How aggressively to adapt to house conditions

[Aslan]

So, my current arsenal is set up to play a certain area...roughly the 6-12 board at the arrows.

Ball #1 is supposed to be for fresh conditions: DV8 Grudge Hybrid
Ball #2 is supposed to be for when conditions break down a little: Aura Mystic

Generally, that should be all one needs...UNLESS:

Ball #3 is to be used if experiencing carry down of oil to the breakpoint: Fortera Exile

Ball #4 (Rhino Gold) has a few uses. If I were bowling on burnt lanes or just practicing on weekend conditions...it's kind've just an all-purpose ball. It also is something I can resort to if I exhaust all 3 balls above too quickly...which shouldn't happen on a typical 3-game league night. It also can be used as a "Ball #2" if I start with Ball #2 instead of Ball #1.

Now...surfacing.

The OOB surfaces for these are as follows:
#1: 4000 (matte)
#2: 500 rough buff
#3: 500 (polished)
#4: 500 (polished)

I have tried to get a little more separation between Ball #1 and Ball #2 (due to the ball specifications being too similar for my liking) by trying to surface the Grudge to 2000 and the Mystic to 2000 then Royal Compound.

I've tried to maximize the skid/flip potential of the Exile by surfacing it to 360, then Royal Compound, then resin polish.

The Rhino Gold I've surfaced to 1500, then Royal Compound, then resin polish.

The idea behind the surfacing strategy is as follows:

Ball #1 should be matte. Nothing to severe...but a 2000-3000 surface with no shine to read fresh oil. It's got a hybrid cover and a very strong core with a 2.49 RG...so it shouldn't need much help to turn the corner.

Ball #2 should be similar...but hit it with Royal Compound. The specs are similar to the Grudge...but it's an older ball. The age coupled with the Royal compound should be enough to make this ball a natural ball down option without much need to change my line.

Ball #3 has a very unique role in the arsenal. If there's no carry down, there's no need to use it. It's only job is to go long through beat up lanes (usually mid game 2 and game 3) and snap HARD at a breakpoint that has some oil carried down to it. This carry down can be the result of plastic, urethane, and a minimal amount from resin balls that haven't had their surfaces maintained.

Unlike the other balls in the arsenal...Ball #3 has a VERY SPECIFIC set of balls specs associated with it. It MUST be a pearl cover with an asymmetric core. It MUST have a strong core and a polished surface. The RG and differential can vary a little...but generally the RG is gonna be around 2.50 and the differential > 0.047. The key is that the ball MUST ignore the early parts of the lane (pearl/polished) and MUST snap hard in an area where oil might be present (asymmetric core/strong core). So, I actually surface this ball with a very rough surface (180-800) and then hit it with Royal Compound and then with resin polish. However, this surface MUST be maintained. If that polish wears away...the skid/flip wears away with it.

Ball #4's surface is less important. The ball itself is far weaker than the Mystic (specs), so it really is a matter of just trying to get a surface that allows me to use it as a ball down option should I start with the Mystic. If the Mystic and Rhino Gold are "too far" apart...then when I ball down...I need to adjust right to compensate for the difference in the ball specs. That means I have to readjust left if/when I go to the Exile.

So, what's the current concern? Well, now that I've laid the ground work/back story...I'll need to post that in a separate post.

[Aslan]

So, recently, I've had a LOT of luck with the Exile.

I also have not been able to even use the Grudge.

The Grudge hits too weak if I play the track...and if I try to move inside...it doesn't have the "snap" to come back. So, I usually try it out in practice...then put it back in the bag. If I had more time in practice...'maybe' I could find an interior line to play with it...but I've never had luck getting around 15-board at the arrows with that ball. It just doesn't seem to have the backend reaction. Works great in the track on slicker conditions...but not on drier conditions.

Pinpal Stats (by ball in this league) to illustrate dilemma:

Ball #1 Grudge Hybrid:
Games: 5
Average 186.50
Average (had I made all single-pin spares): 190.40
High Game: 201
First Ball Average: 8.77
Strike %: 38%

Ball #2 Aura Mystic:
Games: 21
Average 180.05
Average (had I made all single-pin spares): 187.33
High Game: 251
First Ball Average: 8.77
Strike %: 46%

Ball #3 Fortera Exile:
Games: 17
Average 191.06
Average (had I made all single-pin spares): 198.24
High Game: 247
First Ball Average: 9.02
Strike %: 51%

Ball #4 Vintage Rhino Gold:
Games: 8
Average 177.50
Average (had I made all single-pin spares): 183.88
High Game: 207
First Ball Average: 8.38
Strike %: 40%

As you can see (above), if I read how the lanes WANT ME TO PLAY THEM...based on the results by ball...the lanes are telling me that a stronger ball with matte surface is going to burn up....there's just not enough oil in the track. The Vintage Rhino Gold probably 'could' work...but it's SO much weaker than the other 3...that when I switch to it I end up having to move around for 4-6 frames just to figure out my new line...and thats 4-6 frames of probably not striking.

The lanes are ALSO telling me...there might be oil at the breakpoint. Whether its carry down or lazy lane cleaning procedures (or both)...the Exile is my best ball. The lanes are dry enough to throw a polished ball up the track...as long as it has that big core turn over hard at the breakpoint. The Rhino Gold...similar surface...polished pearl and all. Of matter of fact, they have THE EXACT SAME coverstock...the Fortify Reactive pearl coverstock. But the Rhino Gold doesn't have near the power in it's core. Similar RG and differential...but less...and symmetric for the Rhino Gold.

So, do I change the surfaces to try and adjust given what the lanes are telling me?

Do I try to add Royal Compound to the Grudge Hybrid to see if I can make it serviceable?

Do I try to surface the Aura Mystic similar to the Exile to see if I can get more of a "skid/flip" reaction out of it?

How aggressively to I increase the surface on the Rhino Gold to get it to react better? Or is that somewhat of a lost cause given it's symmetric core? Should that ball be my "reserve ball" should I need a symmetric, slow, steady option?

[boatman37]

I'm not as up on this as many of you but here is my arsenal but I'm thinking of swapping a ball.

Ball #1: Radical Conspiracy 2000 matte. This ball rarely comes out and I would only use it for very wet lanes

Ball #2: Brunswick Uppercut 3000 matte. This is my benchmark ball and I can usually get through 2 games and sometimes all 3 games with it

Ball #3: Brunswick Igniter 3000 matte. Usually only use this in game 3 but it doesn't feel quite right in my hand and I don't get the rotation on it. I might swap this out with my Squatch (3000 matte). I like the Squatch but it is a little more aggressive than the Igniter. Might try 4000 on it to tame it down a little

Ball #4: Brunswick Rhino. Very tame ball and rarely use it

Also have a Hammer Black Widow Gold that holds the line and turns hard at the end of the pattern. Don't really use this ball much anymore but might try it as a substitute for the Igniter if the Squatch doesn't work

So mainly I use the Uppercut followed by the Igniter. Rarely use any other ball but have them just in case I get extreme conditions

[Ryster]

I have a DV8 Pitbull, which is basically the same as the Grudge. I don't even bother with the Pitbull these days...it is just too much for a house condition. It loses all of its energy in the front 2/3 of the lane and has nothing left when it reaches the pocket. I have used it in OOB finish as well as polished. It did better polished, but was still too much.

I have had the most success on house shots recently just sticking with stronger pearls, or mid-level solids. I have a hybrid Brunswick Method in OOB finish, and even it is a little too much for a house shot.

[Stormed1]

Since you feel the Grudge is "burning up some" why not try 500/3000 or 500/4000 with it to see if you can get some more pop on the backnd

[GrumpyCatFace]

Since I discovered the joys of the Storm Axiom, I haven’t looked back.

[boatman37]

Freshened up mu Uppercut today at 3000 (same as it has been). I haven't been happy with the Igniter. Just doesn't feel right and I get no revs on it. So I grabbed my Squatch off the shelf and hit it with a 1500/5000 using Mo's skip a grit. Gonna go try to get some practice in tonight to see how it looks. I know it is very similar in specs to the Uppercut but see how it does with the 5000. Might try to put some polish on it but I'm not a fan of a polished surface so far. The Igniter is at 2000 right now. I doubt it will help my revs but might try a 3000 or 5000 on it

[RobLV1]

I feel really bad after all of the articles I wrote between 2007 and 2017 talking about setting up ball progressions. Unfortunately, ball progressions no longer work. There have just been too many changes to the game: more aggressive covers, bowlers indiscriminately using urethane when they have no business using it, no USBC oiling regulations. Get the idea of ball progressions out of your head and work on getting comfortable with lateral moves; regardless of how far they take you.

[boatman37]

I feel really bad after all of the articles I wrote between 2007 and 2017 talking about setting up ball progressions. Unfortunately, ball progressions no longer work. There have just been too many changes to the game: more aggressive covers, bowlers indiscriminately using urethane when they have no business using it, no USBC oiling regulations. Get the idea of ball progressions out of your head and work on getting comfortable with lateral moves; regardless of how far they take you.

I'm getting better at that. In fact when I bowled my 725 a couple months ago I used the Uppercut all 3 games but I never had to move. Maybe 1/2 board right all night and that was it. But I like the feel of the Uppercut so much I try to stick with it as long as I can. The only thing that is odd is that a few times I moved back to it after struggling with the Igniter and end up moving further outside and suddenly it works. If I try that line early on it overreacts. Maybe cause my speed has crept up? Not sure but that has kind of confused me but I just go with it if it works. But lately I have been struggling worse than I used to with transition. Maybe cause I have more revs and more movement?

[Benji88]

I feel really bad after all of the articles I wrote between 2007 and 2017 talking about setting up ball progressions. Unfortunately, ball progressions no longer work. There have just been too many changes to the game: more aggressive covers, bowlers indiscriminately using urethane when they have no business using it, no USBC oiling regulations. Get the idea of ball progressions out of your head and work on getting comfortable with lateral moves; regardless of how far they take you.

I wish you would expand more here Rob. Are you saying stay with the same ball, moving to make it work, until you no longer can, then change balls? Sounds like you are advocating more moving, less ball changing

[J Anderson]

I wish you would expand more here Rob. Are you saying stay with the same ball, moving to make it work, until you no longer can, then change balls? Sounds like you are advocating more moving, less ball changing

I believe that is what Rob is saying.

[boatman37]

I believe that is what Rob is saying.

Yeah I have found myself standing way right and throwing over the middle arrow later in the night. Did it tonight at practice. I used to never move past the 10 board but have been working on moving right (I'm a lefty)

[RobLV1]

I wish you would expand more here Rob. Are you saying stay with the same ball, moving to make it work, until you no longer can, then change balls? Sounds like you are advocating more moving, less ball changing

That's exactly what I'm saying. For me personally, as a rev-dominant senior bowler without a lot of ball speed, I normally bring three balls with me to league: a very weak, high RG, entry level ball drilled weak; a high RG ball with an aggressive cover, also drilled weak, and a plastic spare ball. Most days I start with the entry level ball, find a line that works, and move left until I have to go to the ball with the more aggressive cover in order to get it back. For other bowlers with more ball speed, I often see desperate attempts to adjust using ball changes based on misconceived ideas about what to expect from their "progression" that worked last week, but isn't working this week for the simple reason that lanes transition much, much faster than they have in the past based on topography and who else is bowling on the pair.

[boatman37]

One difference I have noticed this year is last year we had 3 lefties on my team and usually at least 1 on the other team. One night we had 6 lefties. This year I'm the only lefty on my team and we might get 1 other on the other team so I don't usually have to adjust as much

[J Anderson]

One difference I have noticed this year is last year we had 3 lefties on my team and usually at least 1 on the other team. One night we had 6 lefties. This year I'm the only lefty on my team and we might get 1 other on the other team so I don't usually have to adjust as much

When I joined my Thursday league as a floating sub about a third of the regular bowlers were left handed. Most teams had at least one lefty, and for every three person team with none there was one with two. Now I’m one of the regulars, and my team has one lefty, one righty who throws a back up ball and who tries for the 1-2 pocket. Counting righties who throw a back up on the left side of the lane about 25% of the league is playing the sinister side. True lefties are down to 15% of the league which is still at the upper range of the estimates for how many people are left handed. Between being a trios league and having allthese people playing the left side I barely know how to adjust for transition anymore.😉

[Aslan]

Ball #1: Radical Conspiracy 2000 matte. This ball rarely comes out and I would only use it for very wet lanes

Ball #2: Brunswick Uppercut 3000 matte. This is my benchmark ball and I can usually get through 2 games and sometimes all 3 games with it

Ball #3: Brunswick Igniter 3000 matte. Usually only use this in game 3 but it doesn't feel quite right in my hand and I don't get the rotation on it. I might swap this out with my Squatch (3000 matte). I like the Squatch but it is a little more aggressive than the Igniter. Might try 4000 on it to tame it down a little

See, in this scenario, the key would be how to use surface to get one of those balls to deal with carry down in the end of Game 2 or in Game 3.

Whether a bowler needs pearls or hybrids or solids...or uses polished stuff versus sanded...I mean, a LOT of that depends on ball speed and rev rate. But, one of the bigger mistakes I see (frustrations is probably a better term) with bowlers is when it gets late into that 2nd game or into that 3rd game...and suddenly they start leaving 10-pins...and they can't figure out why.

They've moved left as the lands transitioned...they've balled down to adjust for the lanes breaking down...some have even balled up and moved way left or balled down and tried to move way right. Everyone has their own 'strategy'. But they get the same result. The ball can't turn if there is oil in that 6-8 board breakpoint area. The ball gets there (however the bowler decides to get it there)...and then the ball barely makes the turn...like tires on a road that has just a "little bit" of gravel on the surface.

And they don't know 'why'. Carrydown shouldn't even be a 'thing' anymore. RobM has done studies...so has the USBC. New ball technologies all but eliminated that old problem. But it IS a thing. Centers don't always clean between oiling. Centers don't always do a good job oiling for leagues. A lot of league bowlers (in good leagues) are throwing plastic at spares. In bad leagues, bowlers are throwing plastic at just about everything! Urethane is back for crying out loud! And it doesn't take much oil in that 6-8 board spot to leave a 10-pin.

Most bowlers don't carry a "skid/flip" ball in their bag...because honestly:

1. If there isn't carry down...you wouldn't use it.
2. Minus carry down...a skid/flip ball is kind've hard to throw/control. They tend to over-react and be 'jumpy'.

So, watch your scores in Game 3. If you're seeing a lot of 10-pins...even though you've made your lateral moves...and you've made your ball changes...then you might be seeing carry down. And nothing in your current arsenal is going to fix it. You can change your line, you speed, your hand, your loft, your footwork, etc... But you still need that 6-8 board spot to make your ball turn. Unless you switch hands and throw left-handed (as if we could all be so lucky!)

[Aslan]

I have a DV8 Pitbull, which is basically the same as the Grudge. I don't even bother with the Pitbull these days...it is just too much for a house condition. It loses all of its energy in the front 2/3 of the lane and has nothing left when it reaches the pocket. I have used it in OOB finish as well as polished. It did better polished, but was still too much.

I have had the most success on house shots recently just sticking with stronger pearls, or mid-level solids. I have a hybrid Brunswick Method in OOB finish, and even it is a little too much for a house shot.

Yeah, it's unfortunate. I was really looking forward to trying the Grudge Hybrid. It was a 'newer' ball compared to a lot of the stuff I throw...so I thought it would give me some more options. But it doesn't allow me to open up the lanes...and it doesn't retain enough energy when the lanes are dry.

I had success with it in a house where they put down a bit more oil...was able to use it most nights as the first ball out of my bag. But, in houses there that oil volume or pattern isn't there...the ball just doesn't match up.


Since you feel the Grudge is "burning up some" why not try 500/3000 or 500/4000 with it to see if you can get some more pop on the backnd
I think I'm gonna do something like that. Maybe bump it back to 4000. I hate to go more drastic than that....otherwise there's little separation between the Grudge Hybrid and the Aura Mystic...but maybe go 500/1000/4000 and see what that does. I'm a month away from an arsenal replacement anyways...so, I'm just playing around at this point.

[Aslan]

I feel really bad after all of the articles I wrote between 2007 and 2017 talking about setting up ball progressions. Unfortunately, ball progressions no longer work. There have just been too many changes to the game: more aggressive covers, bowlers indiscriminately using urethane when they have no business using it, no USBC oiling regulations. Get the idea of ball progressions out of your head and work on getting comfortable with lateral moves; regardless of how far they take you.

This is a topic RobM and I have debated/discussed at length in the past.

In a nutshell, I actually sort of agree AND disagree with Rob's points. Rob did come up with some great articles on this topic. One, in particular, was using RG as a way to set up an arsenal. I believe that article is still very relevant today...even if Rob has lost faith in it. I also agree with him that much of the problems are the result of the issues he mentioned...like ball manufacturers marketing balls indiscriminately, bowlers having virtually zero spec knowledge, the emergence of urethane, the failure of the USBC to deal with oil pattern issues and 2-handed bowling, etc...


That's exactly what I'm saying. For me personally, as a rev-dominant senior bowler without a lot of ball speed, I normally bring three balls with me to league: a very weak, high RG, entry level ball drilled weak; a high RG ball with an aggressive cover, also drilled weak, and a plastic spare ball. Most days I start with the entry level ball, find a line that works, and move left until I have to go to the ball with the more aggressive cover in order to get it back. For other bowlers with more ball speed, I often see desperate attempts to adjust using ball changes based on misconceived ideas about what to expect from their "progression" that worked last week, but isn't working this week for the simple reason that lanes transition much, much faster than they have in the past based on topography and who else is bowling on the pair.

Where RobM and I 'disagree' (in practice more than in theory) is how the average bowler should absorb a bunker full of information...and then use that information to go bowl 3 games on a Tuesday night and have fun doing it.

I prefer to have a 'plan' on how I'm going to attack the lanes. Like, a battle plan. That plan almost always works...but almost always needs constant adjustment. As the bowler, it's my job to execute and to recognize the results as signs of what I need to do next. If I can't make good shots...my plan doesn't matter. If I don't understand why I'm leaving what I'm leaving and what adjustments I need to make...my plan doesn't matter.

Rob has adopted a more complex "plan-LESS" approach where he clears his mind of everything he has ever learned...and walks into practice as if the bowling center was going to behave drastically different on that Tuesday night than it did the previous 120 Tuesday nights...due to a series of random factors...many of which are outside of his control....such as environmental conditions. Void of pre-conceived notions...he spends roughly 7.5 minutes learning everything necessary to determine his appropriate ball choice and line choice.

Now, I'm not mocking Rob. Everyone has their own way of approaching things. Rob is a WEALTH of information...and he may just be capable enough to be able to get everything he needs in 7.5 minutes to make amazing decisions...with no preconceived notions whatsoever. I can honestly say...sadly...I am not Rob. I've shown up with 5 bowling balls and no preconceived notions and tried took 5 shots in 7.5 minutes and learned essentially 2 things:

1. I can only make 2 out of 5 good shots in practice.

2. Only 3 other bowlers (of 9) throw the ball on my line and like me...but they all throw it 2-4mph slower.

Sometimes, unfortunately, there's an optional #3 of "somebody farted on the approach". That doesn't provide helpful information...other than to hope it clears out before I'm up.

[J Anderson]

So, watch your scores in Game 3. If you're seeing a lot of 10-pins...even though you've made your lateral moves...and you've made your ball changes...then you might be seeing carry down. And nothing in your current arsenal is going to fix it. You can change your line, you speed, your hand, your loft, your footwork, etc... But you still need that 6-8 board spot to make your ball turn. Unless you switch hands and throw left-handed (as if we could all be so lucky!)

I think you are quoting Boatman who is left handed, so unless the other team is made up of all lefties, switching hands isn’t going to help.

[boatman37]

I think you are quoting Boatman who is left handed, so unless the other team is made up of all lefties, switching hands isn’t going to help.

lol. yeah. and i don't leave that many 7's. last night i left 4 but typically i might leave 2 or 3 in a night. last night i left 4 7's and 4 6's. lanes were bad though. both teams struggled to get strikes even though most were hitting the pocket consistently. my wife was the only one on our team to hit her average and that was only 106. i think only maybe 2 or 3 guys on the other team hit theirs

[RobLV1]

After reading Aslan's latest post here, I think I must clarify. I still believe that bowlers should set up their arsenals using the low RG measurements. Where I disagree with some of the things that I have written in the past is using the word "progression." The word intimates that there is a pre-set order that ball changes follow. At one point many years ago, there was. Ball changes could be used to keep playing the same line without lateral moves by "balling down" to higher RG balls, as the oil line dried up. Now, it's just important that bowlers understand the individual balls in their arsenals as it is just as likely that a bowler will have to go to a "stronger" ball as lateral moves to the left (for righties) require more power to cover additional boards as angles change. I hope this clears up the confusion.

[RobLV1]

lol. yeah. and i don't leave that many 7's. last night i left 4 but typically i might leave 2 or 3 in a night. last night i left 4 7's and 4 6's. lanes were bad though. both teams struggled to get strikes even though most were hitting the pocket consistently. my wife was the only one on our team to hit her average and that was only 106. i think only maybe 2 or 3 guys on the other team hit theirs

This quote explains my resistance to the idea of setting up a "plan" based on past performances. Obviously, when no one on the pair makes their average, there is something different from past weeks. BTW please discount anyone with a 106 average as this level of bowler is not depending on lane conditions to score, but to physical differences from week to week.

[boatman37]

This quote explains my resistance to the idea of setting up a "plan" based on past performances. Obviously, when no one on the pair makes their average, there is something different from past weeks. BTW please discount anyone with a 106 average as this level of bowler is not depending on lane conditions to score, but to physical differences from week to week.

Looked at the stats today and 2 of the 10 on our pair hit their average and it wasn't by much.

And yeah, that's why I kind of discounted her leaving 3 7-10's last night. She uses an 8lb ball straight down the middle with alot of deflection. But still odd seeing 3 7-10's in one night by the same person. I left a pocket 7-9 last night that was right in the pocket. My 6 pin leaves were all slightly high hits so they made sense

[Timmyb]

But still odd seeing 3 7-10's in one night by the same person.

I've done that twice in the past three years, all pocket 7-10's. Not sure what the dynamics were that caused it, but I'd put a bunch of blame on the operator....

[boomer]

I've done that twice in the past three years, all pocket 7-10's. Not sure what the dynamics were that caused it, but I'd put a bunch of blame on the operator....

Yeah but I would EXPECT to see 7-10s from a straight-down-the-middle bowler, not from you hitting the pocket (which I still wonder about the physics of).

[J Anderson]

Yeah but I would EXPECT to see 7-10s from a straight-down-the-middle bowler, not from you hitting the pocket (which I still wonder about the physics of).

When I was young I, and probably most other league bowlers, thought the 7-10 was the result of going through the nose. Most of my teammates threw pretty straight and we had to hit high flush to carry. Go a little bit too high and you’ve got a 6-7-10, 4-7-10, 3-10, or 4-6-7-10 split, and on rare occasions the 7-10. As you said, for someone playing close to the middle, especially with a light ball, hitting too much of the headpin can yield a 7-10. For someone playing a more typical line, i.e. hooking or curving it into the pocket the 7-10 is more likely to be a light hit, one that would normally leave just a flat 10 or a 7 pin but leaves them both at the same time.

[RobLV1]

A great, great majority of pocket 7-10's are the result of the ball losing energy before it gets to the pins. This is a direct result of house bowlers using balls that are way too aggressive for house conditions and refusing to move in off of the security of the second arrow.

[Timmyb]

A great, great majority of pocket 7-10's are the result of the ball losing energy before it gets to the pins. This is a direct result of house bowlers using balls that are way too aggressive for house conditions and refusing to move in off of the security of the second arrow.

I'll buy that on 4 of the 6, but I know at least 2 of them were flat-out smashed. I'm also rarely near the second arrow. Most have been what I'd call a "square" hit. Not high flush, but not light either. Best of memory, I was off my shot a little, but since I don't watch the ball go over the arrows, I couldn't tell you where it was.

[RobLV1]

I'll buy that on 4 of the 6, but I know at least 2 of them were flat-out smashed. I'm also rarely near the second arrow. Most have been what I'd call a "square" hit. Not high flush, but not light either. Best of memory, I was off my shot a little, but since I don't watch the ball go over the arrows, I couldn't tell you where it was.

There could also have been some negative topography on that particular lane that robbed the ball of energy even though you were not playing near the second arrow. Also, it could have been a bad rack; pins off spot to the side are pretty easy to spot, but pins set either forward or back are really hard to see. Often 7-10's are the result of a 4 pin that's too far forward, so the seven pin stands on a ten pin leave.

[Timmyb]

There could also have been some negative topography on that particular lane that robbed the ball of energy even though you were not playing near the second arrow. Also, it could have been a bad rack; pins off spot to the side are pretty easy to spot, but pins set either forward or back are really hard to see. Often 7-10's are the result of a 4 pin that's too far forward, so the seven pin stands on a ten pin leave.

I'd be more apt to believe (not that I'm disavowing by any means) the pin spotting over topography, as this happened in two different houses. Considering the sheer number of 10-pins I left Tuesday, I was surprised I didn't see one then....

[boatman37]

Yeah our left lane kept setting the headpin up about what looked to be 1/2" over towards the 2 pin. From that distance it may have even been an inch, who knows. One of my teammates noticed it first in warmups and told me then I told another teammate and he saw it too after that. The right lane kept dropping the 6 and 9 pin so it may have been off too. My wife was the only one on our team to hit their average and 2 guys on the other team hit theirs so of 10 bowlers only 7 hit their average. And with my wife averaging 106 I would take her out of the equation so 2 of 9 made their averages and they barely hit them.

We had another 300 the other night. I think that is only 2 this year. Pretty surprising to have only 2 this far into the season