Think about the old days when bowling alleys had to hire “pin boys” to set up the pins by hand. We’ve come a long way since then, and if your center doesn’t keep up with these advancements, you could fall behind the competition and get into the red.
Are bowling string pinsetters the future of bowling entertainment? Learn all about string pinspotter technology, machines, and more, in this guide.
What Are Bowling String Pinsetters?
The bowling string pinsetter is a more affordable technology and a great alternative for your entertainment center, community center, resort, or bar. They require much less power and maintenance overall.
Traditional pin spotters may have gained a slick, space-age look, but they still require tons of expensive maintenance to keep them working safely and effectively.
Each machine operates on a 3-phase motor. This motor only runs when needed. The UV LED pin deck light not only consumes less power than incandescent bulbs but will make old pins look newer.
When Were They Invented?
This type of pinsetter was actually invented in 1963, but don’t let that deter you. They’ve come a long way since the days when they had a tendency to get tangled and interfere with the game. But since then, it has become a smart alternative, all the while evolving to be the streamlined technologically it is today.
How Do String Pinsetters Work?
With a string pinsetter, you have strings attached to the top of each pin. There is no interference with how the pins fall. The pins are pulled back into the rack, and the machine then resets the ones that weren’t knocked down after the roll.
If you’ve ever played mini-bowling, you’ve probably watched this in action! Nowadays, you’ll see plenty of full-size versions in large entertainment centers. Any size bowling alley can use this type of pinsetter.
They’re building using steel framing and backing. They have cushions made of solid rubber and a curtain that rivals any traditional machine. They’re built with an effective, state-of-the-art shock-absorbing system to lessen the impacts of the ball and pins.
Benefits of String Bowling
Their beauty is in their simplicity, which adds to their versatility. That nylon, anti-tangle “strings”, referred to in the name, are black, letting them blend into the background nicely. They’re strong and last a very long time.
Bowling string pinsetter machines require less space than traditional machines, which means you can choose to have shorter lanes. But they have now been modified for large alleys as well.
They are lightweight. In fact, they weigh about 25% less than traditional types. Being compact, they’re able to fit into homes and basements, yet durable enough to work great in large commercial centers such as bars, resorts, etc.
Benefits include:
- Less maintenance
- Fewer repairs
- Less expensive
- Safer
- Faster cycle
- More versatile
- Fewer moving parts
- Requires less space
- Quicker training
There is the efficiency of the reset between throws, making for a quicker transition each time, and doesn’t affect gameplay.
As we mentioned above, they are massively less expensive and need less maintenance and repairs than your traditional pinsetting machines. This means you won’t have to pay a full-time, specialized mechanic. An engineer will come to your alley and fix anything that might go wrong, which turns out to be virtually nothing.
When it comes to training, alley owners can learn how to do everything involved with string pinsetters in 20 minutes.
Less Dangerous
Many things can go wrong with traditional machines such as pin jams, malfunctions, and serious injuries. Think about how many moving parts are involved with electrical and mechanical pinsetters. These elaborate (and dangerous) machines have more than 1,500 of them.
Take the 17-year-old boy who was fatally injured in a mechanical pinsetter machine accident. His head was crushed by the sweeper after he tried to free a pin from the back of the machine.
Take celebrity chef Buddy Valastro (aka the Cake Boss), who was recently involved in a horrific accident involving a mechanical pinsetter in his home. He was simply trying to free a pin from the cage, which is a surprisingly common issue.
There are too many of these accidents. So, the transition to bowling string pinsetters could actually prevent worker injuries and fatalities.
Popularity
Even for 10-pin bowling, we see the string pinsetter’s popularity taking off in Germany, Romania, Russia, Luxembourg, India, China, Mexico, and Brazil. Now it’s gaining popularity in the US more than ever before.
It’s going to take some adjustment due to the lack of knowledge of these larger versions available. People need to learn more about string bowling and know that the machines are no longer the string pinsetters of the 60s. And they are definitely making a comeback.
In the 80s and 90s, bowling with string pinsetting technology was not considered “real bowling” by some serious players. Now it’s proven to be just as good because the strings no longer interfere with the game. The only thing missing is the sound of the pins dropping.
Let’s Roll
Consider remodeling or refurbishing your old bowling alley or open a new one! It’s the perfect time to get on board with bowling string pinsetters.
Follow your dream of opening a brand new shiny bowling alley and remove a lot of the cost. It could be the difference between being able to follow that dream or letting it roll into the gutter.
For more information, give us a call at 800-421-1022 and we’ll help you find the perfect setup for your home or business! Check out our portfolio and prepare to be impressed!
