Are you tired of playing tough Kegel Navigation Patterns? Do you want to enjoy a lane pattern that falls under the mid-level in terms of difficulty? Then you must know the ins and outs of Beaten Path oil pattern. The bowling industry was missing a pattern that is like the Beaten Path. Inspired by some of previous successful Kegel patterns, engineers have tweaked Beaten Path oil pattern just enough so that every bowlers can have fun bowling on it. So how do you slay on this unique and cool pattern? Continue to read to find out!
Oil Pattern Specifications
| Title | Kegel Challenge Series— Beaten Path (4541) |
| Distance | 41 feet |
| Total Oil Volume | 24.25 mL |
| Forward Oil | 12.05 mL |
| Reverse Oil | 12.20 mL |
| Oil Ratio | 3:1 to 5:1 |
How to bowl on the Beaten Path oil pattern?
The Rule of 31 says Beaten Path should be played 10 board down lane. Based on what kind of bowling ball you are using and your rev rate, 9-10 board would be your ideal breakpoint if you want to see the best ball reaction.
Bowlers with a high ball speed will see a more forward roll. This will keep the bowling ball closer to the breakpoint at the down lane. And what if you have a slower ball speed? Chances are you have more axis rotation with your slow ball speed. When you bowl on the Beaten Path oil pattern, you are gonna have an advantage of getting around the corners. Bowlers with medium bowling ball speed will somewhat enjoy both benefits.
Here, I have sort of given you an idea for right-handed bowlers. Now what about left-handed bowlers? Cheer up! I got you covered. Generally, lefty bowlers claim that their bowling balls always go farther left. However, the breakpoints take place right on time.
So what if speed is not your cup of tea? How do you play this pattern then? Slow bowlers go soft when the ball is at the downswing. You should consider leaning forward a little more than you typically do to play THS. By leaning down harder, you will have more area to play with.
Now, if you are a bowler with a higher rev but lower ball speed, you will actually have lots of better chances to customize your ball reaction. If it ever feels like you are going to miss, hold tight because your rev rate and axis rotation will save you from terrible fortune and ensure a perfect shot.
Speed-dominant players tug the oil line of the lane a bit more. This is something low-speed bowlers don’t have to worry about. Whether you have a high or an average ball speed, try to stay close to the 10, as I have mentioned earlier. Are you very much into spinning your bowling ball with lots of surfaces? Then you will not have a lot of room on the sides but don’t worry, with practice you will get away with it.
Although it’s rare, the lane will be pretty playful for those who are two-handers. Because of using both of your hands, you get to swing the ball with a higher rev rate. As a result, you also get the advantage of opening up the lane and hitting the headpin right where it is needed.
Although it’s rare but for those who are two-handers the lane will be quite playful for you. Because of using both of your hands, you get to swing the ball with a higher rev rate. As a result, you also get the advantage of opening up the lane and hitting the headpin right where it is needed.
You will witness the best result when you play on the worn-out lane and roll your bowling ball right over the area of the highest friction area. Pro bowlers can easily excel and read the lanes when playing the Beaten Path oil pattern. When intermediate bowlers attempt to change their direction too far off this pattern, it gets too difficult too quickly. Make sure you check the oil ratio before playing Beaten Path as it can either have 3:1 or 5:1.
What ball to use for this pattern?
I will recommend different balls for bowlers with different ball speeds. Are you a high-speed bowler? Then you are gonna need balls with a bit more surface. This will provide you with more traction in the front part of the lane with less axis tilt. No matter what ball you use you are gonna have to play a bit tighter.
For my fellow low-speed bowlers, here’s what I want you to do. Get yourself a ball that is energetic. In other words, a bit stronger bowling balls. With a stronger bowling ball, you can easily swing and release your ball on this pattern and hit the headpin pretty hard. Isn’t that what you want?
To start with, you can go for something like Hammer Onyx Vibe. My two-handed bowling mate used it in a tournament and it gave tremendous ball reaction. Although when he had to migrate to the left, he used his Storm Idol Pearl.
If you want something with more surface and more traction through the front part of the lane, go for Storm Crux Prime. Since this ball has a little less axis tilt, you are gonna have to play a little tighter. If you use Storm Sure Lock, you can get away with a little bit more area.
What are the challenges you will face while playing on this pattern?
If you are a complete beginner trying to master your skill and score on a recreation pattern, this challenge-level pattern might be too difficult for you. Especially, if they lay down a flatter version of this pattern. You need adequate practice before you get down on Beaten Path.
Another common issue bowlers deal with when bowling on the Beaten path is how it acts tough when you diverge far off the left side of the pattern. So stay on track to keep the ball motion peaked. You’ll mostly experience difficulties with a wrong piece of bowling ball.
Conclusion
Who doesn’t love the Kegel Challenge oil patterns? Especially, if it’s something like the Beaten Path because anyone can enjoy it. I like how it plays. Not too easy-peasy, not too grueling. Remember this hack— try to find the driest area on the lane for enhancing the friction as it will ultimately give you a better reaction. Ask your friends and foes who have bowled on this pattern before. Make sure you practice enough before your big day. With time, it will get easier. Good luck and keep having fun!
Passionate Bowler and Bowling Enthusiast
Jess Pinelli is a dedicated bowling enthusiast with a deep love for the sport that spans over 6 years. With numerous strikes, spares, and a few gutter balls under hes belt, he has honed his skills on lanes across the country. Pinelli’s journey in the world of bowling has been a remarkable one, from casual weekend games with friends to competitive league play and even a few local tournaments.
Driven by her passion for the game, Pinelli decided to channel her expertise and knowledge into the digital realm, becoming a prolific author on this bowling website. She’s your go-to source for everything bowling-related, from mastering the perfect hook to choosing the right bowling ball and even navigating the world of bowling etiquette.
When she’s not busy writing informative articles or reviewing the latest bowling gear, you’ll likely find Pinellis at her favorite local bowling alley, helping newcomers improve their game or enjoying some friendly competition with fellow bowlers. She firmly believes that bowling is not just a game but a community, and she’s committed to fostering that sense of camaraderie both online and offline.
