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Pulling Strings Modern string pin machines are a fast-growing trend in FECs. By George McAuliffe
B
owling on strings: is that real bowling? It appears that more and more of the bowling audience, including some serious bowlers, are answering yes to that question. As the bowling market changes with league bowling in decline and casual bowlers on the rise, string machines seem to be coming into their own. The love story of the marriage of bowling and FEC attractions has moved primarily in one direction — adding FEC attractions to bowling centers. Traditional FECs have been slower to add bowling, often due to space and cost concerns. Brunswick and QubicaAMF string machines address those issues. We’re not talking small ball or mini bowling here. Those machines have their place. This is much different.
The Manufacturers Speak
String pins are suspended from much less complicated, and therefore less expensive, pinsetters. Players experience the look and feel of real bowling. “Lanes can be shorter than regulation, but otherwise it’s big ball bowling,” as Dan Borgie, Brunswick’s director for new center sales, told me. “Our Epicenter machines still come with many of the features of our GSX machines, including integration of LED lighting and music. We are the only
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company offering on-demand pin selectability, as well as a series of fun, challenging, non-bowling games for the casual bowler.” Borgie went on to say, “We’ve found the string machines allow us to bring the look and feel of real bowling into more locations. Epicenter allows for customizing the length of the lane and approach if space is an issue. We have installed or are in discussion with brewpubs, hotels, resorts, clubs, and all kinds of FECs.” If the string pinsetter is less expensive and easier to operate, something’s got to give, no? Well, yes. String machines are not sanctioned for league play in the U.S., so they are not for every center. However, in the growing number of bowling entertainment centers where league play is not essential, and even centers where it is, string can be part of the program. Did I just contradict myself by stating string can be part of the program in centers dependent on league play? After saying they are not sanctioned? No, and here’s why. They have a place in the hybrid model Dan Borgie