Modern bowling has certainly changed a lot in a relatively short period
of time. In 1982 it was considered a great feat for Glenn Allison to
bowl three consecutive 300 games in a row in sanctioned league play
(even if it was later disallowed by league officials due to the lanes
being improperly dressed).
Today, the number of 300 games rolled in a
year has jumped from 5,949 in 1982 to 56,212 in 2005-6. You can get
still get classic brunswickbowling balls just like you could in 1905 and 1982, but for a host
of reasons, modern bowling is definitely not your daddy’s game anymore.
Consider this: before Allison’s now-disputed first 900 in 1982, the
previous record score was set by Allie Brandt with his 886 series, shot
in 1939. One reason the game has changed so much is the technology.
It
is simply advancing faster than ever before. Before 1905, balls were
made of wood, and for the next sixty-plus years they were usually made
of natural rubber. In the past thirty years the state of the art in
bowling balls has seen the materials change multiple times from
polyester to urethane to reactive resin cover balls. That doesn’t even
begin to address the changes in the lanes themselves.
Super high-tech
balls and synthetic lanes are the norm versus the plastic balls and wood
lanes of Allison’s day.
Something else that changed in the game is the rules. If Glenn Allison
rolled a 900 today in league play it wouldn’t be questioned. Rules have
changed and lanes can carry season-long certifications.
In 1982 Allison
would have used the same ball for every shot but today many use three or
four different balls in a game. You can use a ball that hooks better
when you need it, something that wasn’t possible in 1982.
This may
irritate some traditionalists—maybe even your dad—but for a lot of
people it just makes the sport more interesting and fun.
Whether you like your bowling old school or as high tech as you can get,
you can find something useful at www.bowlingballs.com. The prices
and selection there cannot be beaten. - The Lifestyle Portal
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