Scott Yarrow, proprietor of Highland Bowl in Corvallis, Oregon, recently sat down with The Vanport Bowling News to discuss the bowling center's recent installation of USBC approved string pin machines, and the successful hosting of the Super Bowl Consolation Tournament. 

The introduction of string pin technology at Highland Bowl, which was completed in early July, came with mixed initial reactions. According to Yarrow, some bowlers were hesitant about the change, with some teams opting out of the tournament due to preconceptions about how string pins might affect gameplay. However, once participants tried the new system, feedback was largely neutral to positive.

“Once people actually bowled on it, they realized it wasn’t as different as they thought,” said Yarrow. “It’s bowling, and after a few frames, they adjusted and just played the game.”

String pins, a relatively new innovation in bowling, feature strings attached to each pin, which Yarrow said improves machine reliability and reduces breakdowns. Highland Bowl has seen a significant reduction in mechanical stops, with Yarrow reporting only two to three stops per day, compared to frequent interruptions under the old 82-70 pinsetters.

Yarrow emphasized that while some subtle differences in pin action exist, such as occasional string trips or unique messenger pin behavior, the overall experience is similar to traditional free-standing pins. Additionally, he highlighted the benefits of improved pin-spotting accuracy and fewer disruptions, enhancing the bowler experience during league play and tournaments.

“One of the USBC requirements was that everything had to be on spot, and that’s what these machines deliver,” Yarrow noted, referencing the United States Bowling Congress’s approval of the string pin technology after extensive testing.

Since the installation, Highland Bowl has hosted its leagues and tournaments without any major issues. High scores, including a 299 game, have already been recorded, showing that the new system remains competitive.

Yarrow encouraged bowlers who are skeptical about string pins to come and try them. “You can watch videos online, but it’s really something you need to experience for yourself,” he said. “Once bowlers try it, they usually walk away feeling pretty good about it.”

Highland Bowl continues to offer open play and welcomes bowlers to come experience the string pin system firsthand.