Expert: Chip Aki - 12/9/2008

Question
I quit bowling about 18 yrs ago. I just started again on a league using a Hammer "Doom Raw Hammer" drilled to go long. I'm trying to learn the new style lanes and oil patterns to figure out my best possible shot. The guy who oils the lanes said that they put it down 39 ft., even across the lane, and extra oil 10-1 (which is #4 setting on their machine!) Does this oil compare to any of the PBA patterns? Is this a reverse block pattern?

Answer
If the lane surface you are bowling on is pristine, then it would be considered the reverse block of old.  That was what was called any lane condition that had more oil on the outside of the lane than in the middle of the lane.  Although shorter than the Shark pattern, it would play closest to that and probably force you to play the deep inside part of the lane.

If you are on a worn wood lane surface, the extra oil towards the outside may be used to help the worn area of the lane to hold up some.  You would still have to move towards the middle of the lane as the condition would break down.

Chip