What Is Bowling Oil Breakdown?
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Originally Posted: 5/29/2015; Updated: 5/27/2022What is oil breakdown? One key factor with lane conditions changing is oil breakdown.
Every time a bowling ball is delivered, the lane condition effectively changes.
The oil separates open and then closes after the ball passes until such a time when the breakdown in lubricity occurs and the oil no longer is able to close. At this point, a high friction portion of the lane surface is exposed.
As bowling balls are constantly delivered through the same areas on a given lane, such as in league or tournament play, the oil will eventually breakdown and leave a high friction portion of the lane surface exposed which will cause your bowling ball to react accordingly.
Your bowling ball will indicate to you when the lanes are changing.
If you deliver a very good shot over your spot on the lane and your ball begins hooking sooner than a few frames prior, it is a sign that breakdown is occurring and an adjustment will be required to begin hitting the pocket again.
There is a slight factor in that regardless of which oil pattern is put down at your local bowling center, your bowling ball picks up and retains oil in the pores of the coverstock and literally removes the oil applied to the lane surface.
As oil moves down the lane by bowling balls passing through the same oiled area of the lane, less volume of oil remains on the front end.
Eventually, all lane oil will breakdown and the net effect for you as a bowler is to make adjustments to compensate for the loss of oil on key areas of the lane surface, particularly on the front end and in the mid-lane.
If you are having problems with dry lanes after the oil has broken down, then consult with an experienced bowling instructor to help you clearly identify the adjustment options best suited to your game.
