Brunswick Bowling: How Far, How Wide?

Brunswick Bowling & Billiards was a business segment of Brunswick Corporation that included bowling centres, bowling equipment and products, and billiards. The bowling centres were sold to Bowlero Corporation in 2014, which rebranded all remaining locations by 2020. There are several Bowlero locations across the United States, including in North Brunswick, New Jersey, and Vernon Hills, Illinois. These locations offer bowling, arcade games, food and drinks, and party rooms.

Bowling equipment

Bowling is a sport that requires a variety of equipment to play effectively. Here is a detailed guide to the essential bowling equipment you will need to hit the lanes with confidence.

Bowling Balls:

The bowling ball is the most crucial piece of equipment in the game. It comes in a range of weights, from 6 to 16 pounds, and is made from different materials like plastic, urethane, or reactive resin. You can choose a ball based on your skill level, with plastic balls being ideal for beginners and urethane or reactive resin balls offering more hook potential for experienced players. Some popular bowling ball brands include Brunswick, Storm, Hammer, and Radical.

Bowling Shoes:

Bowling shoes are designed to provide a smooth, sliding motion to help you achieve the perfect strike. They come in a variety of styles and colours, and it's important to choose a pair that offers both comfort and performance. Some reputable bowling shoe brands include KR Strikeforce, Dexter, and Elite.

Bowling Bags:

Transporting your bowling ball safely and in style is made possible with bowling bags. These bags come in various sizes, from single-ball totes to multi-ball rollers, ensuring you can easily carry your equipment to and from the lanes. Bowling bags also offer storage for other accessories, making it convenient to keep all your gear organised.

Bowling Accessories:

To complete your bowling setup, there are several accessories that can enhance your game. This includes wrist supports and gloves to improve comfort and stability, tapes and inserts to customise your bowling ball's grip, and cleaners and polishes to keep your equipment in top condition. Other accessories like bowling towels, shoe covers, and ball cups can also be useful additions to your bowling arsenal.

By investing in quality bowling equipment, you'll be able to bowl with precision and style. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, having the right gear can elevate your game and make your bowling experience more enjoyable.

Bowling centres

Bowling is a great recreational activity for people of all ages and abilities. There are many bowling centres around the world, with a variety of facilities and entertainment options to choose from.

Brunswick Bowling Centres:

Brunswick Bowling & Billiards was a business segment of Brunswick Corporation that included bowling centres, bowling equipment, and billiards. In the mid-1960s, Brunswick began to directly operate bowling centres, and by 2014, they had 88 centres in the US and Canada, making them the second-largest operator in the country. These centres offered bowling, billiards, laser tag, video games, and more. However, in 2014, Brunswick sold its bowling centre business to Bowlmor AMF (now Bowlero Corporation), and by 2020, all remaining Brunswick Zone locations were rebranded. Today, you won't find any Brunswick-branded bowling centres, but the legacy of their bowling business remains.

Other Bowling Centres:

There are numerous independent bowling centres and franchises worldwide that offer a range of entertainment options in addition to bowling. Here are some examples:

• Strike Bowling Macquarie: Located in North Ryde, Sydney, this centre offers 10 bowling lanes, laser tag, private karaoke rooms, an escape room, and a cocktail bar.
• Tenpin City Lidcombe: This bowling centre in Lidcombe offers not just bowling but also arcade games, pool, and darts. They cater to families, friends, and competitive players alike.
• Windsor Tenpin Bowl: A family-friendly bowling centre in Hawkesbury, offering bowling for all ages and abilities, along with food, drinks, and arcade games.

Whether you're looking for a fun night out with friends, a place for a children's party, or a venue for a corporate event, bowling centres provide a diverse range of entertainment options to suit your needs.

Billiards

There are three ways to score points in Billiards:

• In-off: When your cue ball hits one or more balls and then goes down a pocket (2 or 3 points).
• Pot: When any ball other than your cue ball goes into a pocket (2 or 3 points).
• Cannon: When the cue ball hits both other balls (2 points).

A match typically consists of the best 2 out of 3 games, with each game lasting a maximum of 50 minutes. The first player to reach the agreed-upon points total wins the game.

The game begins with both players simultaneously hitting their cue ball the length of the table, bouncing it off the cushion, and returning. The player whose ball comes to rest nearest to the baulk cushion at the end of the shot gets to choose who breaks. The red ball is then placed on the table, and the player going first places their cue ball in the D and takes the first shot. Players then take turns attempting to score points until one player reaches the required total.

History

The history of Brunswick Bowling is intertwined with the history of the Brunswick Corporation, which was founded by John Moses Brunswick, a Swiss immigrant who settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1845. Initially, the company focused on manufacturing billiards tables, with John Brunswick building his first table that same year. Over time, the company expanded its product line to include other table games and, in the 1880s, began manufacturing bowling equipment.

In the late 19th century, Brunswick Corporation became a dominant force in the billiards industry, with John Brunswick's son-in-law, Moses Bensinger, playing a key role in the business. Moses Bensinger recognized the potential of bowling as a sport and began manufacturing wooden lanes, pins, and bowling balls. He also played a pivotal role in organizing the American Bowling Congress in 1895, which standardized the rules of the game.

The company continued to innovate and expand its bowling business in the early 20th century. In 1906, they introduced the Mineralite rubber bowling ball, which became the standard in bowling until the 1960s. During this period, the company also ventured into related industries, such as rubber toilet seats and tires, showcasing their expertise in working with rubber.

However, the Great Depression hit Brunswick hard, and the company struggled financially, with sales dropping significantly. It was under the leadership of Robert "Bob" Bensinger, Moses Bensinger's son, that the company survived and slowly recovered. World War II further boosted the company's fortunes as they supplied recreational equipment to military bases, including billiard tables and bowling lanes.

In the post-war era, Brunswick continued to diversify, entering the school furniture business and acquiring companies in the medical supply industry. They also faced competition from AMF, who introduced the first fully automatic pinsetter in 1952. Brunswick scrambled to catch up and, by 1955, had their own automatic pinsetter on the market. This sparked a "pinsetter war" between the two companies, leading to a bowling boom in the 1950s.

Despite financial ups and downs, Brunswick continued to innovate and expand. They ventured into the marine industry with the acquisition of Mercury Marine in 1961 and further solidified their presence in the bowling business by opening the first bowling center in Moscow in 1976.

In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Brunswick underwent various restructurings and divestments, eventually narrowing their focus to boats, marine engines, and fitness equipment. The bowling and billiards divisions were sold off, with the bowling division changing ownership in 2014. However, the Brunswick name continues to be associated with quality and innovation in the world of bowling.

Reviews

Brunswick Zone Hawthorn Bowl, Vernon Hills, Illinois

Brunswick Zone Hawthorn Bowl is a great place for some family fun. One reviewer on Tripadvisor mentioned that it is their favourite bowling alley in the area, and they have been visiting for a few years. They have thrown birthday parties for their kids, and spent New Year's Eve at this place. The food is good and the staff is always friendly. Another reviewer praised the staff, saying that they were friendly and helpful even with novice bowlers. The bowling alley is clean and has ample parking. For two games and shoe rental, it costs about $14 per person. There are 32 lanes with automatic bumpers for children. There are also separate rooms for video games and pool.

However, not all reviews are positive. One reviewer mentioned that the employees seemed uninterested and that the food and drinks were overpriced and not very good. They also mentioned that the cafe staff were arguing and did not seem to know what they were doing, and that the bowling alley was not very clean.

Bowlero North Brunswick, New Jersey

Bowlero North Brunswick offers bowling, an arcade, and a sports bar. They have daily specials, such as unlimited bowling and arcade deals. They also offer party packages for corporate events, kids, and teens. Reviews on Google Maps praise the bowling alley for its cleanliness, friendly staff, and good food.

Frequently asked questions