It comes down to one thing "MARGIN FOR ERROR"

Years ago those in the bowling industry realized that there needed to be some sort of lubrication to protect the lanes from the friction of the balls. Mineral oils were soon used widely through the industry. It wasn't long after that they realized that the placement of the oil (the oil pattern, condition, or shot) could have dramatic effect on score ability. Many proprietors put out a condition called a "Block". The block consisted of oiling heavily between the second arrows, and leaving the outside of the lanes bone dry. This pattern created an outrageously easy scoring condition for those throwing hook balls. The sanctioning bodies of bowling ABC & WIBC (then in their infancy), stepped in to regulate the lane conditions, and insure the integrity of the sport. The "Block" was outlawed, and rules were put
into place that require that there be oil from edge board to edge board for the distance that the proprietor chooses to oil (Around 40' at most centers). The rules have changed slightly over the years, but to date do not set requirements for how the pattern is applied on a lane. Oiling pattern is still left to the proprietors. Proprietors walk a tightrope. The condition should be difficult enough that the sport isn't lost, but not so difficult that bowlers can't score, and improve. Although proprietors have independent discretion on pattern most have come to the same conclusion, a 10 to 10 crown is the pattern of choice. A Crown features a drop from heavy oil to light oil, around the second arrow. The effect is that bowlers throwing a hook ball at the second arrow will have a "Margin for error" if the ball is slightly outside the second arrow, the increased friction allows the ball to grab, and hook back. If the ball is pulled inside, the extra oil allows the ball to slide longer, and helps the ball from crossing over. Note: The pattern utilized at
Foxfire is a Crown type pattern know as a Christmas Tree. This pattern not only tapers off (laterally) at the 10 board (or second arrow), it also diminishes toward the 39' mark.

So, are you wondering if you should make the second arrow your new home? I can give you an unqualified NO! Oh, it is a great place to start, but as sure as you can be that you will find some variation of the Crown in nearly every center you walk in, also believe that oiling pattern can not defeat the traffic of bowling balls. Since the second arrow is so popular, and so many bowlers bowl there, the oil is taken off that part of the lane first. So either be ready to adjust, or have your complaints about the conditions ready.

To make adjustment easier, practice different marks. Shoot a game at the third arrow, the first arrow, and boards between. Then the next time you find that "your shot" has gone away, you will be comfortable making the adjustment.

On a related topic, that few are aware of (and especially for those who choose to complain rather than adjust): Several years ago a manufacturer of synthetic lanes invented a lane that didn't need oil. It had parts of the lane with higher friction coefficient in certain areas, to approximate a Crown condition With no oil, the lane condition didn't change no matter the traffic. The lane was never authorized for use, because the lack of challenge was a detriment to the sport.

See you on the lanes

Dan Simril
USA Certified Silver Level Coach