Badger might not be the longest animal in the animal kingdom, but it sure is the longest PBA Animal oil pattern. So how much difficulty are we talking about? Bowlers often misunderstand longer oil patterns as tough ones. The Badger oil pattern by PBA will prove you wrong. Although the extended length and the heavy oil volume are concerning, with accuracy and consistency, nothing would stop you. So if you have a PBA tournament coming where they will lay down this pattern, now is the time you learn more about the Badger oil pattern. So let’s start our homework, shall we?
Oil Pattern Specifications
| Title | PBA Animal Patterns— Bear Oil |
| Distance | 41 feet |
| Total Oil Volume | 24.95 mL |
| Forward Oil | 21.05 mL |
| Reverse Oil | 3.90 mL |
| Oil Ratio | 2.11:1 |
How to attack the PBA Badger oil pattern?
Make a note of the fact that “Straighter is Greater”. Since the Badger oil pattern runs a big distance, keeping your ball motion straighter should be your ultimate goal. Making an angular hook will be impossible, that’s for sure.
As per the ‘Rule of 31’, 52-31 = 21, your breakpoint should be around the board 21. So it’s as clear as daylight that you gotta play the pattern from the middle part of the lane. But if you have prior bowling experience, you know that playing from the middle throughout the game is not the smartest choice as you won’t be able to hit the pockets properly. When bowling, gradually move toward the third arrow and in between the second and third arrow.
The Badger oil pattern will force you to play straight and won’t let your ball have any angles because there you won’t have enough area at the end of the pattern for your ball to make its move toward the headpin. But don’t worry, once the pattern is broken down a little, your lane will open up.
On the fresh pattern, keep your shots tight and the pocket at the front. When you release your bowling ball make sure your angles are in front of you the whole time. Doesn’t matter where you position your feet, check if your ball is exiting the pattern between 15 and 18 boards of the lane. You are not supposed to give away your pocket at any cost.
As the specifications suggest Badger is going to play slick. This isn’t to scare you but this oil pattern is definitely very challenging. According to PBA, the Badger is a medium-scoring pattern. So how do you fight against all odds? Always keep your ball’s breakpoint closer to and dead in front of the targeted pocket. Badger allows smooth ball motion at the front and mid lane. So roll a ball that isn’t sucking up the oil too much and letting you control all the way.
It might have to play very deep just like you would on patterns like PBA Shark and Mexico City. Based on which side you play, you’ll see different scenarios on this pattern.
So what’s gonna happen when you play a fallback? This is when you will see the left picket fence by missing the right. However, your possibility of seeing a washout will be reduced. How does that work? When you are applying the fallback method, your bowling ball will move across the pocket. Contrarily, when you miss left, you will just have some simple corner pins or will probably hit some Brooklyns.
What are the challenges you will face while playing on this pattern?
As I have indicated earlier, Badger is a medium-scoring pattern. If you can’t keep your ball closer to the breakpoint, you will see consequences you are not happy with.
If you ever unintentionally miss your target while playing this pattern straight, what or who to blame? Well, depends on your dominant side, you will experience different scenarios. Right-handed bowlers will see a left picket fence or a washout. Left-handed bowlers when they miss their target will see some terrible splits and of course a washout.
Since the pattern is quite flat, you will experience a few gutter shots at first. Well, no worries, nothing a bit of practice can’t fix. Try to stay consistent with your shots, and learn how to adapt to lane transformations. Without proper adjustment, you will not be able to cope with this sports-level oil pattern.
What kind of bowling ball is suitable for this pattern?
I tell this to every bowler who asks me about the Badger oil pattern. Bowl with a nice controllable bowling ball that is less likely to give you an unexpected reaction so that you can get into a roll at the backends.
To get the best out of this pattern, make sure your ball has at least 1000 Grit surface. A symmetrical bowling ball with a matte/sanded coverstock would be your best solution. And how powerful your ball should be? A medium-powered ball will be fine, I believe.
It’s not like you can’t use a strong ball. You can but it will be a bit too early on the lane. An early motion wouldn’t be practical for a pattern like this one. Why don’t you try out with a stronger ball and see whether it is working for you? Remember to use a ball that conserves force and energy. The reason I recommended a weaker bowling ball is that it preserves energy better than a stronger ball.
Here are some of my recommendations— Motiv Jackal and a great alternative is the Motiv Trident Odyssey. The Roto Grip Haywire, Storm Hy-Road Nano, etc will deliver stunning performance on this crucial oil pattern. Another great substitute is the Storm Sure Lock ball. As the lane breaks down go for a bowling ball with a higher grit surface.
Conclusion
Scoring on this pattern is hard, I won’t lie. However, with right tactics your score can get better. Indeed, even experienced bowlers struggle on the Badger oil pattern, but with practice you can take yours to 200 or more. This pattern surely does test your skill level. So to achieve finesse, be patient, control the ball speed and concentrate on repeating shots. With enough practice, nothing can stop you from winning. If you have already bowled on Badger before and managed to have a nice score, consider yourself blessed. With that being said, good luck and see ya, my favorite folks!
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.
