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Bowling Balls

You've been going to the same bowling alley for years. You order the same chicken wings, get the same ball.

Buying A Ball

There are two main things to consider when buying a ball. One is comfort and the other is performance. Finding a comfortable ball is primarily a matter of getting the right size and weight, whereas performance is dependant on choosing the proper coverstock (composition type) for your skill level.

Comfort

* '''''''''''Weight ** What you want above all is speed, weight, and force. So, by choosing the heaviest ball that you can comfortably hold and control, more pins get knocked down. There is a catch though. A ball which is too heavy fatigues your arm quicker, especially if you play several games in a row. A ball that is too light, no matter how fast it is thrown, will create splits and spares that are nearly impossible to knock down. For beginners, start lighter and as you develop more strength and skill you can always upgrade to a heavier ball. ** For intermediate players who want to start developing hook, it is best to opt for a lighter ball than they are used to. You can go about one to two pounds lighter than usual. ** '''Basic Weight Recommendations''' *** Adult males should use a 12 to 16 lb. ball. *** Adult females should use an 8-14 lb. ball. *** Children should generally use a ball that weighs one pound per their year old until they reach the average weight groups. * '''Finger Hole Size''' ** The rule is that the holes vary according to ball weight. ** Lighter balls have smaller holes, and vice versa. ** Make sure that the hole size is comfortable. * '''RightHanded''' ** Balls are made differently for left-handed players. ** Because the holes are drilled so that the thumb and ringer finger holes are farther apart, a Ebonite. ** Enthusiasts balls'>Hammer. ** Pros balls'>Storm. * '''Coverstock''' ** The coverstock is the outer layer of the ball which comes in contact with the lane. It will have a great deal of impact on how your ball reacts once thrown so it is important to choose the right type to suit your playing style and abilities. ***Plastic Balls **** Hard, inexpensive balls for beginners and entry-level players who have not yet developed any hook skills. **** These balls roll straight and produce little hook, making them more forgiving. **** These can be used as an extra spare ball for intermediate players as well. *** Urethane Balls **** A good performing, yet inexpensive ball for more skilled players. **** They roll with more controlled hook. **** They tend to hit pins so they remain low, offering more opportunity for strikes. ****Usually sold with sanded finish which helps them to hook; especially if lanes are oiled. *** Resin Balls **** Versatile balls that offer a sharper hook and react more to both the lane and the player's abilities. **** Allow bowlers to achieve greater entry angle than plastic or urethane balls. **** They offer greatest strike potential of all kinds of balls. **** The downside is that these balls are less durable than the other types. *** Particle Balls **** For pros and tournament bowlers, these balls offer the most friction on the lane and the most reaction to oil. **** They have an excellent grip and thus are best for people who know how to control and handle a ball with skill.

Pin Placement

The pin is a colored dot on the ball that signifies the position of the top of the core in the ball. With today's high is suspended in a mold and the cover stock is poured into the mold. When the cover material hardens and the ball is removed from the mold, the rod that was holding the core of the ball in the mold is removed. Now there is a hole in the ball that has to be filled and it is filled with plug material, which on the surface on the ball looks like a dot. As the cores of the modernperformance ball that doesn't identify where the core is and how far it is from the center of gravity or "cg." The cg is marked by a small punch mark on the surface of the ball. The position of the cg relative to the pin determines how we drill the ball for the reaction we're trying to get. Talk with your ball driller if you don't know what pin position would be best for you.

About Pricing

It is true that bowling can become a costly pastime, what with renting shoes, visits to the lanes, etc. However, buying your own ball and shoes can cut costs significantly if you are a frequent player or if you are looking to really get into the sport. How much will it cost you though? Bowling balls can range from $30 to $300. The rule of thumb when it comes to cost is that better technology demands higher prices. Of course, you have to factor in the value of improved scores. With that in mind, judge yourself honestly and asses what level you are. Novices who are just dabbling in the sport should stay on the low end until they have developed a strong skill base and a very certain determination to continue playing the sport. They might even consider buying a used ball if they are concerned about economizing. Regulars who have been playing for awhile may opt for something a little better to help enhance their game and to refine their skills. Finally, advanced players who are interested in tournaments should very well spend what they can to get the best ball available. One last note about pricing is that you should always understand the "fine print" before agreeing to purchase a ball. Inquire about additional costs for fitting, drilling, finger inserts, slugs (thumb sleeves), etc. If you want those things included as part of the whole package you should check to see how much more the ball will run you. On average expect to pay around $50 for these services. One note for beginners who have just gotten lost in the terminology, drilling is necessary. You don't need anything fancy though. If you are an intermediate player who has already started playing with hook then you might consider fingertip drilling, which is better for increasing hook value. Finger inserts (also known as plugs) will create more of a snap on the ball. Usually inserts and slugs will make the ball more comfortable.

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