bowling
bowling alleys. leisure centres.nightclubs
String Pin Bowling
The smart upgrade from traditional free-fall pinsetters
What Is String Pin Bowling?
String pin bowling is a modern alternative to traditional free-fall pinsetters. Instead of mechanical pin resetters, each pin is attached to a durable string connected to a computerized system that lifts and resets them after each roll. The system ensures accurate pin placement while requiring significantly less maintenance.
Why Is String Pin Bowling Gaining Popularity?
Lower costs & fewer breakdowns
Fewer moving components means less wear, minimising downtime. Save 90% on maintenance and machine service vs. free-fall pinsetters.
More energy-efficient
Offers 64% less electrical power used (.32 kwh per lane pair) vs. free-fall.
Simplicity
Simple design makes it easy for anyone to manage pinsetters.
USBC certified
Now approved for competitive play.
Great for home installations
Compact design makes home bowling lanes easier to maintain.
No Expert Techs Required
Professional bowling techs not required to maintain equipment.
Comparing String Pin Bowling vs Traditional Bowling
Looking To Get You Pinsetter Replaced?
At MJH Events, we understand that a reliable pinsetter is the heartbeat of your bowling centre, ensuring every game runs smoothly and every player leaves with a smile. Our dedicated team is ready to tackle your pinsetter replacement project with unmatched expertise and a personalised approach, guaranteeing minimal disruption to your operations.
Choose A reputable String Pin Supplier
When choosing a string pin bowling system, it’s essential to consider factors like reliability, ease of maintenance, and technological advancements. We partner with SES to supply our string pinsetters. Here is why they are one of the best in the industry:
- Considered by many to be the “King of String” in Europe, with decades of experience and a reputation for extreme reliability and low maintenance.
- SES machines are lightweight (approx. 25% less than conventional pinsetters) and designed to automatically detect and resolve rope entanglements.
- Proven to be robust, and has a mature design for both entertainment and competitive play.
Why Bowling Centres Across Europe Choose MJH Events
Proven Commercial Delivery at Scale
We're not just bowling contractors – we're strategic partners to the UK's biggest bowling brands. Our portfolio includes over 600 successful installations, from complete new builds for national chains to complex refurbishments completed without disrupting trading. When Tenpin needed bowling alley contractors capable of rolling out multiple sites simultaneously whilst maintaining exceptional standards, they chose MJH Events. We have also delivered many European projects from new bowling centre installations to full bowling alley refurbishments across the continent.
Queens Bowl Bayswater has trusted us as their sole bowling alley contractors for over 20 years. Through multiple upgrades, branded collaborations with Meat Liquor, and complete modernisations, we've proven that long-term partnerships deliver superior results.
The MJH Events Difference: What Sets Us Apart from Other Bowling Alley Contractors
Proven Track Record
Tenpin Estate:Â Main installer since 1997. Martin knows their venues, equipment, and timelines inside out.
Queens Bowl London:Â Trusted partner for 20+ years, including their Meat Liquor collaboration.
Bray Bowl:Â Reliable partner for multi-activity venues.
Deep Industry Knowledge
Martin's 40+ years means he understands:
- Complete history of bowling technology
- How to solve supply chain issues
- When traditional methods work best
Family-Run Values
MJH Events is built on integrity and trust. Martin leads technical delivery while Vanessa manages operations.
We're a team that takes pride in our work and treats every project like it matters.
End-to-End Service
- Site assessment & consultation
- Custom design & space planning
- Equipment sourcing
- Full installation & fit-out
- Testing & staff training
- Ongoing maintenance & support
Problem-Solving Under Pressure
Tight timelines? Supply issues? Complex technical challenges?
Martin thrives under pressure. His ability to find solutions when others hit walls is why venues trust MJH Events with their most critical projects.
Specialist Expertise
- Complex refurbishments for aging bowling centres
- Duckpin bowling installations for compact venues
- String pin system upgrades for cost savings
- Luxury residential lanes across UK and Europe
- Boutique venue installations (restaurants, bars, social clubs)
- Quality refurbished equipment from our projects at competitive prices
High Quality Supplier Chain Partners
SES Pinsetters
SES develops, produces and sells high-quality machines for the bowling and skittle alley industry all over the world. The specialists at SES do this not only with enormous experience and outstanding expertise but also with a genuine passion and enthusiasm for bowling and skittles.
Steltronic Scoring Systems
Steltronic has been a pioneer in developing microprocessor systems, optical equipment, and countless other technological innovations. Many of these innovations are now standard in bowling centres.Â
FAQs – Expert Answers to Common Questions
What are string pins in bowling?
String pins are bowling pins that are attached to durable strings, which are connected to an overhead system. When knocked down, they are lifted and reset automatically, reducing the need for traditional pinsetters.
How does string pin bowling work?
Unlike traditional free-fall pinsetters, each pin is connected to a string, which ensures it is properly reset after every roll. The system is designed to maintain accurate pin placement while minimising maintenance.
Can I install a string pin bowling system at home?
Yes! String pin bowling is a great option for home installations because it requires less space, less maintenance, and lower energy consumption compared to traditional pinsetters.
Is string pin bowling right for my business?
If you run a bowling alley, switching to string pin bowling can significantly reduce operational costs, maintenance downtime, and energy expenses, though some customers may prefer traditional pin action.
How does the gameplay feel compared to traditional bowling?
Most casual bowlers won’t notice a difference, but some experienced players may feel that the pin action is slightly different due to the strings. While the core mechanics remain the same, the interaction between pins is subtly altered.
How much does a string pin bowling system cost?
Costs vary depending on the brand, size, and installation complexity. Bowling alley setups typically cost more, while home systems can be customised to fit different budgets.
What is the lifespan of a string pin bowling system?
With proper maintenance, string pin bowling systems can last decades. Since they have fewer mechanical parts, they are less prone to breakdowns than traditional pinsetters.
Ready to Weigh Your Options?
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