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Bowling Balls Buying Guide

Having the right bowling ball  can be very important for your game. Bowling balls can be made out of urethane, plastic, reactive resin or a combination of these three materials. The cores of bowling balls are comprised of various densities and can determine how your ball will roll down a lane. If you are a serious bowler,  chances are you already have your own ball with a monogram on it and specially sized finger holes. Whether you are just starting out with this sport or looking for a refresher, read up on some facts about bowling balls and the game of bowling  below.

Types

There are three types of bowling balls that can be used in the game. They all come in a variety of colours with fun designs.

Ten-Pin Balls: These are the most commonly used type of bowling ball that you will see at any bowling alley.  They can weigh approximately 6-16 pounds and have a diameter of 8.5 inches.

Five-Pin Balls: These have no finger holes and weigh between 3-4 pounds. Their small size allows for the bowler to hold the ball in the palm of their hand.

Candlepin Balls: These balls have roughly the same weight as a bowling pin, a little over 2 pounds so using this lighter model presents more of a challenge to the bowler.

Grips

As mentioned above, all standard or ten-pin bowling balls come equipped with finger grips.  These grips are designed for the ring and middle fingers, which should be used when taking hold of the ball. There are three different types of finger grip styles.

  • Conventional:  This allows the bowler to place his or her fingers inside the ball up to the second joint.
  • Semi-Finger Tip: With this grip, the bowler places his or her fingers in the holes between the first and second joints.
  • Finger Tip: This accepts the bowlers fingers up to the first joint only.

Tips

  • Throwing the ball with a finger tip grip can produce a better release and give the bowler more control.
  • Using gripping tape or insert tape  inside the thumb hole of the ball can help the player to swing more easily with a steady hold on the ball.
  • When swinging the ball into the lane, keep your arm loose.
  • Keep your eye on the target through the entire motion of your swing for best results.
  • Follow through when releasing the ball into the lane. Make sure you don't give up before the ball actually leaves your hands. A good follow through may make for a good play.
  • Don't think too much about your throw. Remember, this is supposed to be fun! Go with your instinct when tossing the ball down the lane.

Terminology

Before you hit the lanes, a few words used in the game of ten-pin.

Foul: When the bowler's body goes over the foul line (the line at the end of the lane nearest to the bowler) while throwing the ball.

Frames: Refers to the 10 rounds of bowling, each consisting of two tries by the player to knock the pins down.

Pins: The 10 white items at the end of the lane that it is the player's objective to knock down.

Strike: When all 10 pins have been knocked down in the first turn of the frame.

Spare: When the player picks up the remaining pins in the lane in their second turn of the frame. 

Double: Two consecutive strikes.

Turkey: Also referred to as the "triple," this is three consecutive strikes.

Equipment

Now that you've got your ball, here are a few other things you might need to play the game.

Bowling Gloves 

Bowling Towels 

Bowling Ball Bags 

Bowling Shoes 

Bowling Wrist Supports 

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