Why should you buy your own bowling ball?
Purchasing your bowling ball saves you from lots of trouble and hassle. Trust us; you would no longer have to wait in the alleys, finding the right one.
And what if you don’t find one? You can end up with a poor bowling experience, and let’s not forget aching hands.
Having a bowling ball that offers you the best control and grip can be game-changing. You would not have to invest so much force and effort trying to get the right shot. The ball will feel comfortable in your hands too.
What’s more, using your bowling ball keeps you protected from the unknown. And, by that, we mean the germs transferred by a thousand different people. Better to invest in a ball than compromise on your health!
Factors to consider in the best bowling ball
In the plethora of bowling balls, it can be challenging to decide upon the perfect pick for your needs.
Naturally, you would want to go with one that belongs to a reputable brand and comes at a premium price. But, brand and price are not the only defining features of the best bowling ball. There are numerous other things you need to evaluate.
Read more to gain a deeper insight!
Types
Bowling balls have a lot of sub-categories that can be troublesome to decipher. You’ll find bowling balls for hooking, reactive resin balls, and whatnot.
However, there are only three fundamental bowling ball types based on throwing style:
- Hook ball: Easiest to control and strike pins successfully under varying conditions.
- Curveball: Provides best strikes but requires a lot of handling practice.
- Backup ball: Good control but poor strikes.
You need to identify your style and pick the ball accordingly. Mostly, people prefer hook balls due to their consistent and easy-to-master results.
Material
Another fundamental category that you’ll come across is the one based on materials. It influences the efficiency and success of the throws. You have to evaluate the material used in the outer layer (also called cover stock) for the best performance.
Plastic Balls
The plastic bowling balls offer no friction at all. They are smooth and fast, which means straight strikes. It is great for beginners who have little to no experience in different throw styles.
Urethane Balls
Unlike plastic, the urethane balls provide good friction that reduces deflection. As a result, you can hit pins from various angles and get more strikes.
Reactive Resin Balls
Reactive resin uses an advanced type of polyurethane. It remains the most preferred option due to the excellent friction that it offers. Thus, the bowler gets better command overthrowing angle and speed.
Cores
The core affects the overall performance too. Here are some core types to choose from:
- Pancake Core
These bowling balls offer a smooth rolling experience and go straight. Since these don’t require much adjustment, beginners can easily control them.
- Symmetrical Core
Symmetrical cores make the bowling ball more balanced. Hence, the ball rolls evenly and smoothly. These are idealistic for both intermediate and beginner bowlers.
- Asymmetrical Core
If you are a seasoned bowler who enjoys hitting the pins at an angle, the asymmetrical core is an amazing option. These bowling balls create a slight angle when thrown, making it easier to strike.
Grip
If you’re purchasing a drilled bowling ball, then make sure to consider the grip type. Usually, there are two types; conventional or fingertip grip.
The conventional grip requires holding the ball with the ring and middle finger till about the second knuckle. Meanwhile, in fingertip grip, it's about till the first knuckle.
You can opt for either one depending on your comfort level. People who select fingertip grip also use inserts (also called plugs) for enhanced handling.
Does the weight of a bowling ball make a difference?
Yes, the weight of a bowling ball makes a world of difference!
We have either heavy or lighter balls. You’ll find the heaviest ball to be 16-pounds and the lightest one to be 4-pounds. Well, each one comes with both pros and cons.
The heavy bowling balls do make you feel exhausted quickly, but their performance is unbeatable. These balls enhance your striking ability by causing the pins to fall successfully.
When thrown, the heavy ball has larger inertia than the lighter one. So, upon collision with the pins, the heavy balls transfer greater energy to pins and guarantee a strike. Plus, the heaviness results in less deflection. Your ball will go where you aim it. However, they strain your wrists and make handling difficult for beginners. Comparatively, the lighter bowling balls allow easy control and adjustment. But, these do not promise good strike ability or reduced deflection. Sometimes, they even bounce over the pins.
Maintaining a bowling ball Taking care of your bowling ball is crucial for a longer lifespan and optimal performance. Most bowlers simply wipe the ball after every shot and store it in the bag until the next use. But that’s not it.
Bowling balls collect a lot of dirt and grime in the lanes. You need to restore the ball to its original condition by deep cleaning every once in a while. For it, you only need a towel, waterproof tape, and dish soap. Begin by putting tape on the holes so that no water goes inside. Then, fill warm water in a tub and pour in some dish soap.
Soak the ball in it for approximately 20 to 25-minutes. Take it out and wipe the surface using the towel. Do it again if you still find oil and dirt.
Best Bowling Ball FAQs
Q: What is considered fast bowling ball speed?
A: Bowling ball speeds vary greatly from bowler to bowler. Generally, a speed greater than 19mph is fast. Meanwhile, a 17mph speed or lesser is slow.
Q: How long does a bowling ball last?
A: The lifespan of a bowling ball depends on usage, material, and maintenance. Most quality and maintained balls last anywhere from 5 to 10-years. But, it may last longer with better care.
Q: Can a bowling ball lose its hook?
A: Yes, a bowling ball can lose its hook potential when not maintained properly. The cover stock takes in the grime and oil from the lanes. It makes gripping the lane difficult. And so, the ball loses its hook.