Bowling is a billion-dollar enterprise and much of it is up for grabs. The latest in bowling ball innovation is particle technology. Bits of mica, pigment, glass or other solid materials are mixed into the coating material. It adds traction to the surface of the ball, much like snow tire cleats. This allows for a great hook shot even on the oiliest of lane conditions.
Lanes are regularly oiled, but the amount of oil is subject to change, even within a game.
A ball that performs consistently throughout changes in the lane conditions will prevail in the quest for the ultimate bowling ball. With all the improvements made in bowling balls in recent years, average bowling scores have increased. The perfect game of 300 is not the historical landmark it once was, though a bowler of my status would still wet her pants on the occasion. As average bowling scores continue to increase, there is talk of making the game more difficult to bring scores back down to the par of days past. It is possible that the bowling ball of the future will be a ball of disadvantage.