Ten Pin bowling Blog

Switch Entertainment SA, based in Nyon Switzerland, manufacturer of the Pininfarina designed range of bowling equipment, has the great pleasure and honour to announce the signature of a long term co-operative agreement with the Family Leisure Group of Singapore.Family Leisure, a group owned by the NTUC Singapore, operates golf courses, leisure and sports centres, resorts and bowling centres throughout Singapore. They are the largest leisure and sports chain operator in South East Asia.

Singapore is considered one of the worlds leading and most balanced economies and Family Leisure’s management completed a year long due diligence to replace their bowling equipment in all five centres. The result was very much in favour of Switch Entertainment SA.

Family Leisure complimented Switch by stating that; “the entire Switch system is what helped us reach our final decision. Switch can provide a totally customised product that meets all our needs and we were extremely impressed by the professionalism, enthusiasm and sincerity of the entire Switch organisation”.

The contract award was approved by the NTUC Board of Directors. The contract was signed by Family Leisure, Mr Amas Tan of Switch Bowling Singapore and Switch Entertainment SA. The product versus product analysis undertaken by the Family Leisure Group was certainly one of the most professional and clinically focused assessment and evaluation processes undertaken by any organisation in the global bowling market in more recent times.

The contract consists of replacing seventy two [72] Brunswick GS series pinspotter machines with new state of the art Switch ST-1 machines, the upgrading of thirty six [36] AMF 82-90XL machines with the new Switch ST1 electronic chassis and motors, the replacement of thirty six [36] AMF synthetic lanes with Switch Matrix GID Synthetic lanes and the replacement of 108 lanes of ball return systems, masking units and seating. Additionally Switch is installing the latest SwitchV2 automatic scoring systems replacing all Brunswick Frameworx scoring systems across seventy two [72] lanes, thirty two [32] lanes of relatively new Qubica/AMF Conqueror Pro and 36 lanes of AMF Accuscore.

Switch has worked tirelessly to develop an entire product line which matches the most demanding clients’ requirements, and the Switch organisation is extremely proud to be associated with our new clients and partners Family Leisure. Success for Switch in recent years in both Europe and Middle East is now matched by state of the art modern showcases in one of Asia’s most buoyant global market places - Singapore!

Belmullet , Co Mayo in the West of Ireland hasn’t had a day like it when the new 26,000 sq ft Gateway Leisureplex opened its doors to the public on Friday 3rd April 2009  , Knock airport has never been so busy they came from far and wide, traffic jams and people parking up to a mile away on either side of the extensive parking on the site. Local Bands, Radio broadcasting live throughout Ireland, Live TV coverage for the opening, Sponge Bob Square Pants came along with Barney the Dinosaur, face painting clowns , goody bag give- a-ways, Radio phone ins and the huge crowds made it a great party atmosphere prevailed well into the night.

This world Class 26,000sq ft centre was opened to great acclaim, creating jobs and retail opportunities in the depth of recession, the high quality fit out complex has been built from scratch on a huge site 2 miles outside the town and the interior designers have been very innovative in the stunning mix of colour and contempory style throughout the building. The Complex was some 3 years in the planning, nothing was left to chance. Only the very best was good enough, construction commenced in September 2008 and the complex grew at a pace.

A new innovative family was created to entertain the kids and develop a strong family brand image, Zeta the Bowling Queen, Robert the Rocket, and Sharpe Shooting Sean

The innovative design team were instrumental in the 6 lanes of Switch bowling equipment choice by the owners the Brogan Family as the Pininfarina design incorporates the stunning Switch colour range for the planned 6 lanes , Switch are the only equipment manufacturer to offer this level of choice along with the innovative Switch Pininfarina furniture designs they were able to create a stunning bowlers seating area with ample storage space and comfort for the bowlers. The latest scoring graphic’s on 2009 launched ‘’ Switch 2 scoring systems’’ caused a real stir when the 32” flat screens were fired up, incorporating 16 animated packages with a selection of 19 themed animations in each pack some 300+ choices, and the ability to add options of another 114 animations to delight the players and watchers alike.

They then turned their attention to the UV reactive lanes pattern choices and decided to incorporate 2 glow designs into the lanes area the outside lanes used the New for 2009 MATRIX Design and the centre 2 lanes they used STARGATE design . Only Switch offer a choice of 4 designer patterns that are UV reactive. 

Then the stunning Pininfarina Masking units in front of the machines finished the whole effect off, this is a unique centre built with pride and commitment by the Brogan Family and their team.

The complex also incorporates Kids Island for the younger folks installed along side 2 great party rooms each with there own kitchens and party prep areas , large Pool Room, extensive Machine Arcade area, and the Park Lanes Bar and Restaurant on the ground floor, the fish chowder on the extensive menu is to die for. Top chefs manage huge kitchens and create wonderful food experiences, Along side is the Coffee station for snacks and pastries,  On the upper floor is the VORTEX function suite fitted out with all the latest sound and light projection equipment , drop down screens and plasma wall mounted units for presentations. Sales training courses and corporate functions as well as weddings birthdays ect, the whole centre is fitted out with 7 surround sound plasma screens. Unusually there are two large external patio’s to the front and side of the complex extending out over the ground floor roof tops, for alfresco dining in the summer months to take advantage of the breathtaking  stunning views out over the Mullet looking  towards the Atlantic Ocean with the next stop being America, a great place to relax and watch the tides change with a G & T in hand on a balmy summers night.

There is nothing that this Complex cannot stage,  bringing a whole new level to the term FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT.

Bowling International Price List

April sees some further offers like, Switch House Shoes at a bargin price of £7.41 per pair, (net) The Standard shoe comes in a Silver and Blue soft leather, Glow in the dark laces, Euro Size on the back and Switch Logo on the side.

They only come in Euro sizes but you could always put the UK size on your self.

See attched the latest offer sheet with the Shoe Size Guide.

We also now have the new style shoe in stock too although some sizes are still limited availablity due to the high demand.

Switch Launches the new MATRIX TENPIN BOWLING LANE!

It’s the most impressive design I’ve ever seen, in the day light it looks completely normal, in fact you can’t even tell it’s a Glow in the Dark lane, till that is the UV lighting is on then the Lane looks like the lane surface is 3D, and the matrix twists and warps taking Glow Bowling in to a new dimension.

Order as part of your new package at no extra cost or modernise worn, drab lane with this awesome new overlay.

Call us for a bespoke quotation.

Wow there’s no stopping Switch! Bowling International can reveal the new String Pinsetter has been Launched at the Switch Factory last week.

The package will be the same as the already successful ST1 pinsetter package, except it will be a Switch String machine behind the masking unit.

The String machine has some great advantages especially for smaller centres say Four to eight lanes, the main advantage being its virtually maintenance free! the second being they really are truly simple to fix if they do need attention! Honestly they really are superb machines for people who would like a bowling centre in conjunction with say kids play. The main aim of this machine is to be fun bowling, obviously pins on strings will never be tournament spec but the majority of small centres will never have a tournament anyway, so save a few ££££ and go string…

Switch Billiards has begun!

With an 8ft & 9ft matt ebonite finish the new Switch Billiard tables have the same Italian design and bespoke feel.

The S602 model will initially be stocked with a Blue Cloth, ball pack, play triangle set & cues all supplied for :

8ft          £1668.00 + Vat & Delivery

9ft          £1769.00 + Vat & Delivery

We can also install your tables so please call for a complete price.

Switch has developed the best scoring system I’ve ever seen! I’ve worked on Qubica AMF and Brunswick systems in the past but Switch really are head and shoulders above the competition and are set to revolutionise the industry. If you can imagine a wish list, then someone taking that list and then adds there list and so on, it will come back to you with more than you could have dreamed of! Well that’s pretty much what’s happened.

Back in January 08, we picked some holes in the existing software; to be honest they were minor holes but holes never the less. We asked the factory development team to come up with some suggestions which has lead to a complete re write and massive enhancement.

The basis and inspiration has come from the much loved Apple Mac design, the pages flow with ease with the 17” touch screen being used now to drag and drop items not just touch what you see.

 A welcome screen introduces you to the system and a frosted photo of your self makes it incredibly easy to logon. The main screen has a menu floating on the left hand side with the main areas. With Switch 2 comes the Switch Swipe Cards, allowing access to the system through one swipe, however the system has logon restrictions so if I logon with a low power card the icons do not appear, if I logon with Admin power all my icons appear. Simple and effective.

Some new amazing features have also been added. The Switch 2 Bowlers Archive, a data base which stores every bit of information and activity that bowler has and does. For example, if you log in as John Smith, the system records the entry, then, when he plays it stores all his game information and is able to work out his / her statistics over a chosen period.

The system also has a vast range of payment methods, such as pay per game, per hour, post pay and pre pay, with numerous rate possibilities and discount / frequent bowler programs. The system automatically keeps track of all activity and can be used as a great marketing tool!

Food and Beverage, one thing all previous systems have been bad at is sales by unit for example selling a can of Coke. Well the new Switch system has been written with this in mind, it not only has a list but the icons can be actual photos of the product. A neat web cam means a quick snap shot of say a plated meal can be easily added and made an icon with description! This will certainly help raise the sales and increase profit!

Non bowling activities such as billiards, kids play, and laser tag ECT, gets the same screens as for the bowling, and has the same range of payment types. With the new system any activity can be customised and a detailed management report can be raised to review and cash up against.

But the most impressive feature of me was the Advance Booking List and also the Waiting List, most systems can take a booking, but how many look like Microsoft Outlook Calendar? A booking can be entered as simply as 1 2 3, but the system is so clever, the reservation can be assigned a lane in advance and if a customer walks in an icon warns the lane is reserved already and moves them either to a free lane or alternatively on to a waiting list. The waiting list simply is for walk ins, if you are busy you can stack the customers and assign lanes as they become free. It really is just excellent!

When combined with over 300 moving animations which are themed plus moving high res back grounds the bowlers get an amazing visual experience. Each animation is grouped into a theme, and themes can be timed or assigned to lanes so for instance a kid’s party can be themed Wild West or racing cars and so on, or a more adult theme can be assigned automatically at 9pm …..

The best thing is we upgrade all centres with previous versions, so all switch systems from UK to Russia will have the new software!!

Release dates look to be late June / first week of July. It’s a must see!!!!

Modena, Italy, March 11th.

Switch Announces the Bowl Expo Plans. Alain Winterhalter, Switch President explains “With the biggest Bowling Exhibition comes the Biggest Switch Presence to date. Switch will have two complete tournament specification lanes installed and working, plus we’ll be officially launching our latest product developments”.

I personally saw the new products some of which are in production now but the official launch is planned for the Expo Show.

However as a sneak preview I can reveal, some of the new products;

·         New Machine Chassis

·         New Switch 2 front desk and scorer software

·         New furniture range including an S line sofa and High back leather sofa

·         Plus the new colour ranges, Red, and yellow along with Switch Silver

To name but a few of the key products!!!!!

Also the new Matrix Lane! details coming soon!!!

I had a chance to use a beta version of the Switch 2 software, oh my god it’s awesome! 300 new graphics plus drag and drop icons which takes touch screen entry to the next level!! The software has been designed and written in house and has taken a lot more time than expected, but it’s been worth the wait! It is the new tenpin bowling revolution!!!!

With the new software had to come new hardware hence the new ST Chassis, the features now available are unbelievable! Details are to be honest still top secret but after 5 minutes you can see this is not just an update but a master piece!!!!!

The new switch Sofa is typical Italian design, and wow impact has to be the word! When described my first thoughts were ok we could do with that, but when it was shown……… i was in ore ! every centre will want them! Plus it has the flexibility of the Switch Hard seating, you can add or take away seats in the sofa as required, and bespoke design your area.

For the Switch Colour packages, well they are simply stunning, the colours were inspired by Ferrari well did you expect any different from the people who’s factory is next door to the plant? If they fail to empress then I’ll be amazed!

On return from the factory last week, it became clear Switch although new in terms of our competition are so pro active and enthusiastic I’m in no doubt the Tenpin Bowling Revolution has begun, the show down will start in Expo!

The famous super star Rihanna went Tenpin Bowling to celebrate her birthday at Bloomsbury Bowl in London. The Sun news paper reported Rihanna was Bowled over !! Bowling International are always pleased to hear of centres which are different, our new products from Switch are certainly that! So if you’re looking to open your own boutique bowl give us a call, the Pininfarina Designed Switch Lanes are fantastically retro!!!! The new Glow patterns are coming out in March as are the new Switch Billiards department! I cant wait.

February sees the arrival of the new Pininfarina designed Switch House Shoe! We already have received the first samples and they are fantastic! We’re looking forward to the first week of March when the new stock arrives, now made of soft leather, glow laces, or Velcro with a new sole design the new Pininfarina Designed Switch Shoe will be the premium longer lasting house shoe. However we will still continue to offer the Standard Switch House Shoe which is available now at an unbelievable price. Be the first to get your new Pininfarina designed Switch House Shoes, the only trouble is now they are so good your customers will want to keep them!