Length, breakpoint and ball advice for the Chameleon sport pattern.
| Length | 39 feet |
|---|---|
| Oil volume | 25.29 mL |
| Ratio | 2.47:1 |
| Rule of 31 breakpoint | Board 8 (39 minus 31) |
Sources: FloBowling, "Pattern Breakdown: Analyzing the Six 2021 World Series of Bowling Patterns"; length cross-checked against the PBA Experience pattern list on bowl.com. Oil specs can change from year to year and event to event, so always read the sheet posted for your tournament.
Chameleon is a 39 foot pattern from the PBA World Series of Bowling set. Mike led qualifying at the 2016 PBA Chameleon Championship, so this one gets a lot of attention in his lessons.
FloBowling called it the toughest pattern of the 2021 event. The ratio is 2.47:1, so there is real oil difference between the middle and the outside. One pro noted that players usually want to move left to fresher lane, but it is really hard to do on this pattern because the surface hooks so much up front. Early looks with urethane around the 8 to 10 board area at the arrows were mentioned in the same article.
Rule of 31 gives board 8 as the breakpoint (39 minus 31). On a pattern that punishes big moves, learn to make small, early adjustments instead of a big swing later.
Not sure how the Rule of 31 works? Read the Rule of 31 explained or use the calculator.
Match surface to rev rate. Higher rev bowlers can throw a duller symmetrical ball and stay inside. Lower rev bowlers usually need to play a bit farther right with a smoother surface transition. Do not carry only one ball. The lane transition guide covers what to change as it breaks down.
Back to the PBA animal patterns guide. Other patterns: Scorpion, Viper, Cheetah, Shark.
Book a session with a 2009 PBA Scorpion Champion. In person at Strike Force Lanes in Greenfield, or by video from anywhere. See lessons for Indianapolis, Carmel and Fishers, or virtual video lessons.
Text Mike (702) 701-1494The PBA Chameleon pattern is 39 feet long, according to the published pattern lists cited on this page.
The Rule of 31 gives a starting breakpoint of board 8 (39 minus 31). Treat it as a starting point and adjust to the lane.
Yes. Mike coaches sport pattern play in person at Strike Force Lanes in Greenfield, IN, and by video review for bowlers in Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers and anywhere else.