Marks on Bowling Balls

[keithburke]

Hello,

I have an arsenal of bowling balls that include:

Storm Proton Physix
Storm Infinite Physix
Storm Phaze 111
Storm Absolute
Motive Sky Raptor

Question is that all of my balls have thee marks on them, and they start with the first roll of them. All marks are in the same location on each ball. I believe they are where my ball is hitting the lane upon release. I don’t drop the ball or lift the ball, though there may be a slight drop upon release. I seem to be the only one on my league of 48 people who have this issue, despite them rolling the same balls in some cases. Any idea what’s causing this or what I can do to fix it? Like I said, it happens on all my balls, from the very first roll. It doesn’t appear that these marks are in my track, but then again, I’m not sure if it’s affecting the rotation or performance of my ball.

My bowling style is a stroker and I roll around 15-16 mph with very little revs as I tend to stay behind the ball because I don’t have the hand for it. I usually play down and in if that helps. I have attached a couple of images.

Thanks for your advice!!

[TomaHawk]

The only time I've seen those marks on a bowling ball? The ball was released before the foul line (on the approach). I should also mention, the approach was wood, not synthetic.

[keithburke]

The lanes I roll on are synthetic, as well as the approaches. I’m pretty sure I’m not releasing before the foul line as that’s what I thought at first as well but I’ll have to record some video just to make sure. Thanks for your reply, I appreciate it.

[star]

I agree with TomaHawk. What it may be is marks from hitting the lane just short or just over the foul line as most centres in the UK do not oil the first foot or so of the lane. Don’t know if it is the same in the US but if it is it does cause burn marks even on synthetic lanes.

I know I have had a few when my swing got a little steep when I starting back up bowling again.

[keithburke]

After watching some video today you both may be right. I definitely set the ball down right at the foul line. Not before the foul line but maybe just close enough to cause the burn marks. I’m gonna ask the center if they oil the very front of the lane.

[star]

You can usually tell if they oil the font foot or so as it looks matte finish, same as the approach if there’s no oil on the first few inches of lane.
Another way is to have a wander up when you’re in practice and rub your finger about an inch or so onto the lane. If anyone says anything just say you’re removing bit of lint off the lane.

Like I say anyone who has become a little steep in the swing by leaning with too much waist bend will have experienced this. Just work on a little more knee bend to create a longer flat spot should hopefully solve it.

[walterp]

After watching some video today you both may be right. I definitely set the ball down right at the foul line. Not before the foul line but maybe just close enough to cause the burn marks. I’m gonna ask the center if they oil the very front of the lane.

Could be that they don't oil the first 3 feet because of open bowlers stepping past the foul line and slipping and falling.