SolveYourProblem Article Series: Bowling
Teach Me How To Bowl

How To Choose The Best Bowling Ball for You

Choosing the perfect bowling ball can be tricky for many consumers. There are many types of bowling balls with varying weights, which can make choosing the best ball extremely difficult. However, there are certain things consumers can do to ease the pain of finding the perfect bowling ball, and all consumers may be able to benefit from a small bowling ball buying guide. The easiest way to find the right bowling ball is to visit a local bowling pro shop. A pro shop owner may be able to give strong recommendations on choosing the most suitable balls by watching a person bowl. Every bowling center does not have a pro shop, so the Internet may be the best alternative for many people.

Manufacturers of the bowling balls have Web Sites that provide consumers with information regarding bowling balls. The sites may provide an in depth analysis of reactions and characteristics of bowling balls, and there may be videos available that show the balls in action. Many consumers don’t know that it is best to have two bowling balls instead of one. There should be one ball for dry lanes, and one for oily lanes. Consumers should also invest in a strike ball with a lot of hook potential and power, and a spare ball that is able to roll straight down the lane. Choosing a ball of the proper weight is important for many people. Balls range from 6 to 16 pounds, and it’s better to choose a ball that is heavier than any other house ball that may have been used before.

The right bowling ball also fits the fingers perfectly. Some individuals find it best to have their finger holes custom drilled to fit their hands. Generally, the most expensive bowling balls are the best. For example, a ball in the $100-$200 range will provide inferior performance compared to a ball in the $200+ price range. However, there are some balls that give high quality at lower prices, and are generally better deals than others. It is important to choose a ball based on its standard features, and not others such as, buying a ball that can glow in the dark. The material of the ball should also be a deciding factor when picking the best bowling ball. Polyester balls are generally the most inexpensive of all bowling balls. These balls are very durable, which can be attributed to the composition of the plastic and the hard, low friction nature of the polyester surface.

Polyester bowling balls are best for beginners and casual bowlers. These balls also tend to skid, and roll straight with little hook in them, and are best on dry lanes. Serious bowlers may find the urethane balls as an economical option. Urethane balls have softer coverstocks that gives them enhanced hook potential. The urethane bowling balls may also be polished are sanded to increase or decrease the ball’s hook potential. Reactive resin balls are best for advanced bowlers, and are capable of giving optimal performance on most lane conditions. Resin balls are sticky or tacky, which increases the ball’s grip on the bowling lane. These balls have the greatest hook potential, and skid on oily lanes, while hooking on dry ones.

Particle balls are best for advanced bowlers that want power in their bowling ball. The balls are simply resin balls enhanced with glass and ceramics. The texture of particle balls gives them incredible grip, sharper hooks, and greater power. Most professional bowlers use particle bowling balls, because they are the most controllable in terms of hook and spin. In general, the heavier the ball, the greater the pin reaction. Lighter balls will leave splits that are hard to pick up, but this should not deter shoppers from buying a lighter ball, which may be best. Consumers should always choose a bowling ball that they are comfortable with, and that fits their own skill and style.

# # # # #

SolveYourProblem.com : 2008

> Home > Bowling: Main Page