PBA Oil Patterns (AKA Lane Conditions)
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
When watching the PBA pros, you may think, "Hey, I bowled a 210 before, I can be a pro too." It's not as easy as it looks. There's something that significantly changes the playing surface. Something you can't see: Oil.
History
In the early days of bowling, oil conditioner was applied to the lane as a barrier to protect the surface from damage over years of use.
As lacquer, polyurethane and synthetic surfaces became more popular, oil became part of the sport.
Today, PBA members must continuously adjust their strategies and methods of attacking the challenging conditions of the Denny’s PBA Tour.
On Tour
The PBA has a lane maintenance staff that travels to all tournaments (including PBA Regional and Senior Tours) and determines the appropriate oil pattern to apply, given the condition of the lane surface.
The PBA Lane Maintenance Program (PBALMP) balances many complicated variables associated with the cleaning, conditioning and verifying of lanes for a PBA event.