Bowling Technology Study
BOWLING TECHNOLOGY STUDY - CONCLUSION
Technology advancements in the bowling ball, the lanes, and oil conditions have made an impact on the sport during the last several decades, and recent studies by the United States Bowling Congress Equipment Specifications and Certifications team has shown the interaction of these factors are progressively growing out of balance, creating an integrity risk for the sport.
Following three years of research on how technology has affected the sport of bowling, the USBC Equipment and Specifications Committee established new specifications designed to sustain the playing field both currently and in the future.
The new specifications were announced at the 2018 USBC Convention in Reno, Nevada.
Click HERE for a summary of the bowling ball specification changes.
Click HERE to read about the conclusion of the research and for the specifications updates.
Click HERE for the news release announcing the new specifications for bowling balls.
Click HERE for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on the new specifications.
Click HERE for the for the full Bowling Technology Study released in February 2018.
Click HERE to learn about the recent research related to balance holes and static weights.
Click HERE for a copy of the equipment specifications pro shop presentation on the Bowling Technology Summary Findings.
Click HERE to see the drilling hole specification announced in June 2019.
A video examining the latest research and the new specifications:
VIDEOS
A look at the Bowling Technology Study through a series of six videos.
SECTION I: A Brief Examination of Technology in Bowling
SECTION II: A Study of RG and Differential RG
SECTION III: The Impact of Balance Holes
SECTION IV: Bowling Ball Oil Absorption Study
SECTION V: League Simulation Study
SECTION VI - IX: Polls, Surveys, Focus Groups and Summary Conclusion
RESEARCH
The USBC Equipment Specifications and Certifications team spent more than two years doing in-depth research on bowling balls to determine the impact of ongoing technological advancements on the sport’s environment. USBC also discussed bowling technology with several groups involved in bowling through surveys and group discussions.
CORE TECHNOLOGY
- Part 1: Differential RG Study
- Part 2: Differential RG Study- Retest
- Part 3: RG and Differential RG Study- Quantify Ball Motion Effects
- Part 4: RG and Differential RG Study- Bowler Properties
- Part 5: RG and Differential RG Study- Retest
- Part 6: RPM vs. Ball MOI- Bowlers Rotation Study
- Part 7: Adjusting RPM Rate Vs. Ball MOI
- Part 8: Vary RPM vs. Ball MOI on House Pattern
- Part 9: Summary of all Tests and Area at Pocket
- Part 10: Area at the Pins- Retest
- Part 11: Simulate League with E.A.R.L. on House Pattern
- Part 12: Comparing Different Weight Balls on House Pattern
- Part 13: Bowler Test Results
- Part 14: The Effects of Balance Holes
- Part 15: Side weight vs. large balance holes
- Part 16: Imbalance Effects with Fixed Pin Placement
- Part 17: Balance Hole vs. 3 oz. Static Weight in All Directions
- Part 18: 3 oz. Static Weight vs Balance Hole - Bowler #1
- Part 19: 3 oz. Static Weight vs Balance Hole - Bowler #2
- Part 20: Adjustable Static Weight Ball with E.A.R.L.
COVER TECHNOLOGY
- Part 1: Initial Oil Absorption Test
- Part 2: Oil Analysis for Oil Absorption Test
- Part 3: Surface Roughness Effect on Oil Absorption
- Part 4: Oil Depletion Study vs. Ball Oil Absorption Rate
- Part 5: Repeatability of Oil Absorption in Same Location
- Part 6: Clean vs. Dirty Surface Preparation Water Effect on Oil Absorption
- Part 7: Five-Person Team League Simulation Study
INDEPENDENT SURVEY
An independent research company was engaged by USBC to conduct an independent, objective, and research-based analysis of the effects of technology in bowling with USBC members, pro shop operators and bowling proprietors.
Click here to read the survey results (PDF)