keeping those pins in top shape is crucial for a fair and rewarding bowling experience.

Whether bowling is showcased in a competitive venue or a  recreational setting, all bowlers desire consistent pin action. The composition of a traditional bowling pin is a maple core with a Surlyn or nylon outer covering. This design historically is susceptible to warping and nicks over time. These imperfections can affect pin action, making them more or less likely to fall in a predictable manner.

Regular pin cleaning and inspection of the bottom base of the bowling pin is critical and should be done on a quarterly schedule. Pins that are internally damaged or cracked not only sound different to the bowler, but they also contribute less in terms of pin carry percentage, so it is very important to remove damaged pins from the pinsetter as soon as they become noticeable.

A topic that seems to have disappeared from conversation in our industry over the years is “Pin Rotation”. Bowling pins take a severe beating on an hour by hour basis. Rotating pins regularly, typically every few months, will  ensure even wear and tear as well as extending the lifespan of each pin. This was standard operating procedure for all of the bowling centers that I grew up  around in the 1970’s and 1980’s and was also preached by my mentor and we at Kegel still practice this today.

Fast forward a few decades as times changed, and possibly due to cost, bowling centers started to deviate away from this practice and in turn actually spent more money over the long haul on bowling pin replacement. Pin rotation obviously entails having 2 sets of bowling pins per center which can incur the additional cost of a spare set, but mark my words, you will get longer life out of both sets and save money if you practice consistent pin rotation.

Bowling is one of the most enjoyable social gatherings that exist on our planet and for most participants it is all about knocking down ten pins. If some pins are more prone to tipping than others due to damage, worn bases or delamination then achieving strikes becomes less about skill and more about chance. Consistent pin action increases the likelihood of strikes for all levels of player and will essentially ensure that you continue to have repeat customers.

Regular pin cleaning should be part of your monthly pinsetter maintenance routine. One of the worst things you can provide a new customer is a visibly dirty, sub-par bowling pin while expecting to receive a premium price for linage. The bowling pin is something your customers see over and over again and much like the parking lot or the restrooms, they should look maintained and well taken care of which in turn will keep your customers coming back time and time again. I would personally recommend you clean your pins every month and rotate the entire set every quarter for optimum longevity and scoring potential.

In conclusion, good pin action is an invisible ally in your quest for high scores and by providing a reliable and predictable environment for pin fall, well-maintained pins allow the bowlers skill to take center stage and a happy customer shall be born.

Kegel's Pin Shine bowling pin cleaning machine provides the easiest and best method for cleaning your pins. For best results, use Kegel's Pin Shine pin cleaning solution. Learn about about Pin Shine on our website: Pin Shine Machine and Pin Shine Cleaning Solution.