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Thread: What to look for in a house?

  1. #1

    Default What to look for in a house?

    I have about 4 places close by that I can go to. As a new bowler, I am curious what elements you think make a place 'good' or 'bad'. I realize it's subjective, but I'm interested in hearing what criteria you use in choosing a place to spend your time and money at and what I should look for or ask when I start visiting them..


    Thanks

  2. #2

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    Comfortable environment, lane upkeep, knowledgeable/friendly staff. Most of the other stuff isn't really essential to me at least. Are you interested in league bowling or more open bowling? 2 pretty different animals and the alleys could be really different feeling when talking league vs open.

  3. #3
    Bowling God Aslan's Avatar
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    Good:
    Cleavage. Perks for league bowlers. Pro shop.

    Bad:
    Bowlmor, AMF, "gourmet cuisine"

  4. #4
    High Roller rv driver's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Aslan View Post
    Good:
    Cleavage. Perks for league bowlers. Pro shop.

    Bad:
    Bowlmor, AMF, "gourmet cuisine"
    Just out of curiosity, what's "bad" about AMF??? (I used to use AMF equipment back in the day and it seemed pretty good...)

  5. #5
    High Roller vdubtx's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by rv driver View Post
    Just out of curiosity, what's "bad" about AMF??? (I used to use AMF equipment back in the day and it seemed pretty good...)
    AMF the bowling centers have seriously fallen out of favor with regular(league) bowlers since being acquired by Bowl-Less.
    High Sanctioned Scratch Game - 300(12) Hi Sanctioned Scratch Series - 822(3)
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    Rev Rate 400. Speed 18 at heads, 16.5-17 at pins. Axis tilt 10, Axis Rotation 55. PAP 5 5/8 x 5/8 up

  6. #6
    High Roller rv driver's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by vdubtx View Post
    AMF the bowling centers have seriously fallen out of favor with regular(league) bowlers since being acquired by Bowl-Less.
    Hehe! "Bowl-Less" sounds kind of counter-productive to the whole bowling promotion thing...

  7. #7

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    I look at the house balls. If they're beaten up pretty badly, it could be a sign the equipment isn't maintained too well. That bodes badly for how my bowling balls will be treated. If the house I'm currently bowling league is any indication, it also foretells pinsetters that may be out of adjustment. I can't recall more pins set off spot to the point that it negatively affects scoring.

    The other thing I look for is for it NOT to have a high industrial style ceiling like some of the newer 'entertainment' centers have. These places have much less sound deadening than the traditional drop ceiling of a 'bowling alley' and thus a LOT more noise. I like to talk to folks while I bowl, and with so much echoing, it just makes the experience less fun.
    Current arsenal - Columbia 300 White Dot - Columbia 300 Slate Grey U-Dot - Columbia 300 Take Down - Hammer Vibe Envy
    Favorites of the past - Bonanza Yellow Dot(first ball) - AMF Ultra Angle - Several Columbia Blue Dots

  8. #8

    Default Equipment concerns...

    Quote Originally Posted by CaptainXeroid View Post
    [FONT=Comic Sans MS]I look at the house balls. If they're beaten up pretty badly, it could be a sign the equipment isn't maintained too well. That bodes badly for how my bowling balls will be treated.
    Today at the end of my practice my ball was stuck in the return. They had to remove the cover and "help" the ball out. Is that typical or should that be a possible red flag? I did think that my ball was a bit more scuffed than it should be, but it's a brand new ball and maybe it's just me...

  9. #9

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    I'd take notice if it happens more than usual. Say next time it gets stuck, and another ball comes up the return and nails yours. When the balls are rolling around the carousel, it's much more elastic collision and less likely to cause chipping than a crash in the ball return. Did the house balls look like they'd been rolled across the parking lot?
    Current arsenal - Columbia 300 White Dot - Columbia 300 Slate Grey U-Dot - Columbia 300 Take Down - Hammer Vibe Envy
    Favorites of the past - Bonanza Yellow Dot(first ball) - AMF Ultra Angle - Several Columbia Blue Dots

  10. #10
    Bowling God Aslan's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Edy13 View Post
    Today at the end of my practice my ball was stuck in the return. They had to remove the cover and "help" the ball out. Is that typical or should that be a possible red flag? I did think that my ball was a bit more scuffed than it should be, but it's a brand new ball and maybe it's just me...
    It's also indicative of leaving your ball in the car on a >68 degree afternoon.

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