It pays to learn the lane game: this surface primer should be a strong supplement to your normal oil-pattern strategy - Lane Logic

Bowling Digest, Dec, 2003 by Kim Adler

There are several manufacturers of synthetics, and some make very high-scoring lanes. The bulk of the PWBA's experience on synthetic lanes has been with AMF's HPL's and Brunswick's Pro Anvilane.

Another factor of synthetic lanes is how they are installed. New synthetic lanes that use an old base structure from previous wood lanes will result in a difference in ball reaction. Old topography can re-emerge in such a "replacement" installation, so if your center has replaced lanes in this way, look to play the lanes in the same area as you did on the old wood ones. For example, Sam's Town used to have one type of synthetic lanes, then switched to another synthetic--but the new lanes played similarly to the older synthetic. The memory of the original synthetic lane was still in place.

Careful installation is also important. If the surface is not properly screwed down, a topography will emerge. In such circumstances, a hill/valley could create a very good gutter shot--a slight "bumper" to play off of without the ball being as easily drawn into the gutter.

GUARDIAN AND OTHER OVERLAYS

Overlays represent technology that is a less expensive alternative to a full synthetic installation. More often, overlays are used by centers that did not maintain lanes properly in the past. The center is essentially overlaying a bad surface.

Not many people like how overlaid lanes play. The key to playing an overlay is in energy storage: Find balls, rotations, speeds, and lofts that get your ball through the first 15 feet cleanly, and your ball will have enough energy to strike.

Guardian is my worst surface to play. For example, there's a center in Delaware that has given me the most no-cashes in nay entire career. Every year, I would prepare for the Guardian as best I could. Every year, I would claim I was stronger (which I was) and smarter (which I am!), but at the end of the week after not cashing I would vow never to return to the center ... and it would happen all over again the following year!

On tour, women who can throw it harder have the most success vs. Guardian. Strength is important for success vs. an overlay. I stress getting it through the front part of the lane as cleanly and as quickly as possible. Do so, and you have a shot at conquering older Guardian.

Guardian has a new version that's supposedly a better surface to play. I personally have not bowled on it, but I hear it is a vast improvement over its older versions.

There's another new surface out, Brunswick Overlay. I almost don't dare put this into the same grouping as Guardian, but it is an overlay. Brunswick has only been in the U.S. now for a little less than a year, and the early results are that it's the highest-scoring surface ever.

I don't think that will change over time. Brunswick Overlay has reaped high scores in Europe for years. I bowled a regional on it recently, and one bowler averaged 250-plus for a day of qualifying on it.

There are many types of surfaces. It is important to pay attention to the bones of your center, or ask questions of a manager at a new center you are visiting. This will help you to add to your knowledge base and be ready to adapt your game based upon any external factors that arise. Like walking a course route in other sports like golf, running, and bicycling, knowing your bowling lane environment will help you to relax and focus upon your task at hand more easily.