Is there really such a thing as a standard house pattern!!

[MICHAEL]

Not at the two AMF's around here! One has a newer model of Kegel that sprays the oil/conditioner on, the other an older machine that uses wicks, that they say they replace the 15 of each month!

I hear the term ("Standard House Pattern") a lot on here, but its my experience that their is nothing standard about them.

Not only that, but the lanes are so fricken different on top of that!! You could almost compare the bowling lanes to,
different holes at a golf course, (maybe stretching it a bit, but you get the jest)!

I don't want to here anyone say, ( Standard House Pattern) THERE IS NO SUCH ANIMAL! So says Iceman!!

[RobLV1]

The only thing that virtually every house shot has in common is that there is a higher volume of oil on the middle part of the lane than there is on the outside. Other than that, the length varies, the overall volume varies, and where the heavier oil in the middle gives way to the friction on the outside (most often ten board, but that varies too). The only thing that makes house shots "typical" is that they are more forgiving than sport patterns, providing miss area on the outside, and hold area on the inside.

[MICHAEL]

The only thing that virtually every house shot has in common is that there is a higher volume of oil on the middle part of the lane than there is on the outside. Other than that, the length varies, the overall volume varies, and where the heavier oil in the middle gives way to the friction on the outside (most often ten board, but that varies too). The only thing that makes house shots "typical" is that they are more forgiving than sport patterns, providing miss area on the outside, and hold area on the inside.

thanks Rob,,, question: That being said that (only thing typical is drier on the out side) When choosing a ball, do you think many people make the mistake of going too strong of a ball, if they play the 10 board, or even further out?

My Son that just started bowling with me this year, ( never bowled league before, or threw a finger tip) is doing great. He throws a ( Lights Out) at the present time along with a plastic spare ball. He has throw some great games, and series with this ball.

He is now thinking about getting another ball, I am at a lose as to recommending what?? He has good speed, (in fact many times we have to tell him to slow it down, great Revs,,, (been told 350 to 400) by others.

He mention that he would like to learn to play the inside,,, move left, and play the center of the lane, when the outside gets too dry.

That makes sense to me, because when he usually runs into problems is when the oil diminishes going into 3rd game.

What type of ball would you recommend knowing the above rev/speed. I might post a video of him for you all to see, and would welcome suggestions!

[RobLV1]

Yes, one of the most common mistakes that I see bowlers make is trying to use a ball that is much too aggressive for them while they are playing the track area around the second arrow. It's also a problem that compounds itself as the more aggressive bowling balls also destroy the pattern more quickly, so that shot that may have lasted through the early league is often gone by the middle of the second game. Post a video of your son and I will definitely take a look. Generally, he has two options for moving left: either go to a more aggressive ball and jump left, or learn to move everything left, including the breakpoint, and staying with the same ball. With the Lights Out, he can definitely go that route sooner rather than later, until he gets a second ball.

[noeymc]

if i am able to walk in a house and be with in 4 boards of my normal line up i believe its pretty normal thats just me tho

ice all you need for a house shot is a light oil ball to be honest any more then that is over kill for house shots have him try a scream one of the lower end balls and watch how much success he has with it

[classygranny]

if i am able to walk in a house and be with in 4 boards of my normal line up i believe its pretty normal thats just me tho

ice all you need for a house shot is a light oil ball to be honest any more then that is over kill for house shots have him try a scream one of the lower end balls and watch how much success he has with it

You should come bowl on some of our "typical house" shots, you would retract that statement. I bowl in two different houses (both Brunswick), both have a different shot - AND most likely, the shot at each will vary from week to week. If I wanted to be within 4 boards of my normal line up (which at this time, I'm not sure what that would be) at times I would be missing the shot by a long shot - no pun intended.

I usually throw one ball in practice straight up 5, straight up 10, and straight up 15 to see where the movement is...then I line up from there. One week I might be playing down and in, others I'm way inside - all on one typical house pattern!

I agree with Rob on what makes it typical. When I told my coach I wanted to start my new arsenal on the minimal side, it said three was the minimum! And, I'm actually starting to feel the need for that 4th ball!

And, for the record....this isn't an attack, just take it as my read on what's happening around here.

[Hammer]

I think on a THS pattern you can have a ball made for dry lanes. To go along with that you can probably get away with a ball made for medium oil patterns and make an adjustment with layout and surface to fit bowling on a THS pattern. I have a Raw Hammer Anger ball made for medium oil and I use it on our THS pattern. It had a 2000 Abralon surface matte finish and had one heck of a hook that I adjusted for. To make things a little easier with less hook to the pocket I had the surface changed to 4000 Abralon with slick polish to see how that would work for me just as an experiment. In this game you have to try something new sometimes. You might find something that works better for you.

[Aslan]

thanks Rob,,, question: That being said that (only thing typical is drier on the out side) When choosing a ball, do you think many people make the mistake of going too strong of a ball, if they play the 10 board, or even further out?

Yes.

I was actually throwing my Slingshot better than my Rhythm at my house...and I throw the Frantic WAY better than the Rhythm. Why? Because the Frantic is 15lbs and 15lbs is better than 16lbs? No.

Because the lanes are wood and more aggressive balls grab too early and go left of the headpin. Most people in my league throw mid-low level stuff like Tropical Breezes and Slingshots. Every once in awhile a new guy will show up with something like a SYNC and be cussing the whole night. Anything more aggressive than a Hy Road and you're in for a looooong night!