Weather and the lanes

[dgz924s]

I have read in various bowling related articles about weather having effect on lane conditions. But I find this hard to believe for the fact that most houses are temperature controlled. I have spoken with bowlers who blame the humidity throw their game off and again I question how it plays a role in a climate controlled enviroment.

Do you really think that outdoor conditions play a role in lane conditions?

[bowl1820]

Do you really think that outdoor conditions play a role in lane conditions?

Yes even in climate controlled house's.

In the past you saw this toward the end lanes the most, closest to the walls. They were not insulated heavily, also that's where a lot of house's have doors opening to the outside.

Where the intakes and blowers are have a affect, if it's raining or wet outside. Humidity changes the approaches can be tacky at first. People coming in damp, wet shoes, doors opening and closing, Humidity changes fast.

If it's cold or hot outside the viscosity of the oil on the lane can change, so the transitions can happen faster, slower.

Bowling in the North is markedly different than in the south, just like bowling near the coast is different than in the middle of the state/country(FL.).
(I believe it was bowling in the north was easier than in the south and the closer to the coast is harder)
Makes me think of a tournament in Dubai, UAE I read about. The problems they had getting the oil right on the lanes, Because it was so hot and dry.

Also going from a empty house just before league to a full house, has a affect. It takes some time for the air handlers to adjust.

Some house's handle it better,they have real good climate systems, air lock doors etc. But not all places have everything.

[billf]

Scientifically speaking, oil viscosity changes with every two degrees of temperature. So the a/c is set to 70 and the house is empty. A few hours later it is full, a/c still at 70 but with the natural body heat of 60 men moving about the ambient temperature is actually closer to 78 degrees. That oil is now "thinner" than when made. Oil doesn't actually get thinner but rather flows easier. The humidity affects how the coverstock will react albeit not as much as with older technology. Humidity and barometric pressure affect people with bursitis, arthritis and many others causing joint swelling. So, yes, temperature affects the lanes and those using them. It's just another adjustment, no big deal.
It also explains how a pro can light the world up on a pattern all week then when the tv lights come on, they can't seem to figure out the adjustments.

[jaydee]

I've heard about it and I'm sure it's true to a degree. Personally, I'm more concerned about the (warmer, more humid) weather playing tricks with my thumb swelling, than with the lanes. Lanes I can adjust to, thumb is a little trickier.

[dgz924s]

Well explained guys! Answers to one of my many questions yet to surface....thnx!

[hoppy1605]

Yes, my house lane is very effected by the weather. When it's warm the lane conditions break down faster, but are more difficult during the first game. When cold, they take longer, however are easier to manage due to the oil staying on the lane longer. I don't know if it is scientific, but me and my buddy always talk about it!