A Pro's Take on Boost ST: PBA Champion Mike Fagan Makes the Switch

International Bowling Industry (IBI) magazine recently featured Brunswick's Boost ST string pinsetters in its June 2026 issue. Here's a look at the story—and where you can read the full piece.

When five-time PBA Tour champion and two-time major winner Mike Fagan stepped into bowling center ownership, he brought that same competitive focus to building a stronger, more efficient business. As owner of Tenpins & More, a 24-lane center in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, one of his first moves was converting the center to Brunswick's Boost ST string pinsetters—a decision he describes as straightforward economics.

In IBI's feature, "A Pro's Call on String," Fagan shares why the switch made sense and how it's played out day to day:

• Strong economics. With his center's existing machines at the end of their useful life, replacement was the smarter long-term move. Fagan expects a payback within three years and stronger cash flow to reinvest into the center.
• League bowlers came around fast. "The perception that league bowlers won't like string is much worse than the reality," Fagan says. Once players competed on it, the pushback faded.
• Fewer disruptions for open play guests. With fewer breakdowns, the focus shifts back to what keeps guests coming back—atmosphere, service, and fun.
• Simpler, safer operations. The machines mostly handle themselves, built-in alerts flag when attention is needed, and any team member can step in.

As Fagan puts it: "Having competed at the highest level for years, I know what bowlers value. I wouldn't have made this switch if I didn't believe in the product."

Read the full story from IBI magazine here.