Brunswick Lane Surfaces: What's The Difference?

Brunswick synthetic lane systems are designed from the concrete up, resulting in strong installations, fewer maintenance issues, and a lower cost of ownership. The distinctive surface of Brunswick synthetic lanes is instantly recognisable to bowling enthusiasts. The lanes are designed to enhance player performance, with features such as board lines, down-lane markings, and light/dark boards that help with targeting. Brunswick synthetic lanes differ from wooden lanes and other synthetic lanes, such as those made by AMF, in that they have less friction, resulting in the bowling ball hooking later. Brunswick offers two main synthetic lane systems: Pro Lane, which is the best-selling lane of all time, and Anvilane, which provides an optimal bowling experience through its outlined boards and durable panels.

Brunswick synthetic lane systems are designed from the concrete up

The distinctive surface of Brunswick synthetic lanes provides exclusive advantages for bowlers and centre owners alike. The lanes are designed to be low-maintenance, with surfaces that are easy to condition and clean. This means there is no need for a resurfacing program, which is often required for wooden lanes. Brunswick synthetic lanes are also known for their durability, with robust panels that can withstand the impact of bowling balls without showing visible signs of wear and tear.

The two main Brunswick synthetic lane systems are Pro Lane™ and Anvilane™. Pro Lane™ revolutionises bowling with unique features designed to enhance player performance. It offers visual aids such as board lines, down-lane markings, and alternating light/dark boards that help bowlers with targeting and gauging their hook power. Anvilane™, on the other hand, provides an optimal bowling experience through its outlined boards and durable panels. Both systems offer customisation options, allowing bowling centres to create a unique environment and stand out from their competitors.

Brunswick synthetic lanes differ from wooden lanes in terms of friction and oil absorption. Wooden lanes are softer and absorb oil faster, resulting in earlier ball hook and less drastic down-lane reactions. Brunswick synthetic lanes, on the other hand, have lower friction, favouring stronger covers and affecting lane play decisions. The hardness of synthetic lanes also changes over time, with older lanes exhibiting higher friction in the fronts.

Overall, Brunswick synthetic lane systems offer a range of benefits that make them a popular choice for bowling centres. From low-maintenance surfaces to enhanced performance features, these lanes are designed to provide a superior bowling experience while reducing maintenance costs and prolonging the lifespan of the lanes.

Brunswick synthetic lanes are lower friction

The harder surface of Brunswick synthetic lanes means that they will not present visible wear and tear to the lane. This is in contrast to wooden lanes, which are actually softer than the bowling balls thrown on them and will show damage over time. As such, wooden lanes absorb oil faster than synthetic lanes, and bowling balls will hook sooner with less drastic down-lane reactions.

The age of the lane surface also affects the friction level. Older wooden lanes can become very high friction, affecting lane play decisions and ball selection. Similarly, older synthetic lanes can change characteristics over time, with a 15-year-old synthetic lane reacting differently than a newer one.

The lower friction of Brunswick synthetic lanes favours stronger covers and balls that retain energy for the back end. This results in the ball skidding farther down the lane and having a more drastic back-end reaction. To bowl effectively on Brunswick synthetic lanes, it is important to get the ball into a roll right away so that it has time to react to the lane surface and lane condition.

Brunswick Pro-Anvilane is the hardest lane surface

The Brunswick Pro-Anvilane lane surface is renowned for its hardness, which significantly impacts the ball's movement. This hard surface allows the ball to glide effortlessly through the front section of the lane. However, it is crucial for bowlers to initiate the ball's roll immediately, as this early momentum enables the ball to decelerate midway down the lane. This timing is essential for the ball to interact optimally with the lane surface and conditions.

The Brunswick Pro-Anvilane surface demands specific techniques and equipment choices. Bowlers typically require less speed and more aggressive equipment when playing on this surface. Generating more ball roll is also advantageous. The hardness of the Pro-Anvilane surface necessitates adjustments in approach and strategy compared to other lane types.

The Brunswick Pro-Anvilane lane surface is just one example of the many options available in the bowling industry. Synthetic lane surfaces, in general, differ from wooden lanes in terms of friction and wear and tear. Synthetic lanes, being harder than wooden lanes, do not exhibit visible signs of wear and tear. They also affect the ball's movement differently, with the ball skidding further down the lane and experiencing a more pronounced back-end reaction.

In conclusion, Brunswick Pro-Anvilane stands out as the hardest lane surface among synthetic bowling lanes. Its distinct characteristics influence ball movement and demand specific techniques from bowlers. Understanding the unique qualities of this surface is essential for bowlers to optimise their performance and make strategic choices regarding speed, equipment, and ball roll.

Brunswick lane maintenance solutions

Brunswick Bowling & Billiards has been manufacturing bowling equipment since the 1880s. The company offers a range of lane maintenance solutions for bowling centres, which have unique lane surfaces, environmental conditions, and business objectives.

Wooden Lanes

Wooden lanes are softer than bowling balls and absorb oil faster than synthetic lanes. This means that bowling balls will hook sooner and have less drastic reactions down the lane. Older wooden lanes absorb oil more, and the middle of the lane may not hold oil well. This means that speed is important on wood lanes, as it helps to delay the breakpoint.

Synthetic Lanes

Synthetic lanes are harder than bowling balls and will not show visible wear and tear. Bowling balls will skid farther down the lane and have a more drastic reaction at the back end. Synthetic lanes can vary in hardness and colour. Brunswick synthetic lanes are lighter in colour and tend to have less friction than other synthetic lanes. This means that the ball will hook later on this surface.

Brunswick Synthetic Lanes

Brunswick synthetic lanes are designed from the concrete up, resulting in strong installations, fewer maintenance issues, and a lower cost of ownership. The distinctive surface is low-maintenance, easy to condition and clean, and does not require resurfacing. Brunswick offers two types of synthetic lane systems: Pro Lane and Anvilane.

Pro Lane

Pro Lane features 14 unique board lines, down-lane markings, and alternating light/dark boards that tie dots and arrows together, facilitating targeting. The 5-foot wide textured approach promises a consistent slide, fostering player confidence.

Anvilane

Anvilane provides outlined boards to guide bowlers for accurate play, while robust, 3/8” (0.95 cm) thick panels ensure durability. The lane system is offered in standard and non-glow options and is backed by a five-year limited warranty against delamination.

Brunswick's lane conditioners, cleaners, and cloths

Brunswick Bowling & Billiards is a business segment of Brunswick Corporation that includes bowling equipment and products. The company began manufacturing wooden lanes, bowling balls, and bowling pins in the 1880s. Over time, Brunswick expanded its product line to include synthetic lanes, such as the ProLane and Anvilane systems. These lanes offer distinct advantages, including low maintenance, easy conditioning, and customisation options.

To maintain these lanes, Brunswick offers a full line of lane conditioners, cleaners, and cloths. Each centre has unique lane surfaces, environmental conditions, and business objectives, but Brunswick provides a solution for all. Their lane conditioners include the Formula LV Wicking/Value Lane Conditioner, Logic 2.0 Performance Lane Conditioner, and Connect 2.0 Performance Lane Conditioner. For effective cleaning, Brunswick provides options such as the Solvent-Based Lane Cleaner, Surfactant-Based Lane Cleaner, and pH-Based Lane Cleaner.

The Solvent-Based Lane Cleaners, including the Hook Zone Concentrated and Super Concentrated varieties, are designed to deeply clean lane surfaces. The Surfactant-Based Max10 cleaner is another powerful option, while the Invincible pH-Based cleaner offers a unique formula. The Judge Hybrid Lane Cleaner combines the benefits of both solvent and surfactant-based formulas.

Brunswick's lane maintenance solutions are completed by their range of cloths, including the 8460QC and 8460XL Lane Cleaning Cloths, which are designed for effective and efficient lane cleaning. The Envoy/Authority22 Duster Cloth and Red Edge Lane Maid Duster Cloth are also available for more precise dusting and lane maintenance. With these conditioners, cleaners, and cloths, Brunswick provides comprehensive solutions for lane operators to ensure optimal performance and conditions for bowlers.

Frequently asked questions