staters right in the same area. Stoopid.

We are lucky in So Cal to have lots of centers in a fairly small radius. There are still many centers that are not Bowless or UnLucky Strike.

Carter is AMF and was looking pretty shabby but right after the merger with Bowless they put in new carpet and replaced the pins. Next up is new seating. They have a good variety of leagues; Vegas, Scratch, El Cheapo ($9), and No-Tap ($11). They oil their lanes and have pretty good discounts for league bowlers including, two free games a week, free practice Wednesday afternoons, and $2 games whenever you like. That's a pretty darn good deal.

And no attitudes at Carter. Management is very open to fixing any issues and listening to suggestions.

:)

Gloom, and Doom, I think not!!! Saving an Old Bowling house with much history from closing it's door, is a GOOD THING Aisa, lol,,,~~~

We have 4 AMF's partly owned my the Bowlmor company. They have PROMISED, and are KEEPING their promise to keep the Good oil up and down on league night!
So Far so good!! The only negative thing I have seen so far is that they have raised the prices on beer, and food! As management said at my AMF, they haven't' raised the price on beeir in over 4 years, even when their prices to buy it were going up.

I can't speak for your area,, Asia,LOL,,, but all I can say here in good old Kansas Ctiy MO,,,,,,,,

things are well on the bowling front!

Maybe you have nothing to FEAR but Fear itself... LOL....... See what happens!!

Profit is not a bad thing!! It's what keeps businesses going! Change can be difficult, but I have room in my Ice Cold Heart for both GAME style bowling, and LEAGUE!!!

Think of this, a gamer bowler, might,,, find game bowling fun, and then decide to go more serious into league!!!!

Look at what happened to Drive In Moive theaters,,, they have all but died out!! I DON"T want that to happen to bowling....

[Aslan]

I heard from Barry they really wanted the Yorba Linda guy out so when he was ONE DAY late with his lease payment he got the boot. Apparently, there is a Sprouts and a Staters right in the same area. Stoopid.

We are lucky in So Cal to have lots of centers in a fairly small radius. There are still many centers that are not Bowless or UnLucky Strike.

Carter is AMF and was looking pretty shabby but right after the merger with Bowless they put in new carpet and replaced the pins. Next up is new seating. They have a good variety of leagues; Vegas, Scratch, El Cheapo ($9), and No-Tap ($11). They oil their lanes and have pretty good discounts for league bowlers including, two free games a week, free practice Wednesday afternoons, and $2 games whenever you like. That's a pretty darn good deal.

And no attitudes at Carter. Management is very open to fixing any issues and listening to suggestions.

:)

I'm not responding to Iceman because he keeps calling me "Aisa". I think he has me confused witha prostitute he visited in Nam. It's always the mind that goes first. ; )

That is SO sad about Yorba Linda Bowl. I was there playing during one of the last league nights and the old owner was thanking the league for all their support and actually started crying a little...just sad.

Carter sounds kinda cool. I doubt I get any freebie stuff with my league membership at Concourse. I could really use that $2 game/free practice on Wednesdays thing. I've been dropping $38-$64 a week practicing. : O

[MICHAEL]

[QUOTE=Aslan;90817]I'm not responding to Iceman because he keeps calling me "Aisa". I think he has me confused witha prostitute he visited in Nam. It's always the mind that goes first. ; )

NOT a NICE thing to say to ICEMAN!! I have never in my life,,, !!! Its a good thing I am not Superman, lion,, I would run to the phone booth and with the speed of a bullet,,,,,, LOOK in the sky,,, it's a bird, its a Plane no its ... SuperICEMAN, defending his good name!

I take back what I said about you being like a grandson! No grandson would say that to Me,,,,,, ICEMAN.... Man of Honor!!

[Aslan]

I bet Superman leaves a lot of 7/10 splits. Just too much power up the middle...doesn't give the ball time to hook.

[Bunny]

I'm not responding to Iceman because he keeps calling me "Aisa". I think he has me confused witha prostitute he visited in Nam. It's always the mind that goes first. ; )

I was wondering about that.


That is SO sad about Yorba Linda Bowl. I was there playing during one of the last league nights and the old owner was thanking the league for all their support and actually started crying a little...just sad.

:(


Carter sounds kinda cool. I doubt I get any freebie stuff with my league membership at Concourse. I could really use that $2 game/free practice on Wednesdays thing. I've been dropping $38-$64 a week practicing. : O

From reading your posts about old school alleys I think you would like Carter. El Cheapo starts this week Thursday at 6pm. $9 a week for 9 weeks. We're looking for a 4th for our team The Bowl Dogs. It's a super fun league with all levels of bowlers. Come by and check it out. (First meeting come 30 mins early.)

[Aslan]

From reading your posts about old school alleys I think you would like Carter. El Cheapo starts this week Thursday at 6pm. $9 a week for 9 weeks. We're looking for a 4th for our team The Bowl Dogs. It's a super fun league with all levels of bowlers. Come by and check it out. (First meeting come 30 mins early.)

Seriously?? Because I'm IN...if you need a 4th!! And can put up with a guy that ain't exactly rolling 190 average (yet). Carter is on Lemon near "In Cahoots" right? I've frequented In Cahoots QUITE a bit.

I'll message ya with my number!! :D

[Bunny]

Seriously?? Because I'm IN...if you need a 4th!! And can put up with a guy that ain't exactly rolling 190 average (yet). Carter is on Lemon near "In Cahoots" right? I've frequented In Cahoots QUITE a bit.

It's a fun leauge and we are easily impressed!! There are some really good bowlers as well.

Don't know about In Cahoots but it's on Lemon at the 91.

:)

[Zaxmazr]

This isn't common practice where I live. Every lane I go to has some oil on it.
Especially where I play my leagues. Place totally banks on us every week, so they keep it fresh!

[Mudpuppy]

Do people still open bowl? :)

[Zaxmazr]

Do people still open bowl? :)

I still do all the time with my non-league buddies!

[Mudpuppy]

I still do all the time with my non-league buddies!

Only way I would even consider it is if it is pot bowling - throw some money on it and make it interesting. Otherwise I am just not interested and I really don't bowl well in open bowling.

[Zaxmazr]

Only way I would even consider it is if it is pot bowling - throw some money on it and make it interesting. Otherwise I am just not interested and I really don't bowl well in open bowling.

Went open bowling today with 6 of my close buddies. Bowled 2-handed the whole time. So much fun