Expert: - 4/10/2009

Question
Warren,

Our club installed synthetic lanes and approaches about two and one-half years ago. There are not many comments about the lanes but their have been alot about the approaches since installation. We had a team up from the Pittsburgh, Pa. area about five months after installation and they too were also sticking badly and using alot of powder (I don't have to tell you what that caused). From the beginning, people were sticking badly and some have fell. Some are even now using "slide stockings." The scores are actually better but the slide is just not there since the synthetic lane installation. What has caused this as many now "plant" and avoid a slide? Thank you for any consideration in answering. I should not the alleys are in the basement of a very old club, a 2' carpet runs the length of the four lanes prior to stepping up on the synthetic approaches. Any thoughts on this would help. Thank you.

Answer
James,
A couple things can cause the sticking issue.

The carpet is a big possible problem. The Bowling Stadium installed carpet right up to the approaches when it first opened. Bad idea. They since changed it.

You need to clean approaches everyday. Possibly prior to every session.

Moisture, grit/dirt, are the problem. With the carpet so close, the approaches will get sticky quickly. Encourage proper slide assistance (with industry products). Talcum powder and the like is extremely tough to clean off the lanes and out of carpets etc.   

Shoe brushes will help keep junk off your shoes, have the club invest in a couple steel bristle brushes FOR the SHOES. Contact the manufacturer/installer and see if they suggest further treatment.

Thanks for the questions.