Bowling is the most popular participant sport in the United States, even more than Baseball of Football. Now, I know that Football, baseball, and basketball all have millions of fans who love to watch, yell, cheer, and even bet on. However, if we are talking about people getting up and playing, Bowling would be the leader.
Unlike most other sports, bowling is for everyone, from toddlers to the very elderly. Also, there has been some modifications in bowling that even the people with various injuries, physical limitations, and mental limitations can enjoy playing as well.
However, if you are interested in bowling, there are many things to be covered other than heading to your local bowling center and renting out the house balls and shoes. Unfortunately, house balls will never fit you perfectly. A proper bowling ball should fit your fingers perfectly.
This issue leads bowlers to start investing in their equipment.
The first thing that any bowler should begin with is the bowling ball. Of course, bowling equipment isn’t just a ball and a pair of shoes. Many other items could be taken into consideration depending on the type of bowler and the needs such as tapes, towels, inserts, etc.
Bowling balls can be purchased from different places. Usually, online stores offer better prices and we guarantee the best prices available.
Check out the infographic below or continue reading below for more information.
Advantages of Owning Your Own Bowling Ball
One of the main benefits of owning your ball is that it can be drilled so that the holes fit your fingers perfectly. Using a ball at your local bowling center, you will probably have trouble finding one that fits your hand. A ball with loose finger holes increases the risk ok muscle fatigue, blisters, and even the ball may slip from your hands.
Therefore, a perfect fit improves comfort and consistency.
Another advantage of investing in a bowling ball is its condition.
The balls that are available at the bowling center can have cracks, or it could be even dented which results in inconsistent performance.
On the other hand, when you own your ball, you will be the only one using it and will be responsible for its condition. The more you care about it, the more you have to worry less about its condition.
How To Choose A Bowling Ball?
As you might know, that there are different types of bowling balls which give each ball different in regards to hooking power as well as reaction. So which one is the right one for you?
I know it sounds complicated, but there are things that you can do to lessen the hassle.
1. Visit Your Local Pro-Shop
A pro shop should be able to recommend the right type of bowling ball for you depending on your style.
2. Online Research
Perform an online research for reviews and suggestions and compare them together to get the best choice. The sites provide an in-depth analysis of reactions and characteristics of bowling balls.
3. Choosing The Right Weight
Make sure to get the right weight. You don’t want the ball to be very heavy nor too light; you will lose control over it. There are several strategies to find the right weight like choosing a ball that is ten percent of your body weight.
But the heaviest is sixteen pounds, so if you weigh more than 160 pounds, you should take this into account. So this is not a rule of thumb and make sure to get the correct weight that suits you.
4. Choosing The Right Coverstock
Bowling balls come in different material and surfaces, and it will affect how the ball could react on the lane.
Before buying a ball, you will have to know which type you need.
- Plastic / Polyester
- Urethane
- Reactiv-Resin
- Particle
| Ball Composition | Skill Level | Characteristics |
| Plastic / Polyester | Beginner |
|
| Urethane | Intermediate |
|
| Reactiv-Resin / Particle | Advanced |
|
What Is Your Bowling Style?
If you watch the professionals bowl, it’s not always about hooking the ball across the lane, nor the rocket speed bowling power. It’s all about your style and how you are comfortable.
You don’t have to be shooting power and hook to be a professional.
Take a look at these two different plays; both are getting strikes, but their way of playing and the type of ball they are using is different.
As you saw, it’s about control and consistency.
How To Know The Hook Potential Of A Ball?
Ball manufacturers identify hook potential by using a numeric measurement called “differential of RG” or just “differential” The higher the number, the higher the hooking potential or ‘flare’ as it is technically known.
Professionals suggest three bowling balls instead of only one. One to be for heavy oil conditions, one for dryer oiling, and a spare ball.
The bottom line: You should always choose a bowling ball that you are comfortable with, and that fits your skill and style.
Whatever you decide, don’t forget to practice consistently and have fun!
YOUR TURN
Let us know what you have learned by reading this article? Is there anything you might take into consideration?
Share with us in the comments below.
A friend of mine wants to start bowling and has been considering on buying his own bowling ball, so he doesn’t have to use the ones provided by the bowling alley. It’s great that you elaborated on how owning a bowling ball allows the user to create their own holes to fit the fingers perfectly. Hopefully this information will help my friend choose a good bowling ball for his needs, now he just needs to find a bowling alley he can go to.