Graaille

SYNTHETIC LANES

There are many misconceptions about synthetic lanes, with the foremost being that synthetics are more difficult to play. That's not true. Again, more significant a factor in difficult lane play is the lane conditioner used, not the surface of the lane.

Synthetic lanes are made with materials that vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. For example, Brunswick's are made with aluminum oxide dispersed in a fiber-reinforced mixture of melamine resin.

Humidity will still make a difference in the topography of synthetic lanes, but not at the top of the lane. Humidity and sudden large temperature changes can affect the wood base that the synthetic surface covers. Humidity more often affects the bowler on synthetic approaches. In fact, centers with synthetics must adhere to strict climate control guidelines to provide a customer steady footing.

For example, in the desert of Las Vegas, dryness is prevalent in most of the centers. If I have any footing problems, Las Vegas is the place. (Synthetic approaches get more slippery in humidity that's lower than 35%.)

Also significant is that visually, wood lanes look different than synthetic ones. Synthetics are shinier, with uniform coloring. If you bowl in two centers on lanes with two different looks, it's natural for you to see one center's lanes as being "better" than the other's. So mentally you could more comfortable in the center where you see the lanes "better" because you're more relaxed. However, this visual digestion of the lanes pertains more to the mental game than the physical lane surface.

Synthetic lanes are more durable than wood only if enough lane conditioner is used. Friction from balls will be the same on wood or synthetic lanes, so lack of oil can also lead to "burn marks" on the ball where the track is located. Remember, there is friction between any ball and any lane surface. Some say synthetics can be "screened" to clear away burn marks, leaving a smoother surface, but that depends on the manufacturer's guidelines.

There are several manufacturers of synthetics, and some make very high-scoring lanes. The bulk of the PWBA's experience on synthetic lanes has been with AMF's HPL's and Brunswick's Pro Anvilane.

Another factor of synthetic lanes is how they are installed. New synthetic lanes that use an old base structure from previous wood lanes will result in a difference in ball reaction. Old topography can re-emerge in such a "replacement" installation, so if your center has replaced lanes in this way, look to play the lanes in the same area as you did on the old wood ones. For example, Sam's Town used to have one type of synthetic lanes, then switched to another synthetic--but the new lanes played similarly to the older synthetic. The memory of the original synthetic lane was still in place.

Careful installation is also important. If the surface is not properly screwed down, a topography will emerge. In such circumstances, a hill/valley could create a very good gutter shot--a slight "bumper" to play off of without the ball being as easily drawn into the gutter.

GUARDIAN AND OTHER OVERLAYS

Overlays represent technology that is a less expensive alternative to a full synthetic installation. More often, overlays are used by centers that did not maintain lanes properly in the past. The center is essentially overlaying a bad surface.

Not many people like how overlaid lanes play. The key to playing an overlay is in energy storage: Find balls, rotations, speeds, and lofts that get your ball through the first 15 feet cleanly, and your ball will have enough energy to strike.

Guardian is my worst surface to play. For example, there's a center in Delaware that has given me the most no-cashes in my entire career. Every year, I would prepare for the Guardian as best I could. Every year, I would claim I was stronger (which I was) and smarter (which I am!), but at the end of the week after not cashing I would vow never to return to the center ... and it would happen all over again the following year!

On tour, women who can throw it harder have the most success vs. Guardian. Strength is important for success vs. an overlay. I stress getting it through the front part of the lane as cleanly and as quickly as possible. Do so, and you have a shot at conquering older Guardian.

Guardian has a new version that's supposedly a better surface to play. I personally have not bowled on it, but I hear it is a vast improvement over its older versions.

There's another new surface out, Brunswick Overlay. I almost don't dare put this into the same grouping as Guardian, but it is an overlay. Brunswick has only been in the U.S. now for a little less than a year, and the early results are that it's the highest-scoring surface ever.

I don't think that will change over time. Brunswick Overlay has reaped high scores in Europe for years. I bowled a regional on it recently, and one bowler averaged 250-plus for a day of qualifying on it.

There are many types of surfaces. It is important to pay attention to the bones of your center, or ask questions of a manager at a new center you are visiting. This will help you to add to your knowledge base and be ready to adapt your game based upon any external factors that arise. Like walking a course route in other sports like golf, running, and bicycling, knowing your bowling lane environment will help you to relax and focus upon your task at hand more easily.

Kim's Surface Strategies

OVERALL, THESE TIPS APPLY TO an average bowler who rolls at a medium rev rate, with an "A" game being medium speed. Adjust these tips accordingly for your game.

On WOOD lanes, look out for higher/lower/more worn wood boards and make a mental note on the grain of the boards. Speed, loft, type of equipment, and ball surface will depend on the age and condition of the lane.

For SYNTHETICS, consider playing outside of the 1st arrow. Lane play depends on the oil pattern the center uses. You can use equipment with surfaces that are either polished or dull. You can attack synthetics effectively with most types of speeds and ball rolls.

Sometimes you'll see a "wear line" based on the lane lighting/shine. Get down to knee height at the ball return to see if you can identify the well-played area, and try to get just left of it.

For GUARDIAN, roll with loft, at higher speeds, with more polished and/or higher-RG equipment. Make smooth contact with the lane, applying less lift with your fingers, and decrease your revs.

Remember, most times it is the oil pattern, not the surface, that determines your ball reaction. Lane-surface information is supplemental to your standard adjustments based primarily on oil patterns.