Recently, you may have noticed a major change behind the lanes: string pinsetters replacing traditional pin machines. While many bowlers are arguing about the change, the reasons for the change is because of economics, labor, and long-term sustainability.
Lower Installation and Operating Costs
One of the biggest reasons for the move to string pins is cheaper installation and operating costs. Traditional pinsetters are complex mechanical systems with hundreds of moving parts. They require constant maintenance, specialized mechanics, and replacement parts that you may or may not be able to find.
String pinsetters, by comparison, are simpler machines. Pins are attached to lightweight strings and reset using electric motors and sensors rather than heavy mechanical cycles. For bowling center owners, this often means:
- Lower upfront costs
- Reduced maintenance expenses
- Fewer emergency breakdowns
In an industry with tight margins, these savings can be the difference between profitability and closure.
Labor and Technician Shortages
Another major factor is labor availability. Skilled pinsetter mechanics are becoming harder to find, especially for independent bowling centers. Training new technicians on legacy free-fall machines can take months or even years.
String pinsetters are easier to learn and maintain, allowing bowling centers to rely less on hard-to-find specialists. This is great for small and mid-sized bowling alleys that don’t have in-house mechanics.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
Today, bowling centers need to reduce energy use to lower operating costs. String pins use less electricity than traditional pinsetters and are easier to fix.
String pins are better suited for family entertainment centers. FECs need to use less power, have fewer mechanical components, and last longer.
Certification and Competitive Play
One of the biggest concerns bowlers raise is whether string pins are “real bowling.” That question has largely been addressed by United States Bowling Congress, which officially certified string pinsetters for league and tournament play under specific conditions in 2023.
While some differences in pin action exist, studies and real-world testing show that scoring outcomes are comparable when machines are properly calibrated. Many bowlingcenters choose to designate specific lanes or leagues as traditional or string-pin to satisfy different customer preferences.
Supporting the Survival of Local Bowling Centers
For many bowling alley proprietors, switching to string pins isn’t about changing the game—it’s about keeping the doors open. Rising rent, utilities, insurance, and labor costs have already forced hundreds of bowling centers to close nationwide.
String pinsetters offer a way to modernize operations, reduce risk, and extend the life of aging facilities without massive capital investments. For casual bowlers, birthday parties, corporate events, and open play guests, the experience remains largely the same.
The Bottom Line
Bowling alleys are changing to string pins because they make good business sense. Lower costs, easier maintenance, and official certification have made them the right solution for bowling centers that need to lower costs
While traditional pinsetters still hold a special place in my heart, string pins are becoming an important way for bowling centers to stay open. And that is good for bowling as a whole.
Who Offers String Pin Machines
Brunswick Bowling
- Offers certified string pinsetter systems approved for standard bowling
- Installs through authorized distributors
- Common in:
- New bowling center builds
- Renovations
- Hybrid bowling / FEC concepts
- Strong support, parts availability, and integration with Brunswick scoring systems
QubicaAMF
- Provides string pinsetter solutions alongside free-fall options
- Installed via global distributor network
- Popular for:
- Entertainment-focused centers
- International markets
- High-volume open play environments