Your bowling ball has a measurable effect on your ability to bowl a good game, so choosing the right one is imperative. One of the most misunderstood bowling ball types of them all is urethane.

So, we’ll walk you through what urethane bowling balls are suitable for and dive into everything else you could need to know about them. By the end, you’ll be able to decide whether urethane balls are the right choice for you and your game. 

What Are Urethane Bowling Balls Good For?

There are three major types of bowling balls, polyester, resin, and urethane. Each material has unique advantages and disadvantages, depending on your bowling environment and skill level.

What is urethane bowling ball good for? Urethane bowling balls, in particular, are great for control, even though they generate more friction than plastic bowling balls. They’re durable, have an excellent hook potential, and are much harder than other bowling balls.

Additionally, urethane bowling balls perform consistently, even under more challenging bowling conditions. For example, unlike polyester or reactive resin bowling balls, urethane balls are well suited for dry, non-oiled lanes.

Urethane doesn’t absorb oil readily, so it won’t create much friction. Instead, it will retain the speed and power of your throw and stay on course. 

Urethane balls are also great on light to medium oiled lanes, giving them extreme versatility. These advantages make urethane balls exceptionally good for intermediate and advanced bowlers alike.

However, their exceptional hooking may be too difficult for beginners to master. If you’re new to bowling, opt for a resin or plastic ball since they’re better suited for straight shots. 

How Long Do Urethane Bowling Balls Last?

The lifespan of your urethane ball depends on several factors, but typically they last between 5 to 10 years. This may be shorter depending on how frequently you go bowling, the condition of your regular bowling lanes, your maintenance routine, and even the climate that you live in.

Bowling balls go through a lot of wear and tear, so they must be taken care of regularly if you want them to last for years. 

How Do You Maintain a Urethane Bowling Ball?

Caring for your urethane bowling ball is essential if you want it to last. In addition to keeping your ball in good condition, caring for your ball makes it more hygienic and can even improve your game. 

To start, you’ll have to wipe down your ball with a microfiber towel before and after each game. As your ball travels down the lane, it picks up oil.

That can make your ball more difficult to roll and changes how your ball glides when you roll it. By wiping your ball before your frame, you’ll eliminate the dust, dirt, and excess oil that can unintentionally slow or speed up your ball.

While keeping your ball clean is essential, you’ll also have to maintain the ball’s shape. You should sand and resurface it regularly to help eliminate chips, scratches, and other signs of damage.

How often you sand and resurface it depends on how often you use your ball, but generally, you should sand your ball with an abrasive bowling pad after every ten or so games. Resurfacing should be done after every 60 games. 

In addition to wiping it down, you’ll also want to clean your ball after every few uses to help get rid of dirt and oils. While you might be tempted to use whatever you have on hand, try to stick with one of the following cleaners. 

• Dish soap
• Window cleaner 
• Oil cleaner
• Ammonia 
• Alcohol 
• Bowling ball cleaners
• Turpentine 

Do Urethane Bowling Balls Soak Up Oil?

Unlike resin bowling balls, urethane balls don’t readily absorb oil. Instead, they push the oil forward and carry it down the lane as they roll. This can impact your current roll and subsequent throws.

When you start the game, the oil is applied in a specific pattern. However, once it's been tracked down the lane, the oil distribution will be different. As a result, your ball may pick up or drop speed. 

Should You Get a Urethane Bowling Ball?

Urethane bowling balls are a fine choice if you already have some experience with bowling. However, you will have to adjust your bowling style once you switch, so give yourself plenty of time to get used to your new ball.

Once you get your urethane ball, head to a bowling alley for practice. Familiarize yourself with what the increased friction means for your game. 

You may have to learn how to roll with more force and probably won’t be able to rely on straight shots as much. You should also try to get more comfortable making hook shots since that’s what urethane balls are known for. 

Keep in mind that most professional bowlers have a variety of bowling balls that they use for different lane conditions. They may switch to a urethane ball for dry lanes and then go back to one made from resin or polyester for bowling lanes that are well oiled.

If you get a urethane ball, we recommend adding it to your arsenal instead of switching over completely. That way, you’ll have options and can use whichever ball best suits your current playing conditions. 

Why Are Urethane Bowling Balls Controversial?

You might be surprised that urethane is one of the most controversial bowling ball materials. Some professionals and bowling enthusiasts are calling for it to be banned.

Urethane is an extremely hard material, and many urethane balls have failed pretournament hardness checks.

To combat this, the PBA created a new ruling stating that urethane bowling balls made before 2020 are no longer allowed in official tournaments. 

Since 2020, urethane bowling balls have become slightly softer, which is why the newer models are still permitted. Another reason urethane bowling balls are controversial is that many people cannot play well with them.

They think that it gives players who can use them an unfair advantage. By banning urethane, critics say bowling tournaments will become fairer for everyone playing. 

Pros and Cons of Urethane Bowling Balls

Now that you know what urethane bowling balls are good for, you’re probably wondering whether or not you should try them.

So, in this section, we’ll go over a list of pros and cons. Use the information in this section to help determine if urethane bowling balls are the right choice for you. 

Pros 

• They have more hooking potential than balls of other materials, which makes them great for spare shots. 
• Urethane bowling balls are more durable than resin or plastic balls. 
• Urethane bowling balls are mostly unaffected by the condition of bowling lanes, offering more consistent play than other bowling balls. 

Cons

• Urethane bowling balls are considered controversial, which can taint otherwise friendly bowling matches. 
• They are slightly lighter than bowling balls made with other materials, like resin. 
• Urethane bowling balls are more expensive than some other types. 
• You’ll have to adjust your form and playing style if you switch to a urethane bowling ball. 

Feature	Urethane Bowling Balls	Reactive Resin Balls	Plastic Bowling Balls
Suitability	Intermediate to Advanced bowlers	Bowlers seeking aggressive hook	Beginners and straight-shot bowlers
Lane Condition	Dry to medium-oiled lanes	Well-oiled lanes	Dry lanes
Maintenance	Regular wiping, sanding, and specific cleaners	Regular cleaning and possible resurfacing	Basic cleaning for longevity
Durability	5 to 10 years with proper care	Varies; generally less durable than urethane	Varies; less durable than urethane
Performance	Better control and hook potential	High hook potential and explosive pin action	Primarily for straight shots
Oil Absorption	Does not readily absorb oil	High oil absorption	Minimal oil absorption
Controversy	Hardness and performance advantages questioned	Widely accepted	Considered too basic for professional play

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• What's a Bowling Ball Made Of?
• Best Bowling Balls for Dry Lanes
• What Can I Do With an Old Bowling Ball?
• How Many Times Can You Redrill a Bowling Ball

My Final Words

When considering the upgrade to a urethane bowling ball or selecting the best reactive resin ball, it's essential to understand each offer's specific benefits. Urethane balls create better surface friction, enhance pin action, and offer superior hook ability, making them a solid choice for bowlers looking to refine their game on diverse lane conditions. On the other hand, the best reactive resin balls might be more suitable for those seeking explosive pin action and a more aggressive hook.

Ultimately, buying a urethane bowling ball or opting for a reactive resin variant hinges on your bowling style, skill level, and the types of lanes you frequently encounter. Both urethane and reactive resin balls have their place in a bowler's arsenal. Still, for consistent performance across a broader range of conditions, urethane's balanced approach to hook ability and control often makes it the better choice for bowlers ready to advance their game.

Bowling and drinking, also known as drunk bowling games, go together like pieces of a puzzle. There are many drinking games that were specifically designed for a night out of ten pin bowling.

If you're looking for a way to make your next trip to the bowling alley more exciting, then try out one of these bowling drinking game ideas. You’re sure to have a ball (pun intended)! 

Bowling Drinking Games

Beer Bowling (Sips)

One popular bowling drinking game is called "Beer Bowling." Here are the rules: bowl like you usually would, but for every pin left standing, take a sip of beer.

If you manage to knock all the pins down with your first ball, the person next to you will have to finish their beer all at once. If you get a spare, you get to order one or more people in your party to take 2 sips.

Beer Bowling (Shots)

This is a variation on Beer Bowling, where instead of taking sips of beer, you take shots. For every pin that's left standing, take one shot.

If you get a strike, choose someone to take two shots. And if you get a spare, choose someone to take one shot. This one is best played with large groups (8 to 10). 

Strike and Order

This bowling game is super simple; the person who gets a strike gets to give an order -something involving alcohol - to another player. For instance, the person could order the other player to take a shot or to finish their drink.

The same goes for a spare, but the order is generally less intense. If no one gets a strike or a spare, the one who knocks down the most pins in a frame gives the order. 

King/Queen Pin

In this game, the person who knocks down the most pins in one turn is crowned the "King (or Queen) Pin." As king or queen of the lane, they get to make a rule that everyone has to follow for the rest of the game.

For instance, the King Pin could make a rule that everyone has to drink every time they get a gutter ball.

Bowling Roulette

This game is best played with at least four people but can be played with as many as you like. Everyone bowls two frames and whoever has the lowest score at the end of the two frames has to spin the "roulette wheel."

You can make a makeshift roulette wheel or buy one online. The player will spin the wheel, and whatever number it lands on, they have to drink that many sips (or half shots) of beer or liquor.

Gutter Drunk

This is a great drinking game for any group – there’s just one rule. Bowl how you normally would, but if you get a gutter ball, you have to drink. It's up to your party how many shots or sips you have to take.

Make Rules up as You Go

Another way to play a drinking game while bowling is to simply make up your own rules as you go. For example, you could take a drink every time you bowl a gutter ball.

Or, you could finish your drink if the person next to you gets a strike. You could even make a rule that everyone has to drink every time someone gets a strike. The possibilities are endless - just use your imagination and have fun!

Tips for Making up Your Own Bowling Drinking Games

When making up your own bowling drinking game rules, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure the rules are fair. You don't want to make a rule that's too easy or too difficult - otherwise, people will get bored or frustrated.

Second, make sure the rules are easy to understand. No one wants to play a game with complicated rules. And lastly, make sure the rules are safe.

Don't make a rule that could potentially hurt someone - like telling people to drink 10 beers straight if they bowl the lowest score.

Third, be creative and think outside the box. The sport of bowling is available on various gaming platforms like the Wii. A Wii bowling drinking game can be open to as many players as you like, and you can make up the rules.

With these tips in mind, you're sure to come up with some fun and exciting bowling drinking games of your own.

Game Name	Number of Players	Game Rule	Alcohol Type
Beer Bowling (Sips)	2+	Sip for each pin left standing. Finish beer for a strike. Two sips for a spare.	Beer
Beer Bowling (Shots)	8-10	Shot for each pin left. Two shots for a strike. One shot for a spare.	Shots (Liquor)
Strike and Order	2+	Strike lets you give an alcohol-related order. Less intense for a spare.	Player's Choice
King/Queen Pin	2+	The lowest score spins a roulette for sips or half shots.	Player's Choice
Bowling Roulette	4+	Lowest score spins a roulette for sips or half shots.	Beer/Liquor
Gutter Drunk	2+	Drink on a gutter ball.	Player's Choice
Make Rules up as You Go	2+	Create your own rules, like drinking for strikes or gutter balls.	Player's Choice

Should You Play Drinking Games at a Bowling Alley?

Most bowling alleys have a bar, so you can drink while you bowl. Still, some think it's best to avoid drinking games at the bowling alley, and it’s clear to see why. If things get too crazy, you could end up damaging equipment or injuring yourself.

Plus, you'll probably have to pay for any damage you cause, and you could get kicked out of the bowling alley. So, if you're going to play drinking games at a bowling alley, be sure to do so responsibly.

But if you really want to let your hair down, you're probably better off purchasing a mini bowling set for your home. It’ll give you a similar playing experience without all the public risk.

That way, you can drink to your heart's content without having to worry about how to get home from the bowling alley or paying up if you damage the alley's equipment.

How to Make Drinking Games Safer at a Bowling Alley

If you do decide to play bowling drinking games at a bowling alley, there are a few things you can do to make sure everyone stays safe.

First, make sure you're bowling in a group of people you trust. That way, if things get out of hand, you won't be on your own.

Second, be aware of your surroundings and don't get too rowdy. Finally, drink responsibly and know your limits.

If you or someone in your group starts to feel sick, it's time to call it a night.

In addition, don't forget basic bowling safety etiquette. Anytime you'll be hurling a ball at high speeds, there's potential for injury. So, be sure to follow the below safety suggestions:

• Always wear shoes. If you don't have bowling shoes, you can usually rent them at the alley. Never wear open-toe shoes.
• Be careful when picking up a bowling ball. Always hold it with two hands, one on each side of the ball. Don't pick up the ball by the hole. 
• Don't throw the ball overhanded. Roll it down the lane. Throwing the ball could damage the equipment or injure someone.
• Only one person should be on the lane approach at a time. If multiple people go down there at a time, there’s an increased risk of bumping others and causing an altercation. 
• Don’t go over the foul line. It’s much more slippery beyond that line, and you’re almost guaranteed to fall. 

If you're playing with a group of people who are unfamiliar with bowling, go over the basics with everyone before you start playing. That way, everyone will know how to safely play the game.

As long as you follow these basic safety guidelines, you should be able to enjoy a few rounds of bowling along with drinking games!

But remember that whenever there's alcohol involved, things can quickly get out of hand. So, be sure to drink responsibly and always have a designated driver.

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My Final Words

Making your next visit to the bowling alley pass as pitcher perfect involves incorporating innovative drinking games that turn every roll into a thrilling event. From the first roll to the last, the buzzwords among bowler teams are about striking down pins and creating rules that add a fun, competitive edge. Whether aiming for strikes in a row or trying to avoid a split, the emphasis is engaging other players in a spirit of camaraderie and friendly competition.

Remember, a great place to begin is by understanding the essence of each game, hitting the sweet spot between challenge and enjoyment, and ensuring everyone rows together toward a night filled with memorable strikes and laughs. This direct and authoritative approach to enhancing your bowling experience demonstrates a depth of knowledge in crafting engaging activities and prioritizes safety and responsibility amidst the fun.

After rolling a few, do you look at your score and ask yourself, “how did I do?” If you’re new to bowling, it’s normal to wonder how your score stacks up to others like you. 

Bowling averages are often compared between bowlers of similar ages, and this type of comparison can yield valuable information about your current skill level and future trajectory in the sport.

So, in this article, we will share with you the average bowling score by age group. So, what is the average bowling score? Let's get started.

What Is an Average Bowling Score?

On average, new bowlers can expect to score between 20 and 70 points, depending on their age. With practice, most teen and young adult bowlers can score between 120 to 190 points on a regular basis. Scores on the higher end of the range take considerable practice, but they are certainly achievable. Keep reading to learn more about average scores for each age group.

Average Bowling Score by Age for Kids Under 10

A bowling score for the little ones will usually fall between 20 and 70. Unfortunately, low bowling scores can be disappointing for kids, especially those older than ten.

So, raise the bumpers, give them a very light ball, and cheer them on, no matter how many pins they hit. You have a new junior bowler if they are giggling and overjoyed after their first few throws!

Age Group	Average Score Range	Tips for Improvement
Kids Under 10	20-70	Use light balls, raise bumpers, focus on having fun
Pre-Teens (10-12)	70-120	Practice straight shots, choose manageable ball weight
Teens (13-19)	120-190	Focus on technical aspects, join a bowling league
Adults (20-30)	170-220	Master hooks, shot placement, consider bowling career
Adults (31-50)	200-250	Use gloves/wrist braces for grip, compete in leagues
Adults (50+)	120-150 (can maintain 200 with practice)	Maintain practice sessions, focus on enjoyment

Average Bowling Score for Pre-Teens 10 to 12

In most cases, children 10 to 12 years old are likely to have average scores of 70 to 120. Low scores are expected, as many children don’t have the skill or strength to swing the ball just right.

Kids this age may rarely get strikes, and spares might be few and far between. 

Instead, kids in this age group should focus on scoring spares to increase their average. It can be deflating for a young bowler not to get a strike every time, but practicing a straight shot and dropping those straggling pins will bump their score.

During this time in a child's life, bowling scores begin to take on a measure of importance. So, parents should help their children build a foundation of good habits and bowling techniques.

Choosing a ball with a manageable weight, wearing proper footwear, and learning lane awareness are all great at this stage. With some consistency and diligence, their scores will begin to grow.

Average Bowling Score for Teens 13 to 19 Years Old

For teen bowlers who practice regularly, an average score of 120 to 190 is entirely attainable. Most teenagers who have enjoyed the game will now embrace the sport.

Embracing the sport and physical growth will lead most teens to a better command of the game. By now, arm swing and ball weight should be set. Now, they can focus on the more technical aspects of the game, like swing form, force, and spin.

This is also the perfect time to join a local bowling league. In a league, a bowler will begin to establish their style and approach to the game. Leagues are also an excellent educational tool for improving scores and learning how to make adjustments.

Average Bowling Score for Adults 20 to 30 Years Old

Bowlers between the ages of 20 and 30 can expect scores ranging from 170 to 220. Physical maturity and development are in place, so the average bowler in this age group doesn't contend with physical barriers.

Due to this, bowlers can master hooks, shot placement, and body control. 

Bowlers in this age bracket can now look at their average score and determine whether they want to play as casual bowlers, league bowlers, or shoot for a professional career.

This is not to say there’s no hope of becoming a professional bowler if you don’t hit these averages. However, if a bowler in this age group is consistently bowling over 200, they should probably work on cultivating a career in bowling. 

Average Bowling Score for Adults 31 to 50 Years Old

If a bowler has reached 30 years old and has been bowling regularly for several years, their average score should hover between 200 and 250. At this point, they likely have considerable skill at their disposal and may be looking for competitive advantages.

A glove and wrist brace are worth considering to improve ball grip and release. Most find simple lane talc useful for their sweaty hands or grippy shoes. Others feel burdened by these additions. 

Having worked hard to achieve these impressive averages, a career in bowling is possible. Most players in this category actively participate in leagues and have honed all the necessary skills to grab a few trophies and, hopefully, some cash prizes! The lowest bowling score in this group would be anything less than 100.

Average Bowling Score for Adults 50+ Years Old

Time waits for no one; after 50, our bodies start to feel the pangs of older age. For this reason, a bowler may only score an average of 120 to 150 as a casual player after 50 years of age.

But with regular practice sessions, there is no reason that a mature player can't maintain an average score of 200. 

Often, people may not even focus much on their bowling score at this age. And this is a good thing if they are having trouble scoring as highly as they’d like. 

Other Factors that Affect Your Average Bowling Score

Age is a pretty good determinant of your potential bowling average, but it’s far from the only one. This explains why some young bowlers can outplay adult bowlers or why some elderly bowlers beat out young adults.

In this section, we’ll introduce you to some other facts that affect your average bowling score. 

• How often do you bowl? The more you bowl, the more chances you have to refine your skills. Just like with other sports, practice helps to enhance your bowling skills. So, someone who bowls twice a week is likely to have a higher bowling average than someone who only bowls a few times a year. 

• Whether you’re used to your equipment. Your comfort level during play is directly connected to how well you ultimately score. So, if you haven’t yet found the right bowling ball weight or shoe size, you’re not likely to play at your full potential. Conversely, someone who has been using the same ball for years may score consistently better than someone who hasn’t. So, if you’re trying to boost your bowling score, find a ball that you feel comfortable bowling with and stick to it. Also, always make sure that your bowling shoes fit comfortably. 

• Your bowling lane. A smooth, clean, oiled lane is much more conducive to a high score than a dirty, damaged one. Take a good hard look at the lane the next time you go bowling. It should look clear and slick without any visible depressions or scratches. If the lane is not pristine, it could negatively affect your game.

This is not an all-inclusive list of factors affecting your bowling average. There are tons of factors that could be at play. 

We want to stress in answering the question, what is the average bowling score, the averages in this article are estimates. Since so many other factors are in play during a bowling game, it’s essential to focus on practicing and developing your technique. 

Related Articles

• Proper Bowling Grip To Increase Your Average
• What Basic Equipment Is Needed for Bowling for Beginners

My Final Words

Achieving a good average bowling score varies and hinges on the understanding that the average score varies significantly across different skill levels and age groups, with the maximum score in professional bowling competitions reaching up to 300 points. Whether practicing at your local bowling alley or aspiring to compete professionally, remember that a bad average score is merely a starting point for improvement. Bowling, a sport celebrated for its blend of skill and strategy, rewards those who dedicate time to mastering the art of consecutive strikes and fine-tuning their technique.

If you dream of becoming a professional bowler someday, focus on the incremental improvements and the strategic aspects of the game—practice regularly, analyze your performance, and remain consistent in your efforts. With dedication and the right approach, transitioning from casual play to professional levels is not just possible but an achievable milestone.

Are you wracking your brain trying to figure out a nice or cute bowling outfit for your bowling date? You're one of many.

You might wonder whether you should go casual with skinny jeans, a white t-shirt, and a soft denim jacket, class it up with a dress or suit, or go full immersion with a bowling-style shirt and slacks.

The truth is there is a bowling date dress code, and we'll tell you all the ins and outs. By the end, you'll have some practical bowling date outfit ideas you can use to make a memorable impression!

What to Wear on a Bowling Date

Bowling is casual, so you don't have to dress up too much. A pair of jeans and a t-shirt or polo shirt will suffice in most cases. But if you want to get a little fancier, you can! Just make sure that your clothing meets the following requirements: 

• Comfortable: You will be doing a lot of walking, scooping, and bending, so wear comfortable clothing that won't restrict your movement. Joggers and yoga pants are an excellent option for women, and loose-fitting slacks or cargo shorts are perfect for men. And if you sweat a lot, be sure that your outfit is made of a breathable material, like cotton or a cotton blend (majority cotton). 
• Appropriate: You should be wearing a top and bottoms, no matter what the weather is like outside. You also don't want to wear anything too revealing or offensive. Bowling alleys are typically family-friendly establishments, so make sure your clothing is appropriate for all audiences. 
• Warm enough: Bowling alleys are often air-conditioned, so you may want to bring a jacket or sweater just in case you get cold. If you're not into bringing extra clothing, you can always bowl in layers and remove them as needed. 
• Short enough: It’s important that your clothes don’t get in the way. Go for loose-fitting jeans, cropped slacks, or a slim/straight leg. This will help you move more easily and avoid any fabric getting caught under your shoes. 

Can You Bowl in a Skirt?

If skirts are your jam, you can wear one, and you can create multiple cute bowling outfits. Just make sure it's not too short (we're talking mid-thigh or shorter) and that you wear shorts or leggings underneath.

That way, you won't have to worry about wardrobe malfunctions while bowling. You should also avoid bowling in a skirt that’s too long - that would be a tripping hazard. 

Category	Recommendation	Details
Clothing	Comfortable and Appropriate	Jeans, t-shirts, polos for casual. Joggers or yoga pants for women, loose slacks or cargo shorts for men. Avoid revealing/offensive clothing.
Warmth	Air-Conditioned Environment	Consider layers or a jacket. Bowling alleys can be cool.
Footwear	Bowling Shoes Mandatory	Wear shoes with a sliding sole for safety and performance. Rent or bring your own. Ensure they fit well and are not worn out.
Skirts	Acceptable with Precautions	Not too short; wear shorts or leggings underneath. Avoid long skirts that could trip you.
Style Tips	Impress with Style	Men: Fitted polos, stretch button-downs. Women: Sweaters, cardigans. Consider a bowling shirt for a fun look.

Can I Wear Joggers to Bowling?

Joggers are a comfortable option for bowling, but they can also be restricting. If you choose to wear joggers, make sure they are made of breathable material and are not skintight. 

What Shoes Can You Wear to a Bowling Date?

Wearing bowling shoes is mandatory in most bowling alleys, so you will need to rent a pair or bring your own. Why? Bowling shoes have a unique sliding sole that helps you bowl more smoothly.

Also, if you don't have bowling shoes, you won't be able to go to the lanes, where the floor is slippery and hazardous. 

If you have your own bowling shoes, they should be untorn and snug. Don’t wear shoes that are damaged or worn out.

And if you're renting bowling shoes, try them on before you start bowling to ensure they are comfortable. You may need to try on multiple pairs before deciding on the right one.  

Note: If you refuse to wear bowling shoes, you will not be allowed to bowl. And if you try to get onto the lanes without appropriate footwear, you'll be asked to leave the bowling alley. 

How to Choose the Right Bowling Shoes

There's no way to get around the bowling shoe requirement, so you might as well make sure you're getting cute bowling shoes and they fit well.

If you've chosen to buy your own bowling shoes, we recommend you do so in person. How your bowling shoes fit can make a big difference in your performance, so getting the right size is important. 

When trying on bowling shoes, ensure they fit your foot both lengthwise and widthwise. Considering the length and width will keep you from choosing a shoe that ends up uncomfortable.

The shoes should fit snugly from all angles without feeling too tight. Walk around a bit to ensure the fit works before paying for them. 

If you're shopping online, do your research and read bowling shoe reviews before making a purchase. And always check the sizing chart before you buy.

Bowling shoes tend to run a bit large, so you may need to size down.

But this is not the case for all bowling shoes – that’s why the size chart is your best bet. And if a bowling shoe vendor doesn't have a size chart, you should pass on them. Following these tips will increase your chances of getting quality shoes that will last.

Do Bowling Alleys Sell Socks?

Some bowling alleys sell socks, and others don't. Whether your local bowling alley does or not, bringing your own socks is always a good idea.

Why pay for socks at the bowling alley when you already have some at home? Also, you shouldn't bank on the bowling alley having socks that fit you. It's always better to bring socks and be safe than sorry. 

What Not to Wear When Bowling

There’s nothing more embarrassing than getting to your date venue and being turned away. If you’re not wearing an approved outfit, the bowling alley can refuse service, leaving you and your date without something to do.

To prevent this, let's look at what not to wear. The following items are typically not allowed in most bowling alleys: 

• Ripped clothing - This includes jeans, shirts, and jackets. 
• Offensive clothing - This includes anything that is racist, sexist, or otherwise offensive. 
• Heels, flip flops, and work boots - These shoes are not allowed on the bowling lanes because they either damage the floor or put you at high risk of injury from falling (or both). 
• Hats - Bowling alleys often have a no-hat policy because they can be used to conceal the identity of someone who is trying to cause trouble. 

What to Wear if You Want to Impress Your Bowling Date

You might be thinking that, with all the wardrobe rules you need to follow, there's no way you can dress to impress your bowling date.

But that's not true! There are plenty of stylish and bowling-appropriate clothing options that will make you look good and feel confident. 

Here are a few bowling date outfit ideas: 

• For Men
  • A stretchy fitted polo shirt with khaki pants, shorts, or dark-wash jeans.
  • A stretch button-down shirt with dark-wash jeans or black pants.

• For Women
  • A sweater or cardigan with a layering tank and pants.
  • A short sleeve tunic with leggings or shorts.
  • A midi dress

• Unisex
  • A cool shirt with a fun message. It could be a great conversation starter.

You probably never thought about wearing a bowling shirt on a date, but it can actually be a great choice! Bowling shirts are comfortable and stylish, and they come in a variety of colors and patterns.

Plus, they'll make you look like a bowling pro, even if you're not. You can get yours on Amazon - there are women's and men's styles available. 

Related Articles

• Bowling First Date
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My Final Words

Dressing for a bowling date combines comfort, appropriateness, and style. Opt for breathable, movement-friendly attire like jeans, t-shirts, joggers, or yoga pants, ensuring they suit a family-friendly, air-conditioned setting. Mandatory bowling shoes, preferably with a sliding sole, enhance safety and performance; bring your socks for hygiene. For those favoring skirts, ensure they are of a safe length with protective leggings underneath.

Impress your date by selecting outfits that balance bowling-appropriateness with personal style, such as fitted polos or stretchy button-downs for men and sweaters or cardigans for women, possibly incorporating a themed bowling shirt for a touch of fun. This approach guarantees comfort, compliance with venue requirements, and an impressive appearance, ensuring a memorable bowling date experience.

Have you ever had a whiff of your bowling ball and realized that it had a distinct smell? You’re not crazy, we promise. It seems like a strange thing to do, but manufacturers infuse their balls with scents on purpose.

If you’re wondering why they do that, we can help. This article will explain why some bowling balls are scented and how a bowling ball’s smell can affect your bowling experience and game outcomes.

Why Are Bowling Balls Scented?

There are a few reasons why bowling balls are scented, some of which will surprise you. We'll get into each reason below in the following sections:

The Scent Masks the Smell of the Ball

The bowling ball's scent helps to mask the smell of the materials used to make the ball (usually rubber or plastic).

If manufacturers didn't add a scent, the ball would likely have an unpleasant smell that permeates the room. This odor could have a negative impact on players, as it could be distracting. 

In the worst cases, a bad bowling ball smell could even make you sick. For people who are sensitive to smells, an unscented bowling ball could cause nausea, stomach upset, and other unpleasant systemic symptoms.

Feature	Description	Impact on Players
Reason for Scent	To mask material odors, calm nerves, and enhance user experience by making the ball more appealing.	Improves focus and gameplay.
Common Scents	Fruity (e.g., green apple), floral, and food-related (e.g., cinnamon, vanilla).	Appeals to personal preference; potentially improves concentration.
Care Tips	To mask material odors, calm nerves, and enhance the user experience by making the ball more appealing.	The choice should align with the player's skill level and style.
Coverstock Types	Subjective: There is no scientific evidence, but many believe in a positive impact on performance.	It prevents bad odors and extends ball life.
Scent Effectiveness	Urethane, polyester, and resin affect the performance of the lane.	May enhance enjoyment and performance.

The Scent Calms the Nerves

Some believe that an added bowling ball scent can help enhance the bowler's performance by calming their nerves.

How? Before a bowler throws the ball, they often take a deep breath and try to relax with the ball up to their face. The scent of the ball can help to provide that extra bit of relaxation needed for optimal performance.

The Scent Makes You Want to Play With the Ball

Another reason manufacturers add scents to bowling balls is because they want you to enjoy using them. If a ball smells good, you might be more inclined to use that ball over another, and manufacturers know this.

They want you to have a positive association with their product so that you'll continue to use it (and buy more of their products in the future). 

Are All Bowling Balls Scented?

No, not all bowling balls are scented. Many balls simply take on the scent of the materials used to make them. However, select manufacturers add scents for the reasons we went over above.

Select bowling ball manufacturers produce scented balls, usually in fruity scents like green apple or floral scents. The scent is typically added to the ball's outermost surface so the bowler can take in the scent right before throwing the ball down the lane.

Do Scented Bowling Balls Make a Difference?

Now that we've explained why bowling balls are scented, you may be wondering if there's any evidence to support the claims that the scent can improve your bowling skills.

Unfortunately, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. However, many people believe that the scent makes a difference in their concentration and helps them bowl better games. 

Some Bowling Balls Have Chemical Smells

When you first get a bowling ball home, it may have a chemical smell. This is usually because the manufacturer stored the ball in an area that smells of strong chemicals or that the ball is made of odorous materials.

If your ball has a chemical smell, you can try airing it out for a few days or washing it with soap and water to see if that removes the odor. If the smell remains, you may want to consider returning the ball.

Usually, the higher the quality of your ball, the less likely it is to have a chemical smell.

How to Keep Your Bowling Ball From Smelling Bad

No one likes a smelly bowling ball, but sometimes it can be hard to avoid. If you don't take proper care of your ball, it can quickly develop an unpleasant odor. Fortunately, you can take a few simple steps to keep your ball smelling fresh.

First, make sure to clean your ball after each use.

A quick wipe-down with a towel will remove any dirt or oil that's been building up. You should also give your ball a more thorough cleansing session on a regular basis with a quality ball cleaner.

Another way to keep your ball from smelling bad is to store it properly. Keep it in a cool, dry place when you're not using it, and avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or in a hot car.

You might also want to invest in a bowling bag with good ventilation so your ball can air out between uses.

Following these tips can help keep your bowling ball smelling fresh and looking new.

What’s in a Bowling Ball Fragrance?

As we've mentioned, some bowling balls are scented with pleasant smells like fruits or flowers. But what exactly is in these fragrances?

The specific ingredients in a bowling ball fragrance will vary depending on the manufacturer. However, these fragrances may contain essential oils, which are natural aromatic compounds extracted from plants.

Essential oils are used in various products, including perfumes, candles, and cosmetics. They're also popular in aromatherapy because they can have a calming or uplifting effect on the mind and body. 

Available fragrances are citrus scents, such as lemon and orange, which are popular among bowlers because they help to cover up the smell of sweat and oil. Floral scents, such as jasmine and rose, are also popular choices for bowling balls. There are also food-related scents for bowling balls, such as cinnamon, vanilla peppermint, orange ambrosia, white sangria, and funnel cake.

What Are Bowling Balls Coated With?

In addition to an added scent, bowling balls are coated in a coverstock, which can affect the performance of the ball. The three most common types of coatings are: 

• Urethane
• Polyester
• Resin 

Urethane is the most popular choice for competitive bowlers because it provides a good balance of hook potential and lane friction. Polyester is the cheapest option and is often used for recreational bowling. Resin balls are more expensive but provide more hook potential.

As a beginner bowler, you won't need to worry too much about the type of coverstock on your ball. The balls at the bowling alley should suit you just fine until you become more experienced.

Once you have a good grasp of the sport, you may want to experiment with different types of coverstocks to see which works best for your bowling style.

Should You Try a Scented Ball?

Whether you're sensitive to bad-smelling bowling balls or simply want to add a little bit of fun to your game, then using a scented ball might be a good option for you. Scented balls are available in a variety of different fragrances, so you're sure to find one that you like.

Just don't forget to consider the ball's coverstock and weight when making your decision.

These factors directly affect the performance of your ball, so it's important to choose a ball that suits your bowling style. With a little bit of experimentation, you'll be sure to find the perfect ball for you. 

Where to Find a Scented Bowling Ball

If you're interested in trying out a scented bowling ball, there are a few places you can look. Many online retailers sell scented balls, and some brick-and-mortar stores may carry them as well.

You can also check with bowling alleys in your area to see if they have any scented balls available for rent or purchase. As far as brands go, Storm bowling balls are great options if you're looking for a high-quality scented ball. The brand was the first to introduce scented balls to bowlers everywhere, and they continue to produce quality scented bowling balls today.

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Scented bowling balls offer a unique blend of functionality and enjoyment, serving to mask material odors, soothe player nerves, and enhance the overall gameplay experience. With a range of fragrances from fruity to floral, these balls cater to diverse preferences, though it's important to note that their effectiveness is largely subjective and not scientifically proven. Maintenance practices like regular cleaning and proper storage play a crucial role in preserving the scent and the ball's condition.

Additionally, when selecting a scented bowling ball, it's essential to consider the type of coverstock—urethane, polyester, resin—as this directly influences lane performance and should align with the bowler's skill level and style. Scented bowling balls represent a novel aspect of bowling culture, blending sensory appeal with the sport's technical demands.

I'm not a big fan of purchasing a new bowling ball unless necessary. So, I've often wondered what is bowling ball resurfacing, how many times I can resurface it, and whether it is important to my game.

It sounds cheesy, but I think of my bowling ball as a partnership. I count on it to make it down a sixty-foot lane, knock down those pesky pins, turn and twist the way I want, and hook when required.

Many bowlers dedicate a lot of money and hours of time to finding the bowling ball that works best for their particular style. Once they find the bowling ball that works best for them, you can bet they work diligently to maintain its condition.

However, despite the constant care and upkeep, a bowler may bestow upon its ball; eventually, a bowler will need to take a step up in their ball maintenance through the resurfacing of their bowling ball.

What Is Bowling Ball Resurfacing and What Does It Mean?

When you resurface a bowling ball, you are essentially restoring the sharp edges of the microscopic pores found on the ball’s surface by sanding down the surface.

Your bowling ball is covered in these pores, and eventually, they get clogged with dirt. Resurfacing helps deep clean the ball and get it back into tip-top shape.

Throughout its lifespan, your bowling ball is thrown continuously through oil as it makes its way down the sixty-foot lane. Even with constant cleaning this oil and other debris eventually get absorbed into the microscopic pores found on the bowling ball’s surface.

These pores are used to generate friction and help the bowling ball grip while hooking. When the pores get clogged up. Clogging changes the ball's reaction while traveling down the bowling lane.

Left unchecked and uncleaned you will eventually end up with a ‘dead ball.’ By resurfacing a bowling ball, you are essentially giving it a deep clean, sanding out those clogged pores, and recreating the hills and valleys on the surface of your ball that generated friction in the beginning.

Resurfacing helps give life back to a ball that is slowing down, and the cleaning method is a lot cheaper than buying a brand new bowling ball.

How Do You Resurface a Bowling Ball?

How you resurface a bowling ball depends on what type of results you want for your bowling ball. When you are resurfacing a ball, you are sanding it down to recreate the hills and valleys of the microscopic pores that were clogged by oil.

By sanding with different grits, you can change how your ball reacts to fit your individual style. When resurfacing your bowling ball, you have a variety of options.

You can take your bowling ball into your local pro shop and have them resurface the ball for you. Doing this gives your ball access to high-grade tools and a variety of grits and sanding pads that you may not readily have at home.

Your ball will also be in an experienced person's hands as it is sanded down, so mistakes are highly unlikely.

If you are looking for a more independent route, you can resurface your bowling ball at home yourself. This method does require careful concentration though since sanding too much or too little in one area could disrupt the balance of your ball.

Can You Resurface a Bowling Ball at Home?

Yes, you can! However, it is extremely important that you do the proper research before you attempt to resurface your own ball.

Keep reading this article, call a local pro shop for tips, go online to watch Do-It-Yourself videos or talk to your teammates at the bowling alley.

Just make sure you have a clear idea of how you are going to resurface your ball and the results you want from it. Remember, you are sanding down your ball to restore its surface, so while there is room for a little error you are not working with an infinite amount of material.

How to Resurface a Bowling Ball at Home

Once you have done your research and you are feeling confident enough to attempt resurfacing your bowling ball, you have two at-home methods available to you. bowling ball spinner

1. The first is to do the resurfacing by hand, which can be a time-consuming process.
2. The second is to use an at-home bowling ball spinner to help speed up the process and ensure an even sanding across ball surface.

Whichever way you choose the tools and methods will be the same, but the results may differ!

Tools

Spinner Home Resurface Kits:

If you have a spinner readily available for your use, utilize it! Spinners are a faster way to help ensure even sanding across the ball’s surface while minimizing the chance for mistakes. If a spinner isn’t available to you, use a home resurfacing kit to help you out.

Sanding Agent:

When it comes to actually sanding your bowling ball you have a variety of choices available to you. While some people use sandpaper or other manual methods others turn to air sanding pads and disks as well as other automatic abrasive methods.

Both forms of sanding tools yield good results, what is important to pay attention to is the grit and the amount of time you spending sanding each part of the ball’s surface.

Water Bottle and Water Bowl:

When you are sanding your ball you are going to be generating a lot of dust. In order to combat this inescapable byproduct, it is important to have both a water bowl and a water bottle on hand.

The water bowl needs to be big enough for you to rinse your sanding agent off in. By rinsing your agent you getting rid of the excess dust trapped on the pad and are preventing uneven grit from messing up your sanding process.

The water bottle needs to be on hand to spritz the bowling ball throughout the process. This helps keep the sanding process running smooth and lowers the heat generated by the friction of the sander on the ball. It also helps get rid of the excess dust to ensure a more even finish of the ball.

Aspect	Description	Tools/Methods	Outcome
Purpose	Restores ball's surface grip by unclogging pores	N/A	Enhanced ball performance
When	Every 60 games or when ball's reaction diminishes	N/A	Maintains optimal lane performance
How	Sanding with different grits for desired texture	Spinner or manual sanding; various grit levels	Customized ball movement and reaction
DIY Resurfacing	Possible at home with careful research and tools	Spinner, sanding agent, water bowl/bottle, towels, pads, polishers	Cost-effective alternative to professional resurfacing
Cost	$5 to $30 depending on service depth	Professional service or DIY	Extended ball lifespan and maintained performance

Towels, Pads, Polishers, and Cleaners:

Once you have finished the sanding process you will need to reapply polish to the ball’s surface and clean it to get rid of any debris trapped in the pores. Just make sure that with each different chemical you are using a new towel or pad, never mix the chemicals together on a towel!

Methods

To resurface with a spinner start by placing the center of your ball grip at the top and sand the exposed surface. If your spinner comes with different speeds you want to make sure to use the lowest setting while sanding!

As you work it is important to pay attention to the amount of pressure and the time you spend on each exposed surface. If you are working with a lower grit you want to apply more pressure for a short period of time. Coincidentally you’ll need to use less pressure for a longer length of time if working with a high grit.

Once you have sanded the exposed surface, reposition your ball so the center of your grip is at the bottom before sanding again. When you are done with that surface you will then rotate your ball a quarter turn (or 90 degrees).

Finally, once all of that surface has been sanded, you will turn your ball another 180 degrees and sand to make sure you’ve covered the entire surface of your ball. You will also want to make sure that you can no longer see lines on your ball that run in the opposite direction than the one you’ve been working in. Having lines in the opposite direction may affect the reaction of your ball. Resurfacing does make dull balls, but we are going to take care of that.

Once you have sanded the entire ball and have spritzed it down with water it is time to apply the polish and cleaner. When applying a cleaner or polish you will want to set your spinner speed to it’s highest setting to ensure a smooth, clean polish. Remember to use a different towel/pad for each chemical solution!

What Type of Ball Movements Can You Get Through Resurfacing Your Ball?

Depending on the grit you select, and the sanding technique you use your ball may give off different reactions. It is essential to know what result you want from your ball during play and which grit and technique will give those results before you begin resurfacing.

The most popular method of sanding is coming in at a 90-degree angle from the initial lines of your ball’s surface. This way you can clearly see what the surface needs to be worked on still as you go.

Grit

A lower grit will help a ball handle heavily oiled lanes as well as give the ball more surface. Higher grits work to give a bowler more control of the ball as well as extend the hook phase of a ball during play.

Technique

The way you sand against the ball’s surface can also affect the reaction of your ball. If you sand with your ball’s initial sanding pattern your ball can go a greater length and then put forth more aggression at the end of the lane. If you sand against your ball’s initial pattern you will instead get an early roll and a less aggressive approach at the end.

How Many Times Can You Resurface a Bowling Ball?

The general rule of thumb among bowlers is to resurface a bowling ball until the manufacturing logo is sanded away. Once that label is scratched off completely, it would be wise to start looking into another bowling ball.

If you are bowling on a professional level, then the rule becomes more strict. In order for a bowling ball to be legal in gameplay if must have a circumference of no more than 27.002 inches and no less than a circumference of 26.704 inches. So an acceptable ball should have a diameter between 8.595 inches and 8.5 inches. Cross these lines, and your ball will be ruled as illegal in professional gameplay.

How Much Does It Cost to Resurface a Bowling Ball?

A resurfacing will run you from five to thirty dollars depending on the type of service you request. If you're looking for a simple surface change or clean up pro shops typically charge between five to ten dollars for those services.

However, if you're looking for a deeper resurface you can use a special machine called a Haus Machine, those services generally stay in the thirty dollar range.

How Long Does It Take to Resurface a Bowling Ball?

The length of time required to resurface a bowling ball greatly depends on the method being used and the products being applied.

For example, if you are using a home resurfacing kit with no spinner, a lower grit sanding agent and a variety of polishes and cleaners, resurfacing your ball is going to take you longer compared to someone with a spinner or less chemical applications.

Taking your ball in to be resurfaced at a pro shop will also cut back on time since your ball will be in the hands of an experienced professional.

How Often Should You Resurface Your Bowling Ball?

When it comes to how often your bowling ball resurfaced the general consensus is for about every sixty games you play. At your sixtieth game, you may notice your ball is not reacting the way it used to, even with the applications of cleaner and constant bowling ball maintenance.

This is a sure sign that it is time for a deep clean, which comes in the form of a full bowling ball resurfacing.

While there is no way to extend your bowling ball’s life indefinitely, there are steps you can take to help maintain your bowling ball’s health and longevity.

Constant maintenance and care goes a long way in keeping your ball in top shape, but even if you do all the correct steps eventually your ball will be clogged up with oil.

When this happens resurfacing can help get your bowling ball back on track. This method of cleaning has proven time and time again that with careful concentration and the right technique, you can change up your game and give life back to a ‘dead ball.’

My Final Words

Bowling ball resurfacing emerges as an essential maintenance practice that revitalizes your ball's performance and extends its lifespan, making it a cost-effective alternative to purchasing a new one. By meticulously sanding the ball to unclog and redefine the microscopic pores, you ensure the ball retains its grip, friction, and hook potential on the lane. Whether opting for professional services or taking a DIY approach with home resurfacing kits, the process adapts to suit your style and the ball's needs, allowing for customized ball movement and reaction.

Regular resurfacing is recommended every 60 games, maintains optimal lane performance, and demonstrates a deep understanding of the sport's technical aspects, reinforcing the partnership between bowler and ball.

Sizing bowling shoes can be difficult because, as with most athletic shoes, there is no industry-wide standard for sizing. This is unfortunate because the size of your bowling shoes significantly impacts your game.

One of the most common questions people have when shopping for bowling shoes is whether they run big or small. So, do bowling shoes run big or small? Or are bowling shoes the same size as regular shoes?

In this article, we'll explore how modern bowling shoes are sized and give you some tips for getting the perfect fit.

Do Bowling Shoes Run Big or Small?

When shopping for bowling shoes, it is essential to remember that they often run large. This is especially true for men's shoes and shoes you'll find at the bowling alley.

Many brands size their shoes according to the width of the foot, which can result in shoes that are longer than average (i.e., heel-to-toe length). This is not necessarily bad, as it gives you more space to wiggle your toes and helps you maintain your balance while bowling.

Do Dexter Bowling Shoes Run Large?

Dexter's bowling shoes do not run large. They tend to run small, so you may want to order a size up if you have wide feet. Dexter is a good choice for bowlers with narrow feet, as the shoes are designed to fit snugly. The Dexter brand tends to be very popular among professional bowlers.

Do Brunswick Bowling Shoes Run Large?

It turns out that Brunswick bowling shoes generally run true to size. So, if you usually wear a size 10 shoe, you'll likely need a size 10 Brunswick bowling shoe.

There are always exceptions to the rule, of course. But if you're looking at Brunswick shoes and wondering if you should size up or down, the consensus is that you should buy your regular shoe size.

Brands May Have Different Shoe Models

Keep in mind that different brands often offer different shoe models, each of which may fit differently. Though Dexter bowling shoes tend to run large on average, some of their shoes may fit more snugly.

The same goes for other bowling shoe brands that offer multiple shoe models. To ensure that you’re getting the correct size, always read the product description carefully and consult their size chart if one is available.

Brand	Sizing Tendency	Recommendation	Notes
General Bowling Shoes	Often run large	Size up if in between sizes	Extra space for toes, important for balance
Dexter	Tend to run small	Order a size up for wide feet	Snug fit, popular among professionals
Brunswick	True to size	Stick with your regular shoe size	Consistent sizing across models
Choosing Tips	Sole Type	Material	Fit and Style
Sole Type	Slip-on, Stitched, Slide	-	Based on performance needs
Material	Leather, Synthetic	-	Leather for durability, synthetic for budget
Fit and Style	-	-	Ensure snug fit, personal style preference

Bowling Shoe Size Chart (for Women and Men)

The size of your bowling shoes should be based on the measurement of your feet. First, you will need a sheet of paper or two (depending on the size of your foot), tape to secure the paper together, a pencil, and measuring tape. If you're using multiple sheets of paper, tape the edges together to make the paper longer than normal. Tape them together first before moving on.

Placing the sheet(s) of paper flush against the wall, put your foot on the paper. Make sure the heel of your foot is touching evenly with the wall. You may need to back your foot back to the wall if there is space between your heel and the wall.

Now, using the pencil, simply mark a line at the longest toe and remove your foot from the paper.

Lastly, using your measuring tape, measure the length of your foot.

Use that measurement by finding it on the bowling shoe chart and finding the corresponding size.

Heel-to-Toe Length (Inches)	Size (USA)	Size (UK)	Size (Euro)
8 11/16	5	2.5	35
8 13/16	5.5	3	35.5
9	6	3.5	36
9 3/16	6.5	4	36.5
9 8/16	7.5	5	38
9 11/16	8	5.5	39
9 13/16	8.5	6	39.5
10	9	6.5	40
10 3/16	9.5	7	41
10 5/16	10	7.5	41.5
10 8/16	10.5	8	42
10 11/16	11	8.5	43
10 11/13	11.5	9	43.5
11	12	9.5	44

When in doubt, it's always best to try on shoes before you buy them. If you're shopping online, check the return policy in case you need to exchange them for a different size.

Should You Size Up In Bowling Shoes

When it comes to bowling shoes, you should always size up if you are between sizes.

Why should you size up? Socks. When you are bowling, you will wear socks with your shoes. And if the shoes are too tight, they will be uncomfortable and may cause blisters.

Additionally, if the shoes are too loose, your feet will slide around inside, and you may not be able to bowl your best because you're concerned with tripping. But you can always fill the extra spaces with an insole or a thicker sock.

How to Choose Your Next Bowling Shoes | Tips

4 Things to Consider When Choosing Bowling Shoes

Some casual bowlers believe that bowling shoes are bowling shoes, but this isn’t true. The quality of your bowling shoes dramatically impacts your performance as a bowler, so we recommend that you choose bowling shoes very carefully.

Here are some factors that determine the quality of a bowling shoe:

1. The sole type: You’ll find three main sole types on bowling shoes—slip-on, stitched, and slide. Slip-on soles don’t have any stitching, which makes them more affordable but also less durable. Stitched soles are more expensive but will last longer. Slide soles, which enable you to glide as you release the bowling ball, are costly but offer the best performance.
2. The shoe material: Bowling shoes are made from leather or synthetic materials. Leather is relatively expensive but more durable and aesthetically pleasing than other materials. Artificial materials are less expensive, but they’re usually not as durable. 
3. The size and fit: As we mentioned earlier, bowling shoes often run large compared to regular shoes. This means that you may have to order a size up from your normal shoe size in most cases. Generally, bowling shoes should fit snugly and not slip on the foot when walking. So, when trying on bowling shoes, walk around in them to see if they're comfortable and fit well. 
4. The style: Bowling shoes come in various styles, from traditional to modern. The style you choose is a matter of your personal preference.

How Much to Spend on Bowling Shoes

You don’t have to break the bank to get good bowling shoes. There are plenty of high-quality bowling shoes available at a reasonable price. Just be sure to do your research and read reviews before making a purchase.

Casual and beginner bowlers can find affordable bowling shoes for as little as $40.

Note: The above applies loosely to competitive bowlers. If you’re a competitive bowler, you may want to invest in a more expensive pair of shoes because the quality does make a difference in your game.

Consider Whether You’re Left or Right Handed 

When shopping for bowling shoes, you’ll notice that they come in left-handed and right-handed models. In each model, the soles of the shoes are different.

If you choose right-handed bowling shoes, the sole of the right shoe will grip the floor when you slide your left foot forward as you release the ball. The left shoe will assist in sliding. The opposite will be true for left-handed bowling shoes.

Do You Need Extra Features?

Some bowling shoes come with more features than others. These features may include sliding pads which you can change regularly, cushioned insoles, and padded linings, among others.

These features maximize your mobility and stability as you bowl – they also make your shoes more comfortable. Whether or not you need these features depends on your budget and preferences.

Shoes with extra features are primarily for experienced bowlers.

As a beginner, you likely won’t need all the bells and whistles. Just get a good quality shoe that fits well and is comfortable. You can always upgrade to a more feature-rich shoe as you become a more experienced bowler.

Research Thoroughly Before Buying

You can find bowling shoes in multiple places, from reputable online platforms like Amazon to local sporting goods stores and shopping centers with pro shops.

However, the quality and legitimacy of the shoes vary from one dealer to another, and so does the cost.

Before buying from a dealer, ensure that you choose the one with the best offer without compromising on the quality.

You should also read through some of the reviews from the previous customers as well as the refund policy – just in case the shoes don’t fit as expected.

Should You Rent or Buy Bowling Shoes?

If you only plan on bowling for fun every once in a while, there’s no need to buy your own shoes. You can simply rent a pair at the bowling alley. However, if you’re serious about bowling or plan on joining a league, you should buy your own shoes.

This is because your own shoes will be more comfortable and better fitting than rental shoes. In addition, you’ll be able to break them in so that they fit your feet and bowling style perfectly.

Some people find bowling shoe rentals unsanitary; if that's you, buying your own bowling shoes will be best for you.

Also, those who wear an uncommon bowling shoe size may have difficulty finding rentals that fit well. In this case, it would also be best to buy your own shoes.

Regardless of the previous points, if you have the funds and want to buy shoes for your casual bowling outings, you certainly can. There really aren't any rules when it comes to whether you rent or buy.

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Selecting the right size for bowling shoes is one of those important factors that can be easily be overlooked. But it's crucial for comfort and performance on the lanes. Most bowling shoes tend to run large, especially in men's sizes, offering additional room for toe movement, essential for maintaining balance. Brands like Dexter and Brunswick differ in fit, with Dexter shoes often fitting snugly, making them ideal for those with narrow feet, while Brunswick shoes typically run true to size.

When choosing bowling shoes, it's essential to consult brand-specific size charts, considering both the length and width of your feet. Remember, the perfect fit can significantly enhance your bowling experience, ensuring comfort, stability, and optimal performance. Whether you're a casual or competitive bowler, investing in a pair of well-fitting bowling shoes tailored to your needs and style preferences is a step towards improving your game.

Have you ever considered flying with bowling balls? As you're likely well aware, air travel can be tricky for many people. The regulations, checkpoints, security processes, and time management needed to successfully navigate your journey from one airport to another can be stressful at best.

For bowlers, another element of concern is the transportation of their equipment, which adds to the intricacy of air travel. You’ve probably heard many concerning stories and tales of air travel mishaps.

You could have heard of either the misplacement of luggage (“What do you mean it was sent to South Africa?!”), broken objects (“Pretty sure my bowling ball wasn’t broken in half when I checked it in.”) or the hassle TSA agents can provide. (“We are going to need you to open your bowling ball so we can check inside it.”)

With so much that could go wrong, what do you do when you need to travel by air and you need to bring bowling balls?

Flying With Bowling Balls: Can You Bring a Balling on a Plane

Yes, bowling balls are allowed on planes as carry-ons and check-ins (source), according to the official website of America’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA),

Now while this is a good basis to go off of for the transportation of your bowling ball and other equipment, the website also goes on to disclaim that the final decision rests with the TSA agent that checks your bag.

So, while bowling balls are ‘generally’ accepted onto planes, each airline can have different regulations for their flights concerning where bowling balls should go. Therefore, it is important that before you book any flight on any airline, you check the airline regulations.

Check Airline Regulations

Seriously, just doing something as simple as taking the time to look over the rules and regulations of your chosen airline can save you loads of trouble later. Doing this can help you select the perfect flight to keep you and your bowling equipment safe as you fly the skies.

Checking the airline regulations can also help you figure out how to pack your bowling equipment.

For example, if you are bringing multiple bowling balls, for instance, six bowling balls, with you and the airline only allows fifty fifty-pounds as the limit for their carry on bag, you now know that you can bring some balls with you into the cabin, but you will also have them as checked bags in a few of your balls to be transported with the rest of the extra luggage.

Regulations will also help you know where you can put your bowling balls should you choose to bring them in the cabin with you.

Category	Key Considerations	Details
TSA & Airline Policies	Approval & Regulations	Bowling balls are generally allowed as carry-on and checked luggage. Final approval rests with TSA agents; check individual airline regulations for specific requirements.
Bag Types	Protection & Convenience	Choose from shoulder bags, backpacks, or rollers for transporting bowling equipment. Consider protection level, ease of carrying, and compliance with airline cabin rules.
Weight Management	Avoid Overweight Fees	Be mindful of the airline's 50 lbs weight limit for luggage. Split bowling balls between carry-on and checked baggage if necessary to stay within weight allowances.
Emergency Preparedness	Essential Items & Backup Plans	Pack crucial accessories in carry-on. Carry grip specifications to replace or drill new balls. Consider alternative shipping like the Bowling Ball Express for convenience.
Alternative Shipping	Bowling Ball Express	For those preferring not to carry their equipment, explore services like the USBC's Bowling Ball Express for secure transportation to tournaments.

Many airlines forbid the stowing of bowling balls in the overhead compartment and insist they are left under your seat. This is actually done for a good reason!

Your bowling ball is a heavy object, with weights ranging from twelve to eighteen pounds. Should there be some rough turbulence during your flight both you and those seated around you do not want those bowling balls falling out of the overhead compartment, on flight concussions are not fun!

What Do I Need to Safely Pack My Bowling Balls?

There are several things you will need for packing and transporting bowling equipment. Besides for just traveling these tools can be handy for regular, everyday transportation and work to keep your bowling ball safe during transport.

Investing in good, protective equipment can help save your bowling balls from damage that can happen as your luggage is handled during transport.

This protection is especially important if you are on your way to a tournament since you don’t want to arrive at a high stakes game and have your bowling all in rough shape.

Bag

The bag you use to transport your bowling ball is perhaps the most important line of defense your ball has. Unfortunately, a regular bowling bag won't do. Transport bags come in different sizes, shapes, and styles, but the most important thing to remember when selecting your bag is to choose a tote bag made explicitly for bowling ball travel.

Transport bags come with built-in protection and strength and are specially designed to cushion your ball during transport.

As we mentioned before these totes come in many different sizes and styles. Some bags only carry one to two balls while others can carry up to four.

Some are specially designed to break apart into different configurations so you can change up how many balls you can carry as needed. Others have extra features like retractable and locking handles, while others have designated spots for bowling shoes.

While the sizes may vary there are usually three specific styles these totes fall under, each with their own positives and negatives for travel.

Shoulder Bags

As the name implies, these bags are designed to be carried over the shoulder as they are used for transportation. These bags generally come in smaller sizes, with a three bag tote being the usual maximum.

These bags are great if you are already hauling a lot of luggage and have your hands full. They can usually fit underneath economy class seats as well, though different brands and sizes may need some squeezing to fit.

(Again, check your airline regulations!)

They do force a lot of weight onto one shoulder of your body though, especially if you’re using them to transport three balls, so make sure to carry it on your non-dominant side to avoid injury before a tournament.

They are also on the side of your body so you need to be extra careful when maneuvering through tight spaces, you don’t want to bang your bowling balls around, even if they are well protected.

Backpacks

Just like the kind you see being hauled around a school, only this time its bowling balls instead of books you’re carrying!

These bowling ball totes usually only come in sizes for one to two bowling balls and that’s a good thing, you don’t want a lot of weight straining your back before a tournament!

The smaller sizes make them easier to fit below your seat as a carry-on, though once again squeezing may be needed.
Like the shoulder bag, the backpack helps keep your hands free for toting other luggage around.

Its location on your body also works to keep your bowling balls safe since you don’t have to worry as much about banging them against things as you work your way through the airport and onto the plane.

Rollers

This style of tote is preferred by many of the professionals. These are the totes that can (depending on the size you buy) carry up to four bowling balls for traveling.

Rollers can also come in styles that come apart and be configured in different ways. This allows you flexibility in how big you want your bag to be.

Rollers also take the weight off your body in carrying your bowling balls. By using a roller you are able to transport your heavy bowling balls without the risk of straining your body before you go to an important tournament.

Like with the other style of bags, you do need to be careful to make sure the roller tote doesn’t run into anything. Protection in the form of a tote is a great preventive step but why risk unnecessary damage?

Bag Type	Size Capacity	Features	Ideal For
Shoulder Bags	1-3 balls	Easy to carry, fits under economy seats, puts weight on one shoulder, requires careful maneuvering	Travelers with less luggage, short trips
Backpacks	1-2 balls	Ergonomic, easy to fit under seats, distributes weight evenly on back, minimizes bumping risks	Solo travelers, hands-free convenience
Rollers	Up to 4 balls	High capacity, configurable, wheels for easy transport, avoids physical strain	Professional bowlers, long-distance travel

Zipper Locks

These handy devices can be commonly found in department stores, specialized travel stores or online. While designed with the purpose to keep people out of your luggage, for bowlers, they also double as a tool to keep your bowling balls in.

Believe it or not, if a bowling ball bag is set just right, with just enough gravity or turbulence, a heavy bowling ball can work a zipper open and pop right out of its bag.

The zipper lock prevents this from happening by securing the zipper so it doesn’t get slowly worked open, preventing the damage that can occur from unexpected drops.

Towels/Clothes/Cushion

While bowling bag totes provide a good first line of defense in the protection of your bowling ball for an extra measure of protection you can pack protective cushion around your balls in the bag.

You don’t need to buy anything specific to cushion your ball, although there are certainly ball cushions out there should you want them. Instead, you can take soft items from around your house, such towels, small blankets or even the clothes you are bringing with you and pack them around your ball in the bag.

(Note: If you plan to use clothes make sure you don’t mind them getting a little oily or have a buffer between them and your ball. Since your bowling ball naturally absorbs oil it will probably sweat oil out onto your cushioning during transport.)

Cleaners

This topic is a little different than the rest because instead of telling you to bring cleaner, we are telling you to not bring your own cleaners with you on the plane.

Unless you are doing a check-in bag, just leave your cleaner at home and purchase a small bottle at the tournament you are traveling to.

This way you can bypass the liquid regulations of planes, save yourself some time, and have a cleaner that you know is legal for tournament use!

Read this article to learn how to properly clean a bowling ball.

How Do I Pack My Bowling Equipment For Travel?

Now that you know what type of equipment you need to ensure your bowling ball’s safe travel here are some travel tips on how to pack your bowling ball equipment!

1. Take the Essentials With You: If you are doing a check-in bag as well as a carry-on, always stuff your shoes, braces, and anything else you absolutely need with you at the tournament in the carry-on.

That way, if your luggage should be misplaced, you at least have your broken-in shoes, broken-in braces, and the other necessities you require at the tournament. A bowling ball can be bought and drilled at the tournament, but broken-in shoes are much harder to replace.

2. Split Up Your Bowling Balls: This is the same principle as tip number one, except with your bowling balls. If you are bringing a large number of bowling balls, try to bring at least your main ball and a spare ball into the cabin.

That way, if the rest of your balls are misplaced (a fate we wish upon no one), you will at least have two of your personalized balls ready to go.

3. Weigh Everything: Seriously, weigh everything as you pack for the trip! After you’ve checked your airline regulations, you should know how much weight they allow for carry-ons.

This allows you to weigh your luggage as you pack and prevents you from being charged a fee if it exceeds the allowed weight.

4. Bring a Copy of Your Grip: In the horrible event that your bowling balls are wrecked or lost, you should have a copy of your grip on hand.

That way, if needed, you can buy a ball at the tournament and get it accurately drilled to suit your needs and style.

5. Watch the Weight Scale: As silly as this could sound, watch when your agent weighs your bags. Sometimes, they forget to zero the scale, which may put you over the weight limit.

The attendants are usually quite polite and willing to do another measuring for you, but on the off chance, you get someone unwilling to try again with a zeroed scale, hold your ground. They’re not the ones who will have to pay weight fees should their bags read too heavy.

Other Bowling Ball Shipping Services

If you are still looking for an alternative way to ship your bowling balls, instead of carrying them on a plane, the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) partnered with United States Postal Service (USPS) to offer Bowling Ball Express (BBE).

My Final Words

Traveling to a bowling tournament should be a fun and exciting experience, and there is no reason it can’t be! Successfully flying with bowling balls hinges on understanding TSA and airline-specific regulations, choosing the right protective gear like specialized bowling bags (shoulder bags, backpacks, rollers), and employing strategies for weight management to avoid fees.

For seamless travel, it's crucial to prepare for emergencies by packing essentials in your carry-on and considering alternative transport services like the Bowling Ball Express offered by the USBC. Demonstrating expertise in navigating these aspects ensures your bowling equipment arrives safely and ready for tournament play, highlighting the importance of planning and knowledge in air travel with sports equipment.

When it comes to bowling ball maintenance, you've got a lot of options. You can go the traditional route (without any gadgets or gizmos) or get your hands on a bowling ball spinner.

If you have no idea what a bowling ball spinner is, you're in the right place. In this article, we'll tell you everything you need to know about them, how they work, and much more! 

What Is a Bowling Ball Spinner?

A bowling ball spinner is a machine you can use to clean, sand, and polish your bowling ball. The machine has a motor that spins the ball while you apply pressure to it with a polishing pad, washcloth, or brush.

You're likely to see one of these at a bowling alley or pro shop. At the bowling alley, they are sometimes available to bowlers to polish their balls before play. At the pro shop, professionals use them to resurface, clean, or polish bowling balls. 

Signs You Need a Bowling Ball Spinner

You might want to use a bowling ball spinner for several reasons, and we’ll go through each of them in this section. 

If you've noticed that your ball isn't hooking like it used to, it might be time for a good cleaning. A build-up of oil and dirt can cause your ball to lose its grip on the lane, resulting in less hook. 

Another reason to use a spinner is if you've just purchased a used ball. You'll want to give it a deep clean before using it to ensure peak performance. A ball spinner can make the process of cleansing and restoring a ball a cinch.

Also, if your ball has lots of visible scratches or nicks, a spinner can make it easier to remove them. Scratches and nicks can change the trajectory of your ball post-release, so it's important to get rid of them if you want to improve your game.

You could spend a ton of time sanding the scratches down one by one, or you can use a bowling ball spinner to get them all at once.

How to Use a Bowling Ball Spinner

Wondering how to use a bowling ball spinner? The process is actually pretty simple. Here’s how to use both electric and non-electric ones.

Electric Bowling Ball Spinner

Start by attaching the ball to the spinner using the provided clips or clamps. Once the ball is attached, apply pressure to it with a polishing pad or brush.

As you do this, turn on the spinner. Once you’ve done that, the motor and spinning apparatus will spin the ball, allowing you to evenly clean, polish, or sand it.

When you're finished, remove the ball from the spinner and admire your handiwork. Your ball should be clean and free of superficial scratches, nicks, and dirt.

Note: As wild as it sounds, there are six sides to a bowling ball. So, you'll have to remove and reposition the ball repeatedly to get all the sides.

Manual Bowling Ball Spinner

With a manual (non-electric) bowling ball spinner, you’ll simply place the bowling ball on top of the spinner and then proceed to work on your ball. When you want to work on a new area, you’ll simply rotate the ball manually while it’s on the spinner. 

Feature	Electric Spinner	Manual Spinner
Usage	Cleans, sands, and polishes with a motor	Manually rotate the ball for cleaning or polishing
Signs You Need One	Loss of hook, visible scratches, or cleaning a used ball	Secure the ball and apply pressure with a pad or brush while spinning
How to Use	Place the ball manually and apply a cleaning/polishing agent while rotating the ball	More expensive may require repositioning the ball for full coverage
Cost	$20 for basic models to $600+ for professional versions	Around $20, more budget-friendly
Pros	Comprehensive care, hands-free operation	Affordable, simple to use
Cons	More expensive and may require repositioning the ball for full coverage	Less thorough, requires manual effort to position ball, may not get full coverage

Do You Need Your Own Bowling Ball Spinner?

A bowling ball spinner is a great tool if you bowl often and notice that your ball takes a beating. But it's not a necessity, especially if you're just starting out and only bowl occasionally.

Still, no one can tell you what to do with your money or time. You can buy your own bowling ball spinner if you want to. 

Just be aware that your local bowling alley or pro shop may have a bowling ball spinner that you can use for free or for a small fee. 

How Much Does a Bowling Ball Spinner Cost?

Knowing how much a bowling ball spinner costs can make it easier to decide whether to take the plunge and purchase one.

A basic at-home bowling ball spinner with no motor will cost around $20, while a high-end powered professional model may cost much more - up to $600 or more.

Pros and Cons of Buying a Bowling Ball Spinner

Are you on the fence about buying and regularly using a bowling ball spinner? Here are some pros and cons of using one to help you make your decision.

After reading through them, you should have a better idea of whether or not buying a spinner is right for you.

Pros:

• They make it easier to thoroughly clean, polish or resurface the entire exterior of your bowling ball. 
• They are easy to find online and at your local pro shop. 
• They come in two main configurations (electric and non-electric), and the non-electric one is affordable on just about any budget. 

Cons:

• They can be expensive, especially if you want a high-end professional model.
• With certain models, you have to remove and reposition the ball multiple times to treat all sides of the ball.

Do you think the pros outweigh the cons? If so, then a bowling ball spinner may be a good investment for you.

DIY Bowling Ball Spinners

If you're feeling ambitious, you can make your own electric bowling ball spinner.

Just be aware that it is a very involved process, and you'll need access to a drill press, a bench, and other supplies you probably don't have at home.

Top Bowling Ball Spinners Online

If you've decided that you want to buy a bowling ball spinner, the next step is to choose which one you want. Below are some of the most popular bowling ball spinners available online at several price points.

• Brunswick Bowling Rotating Ball Cup - This is a simple, no-frills ball cup that will do the job. It allows you to manually spin the ball and cleanse or polish it with a cloth, paper towel, or brush. It's one of the most affordable options out there at less than $20.
• Bowlerstore Products Innovative Personal Ball Spinner - This is a mid-priced option that will do a good job of cleaning and polishing your ball on both high school teams and collegiate teams. It's electric, so it does all the work for you - simply place the ball in the spinner, choose your setting, and your ball will get to spinning. You can then grab your washcloth, paper towel, or sanding pad, hold it against your ball and let the Innovative Personal Ball Spinner do the rest.
• Bowlerstore Products Innovative 2 Speed Ball Spinner - If you want a higher-end professional ball spinner that will give your ball a deeper clean and pinpoint polishing, this is the one for you. It has two speeds - low and high - so you can really customize the experience.

Should You Go Cheap or Expensive?

Deciding how much to spend on your bowling ball spinner can be difficult. The answer depends on how serious you are about bowling. If you are a casual bowler who only goes out occasionally, the cheaper option will probably suffice. If you don’t use your ball often, it won’t need much maintenance.

But if you are a serious bowler who wants your ball to be in top-notch condition at all times, you are serious about your league play, and considering participating in tournaments, you may want to consider spending more money on a higher-quality model that provides safety accessories like a protective cap shield motor from debris that comes off the ball.

Related Articles

• Bowling Ball Care
• Why Has My Bowling Ball Stopped Hooking?
• How to Polish a Bowling Ball

My Final Words

Incorporating a bowling ball spinner into your maintenance routine can significantly enhance your ball's performance on the lanes. Whether you opt for an electric model for comprehensive care or a manual spinner for occasional upkeep, the investment can pay dividends in the longevity and effectiveness of your bowling ball. Recognizing when your ball requires attention—such as losing its hook, showing wear, or after acquiring a used ball—is crucial for timely maintenance.

The cost of spinners varies, making them accessible for bowlers of all levels, from casual enthusiasts to seasoned professionals. Ultimately, the decision to invest in a bowling ball spinner should consider your bowling frequency, equipment condition, and commitment to the sport. Embracing this tool can lead to noticeable improvements in your game, showcasing the value of proper bowling ball care.

Since ancient times, bowling has been a favorite pastime and sport. Evidence of this great game dates back as far as 3000 B.C., with crude bowling equipment found buried in ancient Egyptian tombs.

As the years have progressed, this beloved sport has evolved alongside humanity, transforming into the strategic sport we know and love today. In modern times, bowling has evolved into a sport that can be used for family fun and professional competition.

As you enter the exciting world of bowling and work your way up through the leagues, there may be a question you have to ask yourself- how to become a professional bowler?

Should you take the next step? Should you try to become a professional bowler? You will have to figure out the answer yourself, but before you do, it would be wise to really consider how you take this step and what you can expect as you branch out into the new and exciting world.

How Do You Qualify for PBA?

The Professional Bowlers Association is perhaps the most esteemed bowling association in America. With large-scale tours and tournaments and padded prize money pools, bowlers of all ages, abilities, and genders aspire to become members.

However, getting into this association is not necessarily a walk in the park. Due to the PBA’s reputation, not just anyone can enter a tournament if they feel like it. In order to qualify for entry into a PBA tournament, you must first meet one of three requirements.

1. Average 200 Points or More

You must have a minimum qualifying 200 bowling average score or more in 36 games from the last calendar year (Jan-Dec of last year), from certified league or tournament play. This method requires the league to be USBC certified and the use of PBA oil patterns for the qualification to be valid.

2. Cash in (Buy in) a PBA Regional Tournament

The Cash In method is can be used in lieu of meeting the 200 bowling average. In the PBA, the regular tournaments are where professionals from around the country meet and compete. Regional tournaments are similar to the regular tournaments but on a different scale. Bowlers, both professional and aspiring professionals, can enter these regional tournaments. If they've placed (cashed in) in the last two years, they may qualify for competitive membership to the PBA!

Note: Cashing in or placing in a regional tournament does not automatically mean you’ll be bowling professionally.

3. PBA Membership

To qualify for the PBA, the bowler must hold a PBA annual membership for at least 4 consecutive months.

What's the Average Score for Professional Bowlers?

To qualify for the Professional Bowler Association membership, you must boast an average of 200 or over in 36 games in a certified league in the last calendar year (Jan-Dec of last year).

Each tournament has a unique set of rules, though the general requirements often align with each other. Therefore, it is best to research the requirements needed to participate. This average score also generally needs to occur over a certain number of games for consistency.

How Much Does It Cost to Enter a PBA Tournament?

When looking to enter a PBA tournament, the cost of entry is certainly something you need to consider.

Entering bowling tournaments is not cheap, especially those of big names like the Professional Bowlers Association. When looking at PBA tournaments, you must select which type of tour you wish to participate in. Your choices are the Regional Tour, the Senior Tour, and the PBA Tour.

The fee for each tournament and the list of tournaments you can enter also depends on whether you are a member or non-member of the PBA.

Members get to enjoy lower tournament prices and more selection in which tournaments they can enter, though the amount of entries also varies by the membership.

Here is a list of current member and non-member prices for tournament entry. These prices are subject to change so it never hurts to check out the price listing at PBA’s official website, www.pba.com.

How Do Professional Bowlers Make Money?

While professional bowlers may not make salaries similar to those of other professional sports, they are still able to carve out quite a comfortable lifestyle for themselves.

Professional bowlers earn money to support themselves and their families in several ways. They usually do this by participating in tournaments, finding sponsors, and working other odd jobs.

Tournaments

Tournaments are big moneymakers for professional bowlers! By participating in different bowling tournaments, professional bowlers increase their chances of earning part of the prize money pool that can be found at these big events. The bigger the tournament name, the larger the pool is for the winner!

As nice as this sounds, getting into high paying tournaments is not easy. The most esteemed bowling tournament is the one hosted by the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA), but in order to get into this tournament, you have to jump through several hoops and qualifications.

As a new professional bowler, it is probably a good idea to start small and work your way up through the tournaments since most of these tournaments have a reasonable entry fee.

Sponsorships

If you have watched a televised professional bowling tournament (which is probably a very good idea if you are looking to enter the professional bowling world) then you may have noticed that many of the pros are sporting company names, logos, or patches on their shirts. While these dashing emblems do serve as eye-catching decorations they are put on the shirts for more reasons than simply design.

These symbols and sayings represent the sponsors of that particular professional bowler. Bowling sponsorships work just like sponsorships found in other sports. Companies pay their chosen bowler to broadcast their brand, either through shirt patch representation or commercial appearances, and the bowler is able to earn extra money, network, and gain publicity.

Odd Jobs

As odd as this category may sound the opportunity for professional bowlers to pick up odd jobs is there. Some professionals make a little extra money by performing in trick shot tournaments, others take up teaching the sport of bowling to help make ends meet.

Some will even appear in movies as stand-ins, performing bowling shots for actors to make the shots look more authentic. Regardless of what comes your way these little odd jobs are still a great chance to get your name out there and earn some additional income.

How Much Money Does a Pro Bowler Make a Year?

The salary of a pro bowler is very dependent on wins and placement in tournaments. Tournaments really are the key income point for professionals since winning these tournaments increases your popularity and chances of landing sponsorships and other jobs.

The amount of money you can earn in a tournament also depends on how big an event the tournament is overall. Generally speaking, bigger names equal bigger prize pools.

The average salary of a professional bowler is usually in the six-figure range, with salaries ranging from $100,000 to $200,000 for men and $60,000 to $80,000 for women, depending on sponsors, tournament wins and placements.

These salaries are hard to win and certainly not guaranteed, many bowlers work second jobs to help support themselves as they pursue professional bowling careers.

However, with practice, hard work and a little bit of luck there is no reason why anyone couldn’t be a professional bowler.

Do I Have to Join the PBA to Participate in a PBA Tournament?

No, you do not have to join the PBA in order to participate in a PBA tournament. The amount of times that you can participate in PBA tournaments is slim though compared to PBA members.

The type of tour you want to participate in also affects the amount of times you can participate in a tour through out the year as well.

Regional Tour

If you want to participate in the PBA Regional Tour as a non-member you are allowed to cash in to a tournament twice in one calendar year.

If you really want to participate in more than one Regional tournament you will then be required to join the PBA or must give up your rights to any prize money you would have earned.

PBA Tour

For the PBA Regular Tours you only get one pass to cash in to a tournament, all other tournaments in the tour require PBA membership. However, the USBC Masters and U.S. Open are not available for cash in entries.

What Kinds of Memberships Does the PBA Have?

The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) offers several different types of memberships to suite different needs found in all bowlers.

These different types of memberships allow for different access to tournaments, the amount of times a bowler can enter a tournament and the fees needed to get in to a tournament.

Standard

The standard membership is perhaps the most commonly used membership of the PBA. While this membership does not give you the full perks of being a PBA member it offers a good balance between usage and price.

As a professional bowler, having access to a standard membership works well when you are just starting out or if your name has not yet entered the public eye.

The membership gives you a chance to place yourself into tournaments that are good for publicity while helping take the edge off your wallet.

To become a standard member of the PBA, you must pay either $15 a month for a year or $144 in one payment.

Even with the membership payment, you will still be expected to pay the fees needed to enter PBA tournaments, but those entry fees are not discounted to member prices.

You can also save money since this membership knocks down the prices of your bowling games to $0-$2, depending on if the center is an official PBA site.

With this membership you gain the opportunity to bowl at three PBA Regional Tour Tournaments compared to a non-members one tournament and you also get the opportunity to bowl in one PBA Tour event.

This perk gives you more chances to win larger money prizes as well as offers more chances to gain publicity as your work your way through the professional ranks.

Full

Now as you move up in the professional bowling world changing your PBA membership to a full membership would probably be a good idea. This membership offers you more chances to participate in tours as well as works towards helping you make a name for yourself.

The yearly price of this membership is $28 a month, or an annual payment of $300. As a professional bowler, paying the high price for the full membership can really pay off since there are no restrictions on how many tournaments you can enter.

You want to bowl in fifteen tournaments in a year? You go right ahead, nothing (except qualifications if they are not met) is stopping you!

With this membership, you would also only pay the member entry fee to get into a tournament, though the price of the membership fee does not change with each level of membership.

PBA24

This membership is offered to the young bowlers out there, aspiring to turn bowling into a professional career. If a bowler is from the ages 18 to 24, they qualify for this PBA membership for the yearly price of $49!

This membership also comes with a $50 coupon towards their first official tournament with the PBA and these bowlers only need to pay membership entry fees as well.

This level of membership is restricted in the amount of tournaments a bowler can enter though. Like the standard membership, the PBA24 only allows members to participate in three Regional Tours and one PBA Tour during the course of a year.

It is a system that works well to help young bowlers branch out into the exciting world of professional bowling while helping them learn to balance timing and training.

PBA International

This membership is for international bowlers who want to participate in PBA Tours. For the price of $99, bowlers under this level of membership are eligible to win PBA Tours (at designated events) and can participate in three Regional Tours and one PBA Tour.

This membership helps professional bowlers from around the world branch out and test their skills against PBA’s best.

The world of professional bowling is not easy, many bowlers try for years to become professionals and they never make it.

That being said, becoming a professional bowler is entirely possible and there are those that make quite a decent living participating in the sport they love.

As you decide wether or not to enter this competitive world, know that this is path that will require dedication, hard work, and perhaps a little bit of luck. If you enjoy bowling and you are passionate about the sport than go for it, you’ll never know unless you try!

Criteria	Requirement	Purpose
Qualifying for PBA	- Average 200 points over 36 games in last year - Cash in at a PBA Regional Tournament - Hold PBA membership for 4 consecutive months	Entry into professional tournaments
Earnings	- Tournament prize pools - Sponsorships - Odd jobs	Financial support for professional bowlers
Average Salary Range	- Men: $100,000 to $200,000 - Women: $60,000 to $80,000	Indication of potential earnings based on performance and sponsorships
Types of PBA Memberships	- Standard - Full - PBA24 (for bowlers aged 18-24) - International (bowlers abroad)	Access to tournaments, reduced entry fees

My Final Words

Deciding to become a professional and starting a career is a journey marked by strategic participation in tournaments, securing sponsorships, and engaging in various roles within the sport's ecosystem. To navigate this path, aspirants must aim for a bowling average of 200 or more, leverage opportunities in PBA Regional Tournaments, and consider the benefits of PBA membership for access and reduced entry costs. Success in the bowling arena hinges on performance, networking, and strategic brand partnerships, culminating in potential earnings that reflect the dedication and skill of the bowler.

With a clear understanding of the qualifications, financial implications, and avenues for income, individuals can approach their professional bowling aspirations with informed strategies and a comprehensive grasp of the sport's professional landscape.

You did everything right. You lined up the shot, used your tried and true target marks, the release was perfect, and your hook ball went right into the pocket, but…you missed the strike. That’s okay. It happens!

The important thing to do is not let the miss get to you; regroup, think about your spare system, and use your best bowling ball for spares on your second throw to get yourself a spare!

A spare in bowling is where you have missed some pins on your first throw, and you use the second throw of your turn to get the rest of the pins. While a strike carries over the points from your next two throws, a spare only carries over the points from your next throw. This is still an advantage to your score, and it is important to practice how to pick up those remaining pins and give yourself an edge.

Why Do Some Bowlers Use a Strike Ball and a Spare Ball?

When trying to bowl strikes, many bowlers choose to use a heavy performance ball with a high hook potential and more backend action for revs.

Many choose to use these powerful balls to get fast high hook throws with a lot of revs and build enough power to blast through the pins.

Unfortunately, this method is not one hundred percent effective, and tricky spares and splits can occur after the bowling ball has blasted through the pocket.

This is when the bowler needs to switch up their tactics.

If you encounter a tricky spare or split, you do not need raw power and speed but precision and finesse. When looking to be careful and aim, a heavy ball with high hook potential is not always the greatest tool to use.

This is why many bowlers choose to switch up their bowling balls when aiming for spares. Instead of a heavy-hitting hook bowl, bowlers generally pick a lighter ball with low hook potential and low backend action for their second throw. The best spare bowling ball is often a plastic or polyester. 

This choice is made to get a longer skid in the roll, as well a straight trajectory in your roll to improve your accuracy and to prevent unique oil patterns from impacting your spare conversions.

What Is the Best Bowling Ball for Spares?

When bowling to pick up spares the main goal is accuracy and decreasing your margin of error with your aim. As you look to keep your aim straight you don’t want a reactive ball or ball with a high hook potential.

Instead, bowlers turn to bowling balls with more skid, less backend reaction, and low hook potential to increase the accuracy of their throws.

When selecting a spare ball many bowlers choose to go with plastic bowling balls. These balls are perfect for the precision and accuracy you need when trying to pick up a spare due to their long skid and less backend reaction.

Plastic balls also have a larger margin of error, so if something goes wrong in your stance, throw or release you have more wiggle room to fix these mistakes.

What Is the Best Weight for a Spare Ball?

When selecting the weight of your spare ball it is important to choose a weight that works best for you. Generally, when picking a bowling ball weight, you should take your weight in pounds and divide it by 11.

This will give you a good starting weight to try when selecting your ball and you can experiment on which weight works for you. It is also a wise idea to go a few pounds lower than your suggested weight and work your way up from there.

Once you find the bowling ball weight that is comfortable for you for your regular gameplay its time to figure out your spare ball weight. The common practice is that when you use a strike and a spare ball combo, your spare ball is the same weight or a pound lighter than your strike ball.

This is done to help you keep your balance and timing consistent and offer better control of the ball and its release.

"TZone Deep Space" by Brunswick

Should Your Spare Ball Be a Different Weight from Your Strike Ball?

In all honesty, the answer to this question varies. You should always bowl with what is most comfortable for you and what works for you.

Your goal is also to increase your control and aim in your throws for straight shots, so you want your movements to be natural and comfortable so you can focus on aiming.

Many people find that having your spare ball the same weight or a pound or two lighter than their strike ball helps keeps their throws consistent. By doing this they are able to control the ball better for the types of throws needed to accurately pick up spare pins.

Should You Use a Fingertip or Conventional Drill on Spare Balls?

When drilling the grip for your spare ball it is important to keep the grip and hole layout the same as your strike ball.

Doing this allows you to keep your timing, balance, and stance the same to keep your pace and throws consistent. The key is to keep yourself comfortable and your movements natural so you can focus on this shift in your aim.

If you are new to bowling we would probably recommend you use the conventional grip then, since that is the most common grip used in house (bowling alley rental) balls.

This grip goes down to the second knuckle on your middle and ring finger and the first knuckle on your thumb and is the usual grip to start out with for beginners. It is also a grip that can help you practice straight throws instead of hook throws.

How To Increase Spare Pick Ups

Feature	Description	Benefit
Spare Ball Type	Plastic or polyester, low hook potential	Enhances accuracy for spares
Weight Strategy	Spare ball weight equals strike ball or 1 pound lighter	Maintains balance and control
Grip Type	Match spare ball grip with strike ball	Ensures consistency in throws
3-6-9 Spare System	Adjust left foot position by 3, 6, or 9 boards opposite the pin(s) left standing	Simplifies aiming for spares
2-4-6 Spare System	Adjust target marks, not starting position, based on pins left standing	Provides precision for experienced bowlers

What is the 3-6-9 Spare System?

Using the 3-6-9 Spare System Moving Right | USBC Bowling Academy

The 3-6-9 spare system is a method that many bowlers use to help themselves adjust and aim for leftover pins. The mechanics of this method are relatively easy to use and execute, making the 3-6-9 spare system one of the most popular methods of spare adjustments amongst bowlers, here is how it works.

To begin you need to know two key things about your bowling approach and throw. Those key things are what board your left foot is resting on if you are right side dominant (reverse for left side), and the target mark, or strike point, that you are aiming for.

Using these two factors, you execute the 3-6-9 spare system by adjusting your left foot in the opposite direction of the pin you want to pick up by 3 boards per pin.

For example, say you roll your ball but pin number 2 remains standing. Since your left foot started on the 19th board you would shift that foot over 3 boards to the right, in the opposite direction of the pin.

Once your left foot rests on the 16th board, you use your same target mark as an aiming point and execute your throw.

If you are aiming for pin 4 or 7, you increase your multiple of 3 by how far you are from the head pin.

So pin 4 would be 6 boards in the opposite direction of your starting position (Example: starting at board 19 and shifting to board 13) and pin 7 would be 9 boards (Example: From board 19 to board 10), with the target mark never changing.

What is the 2-4-6 Spare System?

This method of spare pick up is a highly accurate method that is a lot more difficult to execute than the 3-6-9 method. Due to this increased difficulty bowlers with higher skills are usually the ones to use this method the most but all are welcome to try it!

With this system, you do not shift your starting position at all. Instead, you use the target marks on the lane and shift the ones you aim for around based on what pins remain on the lane.

If the pins remain left of the center, you shift your target to the left based off of the pin you are aiming for. For pin 2 you would shift your aim two boards to the left, pin 4 would be four boards to the left and pin 7 would be six boards to the left.

If the pins are to the right of the center you need to take an extra step with this method. Begin by finding the 10 pin line and make adjustments to your position.

Then if you are aiming for the 6 pin, you would adjust your aim by two boards to the left. If you are aiming for the 3 pin, you would adjust to four boards from the left.

This method usually requires a lot of practice to master, which is why seasoned players are usually the only ones to use it.

You are, however, never too inexperienced to begin learning and mastering this technique as you practice your bowling game and with it’s higher accuracy this method just might be the one for you.

Other Tips for Spare Pick-Ups:

So, what if you don’t want to change up your ball or position in your quest to get more spares? Are there any other tricks or tips you could use to increase your likelihood of picking up more pins?

Yes, in fact, there are!

While a plastic spare bowling ball and spare system are good methods to use to get more pins sometimes you want to try something else to see if it works with your style. Here are few more of our top spare pick up tips!

Adjust Your Stance:

There are several ways you can adjust your stance to help you raise your chances of getting more spares. One way is that you can lower the height of your backswing during your delivery, increasing the control and aim of your ball.

Another adjustment would be holding your ball a little higher in your stance. Doing this allows you to increase the speed of your ball which in turn leads to a straighter ball path that has more skid.

Visualize Your Ball’s Trajectory:

As cheesy as this may sound it does, in fact, work! While bowling it is always a good idea to focus on target marks for aiming purposed but when trying to pick up a spare we take it a step further.

What you need to do is actually visualize the entire line of your ball’s trajectory before you even think about throwing it.

Starting at your target mark and going all the way down to point of contact with the pins you need to trace in your mind’s eye the line your ball will follow.

Once you have that line clearly pictures in your head and ready to go, you want to roll your ball down this mental path, guiding it across the lane and hopefully to your chosen point of contact.

Target Down the Lane:

If you do not want to go all the way with visualizing your ball’s trajectory another method you could employ would be targeting further down the lane.

In bowling, the further down the lane you target the better chance you have for a straighter ball that will go in the direction you are aiming.

Break Your Wrist: (No, not literally!)

We are not talking about throwing your ball so hard that your wrist bones snap in two. We are talking about using the broken wrist position as you release your bowling ball. To use the broken wrist position, you allow your wrist to collapse, tilting backward as far as it can until it looks like it’s broken.

By using this position, you are able to reduce the number of revs on your bowling ball, slowing it down to a longer skid that helps improve accuracy and your margin of error.

We are not lying when we say that spares can be tricky. They come in all shapes and sizes, from splits to scattered groupings, and each spare presents its own unique challenges to the bowler. However, isn’t the challenge of figuring out this game half the fun?

By picking up different methods to pick up spares, you are increasing your strategic advantage in the game and just increasing your skill as a bowler as a whole.

You are not going to get a strike with every roll of your ball, so knowing how to react to each possible spare will help give you an edge in this great sport.

We hope you use these tips and methods we’ve provided you to help get you that edge you need to take your game to the next level! 

Related Articles

• What Is a Bucket in Bowling
• What Is a Spare in Bowling
• Beginners Bowling Ball

My Final Words

Mastering the art of picking up spares in bowling hinges on selecting the right equipment and employing strategic systems. Opt for a spare ball with plastic or polyester composition characteristics, which ensures a straight trajectory and precision due to its low hook potential. Familiarize yourself with the 3-6-9 and 2-4-6 systems to make accurate adjustments based on the remaining pins, enhancing your spare pickup rate.

It's also crucial to maintain consistency in your ball's weight, matching or slightly reducing it compared to your strike ball to preserve balance and control. Adopting a consistent grip and minor adjustments in your stance or targeting can further refine your spare game. Bowlers can significantly improve their performance by integrating these strategies into their process, turning missed strikes into successful spares with greater ease and accuracy.

Are you new to the bowling world? If so, there's so much to learn, from the top bowling pros to the best bowling ball types. But today, it's all about the best bowling ball brands.

If you want to know which brands are the top bowling ball manufacturers and stand a cut above the rest, you're in the right place. This article will reveal the top 8 best bowling ball brands and their best bowling balls.

Best Bowling Ball Brands

Brand	Founded	Notable Features	Top Bowling Balls
Brunswick	1845	Historic, Quality Craftsmanship and Used in PBA Events	Rhino, Melee Jab Carbon, Quantum Evo Hybrid
Hammer	1991	Carbon Fiber Infused, Hooks Hard	Black Widow, Phobia, Diesel Heavy Duty
Ebonite	Over 100 Years Ago	Consistent Results, Used by Pros	Allure Solid, Maxim, Game Breaker 4
Roto Grip	Over 25 Years Ago	High-Quality, Innovative for Tough Lanes	Idol Helios, Rubicon, Hyped Pearl
Storm	1985	Scented Balls, High-Performance Cores and Coverstocks	Infinite Physix, IQ Tour, Phaze 4
Pyramid	Over 10 Years Ago	Affordable, Trustworthy Quality	Path, Pathogen Plague Pearl, Pathogen Blue Dot
Motiv	2007	Innovation, NeoMark Graphics Technology, Excellent Customer Service	Fatal Venom, Venom Shock, Jackal Ghost
Columbia 300	Early Days of Modern Bowling	Pioneer in Polyester Resin, Transitioned to Modern Reactive Balls	Power Torq Pearl, Messenger Powercor Solid, White Dot Diamond

Brunswick

Brunswick is one of the oldest and most respected names in the bowling industry. Founded in 1845, Brunswick has a long history of innovation and quality craftsmanship.

In fact, the founder of Brunswick, Moses Bensinger, created the foundation for the game of bowling and created America's first Bowling Congress way back in 1895. It's no stretch to say that Brunswick is the name in bowling.

And the company never disappoints when it comes to bowling equipment. They produce a full line of high-quality bowling balls and accessories for all skill levels.

Their products are so good that they are used in tournaments around the world, including PBA events. They’ve been on top for decades, and their legacy continues today.

If you're looking for a new bowling ball, going with Brunswick is a no-brainer. Their balls are designed to provide optimum performance and durability across the board. And with so many different models, you're sure to find one perfect for your game.

Brunswick’s Top Bowling Balls:

• Brunswick Rhino Bowling Ball

• Melee Jab Carbon

• Quantum Evo Hybrid

Hammer

There are several great bowling ball brands out there, but one really that stands out is Hammer. It's a newer bowling ball brand than Brunswick and some other brands on our list, but there's no doubt that the brand has made a great name for itself.

Founded in 1991, the brand has brought some of the best-selling and most popular bowling balls to the market. 

Hammer has a wide variety of bowling balls to choose from, and they're all high quality and carbon fiber infused for reliability and agility on the lanes.

Their balls are designed to hook hard and provide a consistent roll, so you can always count on them to perform well. If you're looking for a new bowling ball, definitely check out Hammer.

Top Hammer Bowling Balls:

• Hammer Black Widow

• Hammer Phobia Bowling Ball

• Hammer Diesel Heavy Duty Bowling Ball

Ebonite

Ebonite is a bowling ball brand that's steeped in history. They have been making their own bowling balls for over 100 years, and their products are regularly used by top pro bowlers.

While they may not be as flashy as some of the newer brands on the market, they offer quality and performance that is hard to match. If you are looking for a ball that will give you consistent results game after game, then Ebonite is worth considering.

Top Ebonite Bowling Balls:

• Ebonite Allure Solid

• Ebonite Maxim Bowling Ball

• Ebonite Game Breaker 4

Roto Grip

Roto Grip is a bowling ball brand known for its high-quality products and cutting-edge technology. The company has been in business for over 25 years and has always been at the forefront of the latest sports innovations.

Roto Grip was one of the first companies to introduce a line of bowling balls specifically designed for use on lane conditions dubbed difficult to bowl on, such as oily or dry lanes. The company designs its products to give bowlers maximum hook potential and control.

If you want an excellent bowling ball that can give you an edge in tough lane conditions, Roto Grip might just be your brand.

Top Roto Grip Bowling Balls:

• Roto Grip Idol Helios

• Roto Grip Rubicon

• Roto Grip Hyped Pearl

Storm

Storm is undoubtedly one of the leading bowling ball manufacturers in the world. The company was founded in 1985 by Bill Chrisman and Barbara Chrisman.

Ever since its inception, Storm has been an innovator in the industry, and its bowling balls are known to be top-of-the-line.

But that's not all - Storm is one of the only bowling ball brands that infuses their balls with scents. Younger bowlers, in particular, have a ton of fun with them.

What’s more, they’re at the forefront of bowling ball technological discoveries and produce high-performance cores and coverstocks for every bowler type and situation.

You can’t go wrong with a Storm bowling ball. 

Top Storm Bowling Balls: 

• Storm Infinite Physix

Storm Infinite Physix bowling ball is a high-quality product that provides customers with excellent hook potential, great pin carry, and consistent performance.

With a Storm Atomic Core, it provides a consistent and powerful ball motion. 

The fact that it is scented with Mystery Fragrance helps mask the scent of the lane oil and keeps the ball smelling fresh.

Also, the polyurethane construction and Reactive Pearl coverstock make the ball durable, long-lasting, and resistant to damage.

The 15-pound weight is suitable for bowlers who need a little extra weight to power through the pins. It allows for more power and control. If you're looking for a high-quality and durable ball, Infinite Physix is an excellent choice.

• Storm IQ Tour

• Storm Phaze 4

Pyramid

Pyramid bowling balls have been around for over 10 years, starting with their polyester bowling balls. Within that time, the brand solidified itself as one of the best-selling brands on the market.

Bowlers always return to Pyramid because they trust the quality and performance of their balls.

In addition to that, their balls are also some of the most affordable. You can find a quality ball for a fraction of the price of other brands because Pyramid has found its niche in selling bowling balls.

Top Pyramid Bowling Balls:

• Pyramid Path

• Pyramid Pathogen Plague Pearl

• Pyramid Pathogen Blue Dot

Motiv

In the world of bowling, there are a few brands that stand out above the rest. Motiv is one of those brands. Founded in 2007, Motiv has quickly become a force to be reckoned with in the bowling world.

They offer balls for virtually every lane condition and categorize their balls based on that. What sets Motiv apart from other brands is its commitment to innovation.

They changed the bowling ball manufacturing game months after they launched in 2007, when they created NeoMark graphics technology.

This technology allows Motiv to print graphics onto the ball without any engraving. This means a smooth, consistent ball reaction every roll.

Motiv also has a solid commitment to customer service. They have a team of experts who are available to answer any questions you might have about their products.

If you're looking for a high-quality bowling ball that will help you score big on any type of lane condition, Motiv is a good bet.

Top Motiv Bowling Balls:

• Motiv Fatal Venom

• Motiv Venom Shock

• Motiv Jackal Ghost

Columbia 300

Columbia 300 is a bowling ball brand that many in the industry respect. The company has a long history dating back to the early days of modern bowling. In 1960, Columbia was one of the first companies to produce bowling balls made of polyester resin.

What's polyester resin?

It's a type of plastic that has been used in a variety of industries, including manufacturing and construction. When it was first introduced to the bowling industry, people were not sure what to make of it.

Some people thought it was going to be the future of bowling balls.

Others thought it was a gimmick that would not last long. It turns out that polyester resin has some staying power and it’s still widely used today. 

But Columbia didn’t stop at polyester resin balls. The company has successfully transitioned from plastic to urethane and from traditional bowling balls to modern reactive ones. And the quality is outstanding! 

Top Columbia 300 Bowling Balls:

• Power Torq Pearl

• Messenger Powercor Solid

• White Dot Diamond

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My Final Words

Selecting the right bowling ball is crucial for enhancing your game, whether you're a novice or an experienced player. Brands like Brunswick, Hammer, Ebonite, Roto Grip, Storm, Pyramid, Motiv, and Columbia 300 stand out in the industry for their commitment to quality, innovation, and performance. Brunswick's historic roots and consistent quality make it a foundational choice for bowlers, while Hammer and Motiv bring cutting-edge technology and design to the lanes.

Storm adds a unique touch with scented balls, and Ebonite's century-long legacy speaks to its reliability. When you are choosing a bowling ball, consider your skill level and the lane conditions. Beginners may benefit from straight bowling balls, while advanced players can explore urethane or reactive resin balls for improved control and hook potential. Ultimately, selecting a ball from any of these top brands ensures a blend of quality, performance, and enjoyment, setting you on the path to bowling success

If you've ever been to a bowling alley, you may have noticed the attendant using a bowling shoe spray in your rental shoes. What exactly do bowling alleys spray in shoes? Why do they spray bowling shoes?

For anyone who’s curious, this article will be very helpful. In it, we’ll fill you in on what’s in that spray, why they use it, and more! Let's get right into it.

What Do Bowling Alleys Spray in Shoes?

Bowling alley staff spray antifungal and antibacterial solutions into bowling alley shoes. The spray used may vary from alley to alley, but it is typically a combination of water, antifungal and antibacterial agents, and a deodorizer. This helps to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria, as well as athlete's foot.

One of the most common sprays used in bowling alleys is Lysol Disinfectant spray. Lysol is a household cleaning product that contains ethanol, alkyl, dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate, and more. The ingredients may seem harsh and foreign, but they are effective at killing germs and bacteria.

In addition to bowling alleys, Lysol is regularly used in hospitals and schools for infection control. It is 99.9% effective at killing bacteria, fungi, and viruses and also works as a deodorizer. 

How Often Are Shoes Sanitized in a Bowling Alley?

The frequency of shoe sanitization may vary from alley to alley, but most bowling alleys will spray shoes after every use. This helps ensure each bowler gets clean bowling shoes and the shoes are bacteria-free.

Some bowling alleys may also have a policy to only spray shoes upon request. If this is the case, it is typically best to ask for the shoes to be sprayed before using them. This way, you can be sure that the shoes are clean and sanitized regardless of the establishment’s policies.

Prevention Method	Action	Benefit
Wear Socks	Keeps feet dry and less hospitable to fungi/bacteria.	Reduces risk of infection.
Sanitize Shoes	Use Lysol or similar spray on rental shoes.	Ensures shoes are germ-free.
Bring Own Shoes	Use personal bowling shoes.	Avoids risks associated with rentals.
Mindful Touching	Avoid touching face after handling shoes; wash hands before eating.	Prevents transferring germs to sensitive areas.

Can You Get Foot Fungus From Bowling Shoes?

Yes, it is possible to get foot fungus from bowling shoes. Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, so bowling shoes are the perfect place for it to grow. This is true even if the shoes have been sprayed regularly.

How?

There are a few ways that fungi, bacteria, and viruses can thrive in bowling shoes:

• The attendant misuses the spray by not mixing it correctly or not saturating the shoes enough with the solution.
• The attendant gets distracted and forgets to spray some of the shoes.
• The attendant uses an expired spray that has lost some of its power.

How to Prevent Foot Fungus From Bowling Shoes

You don't have to leave your foot health to chance in the name of bowling. There are a few things that you can do to prevent foot fungus from bowling shoes, and we’ll go over all of them in the list below:

• Wear socks: Socks help absorb sweat and keep your feet dry, creating a less hospitable environment for fungi and bacteria to grow. They're also helpful if you have cuts or abrasions on your feet that could increase your chances of picking up a germ.
• Sanitize your shoes: If you're concerned about the cleanliness of the bowling shoes, you can always take a can of Lysol with you to the bowling alley and spray your shoes yourself. This way, you know that they're properly sanitized. Just be prepared for some confused, judgmental looks from other bowlers. 
• Bring your own bowling shoes: If you have your own bowling shoes, you can avoid using the rentals altogether. This is the best way to ensure your feet are safe from germs and fungi.
• Be careful what you touch. In addition to spraying the shoes, it's also important to be mindful of what you touch in the bowling alley, especially if you plan on eating there. Since you'll be touching bowling shoes to put them on, don't go and touch your face, eyes, mouth, etc. Doing so is a sure-fire way to increase your chances of picking up an infection. Also, wash your hands thoroughly before eating any alley food. 

Prevention Method	Action	Benefit
Wear Socks	Keeps feet dry and less hospitable to fungi/bacteria.	Reduces risk of infection.
Sanitize Shoes	Avoid touching your face after handling shoes; wash your hands before eating.	Ensures shoes are germ-free.
Bring Own Shoes	Use personal bowling shoes.	Avoids risks associated with rentals.
Mindful Touching	Avoid touching face after handling shoes; wash hands before eating.	Prevents transferring germs to sensitive areas.

Pros and Cons of Bowling Shoe Rentals

Now that you know how to mitigate your risk of getting a foot fungus or other illness from bowling shoes, let's move on to the general pros and cons of bowling shoe rentals.

We'll go over each of them below:

Pros

• Renting bowling shoes is almost always more convenient than bringing your own shoes. You don't have to worry about cleaning or storing them. 
• You can try out different shoes to see which size and style is best for you.
• Renting bowling shoes is affordable on literally any budget.

Cons

• You have to trust that the bowling alley is properly cleaning the shoes.
• The shoes may not fit as well as your own shoes.
• You may not be able to find your size at some bowling alleys.
• There's no way to completely eliminate your risk of getting a good fungus with rented bowling shoes.

Most find that the pros of renting bowling shoes outweigh the cons. However, it's ultimately up to you whether you feel comfortable doing so.

How to Get Rid of Foot Fungus From Bowling Shoes

If you've already contracted a foot fungus from bowling shoes, don't worry; it's not the end of the world. Here are a few things that you can do to get rid of it:

• Use Vicks Vaporub.  This may sound like an odd remedy, but Vicks has antifungal properties that can quickly kill the fungus. Simply apply it to the affected area at least once daily and let it work its magic.
• Soak your feet in vinegar. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that combats foot fungus. Add 2 cups of vinegar to 4 cups of warm water and soak your feet for at least 30 minutes per day until your symptoms subside.
• Apply tea tree oil. Tea tree oil's antifungal properties make it highly effective in eliminating fungus quickly. Apply it to the affected area twice daily, and you should see results within a few days.
• Use oregano oil. Oregano oil is another natural remedy that works as an antifungal. Simply apply it to the affected area a few times daily, and you should see results within a week or two.
• Try garlic. Its antifungal properties can easily nip fungi in the bud. You can eat it raw or apply it directly to the affected area. If you choose the latter, dilute it with a carrier oil like olive oil to avoid irritating your skin.

If these remedies don't work for you, you can try antifungal ointments. These are available over the counter or online and can be applied directly to your feet. Prevention is always the best medicine, but if you do find yourself with a foot fungus, you’ve got tools. Just be sure to stay consistent with your treatment, and you should see results in no time.

Treatment Option	Method	Effectiveness
Vicks Vaporub	Apply to affected area daily.	Antifungal properties combat fungus.
Vinegar Soak	Soak feet in vinegar and water mixture.	Natural disinfectant helps kill fungus.
Tea Tree Oil	Apply to affected area twice daily.	Antifungal properties eliminate fungus.
Oregano Oil	Apply several times daily to the affected area.	Natural antifungal agent treats infection.
Professional Advice	Seek if home remedies fail.	Ensures proper treatment and recovery.

Note: Know when to see a medical professional for foot fungus. If you’ve tried everything and nothing works, it’s probably time to make an appointment. 

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• Best Sliding Bowling Shoes
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Now you know what bowling alleys spray in shoes, why they spray the shoes, how to prevent foot fungus, and more.

My Final Words

Maintaining foot health while enjoying bowling requires a degree of understanding and taking a few proactive measures. Bowling alleys employ antifungal and antibacterial sprays, like Lysol and Mycomist, to sanitize shoes after each use, significantly reducing the risk of athlete's foot and other infections. Despite these precautions, patrons should remain vigilant by wearing socks, considering personal shoe sanitization, or using their own footwear to further mitigate risks.

For those encountering foot fungus, remedies range from Vicks Vaporub and vinegar soaks to tea tree and oregano oil applications, with persistent cases possibly requiring professional medical intervention. With this knowledge, bowlers can confidently hit the lanes, focusing on strikes and spares rather than foot health concerns.

Do you have a basement that's just waiting to be turned into a bowling alley? If so, you're in luck! With the right information and materials, you can transform your basement into the private bowling alley of your dreams.

In this article, we will walk you through how to build a bowling lane in your basement step-by-step. We'll provide you with all the information you need, from choosing the right materials to properly installing the lane.

Let's get started!

How to Build a Bowling Lane in Your Basement

First, you need to make sure you have enough room in your basement to build a bowling lane. The minimum length for a regulation bowling lane is 60 feet, but we recommend adding an extra foot or two to be safe.

In terms of width, you'll need at least 42 inches of clear space - again, it's always better to err on the side of caution and add a few extra inches. Once you have your measurements, mark out the area in your basement where the lane will go using painter's tape or chalk.

If you are short on space, consider a mini-bowling alley with smaller dimensions. 

Get the Right Materials for Your Bowling Lane

You can’t get started without purchasing the right materials for the job. Here are the materials you'll need for your basement bowling lane:

Material	Quantity	Purpose
Plywood	8 sheets	Base and top of the lane
2x4s	14	Frame construction
Primer and Paint	Sufficient for lane	Aesthetic and protection
Bowling Lane Wax	As needed	Smoothness and maintenance
LED Lighting	Adequate for lane length and width	Illumination
Screws	As needed	Securing frame and plywood
Bowling Pins	1 set	Game play
Bowling Balls	As per requirement	Game play
Table Saw and Chop Saw	1 each	Cutting materials to size
PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)	As per safety standards	Safety during construction
Leveler	1	Ensure lane is even
Maple Laminate Flooring (Optional)	As needed for lane surface	Enhanced aesthetic and finish
Sandpaper/Sanding Tool	As needed	Smooth surface preparation

Depending on the size and layout of your basement, you might need more or less of a particular item. It's always better to have too much and not need it than not have enough. Always keep your receipts in case you need to return anything.

Now that you've got your materials, it's time to start building!

Start by Building the Frame for Your Bowling Lane

Resize your two-by-fours and plywood using your table saw and chop saw. You'll use them to create a frame. The frame will support the rest of the lane, so make sure it is sturdy and well-constructed.

The size of the lane will depend on the size of your basement - just make sure it is long enough and wide enough to accommodate a regulation-sized bowling ball.

Follow these instructions to assemble the lane:

1. Place a piece of plywood on the bottom. The plywood should be as long and wide as the full playing surface of the lane, including the gutters and pinsetter area.
2. Secure 2x4s on each side of the plywood lengthwise, leaving enough room for the gutter on each side. 
3. Add more 2x4s on the far edges of the bottom piece of plywood.
4. Reinforce the structure by securing more 2x4s along the length of the lane with screws.
5. Secure another piece of plywood on top of the structure to act as the actual bowling lane - the area your ball will roll on.
6. Make sure the lane is level - use your leveler to check.
7. Adhere the laminate flooring over the plywood on top of the lane. This is optional, but it will give the lane a more polished look. Now that the frame is complete, you can move on to the next step.

Watch this video if you need extra guidance.

Build the Pin Housing and Pinsetter

The pin housing is where the pins will go when they are not in use. It is essentially a box at the end of the lane. To build it, follow these instructions:

1. Cut four pieces of plywood to create two sides, a front, and a back, for the housing. The pieces should be the same height, but the width will depend on the size of your pins.
2. Assemble the pieces using screws or nails to create a box.
3. Cut a hole in the top piece of plywood for the ball return. The hole should be big enough for a bowling ball to fit through.
4. Secure the housing to the lane using screws.

You'll then need to build your pinsetter. It will set the pins for you when you are ready to bowl. You can find instructions for how to do this here.

Add Finishing Touches to Your Bowling Lane

Now it's time to add the finishing touches to your bowling lane! Sand and paint the gutters and pin housing. Don’t forget to prime first. You can use whatever colors you want. 

Finally, add lighting to your bowling lane. LED lights are best because they don't produce a lot of heat. You'll need to place the lights around the lane's perimeter to illuminate the area.

Dos and Don'ts of Building a Bowling Alley in Your Basement

Building your own bowling alley can be a lot of fun, but there are some things you need to keep in mind. Here are the dos and don'ts:

Do

• Block out a few days to build the lane. It's not a quick project, but it's worth it!
• Shrink the lane down as much as necessary to make it fit in your basement. A regulation-sized lane is 42 inches wide, but you can make yours narrower if necessary.
• Build the lane as level as possible. This will ensure your ball rolls in the right direction and doesn't veer off course unprovoked.
• Enlist the help of a friend or family member. Having an extra set of hands is always helpful when working on a project like this. It’s a huge endeavor. 
• Build a sturdy frame. The lane must support the weight of the pinsetter and bowling balls.

Don't

• Forget to sand the wood before you paint it. This will help the paint adhere better and ensure a smooth finish.
• Use regular light bulbs for your lane lighting. LED lights are much better because they don't produce very much heat, and they come in a wide variety of colors and configurations. 
• Get discouraged if your lane isn't perfect. It's not supposed to be! As long as your lane is level and the ball rolls smoothly, you're good to go.

Building your own bowling lane is a fun and challenging project that can be completed in a few weekends. By following the instructions above, you'll be on your way to hours of basement entertainment.

How to Make Your Bowling Alley Feel More Personal

Your bowling alley is all done, but chances are it’s looking a little generic. Luckily, you can do a few things to make it feel more personal. Here are a few tips:

1. Add some decorations to the walls. This can be anything from posters of your favorite athletes or movie stars to paintings or photographs.
2. Get a personalized bowling ball with your name or initials on it.
3. Buy some custom-made bowling pins with your favorite sports team logo or other designs.
4. Hang some string lights around the room or lane to create a cozy atmosphere.

Related Articles

• Cost of Building a Bowling Alley
• What Type of Wood Are Bowling Lanes Made
• Used Bowling Pins
• Used Bowling Balls

My Final Words

Transforming your basement into a personal bowling alley is an achievable project that requires precise planning, the right materials, and meticulous construction. Remember, ensuring your space meets the necessary dimensions of at least 60 feet in length and 42 inches in width is paramount for a regulation-sized lane, with adjustments possible for smaller spaces. Collect materials such as plywood, 2x4s, primer, paint, and LED lighting, among others, emphasizing the importance of a sturdy frame and level lane for optimal performance.

The addition of a pin housing and an automated pinsetter elevates the functionality of your lane. Finally, infuse your bowling alley with personal touches through decorations, custom bowling gear, and ambient lighting, making it a unique and enjoyable entertainment space. This project not only showcases your DIY prowess but also offers endless hours of home entertainment, possibly enhancing your property's value and your family's leisure options.

Following these tips will help you create a space that is uniquely yours - and one that you'll be able to enjoy for years to come! 

If you're a bowler, you know that keeping your ball clean is essential to your success on the lanes. Not only does it keep your ball looking great, but it also helps to prevent those pesky skids that lead to gutter balls.

Which you typically handle by keeping a microfiber towel in your bowling bag.

But what do you need when the regular 'wipe off' isn't enough? There are several commercial bowling ball cleaners on the market, but they are expensive and often contain strong synthetic compounds.

Luckily, you don’t have to use them if you don’t want to. In this article, we will discuss some of the best homemade bowling ball cleaners you can make yourself at home for a clean bowling ball. 

Top Homemade Bowling Ball Cleaners

Some of the most unsuspecting ingredients in your pantry or kitchen are often great cleansers. Here are some ways you can put them to work and make an effective bowling ball cleaner.

Vinegar and Water

Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and can be used to clean just about anything. It’s got a powerful smell, but it will dissipate quickly once the ball is dry.

Some people soak their bowling balls in a vinegar solution, but we recommend using a cloth soaked in vinegar to scrub the ball clean instead.

To clean your ball without soaking it, pour 1 cup of vinegar into a large bowl of warm water and then wipe your ball down with the mixture. Afterward, wipe the ball clean with a damp cloth and dry it with a microfiber towel. You can also add the mixture to a spray bottle and spray it on the ball.

Note: Vinegar can be harmful to some types of bowling balls, so be sure to check your ball's care instructions before cleaning it with this method.

Lemon Juice and Water

One of the simplest and most effective ways to clean your bowling ball is with a mixture of lemon juice and water. The lemon juice breaks down the bowling lane oil on the ball without ruining its coverstock (the outermost portion of the ball).

Simply add ½ cup of lemon juice to a bowl of warm water and mix it together.

Load up a towel with the mixture and wipe your ball down. Wipe it down with a damp towel and dry it with a microfiber towel.

Then allow the ball to air dry the rest of the way out of direct sunlight.

Dish Soap and Water

No matter how oily your bowling ball has gotten, liquid dish soap (Dawn dish soap) and water can get it clean. To use dish soap to clean your bowling ball, here's what you need to do:

1. Fill a bowl with warm to hot water, and then add a few drops of dish soap.
2. Mix the water and soap together until the water is sudsy.
3. Use a towel to apply the mixture to the ball. Scrub a bit without using too much force.
4. Rinse the ball and wipe it dry with a microfiber cloth.
5. Allow it to dry in the open air.

Heavy Duty Homemade Bowling Ball Cleaner

If your bowling ball is really dirty, you may need a more heavy-duty cleaner than the ones above. The below recipes are for those times when your ball just won't seem to come clean, and a deep clean is needed.

Alcohol

Alcohol is a potent cleaning agent that can be used to clean your ball. However, it can also damage the ball's surface if you're not careful.

To clean your ball with alcohol, simply pour some rubbing alcohol onto a clean cloth and wipe the ball down. You don't need to add anything else to the ball.

The alcohol will lift the dirt and grime from the ball's surface within minutes. However, you may need to use a bit of elbow grease to get it all off.

Here are some tips to follow when using alcohol to clean your ball:

• Always cleanse the ball in a well-ventilated area. You don't want to be breathing in the fumes from the alcohol.
• If the smell of the alcohol is bothersome, you can wipe the ball down with a damp cloth after wiping it down. This will help to remove the strong alcohol smell.
• Don't soak your ball in alcohol. This can damage the ball's surface, causing it to warp. If you're using isopropyl alcohol, be sure to check the ball's care instructions before cleaning it. Some balls are not meant to be cleaned with this type of alcohol.

Alcohol, Simple Green, and Water

This mix of alcohol, Simple Green, and water is known to be a really effective way to clean your bowling ball. The simple green solution is a great option if you notice that the previous cleaning methods aren't doing the job. 

To clean your ball with this method, mix equal parts alcohol, simple green, and water in a bowl. Rub the mixture onto the ball using a clean cloth.

Let it sit for a couple of minutes before wiping the mixture off with a damp cloth. You can then dry your ball with a clean microfiber towel.

There you have it! These are some of the best standard and heavy-duty homemade bowling ball cleaners. Experiment with different methods and see which one works best for you.

Remember to always take a peak at the care instructions that came with your ball (if you have them) to avoid damaging it.

Cleaner Type	Ingredients	Application Method	Special Notes
Vinegar and Water	1 cup vinegar, warm water	Cloth or spray bottle	Test on ball first; vinegar smell dissipates after drying
Lemon Juice and Water	½ cup lemon juice, warm water	Towel application, then rinse and dry	Effective for breaking down lane oil
Dish Soap and Water	Few drops of Dawn or other liquid dish soaps, warm water	Towel scrub, rinse, then air dry	Suitable for oily balls
Alcohol	Rubbing alcohol	Clean cloth wipe	Use in ventilated area; test first
Alcohol, Simple Green, and Water	Equal parts of each	Rub on with cloth, sit, wipe off, and dry	For deep cleaning; verify ball’s material compatibility

Things to Avoid While Cleaning a Bowling Ball

Though these cleaning methods are gentle and safe for your bowling ball, there are still some things you need to be careful of. Here are some tips to follow to keep your ball clean and in excellent condition.

• Never use harsh chemicals on your ball. This includes bleach, ammonia, and acetone. These chemicals can ruin your ball's coverstock. 
• Always wear gloves when cleaning a bowling ball. This will help to protect your hands from dirt, grime, and any byproducts from the cleansing process.
• Never clean your ball with a power washer. The high-pressure water can cause superficial damage to the ball's coverstock. 
• Never put your ball in the washing machine. The harsh detergents and high temperatures can ruin your ball in a hurry.
• Don't submerge a bowling ball in liquid. Your ball could absorb the liquid, causing damage to the interior of the ball's core, and the finger holes could get wet
• Avoid using heat to dry your ball. High temperatures can damage the ball's coverstock. Instead, allow your ball to air dry in a cool, well-ventilated area.

Benefits of Homemade Bowling Ball Cleaners vs. Commercial Ones

There are a few benefits that come along with using homemade cleaners as opposed to commercial ones. You may already have some benefits in mind. Here are some of the top reasons people go homemade:

• Homemade cleaners are generally much cheaper than commercial cleaners. This is because you likely already have most of the ingredients at home.
• Homemade cleaners are much gentler on your ball. 
• Homemade cleaners are generally much better for the environment. This is because they don't contain harmful chemicals that can pollute the air and water.

Take Your Cleaning Session up a Notch With a Bowling Ball Spinner

A bowling ball spinner is a tool that you can use to make the cleansing process less labor-intensive. Non-electric bowling ball spinners have a set of bearings that help you rotate your ball without much friction. Electric bowling ball spinners have a motor that enables the machine to rotate your ball for you at high speed.

This quick rotation allows you to clean your ball in a couple of minutes versus an hour or more. Either of these is an excellent option if you want to save your energy for other things, like bowling!

Related Articles

• Bowling Ball Cleaning
• Best Bowling Ball Cleaner
• Bowling Tips

My Final Words

Maintaining a clean bowling ball is pivotal for consistent performance, ball maintenance, and longevity. Utilizing simple, homemade solutions like vinegar, lemon juice, dish soap, or a blend of alcohol, water, and Simple Green or Fabuloso (also known as the purple stuff), bowlers can efficiently remove lane oil and dirt without harming the ball's coverstock.

These methods are cost-effective and eco-friendly, minimizing the environmental impact by avoiding harsh chemicals found in commercial cleaners. It's crucial to follow your ball's specific care instructions and opt for gentle cleaning techniques, ensuring the ball remains in top condition for the lanes. By integrating these practical, homemade cleaners into your routine, you can preserve the quality of your bowling ball, enhance your game, and contribute to a greener planet.

Be it through personal experience or perhaps on TV; you have taken in the bowling balls, the pins, the lane dimensions, and the competitive but friendly atmosphere. However, have you ever stopped and just looked at the wood of the bowling lane? As weird as it may sound, have you taken in the shine and sheen that seems to radiate off the wooden boards, glowing with a well-polished sparkle?

That polished shine started as a bowling oil pattern. 

Chances are you probably have, and many people find themselves looking down and thinking, "Wow, what shiny boards!" Much thought and work go into your local bowling center to get those well-oiled floors.

Oiled Boards? Why Do They Put Oil on Bowling Lanes?

As hard as it is to believe, the oil isn't just there to look pretty. Believe it or not, there are various reasons bowling alley owners slather their maple and pine boards with the oiled slick.

The oil plays a vital role in where your ball will roll as well as helping protect the lane themselves from the friction created by 10+ pound balls constantly rolling down their alley.

Without the oil, many balls would not roll as far, create skid or burn marks on the woodwork, and bowlers would have a greater chance of injury.

Where the Balls May Roll

When you release the bowling ball, the point of the game is usually to get as many strikes as possible, thus earning more points and bragging rights.

The usual method to get strikes is not to approach the pins head-on but to 'hook' the ball into the pocket, or gap, between the headpin (pin 1) and the pins to its side (pins 2 and 3).

What You Need to Know About Bowling Lane Oil

(Note: Because of angles, right-handed bowlers aim for the 1-3 pocket and left-handed bowlers go for the 1-2 pocket.)

Factors such as the height of the throw, the angle of the bowler's wrist, the flick of the fingers on release, and the aim of the throw affect the curve, or hook, of the ball; it so happens the oil pattern the lane is also a factor.

Understanding Bowling Oil Patterns

The hidden oil patterns on bowling lanes

The first step in understanding oil patterns is knowing that all patterns are NOT created equally.

Oil patterns can vary from place to place, depending on what the center's mechanic has programmed the lane oiling machine to do.

These machines can be programmed to use a variety of oil patterns, and depending on which pattern is selected, they will then glide down the length of the lane, following their programming on where to put the oil down and how much of it is put in one place.

Because of this variation, the two key things to look at while trying to understand your current oil patterns are the length of the pattern and the volume of oil used per unit.

Typically, the house pattern has the oil lightly coating the outside of the lane while the oil in the middle is more saturated. This allows for a better 'hook' from the outside and, depending on the pattern, helps correct missed throws and errors.

How to Read Oil Patterns on Bowling Lanes

Now that you know all bowling oil patterns are not created equal, the next step in your journey is knowing how to figure out the oil pattern you are currently bowling against.

Don't worry, you're not expected to be able to look out on the lane and see how the oil pattern is laid down by the lane machine. Instead, the bowling alley should have the pattern they used posted in a public space for all to see.

If it is not posted, you can also ask an employee or owner for said sheet or get the pattern's name to find the information you need online.

After you find your oil pattern sheet, you will see a rundown of the oil pattern length and the different areas of oil saturation.

Make sure to take special notice of these two factors since they are key in knowing how to bowl with this particular pattern.

Oil Pattern TypeDescriptionKey CharacteristicsLevel of DifficultyHouse PatternCommon in recreational bowling, designed for a wider margin of error.Light oil outside, heavier oil inside for better hook.EasierSport PatternUsed in professional settings, demands precision.Varied oil distribution, less forgiving of errors.ChallengingPBA PatternsAdopted by the Professional Bowling Association for tours. Includes Animal and Legend series.Named after animals or legends, with specific lengths indicated.ProfessionalKegel PatternsOffered by Kegel for a range of skill levels. Includes Landmark and Navigation patterns.Categorized into Recreational, Challenge, and Sport based on difficulty.VariedRule of 31Strategy for determining breakpoint based on oil pattern length.Subtract 31 from the pattern's length to find where the ball should start to hook.N/A

Bowling Fundamentals: Using the Rule of 31

Depending on the oil pattern present on the lane, as a bowler, you will have to make adjustments to your throw for when your ball 'reacts' towards the hook.

The best way to learn how to do this is through practice, trial and error, and considering the Rule of 31.

By looking at your oil pattern, you want to see how many feet the pattern covers on the lane and then subtract 31 from it.

What this does is give you a rough estimate of where your 'breakpoint' is going to be, or rather where your ball will (hopefully) begin to turn and make a break for the pocket.

So if we have a lane of 60 feet and the oil pattern covers 46 of those feet, you want to take 46 minus 31.

This gives you a total of 15, showing you that at the distance of 15 feet from the head pin the ball should begin to break towards the pocket.

Bowling Rule of 31 - bowlingball.com One Minute Wednesdays

House Patterns Verses Sport Patterns

Another thing you want to consider is the bowler's level of skill.

If you see a professional bowler on TV who has the same average as your friend Jill, this does not necessarily mean Jill should go pro.

 (Unless of course, she wants to, follow your dreams, Jill!)  One of the differences between league and professional play falls in the bowling lane oil patterns.

During league or recreational bowling, the lanes are usually covered with a "house oil pattern".

How to Read an Oil Pattern Sheet: Understanding Bowling Lane Oil Patterns

Most house patterns are specifically designed to allow a more considerable margin for error and are considered easier to play on.

When you enter the professional world of bowling, different oil patterns are used. These oil patterns are called a "Sport Pattern."

These patterns are designed for professional or highly experienced bowlers; they allow no room for error, and even the most experienced bowlers can have a hard time figuring out their technique and timing with these patterns.

So before you go pro, maybe give yourself a few sports pattern practices and figure out what techniques you need to modify to fit these new challenges.

Bowling Oil Patterns Explained (Comprehensive Overview)

Now that you have an idea about the basics of oil patterns and their use, let's talk about the different types of patterns you can come across at bowling alleys.

While the exact number of patterns is hard to track down due to variations in the patterns based on brand and the level of bowler's skill, here are two popular companies/associations that provide oil patterns.

PBA Patterns

The PBA (Professional Bowling Association) has adopted 16 patterns in total for their tours and changes up the lanes by using either their Animal or Legend series.

The pattern's name also includes the length of the pattern, and you can find further information on the PBA's official website. You will have to submit your email address, though.

Type	Pattern Name	Length	Difficulty	Description
PBA Patterns	Cheetah, Wolf, Viper, etc.	33-45 feet	Varied	Designed for professional tours, each pattern has a unique length and challenge level, influencing ball movement and strategy.
Kegel Patterns	Stonehenge, Great Wall, etc.	Varied	Recreational to Sport	Offers patterns across skill levels (Recreational, Challenge, Sport), each designed for specific player abilities and used in various tournaments and associations.

PBA Animal Patterns

• PBA Cheetah 33
• PBA Wolf 33
• PBA Viper 36
• PBA Bear 39
• PBA Chameleon 39
• PBA Dragon 45
• PBA Scorpion 42
• PBA Shark 45

PBA (Professional Bowlers Association) Legend Patterns

• PBA Johnny Petraglia 36
• PBA Don Carter 39
• PBA Don Johnson 40
• PBA Earl Anthony 42
• PBA Mark Roth 42
• PBA CP3 42
• PBA Carmen Salvino 44
• PBA Dick Weber 45

Kegel Patterns

Like the PBA, the Kegel brand has its own set of patterns that they offer to consumers and customers alike.

The Kegel brand is also used on a broader array of tournaments and associations, so knowing their patterns is always a good idea.

Instead of just two sets of patterns, though, they break up their patterns into two types and then separate them further through skill level. The two sets of patterns they provide are called Landmark or Navigation.

Both sets of patterns are broken up into three levels of skill:

• Recreational for easier patterns
• Challenge for a little more difficulty
• Sport is their most complex level

You can find more information about each pattern on their website (Kegal Built for Bowling).

Kegel Landmark Patterns

• Recreation- Easiest Level, Kegel's House Patterns are usually found here:
  Stonehenge, Great Wall of China, Gateway Arch, and Big Ben
• Challenge- The middle level of difficulty:
  Tower of Pisa, Taj Mahal, Statue of Liberty, and Chichen Itza
• Sport- Hardest level of patterns; professionals usually play on these patterns: Sphinx, Red Square, Eiffel Tower, and Alcatraz

Kegel Navigation Patterns

• Recreation- Easiest Level, Kegel's House Patterns are usually found here:
  Wall Street, Stone Street, Main Street, High Street, Easy Street, and Bourbon Street
• Challenge- The middle level of difficulty:
  Sunset Strip, Route 66, Middle Road, Broadway, Beaten Path, and Abbey Road
• Sport- Hardest level of patterns. Professionals usually play on these patterns:
  Winding Road, Turnpike, Highway to Hell, Dead Man's Curve, Boardwalk and Autobahn

What Is the Hardest Bowling Oil Pattern?

So which pattern is the hardest?

Which bowling oil pattern is the most difficult to learn and navigate?

The problem is, they can all be difficult. It depends on your bowling style!

When you enter the bowling world, you begin to develop a style, that is, a specific way you move and throw.

This technique takes months and years to find and develop, with the goal to continually improving upon your style.

But when it comes to bowling patterns, your style can be a strength or a weakness on that particular pattern.

For example, a lot of people struggle with short styles like PBA's Cheetah Pattern due to the longer length of adjustment period needed to hook and the lack of oil to help combat errors.

But some people thrive on the shorter patterns while struggling with the longer patterns that have heavy oil saturation!

When dealing with these patterns, it all comes down to practice. You need to explore your style further, figure out your weakness, and actively seek out a pattern you know you struggle with.

Practice your throws, try new things, and talk to other bowlers!

One of the beautiful things about the bowling community is the level of camaraderie and support that you find in the sport, seek out these resources, and you'll be mastering the patterns that give you difficulty in no time!

How to Adjust to Bowling Lane Conditions

Now that you know the different effects and types of oil patterns out there, you need to know how to adjust your bowling to adapt to these patterns.

As we said before, practice is key in figuring out how your style fits each pattern, but there are things you can do to get yourself started.

• First, you need to know that the longer the length of the oil pattern, the less your ball can hook. Knowing the length is critical in adjusting to the oil pattern you face.

• Second, calculate your "Rule of 31". As it was mentioned earlier in this article, the Rule of 31 helps you know where your ball is going to make a break for a pocket. You need that information to adjust your throws and techniques.

• Third, complete a couple of practice throws. Nothing like real-world experience lets you know how your technique is going to hold up against the oil pattern being used. Watch how many boards you fall off-target and make adjustments such as shifting your stance or your release technique to combat these misses.

• And fourthly, adjust your style to match the pattern. If there is a lot of oil on the lane, it is considered a wet lane. When faced with a wet lane, the best thing to do is focus on straighter shots to the middle to allow a small hook.

When the lane is dry or has very little oil on it, you want to up the speed of your ball or throw it towards the outside of the lane a bit more, giving it more time to hook towards that golden pocket.

Related Articles

• Bowling Lane Conditions
• How to Increase Bowling Ball Speed
• How to Bowl Straight

My Final Words

Mastering the intricacies of bowling requires more than just skillful throws; it demands a deep understanding of the lane conditions, particularly the oil patterns. Recognizing the significance of oil patterns, from the basic house to the complex sport patterns, is pivotal for strategy formulation. By applying the Rule of 31, bowlers can identify their breakpoint, adjusting their aim and technique to maximize their strike potential.

Whether facing the challenges presented by PBA or Kegel patterns, success on the lanes hinges on adapting one's approach to the specific conditions. Hence, knowledge of oil patterns and proactive adjustment to these conditions are the hallmarks of seasoned bowlers, turning every roll into a calculated move towards victory.

If you’re considering buying a used bowling ball but are concerned that it may not fit your hand measurements, we’ll bet you want to know your options.

Can you redrill it? Or will you have to look for another ball?

We’ve got the answers you need. Keep reading to find out whether you can redrill a bowling ball. Let’s get right into it! 

Can You Redrill a Bowling Ball?

Yes, it’s 100% possible to redrill a bowling ball. 

Redrilling a bowling ball is a very common practice in the world of bowling.

It involves plugging the existing finger holes in a bowling ball with hard epoxy and redrilling new holes to the owner’s specifications.

This is usually done to give bowlers an edge during games.  

Redrilling a bowling ball effectively "tailors” it to your hand, ensuring the finger holes have the proper depth and spacing to optimize your performance.

The process of plugging and redrilling a bowling ball can be done either at home with the proper tools and materials or by a professional at a bowling pro shop. 

Though you may not have heard about the redrilling process before, professional, or at least habitual, bowlers redrill their bowling balls to accommodate their specific grip requirements. In fact, you’re very likely to see many balls in play at your local alley that are redrilled and plugged balls. 

Here are some general ball redrilling steps to give you an idea of what to expect: 

• Plug the holes. You’ll need to have the existing holes “plugged” or filled with a hard epoxy or resin. This can be done either at home with a plug kit or by a professional at your local pro shop.
• Drill new holes. After the holes have been plugged and the epoxy hardened, a specialized drill is used to create new holes in the bowling ball with your desired spacing, angle, and depth. 
• Sand down the holes. Either you or a professional will then sand down the holes to ensure smoothness. 
• Wait. You’ll wait for a few days for the epoxy to set before using the plugged bowling balls. 

How Many Times Can You Redrill a Bowling Ball?

Technically speaking, a bowling ball can be plugged and redrilled an unlimited number of times so long as the bowling ball core remains intact.

Still, every ball will reach its limit at some point. Each time a ball is redrilled, a small amount of the ball's coverstock is removed. After being plugged and redrilled several times, the ball will become more epoxy than resin. 

Another factor to consider when redrilling a bowling ball multiple times is that every redrilling session removes one to two ounces of top weight from the ball.

Altering the top weight of the ball can affect its movement. What’s more? If you are bowling as part of a league, you will have to get your redrilled ball weighed by a professional to ensure the top weight is within the regulatory limits. 

How Long Does It Take To Redrill a Bowling Ball?

The amount of time it takes to redrill a bowling ball varies depending on the epoxy used to plug the ball and the experience level of the person doing the drilling. 

Generally speaking, the ball plug epoxy will take 15-20 minutes to harden. Once the epoxy has set, the holes can be drilled and sanded within 45 minutes or less.

In all, it takes an hour or less to redrill and fill bowling ball holes if it’s done by a professional. 

If you are plugging and redrilling the ball yourself, it is difficult to put an exact number on how long it’ll take to complete the process, but taking your time is paramount to ensuring the ball is not permanently damaged. 

How Much Does It Cost to Redrill a Bowling Ball?

The costs associated with plugging and redrilling a bowling ball are determined based on whether you’re doing the modifications yourself or paying a professional.

There are bowling ball plugging kits available online for $100 to $200 and bowling ball drill bits available for $56.

Assuming you already own a drill, this brings the final cost of redrilling a bowling ball at home to $150 - $250.

Though additional fees may be involved, most bowling pro shops offer redrilling services for $50-$70. 

Pros and Cons of Redrilling a Bowling Ball

Once a bowling ball has been redrilled, it is permanently altered. So, before you buy the supplies and redrill your bowling ball at home or pay a professional to do it, you need to consider all of the pros and cons involved. We’ll do that in this section. 

Pros of Redrilling a Bowling Ball

• Redriling a bowling ball is cheaper than buying a new custom-fit ball. Many bowlers opt to buy a used ball online and have it plugged and redrilled per their custom measurements and grip preferences. 
• Customizing a ball can dramatically improve your bowling performance. You get to choose between several hole depths, angles, and placement configurations when customizing your bowling ball. These modifications allow for different grip styles, which can maximize your control over the ball and its overall performance during a game. 

Cons of Redrilling a Bowling Ball

• Plugging and redrilling a ball too many times can and will eventually cause damage to a bowling ball's coverstock (the outer shell) and could potentially render it useless should the coverstock crack or become otherwise damaged.
• Plugging and redrilling a bowling ball yourself is risky. If you are unfamiliar with the structure of a bowling ball, it’s possible to drill too deep and damage the core, which would ruin the ball’s balance and make it no longer usable. 
• You will not be able to immediately use your ball after plugging and redrilling it. The epoxy (used when plugging the ball) needs time to fully set before it can withstand the impact of a game. 
• The costs associated with plugging and redrilling a bowling ball can quickly add up. In some cases, bowlers end up paying more for the redrilling than they would a new bowling ball. 

Key Points	Details
Feasibility	Yes, it's possible and common to redrill a bowling ball to fit hand measurements better.
Process	Involves plugging old holes with epoxy, drilling new holes, and sanding for smoothness. Can be DIY or professional.
Redrilling Limits	Technically unlimited, but physical and performance limitations exist with multiple redrillings.
Cost	DIY costs range from $150-$250. Professional services at pro shops range from $50-$70.
Considerations	Assess ball condition and modification impact. Consider pros (cost-effectiveness, improved grip) and cons (potential damage, altered performance).

Should You Redrill a Bowling Ball?

Your decision to redrill a bowling ball depends on two main factors: 

• How you plan on using the ball. Whether you want it to have more hooking potential or to roll straight. 
• The condition of your ball. Has it been redrilled before? What’s the condition of the coverstock? 

If the bowling ball you would like to have redrilled is in a compromised condition, it may not be worth trying to have it altered. Doing so could potentially damage it beyond repair.  

In addition, redrilling a used bowling ball with a drastically different configuration than the one you hope to achieve may not be a wise decision either. This could affect the weight distribution of the bowling ball. 

Having said that, if the bowling ball that you wish to plug and redrill is in good condition and only requires a minor altering, having it redrilled is a more cost-effective option than buying a new custom-fit bowling ball. 

Related Articles

• What Are Bowling Balls Made Of
• Bowling Ball Cleaning
• What to Do with an Old Bowling Ball

My Final Words

Redrilling a bowling ball is a practical and cost-effective method of customizing a ball to your specific hand measurements and grip preferences, significantly enhancing your game. The process, which can be undertaken at home or by professionals in a bowling pro shop, involves plugging old holes with a hard epoxy and drilling new ones tailored to your needs. However, it's crucial to assess the condition of your ball and the potential impact of multiple redrillings, as these can affect the ball's performance and compliance with league regulations.

Ultimately, if your bowling ball is in good condition and requires minor modifications, opting for redrilling over purchasing a new custom-fit ball can be wise. This approach saves money and extends your equipment's life, allowing for a more personalized bowling experience.

When it comes to bowling, there are a lot of terms that people might not be familiar with. One of those terms is "Brooklyn." What Is a Brooklyn in bowling?

If you're wondering what Brooklyn is in bowling, you're in the right place. In this article, we'll define this term and tell you everything you need to know about it.

By the end, you’ll know what a Brooklyn is, how to do it, whether you should devote time to it, and more. Let’s get right into it! 

What Is a Brooklyn in Bowling?

The term “Brooklyn” is used in bowling to describe a shot that "crosses over" the pocket. For right-handers, this would be the pocket between the first and second pins, and for left-handers, it would be between the first and third pins.

For those who can't visualize it, it’s when the ball hits pins on the side opposite of the hand that released the ball. This term originated in New York, where people would "cross over" from Manhattan to Brooklyn.

Why Is It Called a Brooklyn?

Now that we know what a Brooklyn is, you might wonder why it's called that. As we mentioned, this term originated in New York. When bowlers in New York would "cross over" the pocket, they would say they were going "to Brooklyn". 

The Brooklyn Strike

You know what a Brooklyn shot is – now, what’s a Brooklyn strike? A Brooklyn strike is when you knock all the pins down with one Brooklyn shot.

This is considered a difficult feat, which is why pulling it off is so satisfying. Though achieving a Brooklyn strike is impressive, you still get the same score for it that you would with any other strike. You’ll get 10 points in addition to the number of pins you knock down on your next 2 shots. 

Should You Try to Get a Brooklyn Strike?

If you're a beginner trying to get your footing in the sport, we recommend avoiding the Brooklyn strike - for now. To be realistic, chances are that you're not going to be able to get a Brooklyn strike consistently.

And that's okay because you can score well without a Brooklyn. Just focus on getting the basics down and having fun. Once you've got a bit more experience, you can start working on your Brooklyn shot. 

However, if you're experienced and looking for a challenge, go for it! There's nothing wrong with trying to get a Brooklyn strike if you've got the basics of the sport down.

What You Want To Know About The Brooklyn	Details
Definition	A Brooklyn strike in bowling refers to a shot where the ball crosses over to the opposite side of the pocket relative to the hand that released it. For right-handers, it crosses to the left side (between the first and second pins), and for left-handers, to the right side (between the first and third pins).
Origin of Term	The term "Brooklyn" comes from New York, symbolizing the action of "crossing over" from Manhattan to Brooklyn, mirroring the ball's movement across the lane.
Achieving a Brooklyn Strike	Achieving a Brooklyn strike means knocking down all pins with a Brooklyn shot. It's as valuable as a regular strike, offering 10 points plus the follow-up shot scores.
Recommendation	Beginners are advised to master basic bowling techniques before attempting Brooklyn strikes. Experienced bowlers can use Brooklyn strikes to challenge their skills and add variety to their game.
Tips for Success	Use a heavier or reactive ball for better hook potential, ensure a powerful delivery, and practice consistently to improve the chances of executing successful Brooklyn shots.

How to Perform a Brooklyn Shot?

Though getting a Brooklyn strike almost always depends on luck, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of making this shot. That's what we'll touch on in this section:

First, choose the right ball. Many bowlers use a heavier ball for this shot because it increases the chances of knocking down all the pins.

Reactive balls also lend themselves well to this shot because they have a lot of hooking potential.

Urethane balls will work as well, though they don’t have as much hooking potential as reactive balls. 

Second, you need to have a lot of power behind the shot. This is very important, as you must ensure that the ball has enough force to make it across the lane.

Due to minute differences in every bowler's technique, there’s no 100% guaranteed recipe for the Brooklyn shot. But the more control you have over your ball, the higher your chances of getting one. 

The Benefits of Mastering the Brooklyn Shot

Once a beginner gets the basics of the game down and has a bit of control over their ball, working on their Brooklyn shot can be beneficial. That's because it can help further improve your control and accuracy. If you can make a Brooklyn shot consistently, you're doing something right!

In addition to improving your game, learning the Brooklyn shot can be a lot of fun. If you find it boring to bowl on the straight and narrow, this can be a great way to spice up your game and add excitement.

How to Get More Strikes

Brooklyn strikes are nice, but they're not the only way to get strikes. And when it comes to your score, a strike is a strike.

So, you should focus on getting them however you can. If you want to increase your chances of getting strikes, then you should do a few things.

• Ensure your ball is the right size. You need to make sure that your ball is properly fitted. If the finger holes aren't in the right place or are too shallow, you may have some issues with your release and resulting shots.
• Use a ball at the optimal weight. Most advanced bowlers use a ball that is between 14 and 16 pounds. If you're a beginner, we recommend using something lighter to get a feel for the game.
• Know your lane. This is important for all bowlers, but it's especially crucial if you want to roll more strikes. Make sure you understand the oil status on the lane and how it will affect your ball. Dry lanes will cause your ball to hook more, while oily lanes will make the ball travel straighter.
• Choose the right bowling shoes. This may not seem like a big deal, but it can make a difference in your game. Bowling shoes have special soles that help you slide when you bowl. This can improve your accuracy and increase your chances of getting strikes. Ensure that your shoes fit snugly and comfortably to bowl your best.
• Check your stance. When you're ready to bowl, your feet should be shoulder-width apart, and your knees should be slightly bent. You also want to ensure you're not too close or far from the foul line. The best way to find a comfortable stance is to experiment and see what works best for you.
• Get some power behind your shot. This is important for all shots, but it's especially crucial for strikes. You need to make sure that you put enough power behind the ball so that it can make it down the lane and hit all the pins.
• Practice, practice, practice. The more you bowl, the better you'll get at it. And the better you get, the more strikes you're likely to get. So, get out there and bowl every chance you get.

If you can do the above things, you'll be well on your way to becoming a strike machine!

Don't Forget to Enjoy the Game

While it's important to focus on improving your skills and getting more strikes, it's equally important to remember to have fun. Bowling is a game, after all, and it's supposed to be enjoyable.

So, make sure you take some time to relax and enjoy yourself when you're on the lanes. A lighthearted mindset will make perfecting your swing much easier. 

Related Articles

• How to Properly Bowl
• Bowling Ball Not Hooking Properly
• Bowling Release Tips

My Final Words

Mastering the Brooklyn strike in bowling represents an exciting challenge for bowlers looking to elevate their game. As a shot that crosses over to the opposite side of the intended pocket, the Brooklyn strike requires precision, control, and the right equipment—preferably a heavier or reactive ball for enhanced hooking potential. Originating from the unique New York lexicon, where bowlers likened the shot's crossover effect to crossing from Manhattan to Brooklyn, this technique offers a rewarding way to score strikes.

While beginners are advised to focus on the fundamentals of bowling first, seasoned players can significantly benefit from incorporating Brooklyn shots into their repertoire. Doing so not only demonstrates advanced skill and versatility but also adds an element of fun and strategic complexity to the game. Practice, power, and the right approach are key to consistently achieving Brooklyn strikes, making them a coveted achievement in the bowling community.

Did you just recently find out that bowling balls have serial numbers? You're one of many - most people don't even notice them.

But it's good to know about bowling ball serial numbers since they come in handy if you need targeted information about your ball. And that's not nearly the extent of it.

In this article, we will discuss how to find the serial number on your bowling ball, what these numbers mean, how to use a bowling ball serial number lookup and more!

Bowling Ball Serial Number Lookup

Every bowling ball has a serial number, which serves several purposes for manufacturers and customers. For manufacturers, the serial number is essential for quality control. It can track when and where the ball was made, production batches, and potential defects.

For customers, it can come in handy should the ball ever be lost or stolen.

When you register your ball, you'll enter the serial number, which will be linked to your name and contact information. This makes it easier for bowling alleys and retailers to contact you if your ball is found and for potential bowling ball recalls.

Brunswick has made it easy to register your Brunswick, Columbia 300, DV8, Ebonite, Radical, Hammer, Track, and Ultimate bowling products and accessories here.

The USBC (United States Bowling Congress) also uses a bowling ball's serial number. When you enter a USBC-sanctioned event, you'll have to provide your ball's serial number.

The USBC uses these numbers to determine whether your ball is considered legal and approved for competitive or tournament play. If your serial number isn't on the list, you'll have to get a new ball.

Where to Find the Serial Number on Your Bowling Ball

So, how do you find the serial number on your bowling ball? It's quite simple - it should be stamped or engraved somewhere on the ball. The most common place is near the hole.

If you can't find it there, check near the bottom of the ball.

If you're having trouble finding the serial number, consult your ball's manual or the ball maker's website. If the serial number is ever removed, to be considered legal, it must be re-engraved for competition.

What the Digits of a Serial Number Mean

Now that you know how to find the serial number on your bowling ball, you're probably wondering what all those numbers and letters mean.

The truth is that a bowling ball's serial number may vary depending on the manufacturer. Some manufacturers' serial numbers begin with the first letter of their brand name.

Aspect	Details
Purpose of Serial Numbers	For manufacturers: Quality control and tracking. For customers: Identification, recovery of lost/stolen balls, and verification for USBC events.
Location of Serial Numbers	Typically near the holes or the bottom of the ball. Consult the manual or manufacturer's website if not found.
Interpretation of Serial Numbers	Varies by manufacturer. Can include manufacturer's code, production date, SKU number, and sometimes the ball's weight.
Using Serial Number Lookup	It is typically near the holes or the bottom of the ball. If it is not found, consult the manual or manufacturer's website.
Maintenance and Lifespan	Bowling balls do not expire but may show wear. Regular maintenance can extend their lifespan beyond 5-10 years, depending on care and use.

Here is a hypothetical example of a bowling ball serial number is an alpha-numeric string: ACR121006789.

In this case, ACR would be the manufacturer's three-letter code, and 121006789 would be the production number. The first two digits of the production number (12) indicate the year the ball was made, and the next three digits (100) indicate the day of the year.

So, in this example, the ball was made on April 10th. The last four digits (6789) are usually randomly generated and stand for the SKU number or stock-keeping unit.

The SKU could indicate various things for the manufacturer, such as the type of ball or the color. Some manufacturers' numerical values include extra information, like the ball's weight or the type of cover stock.

In our hypothetical example, if the weight was included, it may look something like this: ACR12100678914.

The 14 would indicate that the ball weighed 14 pounds.

We cannot stress enough that your bowling ball’s serial number format may differ from our example. Different manufacturers have multiple systems creating the ball's serial numbers.

If you're unsure about your serial number, consult the manufacturer's website or customer service. They can fill you in on the nuances of their serial numbers and answer any questions you may have.

How to Use a Bowling Ball Serial Number Lookup

You understand the basics of bowling ball serial numbers - now let's look at how to put your knowledge to use. If you want to retrieve information about your ball, you can use a bowling ball serial number lookup or archive.

Select manufacturers offer these lookup tools, and they can be a great resource if you're trying to track down a specific ball.

All you'd need to do is type in your serial number (and any other information on the form), and the tool will provide you with the details they house in their database.

Of course, not all manufacturers offer this service. So, if you're trying to track down a lost or stolen ball and there's no serial number lookup available, contact the pro shop or retailer you bought it from.

They may have a sale record in their system that includes your ball's serial number and other pertinent information.

What to Do if You Can’t Find Your Bowling Ball’s Serial Number

It can be frustrating when you can't find your serial number, especially if you're trying to register for a tournament or locate a lost ball. If the manufacturer's website and lookup tool are no help, we recommend you contact a local pro shop.

The staff there should be able to tell you where to find the serial number on your ball and what it means. These professionals have seen a ton of bowling balls and are experts in their own right.

And if your bowling ball doesn’t have a serial number, they may be able to help you identify your ball using other methods. There’s almost always more than one way to figure things out.  

Other Numbers on a Bowling Ball

If you have seen or used multiple bowling balls, you probably know that the serial number isn't always the only number on a bowling ball. In addition to the serial number, you may notice another number stamped or engraved on your ball.

Often, bowling balls will have their weight inscribed somewhere on the coverstock.

The number will usually stand alone - it won't say 14 lbs - it'll just say “14”. This is common with house balls that you'll find at the bowling alley but may also be on your personal ball.

Do Bowling Balls Expire?

If you look at your bowling ball's serial number and realize that it was manufactured long ago, you may start to wonder if the ball is stale or expired. 

The answer is no - bowling balls do not expire. As long as your ball isn't cracked or otherwise damaged, it should be okay to use.

Of course, if you've had your ball for a long time, it may not perform as well as it did when it was new. The coverstock may have lost its luster, and its core may have separated. This is normal wear and tear and is to be expected. 

Still, you should know that a bowling ball’s expected life may range from 5 to 10 years. But if the bowling ball was only gently used or if the previous owner took really good care of it, you can get several more years out of it. 

If you're concerned about your ball's performance, we recommend you take it to a local pro shop and have them inspect it. Within a few minutes, an expert may be able to tell you if your ball needs to be resurfaced, replaced, or otherwise fixed. Who knows, you might be able to get more play time out of your ball. 

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• Bowling Ball Not Hooking
• Bowling Ball Cleaner Homemade
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My Final Words

Understanding and using your bowling ball's serial number is crucial for quality assurance and compliance with competitive standards, such as those set by the United States Bowling Congress (USBC). These alphanumeric codes, typically found stamped or engraved near the ball's holes or at its base, serve as a key tool for manufacturers and bowlers alike, offering insights into the ball's production details and facilitating its identification in case of loss or theft. Each serial number is specific to each ball, like a social security number is to a person.

Moreover, the ability to decode these numbers can reveal important information about the ball's manufacturing date and potentially its weight, enhancing your knowledge and management of your bowling equipment. Manufacturers' serial number lookup tools offer a valuable resource for those looking to delve deeper into specifics or track down a particular ball. Remember, regular maintenance and understanding your ball's history through its serial number can significantly extend its usable life, ensuring that you get the most out of your investment in the sport of bowling.

Can you bowl while pregnant? That's the question on a lot of expectant moms' minds. Pregnant women are advised not to partake in certain physical activities, but is bowling one of them?

In this article, you will find out if bowling is safe for pregnant women and learn some tips to make it even safer.

Let’s get right into it! 

Can You Bowl While Pregnant?

Yes, you can bowl while pregnant... but... you should definitely take precautions.

Note: Before starting a new bowling routine, consult your midwife or OBGYN. Pregnant women need to be careful about the types of exercises they do - there may be some bowling moves that are off-limits for you. A medical professional can help you develop a safe bowling plan to keep you healthy and safe. Bowling typically doesn't cause harm in a healthy pregnancy.

How to Bowl Safely While Pregnant

You’re doing everything to ensure the well-being of your unborn child, and we’d like to help you do just that while out on the lanes. Bowling while pregnant can be nerve-wracking if you don’t know how to do it safely.

Fortunately, there are many ways that you can reduce the chances of things going South. 

Never Be Alone

Always bowl with a partner who can help out if you start to feel dizzy or lightheaded. Your body is unpredictable, so having someone with you is a good idea. This is especially important if you’re in your third trimester. 

Wear Comfort Insoles

Have you ever had your ankles buckle when you wear uncomfortable shoes? That can happen with bowling shoes when you’re pregnant. So, it’s imperative to wear comfortable shoes that provide good support for your feet and ankles. 

The bowling shoes you rent at the bowling alley may not be sufficient right now – even your own bowling shoes may feel uncomfortable. So, consider getting some comfort insoles.

You can put them inside your bowling shoes to up their level of comfort. The more comfortable you are, the less likely you’ll be put in harm’s way. 

Pay Attention to How You Feel

Listen to your body. Take a break if you start to feel “off,” and don't push yourself too hard. Doing so can be dangerous for you and your baby.

Choose Your Ball Wisely

All bowling balls are not created equally. So, avoid using a ball that is too heavy. The general guideline during pregnancy is not to lift more than 20 pounds; the heaviest bowling ball you can get is 16 pounds. So, you can use any bowling ball you'd like, preferably the lightest ball possible.

But we recommend choosing a bowling ball that you feel comfortable with. If it's several pounds lighter than your normal bowling ball, so be it.

BOWLING WHILE PREGNANT | Vlog158

The Benefits of Bowling for Pregnant Women

Take Your Time

You should bowl slowly and carefully while pregnant. Don't try to bowl too quickly or with too much force. Pregnancy is not the time to try to improve your bowling score! If you plan to bowl during your pregnancy, take pregnancy week-by-week notes for your doctor.

Stay Hydrated

Another important thing to remember is to stay hydrated. Pregnant women need to drink plenty of fluids, so keep a bottle of water on hand and take a sip every now and again. 

Don’t Skip Out on Food

Don't go bowling on an empty stomach. Pregnant women should eat small, frequent meals throughout the day to keep their energy up. So, make sure you have a snack before you head to the bowling alley.

And while you're there, take advantage of the concession stand. A slice of pizza or hot dog can give you a quick energy boost as needed.

It can also be helpful to check with the bowling alley ahead of time to ensure that the kitchen will be open. If not, you can always bring your own snacks and drinks to keep yourself fueled.

By following these guidelines, you can bowl while pregnant without any worries. Remember to take it easy, listen to your body, and stay hydrated.

If you avoid bowling while pregnant, you could be missing out on some serious benefits. Keep reading to find out what they are! 

Precaution	Details	Reason
Consult Healthcare Provider	Before starting or continuing a bowling routine, consult with an OBGYN or midwife.	Ensures activity is safe for your specific pregnancy condition.
Choose Equipment Wisely	Use lightweight bowling balls (not exceeding 20 pounds) and wear comfortable, supportive shoes.	Prevents strain and supports balance and comfort.
Listen to Your Body	Take breaks as needed and stop if feeling dizzy or uncomfortable.	Prevents harm to you and the baby.
Stay Hydrated and Energized	Drink plenty of fluids and eat small, frequent meals.	Maintains energy levels and overall health.
Safety in Numbers	Always bowl with a partner for assistance in case of discomfort.	Provides immediate support in case of emergency.

It Helps Improve Flexibility and Stamina

Bowling while pregnant is a great way to stay active and improve your flexibility and stamina. It can also help relieve some pregnancy symptoms, such as back pain and joint stiffness, as it requires minimal physical activity.

It Helps Relieve Stress

Pregnancy can be a stressful time for many women. Between the hormones and the changes to your body, it's no wonder some women feel overwhelmed. Exercise is a great way to help relieve stress, and bowling is a fun way to get in some exercise and uses upper body strength. 

It Lifts Your Mood

When you're pregnant, it's common to feel down or even depressed. Immersing yourself in bowling could be just what you need to improve your mood, improve your mental health and lift your spirits. After rolling a few, you may find that you’re feeling more positive and energized.  

How to Make Bowling More Comfortable for Pregnant Women

Though bowling is generally considered a low-impact activity, it can be uncomfortable for pregnant women. To help you alleviate discomfort as you bowl, use the below tips:

• Wear comfortable clothing that doesn't restrict movement. When you are pregnant, what you wear can make all the difference. You want to be comfortable while also being able to move around freely. Stretchy pants and a tank top or t-shirt are usually the best options.
• Wear a pregnancy belt. This is a type of support belt that helps take some of the pressure off your back and stomach. You'll want to ensure that the belt is tight enough to support your belly but not so tight that it's uncomfortable. Always consult your midwife or OB before using compression gear.
• Use a ball ramp. This device helps you deliver the ball without bending over too much. It can be a lifesaver for a pregnant person who is struggling with back pain.
• Use wrist support. This can help take some of the strain off of the joints in your wrists and arms, which tend to loosen when you're pregnant.
• Bend your knees while throwing the ball. This will take some of the strain off of your back.
• Keep your feet shoulder-width apart. Doing so will help you maintain your balance while also giving you a more stable base.
• Take frequent sitting breaks. If you start to feel uncomfortable or tired, take a seat. Pushing yourself too hard is never a good idea.
• Choose a lane close to the bathroom if possible. Many pregnant women can't go longer than a few minutes without having to go to the bathroom. So, getting a lane close to the bathroom prevents you from having to walk too far if you need to use the restroom.
• Stay warm (or cool). Bowling alleys are usually air-conditioned, and this can make you chilly. So, when you go to a bowling alley, dress in layers so you can take them off if you get too warm. It is also a good idea to bring a jacket or sweater to throw on if you start to feel cold.

Signs You Should Stop Bowling for Your Safety

If you’re expecting, there are a few signs you should look out for while bowling. If you notice any of the symptoms below, stop what you're doing and reach out to your OB or midwife:

Pain in Your Pelvic Area

• Vaginal bleeding or a sudden increase in discharge
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Headache
• Calf pain 
• Muscle weakness
• Swelling in your legs

Can Bowling Cause Miscarriage?

Personally, when I was pregnant with my pre-teen and now teenager and bowling with 14lb bowling balls, my OBGYN told me, "As long as it's comfortable for you, you can bowl. When it's no longer comfortable or gets painful, stop bowling and let me know." So, that's what I did. I knew the basic mechanics of bowling, and keeping my babies safe was the priority. I bowled into my 2nd trimester.

The truth of the matter is although there is no definitive proof, playing sports on any level is doable. Here are some names for example Serena Williams (won the tennis Australian Open for the 7th time), Kerri W. Jennings (won the gold medal in Olympic volleyball for the 3rd time), and Alysia Montano (ran in the US track and field in champion at 8 months).

What is the common denominator? These women, including myself, participated in the sport prior to pregnancy, and our bodies were familiar with the motions of the sport. Of course, every pregnancy is different, even for the same woman, and some women may ‌ bowl safely without any problems. However, it’s always best to err on the side of caution when it comes to pregnancy; proceed with caution and always consult with your doctor.

Related Articles

• What Types of Physical Benefits Can Be Obtained From Bowling
• Bowling Mental Game
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My Final Words

Bowling during pregnancy is generally safe when appropriate precautions are taken. It's essential to prioritize comfort and safety by consulting with a healthcare professional, choosing the right equipment such as lightweight balls and supportive shoes, and paying attention to your body's signals. Staying hydrated, eating properly, and avoiding risks like heavy lifting and overexertion are key to maintaining both your health and that of your unborn child.

Remember, each pregnancy is unique, so personalizing your approach with the guidance of your OBGYN or midwife ensures you enjoy the benefits of bowling, such as improved flexibility, stamina, and stress relief, without compromising safety. Always listen to your body and consult with healthcare providers to tailor your activities to your specific needs during this special time.

Professional athletes are among some of the highest-paid public figures around.

While we all know that professional football, basketball, and soccer players regularly earn in the millions, what about other sports? Specifically, what about PBA bowlers? How much do professional bowlers make a year with sponsors and endorsements?

If you’ve ever wondered how much a professional bowler makes and if sponsors make a difference, this article is for you!

We are going to break down how much professional bowlers earn and dive into everything else you could need to know about the subject.

How Much Do Professional Bowlers Make?

With sponsorships and endorsements, professional bowlers' earning potential can range from $100,000 to anywhere upwards of $400,000 per year. 

Professional bowlers can earn anywhere from $16,000 to $100,000 per year without sponsorships and endorsements. The annual earnings of professional bowlers vary wildly according to their tournament participation, location of tournaments (different winnings for different locations), the bowler’s ability, bowler endorsements, and event sponsorships.

Most professional bowlers who are “staffed” can have an average base salary range of $40,000 to $50,000 before you take their sponsorships and expenses into consideration. 

With endorsements and sponsorships, a few of the top-percented professional bowlers earn significantly more. Top-percented professional bowlers can earn over $200,000 -$400,000 per year. The earnings do not take into consideration associated bowling expenses. 

How Much Does the Highest-Paid Bowler Make?

Who is the highest-paid bowler, and how much do they make? The highest-paid bowler in the world is PBA bowler Walter Ray Williams Jr. His lifetime earnings were nearly $5 million before retiring from PBA bowling in 2019. 

On average, Walter Ray Williams Jr. brought in around $150,000 from bowling tournaments yearly. He also made money by selling merchandise through endorsements and charging appearance fees. 

But who are the other top earners in the PBA, and what are their lifetime earnings? 

Active PBA Years	PBA Bowler's Name	Active Years Earnings
1980-2010	Walter Ray Williams Jr	$4,787,224
1979-2020	Pete Weber	$4,050,032
1982-2020	Norm Duke	$3,690,741
1989-2020	Parker Bohn III	$3,286,385
1982-2019	Brian Voss	$2,572,738
1982-2020	Amleto Monacelli	$2,677,723
1998-2020	Chris Barnes	$2,448,668
1976-2020	Tom Baker	$2,054,444
1979-2008	Mike Aulby	$2,045,083
1999-2019	Mika Koivuniemi	$1,939,769
2008-2020	Jason Belmonte	$1,815,927
1970-2008	Mark Roth	$1,519,451
1969-1997	Earl Anthony	$1,361,881
2005-2020	Bill O’Neill	$1,323,266
2012-2020	*EJ Tackett	$981,564
2013-2020	*Anthony Simonsen	$679,987
2008-2020	*Kyle Troup	$381,573

How Do Pro Bowlers Make a Living?

Professional bowlers have a few different major sources of income. One of the main income streams is tournament wins.

Potential Earning Sources	Possible Associated Expenses
Tournaments	Entry fees
Endorsements/Advertising (face of brand)	Hotel
Sponsorships (branded shirts, etc)	Gas/Air travel
Personal Appearances	Food
Merchandise	Drilling fees
Base (incentive package)	Calcutta
Social Media (Youtube)	Entertainment

Tournaments

During a tournament, dozens of professional bowlers compete for a grand prize that can total anywhere from $50,000 to $250,000. In addition to the overall winner, second and third-place competitors often walk away with a cash prize of $20,000 to $50,000. So, placing in tournaments is important and affects professional bowlers' income.

One example of a major tournament with a cash prize is the 2021 PBA Player's Championship. It featured one of the most significant prizes in bowling history. There was a record-breaking $1 million prize fund, with $250,000 awarded to the winner, Kyle Troup, and $130,000 to the second-place winner, Dick Allen. Even the 5th place winner, Anthony Simenson, walked away with $50,000.

However, tournaments aren’t the most reliable source of income because you’ll need to place well to walk away with a prize. Additionally, living out on the road and traveling to different tournaments is costly (see income and expense chart above).

On average, a professional bowler (i.e., a PBA bowler) can spend between $600 to $1000 each week when they’re out on the road. As a result, it is not uncommon for most professional bowlers to turn to other, more consistent streams of income, as shared by PBA bowler Anthony Simonsen.

Endorsements/Advertisements

In addition to tournament wins, many professional bowlers can secure lucrative endorsement deals. Endorsements are basically a bowler’s public approval (personal promotion) of a particular brand or equipment. Individuals and bowling companies will pay professional bowlers to advertise their services, just the same as they do in other sports.

The promotion can be in the form of commercials, social media posts, and YouTube videos where the bowler may make an appearance representing the company’s brand.

Sponsorships

Professional bowlers also turn to sponsorships to help fund their living expenses while on tour – another common strategy for sports professionals. Sponsorships can be event-specific and are transactional agreements. As in other sports, sponsorship is a two-way agreement between the professional bowler and a sponsor, and there are several different types of arrangements for bowling sponsors.

Some sponsors provide monetary stipends, while others simply pay for the athlete’s bowling equipment and attire. In return, the professional bowler promotes the sponsor and may represent them at events.

Some examples of companies that sponsor professional bowlers include: 

• Bowling ball manufacturers
• Bowling coaches
• Bowling accessories retailers
• Bowling alleys

Personal Appearances

The last significant way professional bowlers make money is through personal appearance fees. Like other public figures, they are paid to show up and interact with fans, typically by event planners or venues. They may bowl a few frames or just spend time taking pictures and interacting with the crowd. 

Event Management

If you're familiar with event hosting, you may also handle hosting bowling activities and tournaments more easily. As it requires you to contact, find influencers, create themes and find funding. Good event management can help you make a lot of money if you're supplementing your income as a pro bowler.

How Much Do Female Bowlers Make Compared To Male Counterparts?

According to career experts, the gender pay gap is women earn $.96 for every dollar their male counterparts earn. To date, this makes women's average salary around $46,000 per year. In bowling, with different streams of income, women bowlers can earn anywhere between $50,000 to upwards $100,000.

Without endorsements or exorbitant sponsorship, the highest-paid female bowlers earn roughly $60,000 per year. This is low in comparison to male bowlers' greatest annual pay, but it is owing to lower viewership for the sport.

How Much Money Professional Bowlers Really Make…

How to Become a Professional Bowler

Now that you know how much professional bowlers earn, you might consider whether you have what it takes to join their ranks. Here are the steps it takes to become a professional bowler. While following these tips won’t guarantee you’ll find professional bowling success, they are a massive step in the right direction. 

Get Good at Bowling

The first step in becoming a professional bowler is to be a good bowler! You’ll have to regularly score upwards of 200 and be able to make a lot of strikes and spares. You’ll also have to work on your form and rolling technique to ensure you can keep up with the other bowlers. The best way to get good at bowling is to spend plenty of time practicing.

Learn the ins and outs of the game and try to understand the science behind it. You should study other professional bowlers, take notes on how they play the game, and read a few bowling suggested bowling books. Here's a list of our reading material.

Invest in Quality Equipment

To become a professional bowler, you’ll have to look the part, of course! Virtually all professional bowlers own their bowling balls, bowling shoes, bags, and accessories. Getting equipment specifically tailored to your body will not only make you look like a professional, but it will also improve your game!

For example, drilling your bowling ball holes to fit your fingers will help you roll better and make playing more comfortable. You’ll have more control over the ball, which means higher, more consistent scores. 

Start Participating in Local Tournaments

Once you have practiced and are confident in your bowling ability, your next step should be finding tournaments to join. In addition to the prize money, you’ll have a chance to get your name out there. You can observe other professional bowlers and might even pick up tips on how to play or network better. 

Enter a Regional Tournament for the PBA

PBA stands for the Professional Bowlers Association, and it's the largest bowling organization in America. Once you’ve familiarized yourself with your local bowling tournaments, it’s time to set your sights higher. Competing and placing in a PBA tournament is the best way to garner attention and launch your professional bowling career.

PBA tournaments also have some of the most significant cash prizes available, so winning will give you plenty of money to reinvest into your career. 

Find Sponsors or Endorsements

Sponsorships and endorsement deals make up a large portion of any professional bowler's income. They provide consistent income and can help you afford your traveling expenses.

That opens the door to tournaments that are held much farther away.

You’ll likely have to reach out to businesses and individuals yourself but don’t get discouraged if it seems impossible at first. Remember, you’re only one phone call or email away from getting the deal of a lifetime. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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My Final Words

The financial landscape for professional bowlers showcases a wide earnings spectrum, ranging from modest incomes to substantial earnings exceeding $400,000 annually, underscored by factors such as tournament performance, sponsorship deals, and endorsements. The path to becoming a professional bowler demands a blend of relentless practice, strategic participation in tournaments, and the cultivation of brand relationships for sponsorships and endorsements.

Meanwhile, the gender pay gap presents an additional challenge, with top female bowlers often earning significantly less than their male counterparts. Ultimately, success in professional bowling hinges on a combination of skill, strategic income stream diversification, and personal brand development, underscoring the sport's potential as a lucrative career for dedicated athletes.

As a bowling newbie, you look to the pros to learn the game and improve your skills. Their bowling balls, techniques, and more serve as unofficial laws in the sport. One of the most common questions newbies have about pro bowlers is, "what size bowling ball do pros use?"

You'll find many answers online, but here you'll find the facts. Let's get into the most commonly used bowling ball size for pros and everything else you need to know. 

Note: All bowling balls are roughly the same size around. So for the purposes of this article, we’ll focus on the ball’s weight. Any time we use the term “size,” we are referring to weight. 

What Size Bowling Ball Do Pros Use?

Most professional bowlers use a ball that weighs between 14 and 16 pounds. These balls are considered heavier bowling balls, and a 16-pound ball is the heaviest bowling ball. Professional bowlers tend to choose a ball that fits their technique, body type, and personal preferences. For instance, Jason Belmonte, one of the top bowlers today, has a 227.59-point bowling average and uses 15-pound bowling balls exclusively.

What Sizes Do Bowling Balls Come In?

Let's touch on bowling ball sizes in general. It will help to keep our recommendations in perspective. Bowling balls come in various sizes, from 6 pounds to 16 pounds.

There are no regulation bowling balls smaller or larger than this range. These are the weight options you’ve got to choose from. 

Advantages of Heavy Bowling Balls

It's no secret that bowling is a sport of precision. A well-aimed ball often results in a strike, while a poorly aimed ball is destined for the gutter.

So, what's the secret to success? Some bowlers swear that it’s their ball. Here are some of the top advantages of heavy bowling balls:

• Since the ball is heavier, it will generate more momentum and be less likely to veer off course.
• Bowlers find that they have more control over a heavier bowling ball versus lighter balls. 
• Heavy balls produce considerable power, which can be especially helpful for bowlers who struggle with generating speed.
• A heavier ball is less likely to slow down as it rolls down the lane, giving you a better chance of hitting more pins. 

Feature	Heavy Bowling Balls (14-16 lbs)	Light Bowling Balls (6-12 lbs)
Momentum & Power	Generates more momentum and power, less likely to veer off course	Less momentum, may not knock down pins as effectively
Control	Offers better control over the ball's direction	May require less strength but offers less control
Speed Maintenance	Less likely to slow down, maintaining speed towards pins	Can slow down more quickly, affecting pin action
Preferred by	Professional and experienced bowlers for precision and power	Beginners, youth, or individuals with physical limitations
Considerations	Requires more strength to handle effectively	Easier to handle but may compromise on pin action and control

Are Heavy Bowling Balls Better than Light Bowling Balls?

The great debate between heavy and light bowling balls has been raging on for quite some time. Which is better? Some bowlers swear by the power of a heavy ball, while others prefer the agility of a lighter ball. The right bowling ball weight depends on the individual bowler and their style of play.

For instance, a heavier ball has more potential to knock down all the pins at once than a lighter ball. At the same time, throwing a heavy ball correctly can be challenging. On the other hand, a lighter ball doesn't require as much strength to throw but often doesn't have the same impact when it hits the pins as heavier balls do. For this reason, it's impossible to say definitively whether heavy or light bowling balls are better.

How to Choose the Right Bowling Ball Size for You

A bowling ball's size affects its hooking potential, ball speed, throwing difficulty, and more. That’s why it takes some real thought to choose the right weight bowling ball.

Knowing how a ball’s size affects all of these factors will help you choose the right bowling ball size for you because the bowling ball weight matter. Keep reading for some guidance on selecting a ball weight. 

• Are you a beginner or a professional? If you're a beginner, choosing a ball that is easy to throw is important. For this reason, most beginners use 8 -12 pound bowling ball.
• Do you want your ball to hook or to go straight? The size of your ball will affect its ability to hook. If you want your ball to hook more, choose a heavier ball. If you want it to go straight, choose a lighter ball.
• How much power do you want behind your throw? If you want your ball to barrel through the pins with a load of power, go for a heavier ball.
• How much do you weigh? One of the most well-known unwritten rules on this subject is that the right ball for you should be about 10% of your body weight. So, those who weigh 90 pounds should use a 9-pound ball, and those who weigh 140 pounds should go for a 14-pound ball. The rule only applies up to 160 pounds since the largest bowling balls are 16 pounds. If you’re over 160 pounds, go for a 16-pound bowling ball. 
• Do you have physical limitations? Don’t forget to consider whether you’ve got any injuries, are up in age, or have coordination issues. A heavy ball wouldn’t be a good idea in cases like these.

Other Bowling Ball Characteristics to Consider

When choosing a bowling ball, weight should not be the only consideration. The coverstock also plays a vital role in determining ball performance.

Plastic coverstocks are best for straight bowlers, while urethane and reactive resin coverstocks are better suited for those who prefer to bowl with curves or hooks.

In addition, the weight block plays a role in determining how the ball will behave. Symmetrical weight blocks are ideal for straight shots, while asymmetrical ones are better for curves and hooks.

With so many factors to consider, it's no wonder that choosing the right bowling ball can be a daunting task.

However, by taking the time to understand the various characteristics of bowling balls, you can be sure to find the perfect fit for your style of play.

Test Out Your Ball in Person

Bowling balls are not one-size-fits-all – you’ll need to test out a few in person to find the right one. Finding the perfect bowling ball is much like finding the ideal partner. You want one that's the appropriate size and weight and has the features that are important to you.

The ball should also feel good in your hand and perform in a way that plays into your strengths as a bowler. Of course, you can't just walk into a store and expect to find the perfect one right away - you have to kiss a lot of frogs first. The same goes for bowling balls.

Try as many as you’d like, and don’t feel rushed into making a decision.  

Ask for Help

If you're still having trouble finding the right bowling ball, don't hesitate to ask for help. The staff at your local bowling alley or pro shop will be more than happy to offer their expertise. Most of them know their bowling balls like the back of their hand. They can answer any questions you have and help you find a ball that suits your needs.

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My Final Words

In conclusion, selecting the ideal bowling ball is a nuanced decision that hinges on understanding the intricate balance between weight, control, and personal physique. Professionals often lean towards balls weighing between 14 to 16 pounds, exemplifying a preference for heavier options that offer enhanced momentum and precision.

The choice of ball weight should reflect about 10% of a bowler's body weight, up to a maximum of 16 pounds for individuals over 160 pounds. This guideline helps ensure the ball aligns with the bowler's strength and style, whether aiming for straight throws or hooks. Moreover, the importance of personal trial and expert consultation cannot be overstated; experiencing different balls in person and seeking advice from knowledgeable staff or seasoned bowlers can significantly impact finding a ball that complements your skills and preferences.

This approach, grounded in both empirical evidence and firsthand experience, guarantees a more informed and effective selection, tailor-made to enhance your bowling performance.

Hosting a bowling party or a more formal awards ceremony? Then, you need some great bowling awards ideas. Whether you’re recognizing a team or individual for an accomplishment, finding the right award can be challenging. Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.

In this article, we’ll share some bowling awards ideas to make your event memorable and special.

Top Bowling Awards Ideas

There are a variety of bowling awards you can give, many of which you may never have heard of before. From formal awards based on skill to more casual and wacky awards, here are some ideas for your next event: high score award, best average, most improved, low score, perfect game, strike out, team spirit, best attitude, bowling swag, lifetime achievement, and best attendance.

High Score Award

Bowlers and teams that take scoring seriously will appreciate this award. Recognize the highest scoring individual or team with a high score award to commemorate their accomplishment. It’s up to you to decide the criteria for awarding this recognition, from the highest score in a game to the most cumulative points over a longer period of time.

Best Average Award

A bowler’s bowling average is a widely recognized measure of their skill level, so it’s only fitting to recognize the individual or team with the best average at your event. Doing so not only honors their skills, but encourages others to strive for better averages.

Most Improved Bowler Award

This award honors the bowler who has shown the most improvement over time. It’s an excellent way to motivate and recognize bowlers who may not be getting the highest score, but have been diligently focused on perfecting their technique.

You may base this award on the bowlers’ average scores, points earned over several games in a specific time period, or go a different route entirely.

Low Score Award

Consider this award only if your group is lighthearted and ready for a laugh. The low score award recognizes the person who has hit the fewest bowling pins and has the lowest bowling average. You can also base the scoring criteria on a single game or a set of games played on a single night. This can also include the most gutter balls!

Though the winner of this award may not be the happiest person in the room, the fact that you’re awarding them is sure to cause a few chuckles.

Perfect Game Award

The perfect game award is a coveted award that goes to the bowler who achieves a score of 300, meaning they have bowled 12 consecutive strikes in one game without missing a pin! It's incredibly uncommon for someone to achieve this feat, so when it happens, it’s a big deal.

The winner of this award is sure to be delighted.

Strike Out Achievement Award

Have you ever bowled three strikes in the last frame? That's an incredible feat and worth rewarding. The strike out achievement award goes to the bowler who has successfully knocked down all ten pins with three consecutive strikes in the last frame of a game.

It takes skill, precision, and dedication to do this - so whoever accomplishes this deserves some serious shine.

Team Spirit Award

The best bowling teams operate with a healthy dose of team spirit. That’s why the team spirit award exists. You can award this to a team member who is especially helpful, always encouraging and supportive, or just generally brightens the mood with their presence.

But you don’t have to limit it to just teammates, either- you can award the entire team if all of them exemplify team spirit.

Funniest Bowler Award

For awards that are a little less serious and honor the lighter side of bowling, you can give out the funniest bowler award to the person who always makes everyone laugh. Whether it’s their comments or their knack for cracking jokes in between games, there’s someone on every team who always finds a way to bring some levity into the situation.

Let them know how much you appreciate them with this award!

Best Attitude Award

Sometimes, bowling can be grueling, especially when you’re not scoring as well as you’d like. This is when you need to keep a nice, even disposition and keep striving towards your goals. Some people have this down pat, and for them, you can offer the best attitude award.

Bowling Swagger Award

We all approach the lane a little bit differently, but some people have that little extra something that exudes confidence and evokes stares. They have swag. Though swag often comes naturally, we think it’s still worth acknowledging with an award - the bowling swagger award.

Bowling Pin Awards @Dream Machines Car Show 2016 #15

Lifetime Achievement Award

For someone who has been bowling for a long time and had substantial success in the game, you can offer them the lifetime achievement award. It’s a way to recognize all their hard work and dedication over the years. Be sure to give them a heartfelt speech to go along with the award.

Best Attendance Award

Perfecting your bowling game and skills takes time and commitment. A big part of that is showing up. To recognize a bowler who shows up for every practice session and game, give them the best attendance award.

They’re sure to feel appreciated.

How Can I Make My Bowling Party More Fun?

Do you want to make your bowling birthday party more fun? Start by setting a theme—think '80s retro, cosmic bowling, or even a favorite movie. It amps up the excitement and gives folks a chance to dress up and go to the bowling alley.

Don't forget to craft a killer playlist that aligns with your theme; music can really set the mood.

Adding side games can also keep the energy high; for example, have mini-challenges like "bowl backward" or "use your non-dominant hand" to roll the bowling ball and offer small prizes for those who succeed.

Lastly, make sure to have a selection of snacks and drinks that cater to different tastes, maybe even adding a creative cocktail or mocktail that fits the theme.

Note: A big part of what makes a bowling party more fun is tailoring it to your group of friends. This means understanding their preferences, humor, and interests, and incorporating those elements into the event. If you choice to customize your bowling awards ideas, Canva is a helpful resource.

How Can I Make Bowling Fun for Adults?

Making bowling a fun party for adults usually means adding super competitive elements to the game, like money, beer or a bowling trophy. You could make players pay a set amount of cash whenever they get a gutter ball and award the money to the winner.

You could also have each bowler sip from their beer, wine, or favorite cocktail after every frame - one sip for each pin left standing.

If you’re not into those, you could also incorporate some of the below ideas into your event: 

• Karaoke Integration: Some bowling alleys are equipped with karaoke machines. Take turns belting out your favorite tunes in between turns. Nothing says "adult fun" like bowling and singing your heart out!
• Tournaments: Organize a mini-tournament with brackets. This can make bowling more competitive and give everyone a chance to root for their favorites and receive bowling trophies.
• Skill-Based Betting: Make friendly bets on outcomes. For instance, "I bet you can't get a strike in this next frame!" To keep it light, maybe the loser owes the winner a compliment or has to do a fun dare.
• Photo Booth: Set up a DIY photo booth area with props and a backdrop. Capture the fun moments and let everyone have goofy pictures to take home.
• Trivia Breaks: Between frames, challenge your friends with some fun trivia questions. You could keep it general or tailor it to a theme everyone loves.

How Do You Say Good Luck to a Bowler?

You might also shout, “Knock 'em’ down,” or “Get that strike.” There’s no magic phrase that all bowlers use; choose whatever fits your personality. Wishing a bowler good luck should feel natural to you. The most common phrase for this is “Good luck!” .

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So, there you have it - bowling awards ideas for parties, ceremonies, and other bowling-related get-togethers. We hope the award ideas in this article were helpful to you, and we wish you the best!

When you first get your bowling ball home, we’re sure it shined brightly and performed consistently. But over time, the grime and oil from the bowling lanes begin to add up, and the time comes to clean your ball.

The bowling ball cleaner you use can either enhance or hamper your bowling ball cleaning session. That’s why it’s essential to get your hands on the best bowling ball cleaner money can buy. Don’t know which one to get?

There are several options, and we’ll introduce the best bowling ball cleaners in this article. Let’s get right into it!

Best Bowling Ball Cleaner (Commercial)

The first tier of bowling ball cleaners is commercial bowling ball cleaners. These solutions are specifically designed for cleaning bowling balls and are sold online or in-store. They aren’t household items you repurpose into bowling ball cleaners.

Cleaners like these can work for virtually every bowling ball, but they are best suited to bowling balls that tend to soak up more lane oil than others (reactive balls, for example, cut through the oil).

Now that you have a basic understanding of commercial bowling ball cleansers, it’s time to get into some of the best ones on the market.

Lane Ghost Bowling Ball Cleaner

Lane Ghost Bowling Ball Cleaner is top-of-the-line when it comes to bowling ball cleaners. You can find it on Amazon for less than $15 for an 8-ounce bottle of the spray (at the time of this writing). According to the manufacturer, the product does these three things:

1. It makes lane oil disappear
2. Removes scuffs
3. Fades belt marks

This matte spray cleaner is formulated to work for all bowling ball types, including polyester, reactive resin, urethane, and particle proactive. And as a bonus, it’s also American-made and USBC-approved. 

Usage Instructions

To use this bowling ball cleaner, you’ll simply spray some of the solution on the part of the bowling ball you want to clean, wait a few seconds (5 to 10), and then wipe the ball with a clean towel. If you purchase the spray from Amazon using the link above, you’ll receive a microfiber towel in addition to the spray.

Customer Reviews

Often, the best indicator of quality is good customer reviews. And this bowling ball cleaner has lots of them. The product has earned a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon, with more than 3,000 total reviews.

It’s safe to say that this bowling ball cleaner is the real deal.

However, not all customers were satisfied with the product. Some state that the spray gets used up too fast, and others complain that the cleaner didn’t work as advertised.

But, by and large, people are overjoyed with this cleaner, stating that it’s the best bowling ball cleaner they’ve ever used and that it’s a must-have for any bowler.

Pyramid Monster Tac Bowling Ball Cleaner

Another great bowling ball cleaner to consider is the Pyramid Monster Tac bowling ball cleaner. 

It’s been well-received by the bowling community for its effectiveness and ease of use. The manufacturer of this cleaner claims that it destroys oil and removes belt marks, which is on par with what the previous ball cleaner is claimed to do. It’s safe for all bowling ball types and is manufactured in the U.S.A.

Note: This particular bowling ball cleaner is a little more expensive than others on this list. It costs about twice as much as the Lane Ghost cleaner. Some may not notice this at first, but you pay the same amount for half the product.

Usage Instructions

To use this bowling ball cleaner spray, you’ll spray it on your ball and then wipe it off. It’s that simple. If your ball has picked up a lot of oil and needs a more thorough clean, let the spray sit on the ball for 10 to 30 seconds or so to cut through the grime.

Be sure to use a clean towel to wipe away the cleaner.

Customer Reviews

This is one of the highest-rated bowling ball cleaners on the market. And that’s evidenced by its 4.6 out of 5 star rating on Amazon. It has a total of 1,800+ ratings with more than 70% of them being a full 5 out 5 stars.

The happiest reviewers state that this bowling ball cleaner is the cleaner that every bowler needs. Some have been using it for a while and wouldn’t dream of switching to another cleaning product.

Those who aren’t too keen on this cleaner (very, very few people) state that it doesn’t work as well as advertised or gets used up too quickly. Others had problems with the packaging.

Tac Up Bowling Ball Cleaner

Rounding out our top 3 commercial bowling ball cleaners is Tac Up. It’s known in the industry to clean like a charm, ensuring predictable rolls and an easy cleaning process.

This particular bowling ball cleaner was manufactured for use on all bowling balls and can handle just about any cleaning job. It’s also USBC-approved, like the other bowling ball cleaners on this list, and can be used in ball spinning systems.

What’s interesting about this bowling ball cleaner is that it’s manufactured by a company that’s been around for 30+ years and has made other types of cleansers. Some of the company’s other products include car soaps and degreasers.

Usage Instructions

If you want to get the most out of your Tac Up bowling ball cleaner, spray the formula directly onto the bowling ball and let it sit for up to 10 seconds to do its magic. After 10 seconds have passed, you’re ready to wipe the ball clean.

Customer Reviews

This bowling ball cleaner has a very good reputation in the bowling sphere, and it shows through its Amazon ratings. The bowling ball cleaner has earned a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars, with more than 600 total ratings. A surprising 78% of ratings are a perfect 5 out of 5 stars.

In studying the reviews, we find that negative reviews are few and very far between. Only 2% of reviews are 1 or 2 stars. The rest are 3 stars and higher, with 89% of reviews being a 4 or 5.

The most satisfied customers state that it’s an excellent bowling ball cleaner that keeps their bowling balls looking great and restores their traction. This leads to better performance on the lanes.

Simple DIY Bowling Ball Cleaners

Simplicity is key for many bowlers, and so is affordability. If you like the sound of that, consider one of the DIY bowling ball cleaners below.

Alcohol and a Microfiber Towel

If you’re not up for buying a dedicated cleaner for your bowling ball, that’s totally fine. You don’t have to if you have rubbing alcohol at home. Alcohol can very quickly break down any oils on your ball so you can easily wipe them away.

To avoid any issues, we recommend following the below instructions to the letter:

1. Get yourself some rubbing alcohol and a microfiber towel. Not just any towel will do.
2. Dispense some rubbing alcohol onto your towel, and then wipe the ball down with the towel. Rub in circular motions and take extra care on heavily oiled areas and marks.
3. Allow the ball some time to dry in the open air, and you’re ready to bowl.

Windex

Need to clean your bowling ball in a pinch? Windex may be the bowling ball cleaner you need. It’s potent and effective at removing anything the lanes can dish out. Just spray it onto your ball, wipe it clean with a microfiber towel, rinse the ball with hot water, and you’re done.

Though Windex may not be as potent as some commercial bowling ball cleansers, many bowlers swear by it.

Ammonia (Diluted)

Ammonia (diluted to 50% concentration) is a USBC-approved bowling ball cleanser. Remember that using undiluted ammonia on your bowling ball could result in damage to your coverstock, not to mention the smell and inhalation dangers.

So, be sure to dilute the chemical before wiping your ball down with it. You can rinse the ball with clean water after wiping it down with the ammonia, and don’t forget to allow the ball to air dry afterward.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a great spot cleaner for when you have stubborn oil stains on your ball. To give it a try, dispense some baking soda into a bowl, add water, and stir to form a paste.

Spread the paste on your bowling ball, wait a few minutes, and then wipe the paste away. As you might expect, you won’t use this method all the time - only in special situations where other methods don’t work effectively. 

Simple Green and Alcohol Spray

Many bowlers are turning to Simple Green and alcohol to keep their bowling balls clean. This combination of cleansers is enough to pull oil from all coverstocks to give your ball new life.

People love this combination because it’s easy to make and costs less than most commercial bowling ball cleaners. Here’s how to use this method:

1. Gather your materials: You’ll need Simple Green (which you can find at most department stores and online for cheap), alcohol, hot water, and a microfiber towel.
2. Make your cleaning spray: To make your spray, combine equal parts Simple Green, alcohol, and hot water. Put all the liquid into a spray bottle and shake to mix.
3. Spray the mixture straight onto your ball, and then use the microfiber cloth to wipe away the grime.
4. Allow the ball to air dry, and you’re good to go!

Bowling Ball Cleaner for Deep Cleaning: Hot Water Method

Would you rather skip the alcohol and store-bought cleansers? Then, perhaps the hot water cleaning method is the right one for you. This method requires you to dunk your bowling ball in a hot water solution to draw out all the oil.

It’s not that simple, though. Here are the steps you’ll need to follow:

1. Gather all your supplies: You’ll need clean towels, a large 5-gallon bucket, hot water (of course), waterproof tape, a microfiber towel, and dish detergent.
2. Prep your ball: Wipe the ball off with a microfiber towel to remove any dust or excessive stickiness. Doing so will allow the hot water to get to where it needs to go. Then, use waterproof tape to cover all of the finger holes to prevent water from getting into them.  
3. Make the hot water solution: To make the solution you’ll be dunking the bowling ball in, fill the bucket up halfway with hot water (135 degrees or less), add a few teaspoons of detergent, and then fill the bucket with more hot water until it’s about ¾ full.
4. Soak the bowling ball. Lower the bowling ball into the hot water solution. Let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes. If your ball is extremely oily, it may be best to leave it in closer to 30 minutes. Ensure that the entire ball is submerged; if not, add more hot water.
5. Scrub the bowling ball. Use your towel to scrub away oil and residues. Take your time with this step and use some elbow grease.
6. Rinse and dry the bowling ball: After scrubbing the ball, you’re ready to rinse it. Use straight tap water for rinsing. Then, dry the bowling ball with a clean microfiber towel (not the one that you used earlier). It’s extremely important to dry your bowling ball thoroughly. Don’t leave any moisture behind. Then, leave the bowling ball out in the open to finish drying.

This is a good bowling ball cleaner for when you have extra time on your hands and really want a deep clean. 

For more information on DIY bowling ball cleaners, read this article.

What Is the Best Cleaner for Bowling Balls?

The best bowling ball cleaner for you will depend on the ball you’re working with, how dirty it is, and more. So, there’s no universal best cleaner to go out and buy.

When choosing a cleaner for your bowling ball, you’ve got to choose what’s best for you and your equipment. We’ll share several cleaning methods and the situations they are best used in. 

Can I Use a Microfiber Cloth on a Bowling Ball?

Absolutely, you can use a microfiber cloth on a bowling ball, and it's actually the best towel choice in general for bowling balls. 

Microfiber cloths are gentle on the ball's coverstock and can effectively remove dirt, oil, and lane residue without causing any damage. However, it's essential to make sure the cloth is clean and free from any abrasive particles that might scratch the ball's surface. 

Can You Use Isopropyl Alcohol to Clean Bowling Balls?

Yes, you can use isopropyl alcohol to clean bowling balls, and many do.

Isopropyl alcohol, often known as rubbing alcohol, is an effective choice for cleaning bowling balls. Its quick-drying nature and ability to break down oils make it efficient for removing the bowling ball’s surface grime, lane oils, and belt marks.

To use it, simply pour a moderate amount onto a clean microfiber or cotton cloth and gently wipe the ball surface. This method is especially handy for a quick clean between games.

However, remember that while it's good for cleaning the surface of the ball, deep cleaning or rejuvenation might require specialized products or a visit to a pro shop.

How Often Should I Clean and Polish My Bowling Ball?

Regular cleaning and polishing are essential parts of bowling ball maintenance, and they’re essential if you want your ball to look and perform its best. Your ideal ball cleaning and polishing frequency will depend on how often you play, the conditions of the lanes, and more.

But here are some general guidelines:

1. Cleaning:
   • After Every Bowling Game: It's good practice to give your ball a quick wipe-down with a microfiber towel after each game to remove the lane oil and prevent it from soaking into the ball. That’s why it’s ideal to keep your bowling ball bag stocked. 
   • Deep Cleaning: If you play frequently, like multiple times a week, consider deep cleaning once a month. This might involve taking your ball to a pro shop for an oil extraction process or using a home-based method, like the "hot water" technique.
2. Polishing:
   • Frequency: Bowling ball polish is another item you’ll want to pick up. It’ll reduce your ball’s friction with the lane, resulting in better rolls. It also makes your ball shinier. You don't need to polish your ball as often as you clean it. Most of the time, you can get by with a monthly ball polishing. But in some cases (with heavy use), you’ll need to polish it more often. 

Does USBC-Approval Really Matter?

While "USBC-approved" may sound like a fancy credential, it basically signifies that a bowling ball cleaner meets the United States Bowling Congress' standards for safety and performance.

If you're a competitive bowler or particular about maintaining your bowling balls, opting for a USBC-approved cleaner can offer some peace of mind; it's been vetted for both its efficacy and its impact on your ball's material. 

However, these approved cleaners can come at a premium price. So, is the USBC-approval essential? Well, it boils down to your needs and the level at which you're bowling. For casual bowlers, a non-approved cleaner with good reviews can be sufficient.

But if you're in leagues or tournaments, playing it safe with a USBC-approved cleaner might be worth the extra bucks.

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So, there you have it - some of the main bowling ball cleaners to keep your bowling ball maintenance intact. And don't forget about bowling ball polish. Most of the time, it’s good to choose a heavy duty cleaner for home use and a lighter cleaner to keep in your bowling bag. You may also be able to find bowling ball cleaners at your local bowling alley in a pinch. 

We hope you found all the information you were looking for, and we wish you the best as you work to keep your bowling ball clean. 

Want to give your bowling ball the shine and sparkle it deserves? Or maybe you're looking to improve your game by keeping your ball in top condition. Whatever the case may be, choosing the right bowling ball polish is essential to achieving that perfect shine and predictable performance.

This is your ultimate guide to finding the best bowling ball polish out there. By the end of it, you'll be equipped with all the knowledge you need to choose the best one for you. Let's get right into it!

Best Bowling Ball Polish

We’ll start by saying that there’s no single best bowling ball polish out there. But there are several that stand a cut above the rest and are absolutely loved by the bowling community. They are TruCut Polish, Brunswick Crown Factory Finish, and Storm Xtra Shine.

1. TruCut Hand Applied Polish

TruCut Hand Applied Polish is a United States Bowling Congress (USBC)-approved bowling ball polish known for its ease of use and versatility. It’s suitable for all bowling ball types, from reactive balls to urethane balls and beyond. If you’re looking for a polish that can give you a mirror-like finish, this is the one that can do it.

The manufacturer of the polish states that the product can both clean and polish your ball in one step. All you need to do is apply the polish to your ball and either buff it in with a polishing pad or rub it in with a ball spinner.

You can expect your ball to retain its polished state for several bowling games, after which another polishing session will be necessary.    

How to Use

To use this polish, you’ll apply it to a towel or polishing pad and wipe the ball down. It doesn’t get more complicated than that.  

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Pros and Cons

There’s no way to gauge whether this bowling ball polish will be the right fit for you without reviewing the good and bad associated with it. Below, we’ll get into the pros and cons everyone should know about before purchasing this bowling ball polishing product: 

Pros

• Comes in a kit with the polish and a CTD polishing pad
• Effective on all bowling ball types.
• Approved by the USBC, so it’s appropriate for competitive bowlers.
• Can be applied by hand and used with a bowling ball spinner. 

Cons

• The expensive price will turn off those who are looking for a deal. 
• Those who don’t know about bowling ball grits may shy away from using this polish. Going with this ball polish brand means that they’d have to choose the right grit for their ball, which could prove to be difficult. 

Customer Reviews

The bowling community loves this bowling ball polish. And that’s evident in the product’s ratings on Amazon. With hundreds of reviews in total, it’s rated 4.6 out of 5 stars. 74% of users rated the product a full 5 out of 5.

The happiest customers state that the polish performed as well (or better) than they envisioned, leaving their balls with a strong shine. Others commented on the improved performance of their balls after using the product. 

2. Brunswick Crown Factory Polish

Anyone who wants their ball to gleam and perform like it’s fresh out of the factory will find this polish to be a phenomenal fit. It’s made by Brunswick, a well-known and respected bowling ball manufacturer. 

Here are a few things you should know about this polish: 

• It’s the exact same polish Brunswick uses on their balls in their factory. 
• It’ll give your ball more backend motion, so you’ll have an easier time getting into the pocket. 
• It works on virtually all bowling balls, including plastic, urethane, and reactive. 

How to Use

You can expect the most out of this product, but if you don’t use it correctly, there’s no way you’ll achieve the results you want. To use this bowling ball polish, you’ll follow the below steps: 

• Shake the bottle well to mix the ingredients. 
• Dispense some of the polish directly onto a towel. 
• Wipe the ball down with the towel, aiming to get even coverage. Try not to miss any spots.
  • If you have access to one, the manufacturer recommends using a ball spinner. That’s the only way you’ll get picture-perfect results. 

Crown Ball Care Products - Performance Review

Pros and Cons 

When bowlers hear the Brunswick brand name, they may instantly think that the polish is amazing, and most people may think so. But the truth of the matter is that every product has its benefits and drawbacks, and this product isn’t exempt. Here are the pros and cons to know about: 

Pros

• Super glossy finish for those who prioritize bowling ball aesthetics. 
• Can give your bowling ball a stronger hook on the backend. 
• USBC-approved, allowing professional bowlers to polish away at sanctioned tournaments. 
• Can be used with a clean, dry towel or a ball spinning machine. For the best results, you’ll want to opt for the ball spinner. 
• Affordable price. 

Cons

• There are extreme warnings on the bottle, citing that you could experience eye, skin, and internal body issues if you use this product without gloves or in an enclosed area. The risks of using this product may sour the experience for some.  

Customer Reviews

Like our previous pick, the Brunswick Crown Factory Factory Polish has earned an impressive rating on Amazon - 4.5 out of 5 stars with hundreds of reviews. 67% of people rated the product a full 5 out of 5 stars.

The happiest customers state that the polish removes dirt and grime and leaves their ball with a factory-quality shine. There are a few people who didn’t love this product, stating that it doesn’t work very well unless you use a ball spinner. Reviews like these are in the very small minority. 

3. Storm Bowling Products Xtra Shine Bowling Ball Polish

If you’re looking for some serious bowling ball shine, consider this polish by Storm Bowling. It’s specifically formulated to make your ball gleam like it did when you first got it home. But that’s not all it does; it extends the life of your ball’s factory finish. 

Here are a few other things you should know about this polish: 

• The formula is geared toward bowling ball spinners, though you can also use it to polish by hand. 
• It is made in the U.S.A. 
• It’s safe to use on absolutely every bowling ball type. 
• It delays your hook, so you’ll have an easier time getting your ball into the pocket for strikes. 

How to Use 

This bowling ball polish, like the others on our list, is easy to use. You can either use it by hand or with a bowling ball spinner. You’ll apply it to the towel or polishing pad you’ll be using, and then get to polishing.

For the best possible results, we recommend using a bowling ball spinner. 

Pros and Cons

Before making the choice to give this bowling ball polish a try, we recommend learning all you can about it. That includes the good, bad, and ugly associated with it. That’s what we’ll cover below: 

Pros 

• Xtra shine formula can transform even the oldest bowling balls for the better. 
• All-purpose formula that can be used however you need to use it. 
• Ideal for those who roll their bowling ball slowly or need a pronounced backend hook. 
• Affordable on just about any budget. 

Cons

• Some find that they don’t get good results unless they use the product with a bowling ball spinner. 

 Customer Reviews

Customers are absolutely raving about this product, stating that it turned their old worn-out bowling ball into like-new condition. Some individuals also stated that after using the polish, they were able to improve their bowling average.

This bowling ball polish has an Amazon rating of 4.4 out of 5. The vast majority of reviewers (66%) rated the product a full 5 out of 5 stars. Though there are some people who weren’t so enthused about the product - they stated that the product didn’t work as advertised.

But keep in mind that negative reviews are rare for this product.

When choosing a bowling ball polish, consider the type of ball you have, the conditions you usually bowl in, and what you're looking to achieve in terms of ball reaction. Each of these polishes has its own set of advantages and drawbacks, but they all aim to enhance your bowling ball’s look and performance on the lanes.

Why Do You Need Bowling Ball Polish?

Before we dive into the specifics of our top picks for bowling ball polish, let's talk about why it's important to keep your bowling ball polished.

Performance

First and foremost, polishing your bowling ball helps maintain its performance. When you first get your ball home, you'll notice that it has a highly reflective shine, and that's because it was already polished in the factory.

But that polished surface will very quickly dull after a few games. And when that happens, you’ll see a change in your ball. If you don’t like how your ball reacts on the lanes when it loses its polished surface, you’ll love how it performs after you’ve polished it.

Even if your ball is old or used and doesn’t have a factory-fresh polishing job, polishing the ball can make it roll more predictably down the lane. And that could drastically improve your bowling outcomes for higher scores and more confidence during your matches.

Note: Bowling ball polish isn't going to turn a plastic spare ball into a reactive ball with a strong hook. Read this article to learn about bowling balls and their hook potential.

Aesthetics

A dull, dingy bowling ball never looked good. But after polishing your ball, you’ll be delighted at just how good it looks. Even old bowling balls can look factory-new after a polishing session.

If you like for your equipment to look as sharp as you do, give it a good polish.

What Can I Use to Polish My Bowling Ball?

Polishing a bowling ball may seem like a complicated ordeal worthy of specialized products and techniques. But it doesn’t have to be complicated in the least. There are a variety of things you can use to polish your bowling ball, and we’ll share the most effective with you in this list.

Commercial Cleansers 

Commercial cleaners are specialized solutions designed to work on the specific types of material that bowling balls are made of (usually reactive resin, urethane, or plastic). These can be found at pro shops and online retailers that specialize in bowling equipment.

Just apply the polish according to the instructions and rub it into the bowling ball’s surface (usually with a microfiber towel or another soft cloth).

People tend to love commercial cleansers because they tend to be easy to use, but they do carry a higher price tag than other bowling ball polish options.

Bowling Ball Spinners

If you’ve ever had your bowling ball polished at a pro shop, you may have seen the machine that the pro shop staff use to clean, resurface, and polish the balls. The bowling ball spinner can be used as an extra tool to bolster the polishing process for a perfect, mirror-like result. A proper electric ball spinner can cost hundreds of dollars, so many opt for cheap manual ball spinners or pass on them entirely.

Microfiber Cloth

When the average bowler goes to polish their ball, chances are they’re going to reach for a microfiber cloth. And there’s a good reason for this: microfiber cloths are soft, non-abrasive, and highly effective at lifting and removing dirt, oil, and minor imperfections from surfaces like bowling balls after a bowling game to help keep your bowling ball clean.

Polishing Pad

A polishing pad is a specialized tool designed for applying polish to various surfaces, including bowling balls. These pads are usually made of foam, wool, or microfiber, and they can be used manually or attached to machines like orbital polishers or bowling ball spinners.

What Household Items Can You Use to Polish a Bowling Ball?

For those who’d rather not fork over the money for a commercial bowling ball polish, you may be tempted to use household items instead. Some of the main household items people have used for bowling ball polishing include rubbing alcohol, baking soda, and other abrasives, like toothpaste.

The thing about using household items is that they aren’t going to be nearly as effective as a true polish, and there’s a chance that they could damage your ball. So, it’s best to use household items with caution, or avoid them entirely and use a real bowling ball polish.

When Should I Polish My Bowling Ball?

The timing for polishing your bowling ball can depend on a variety of factors like frequency of use, bowling alley lane conditions, and your performance expectations.

Here are some signs indicating when you should consider polishing your ball:

• Decreased Reaction: If you notice that your ball isn't hooking as much or as sharply as it used to, it might be time for a polish. Lane oil and grime can accumulate on the ball's surface, affecting its performance.
• Visual Cues: Over time, you might see visible dirt, oil rings, or scuff marks on the ball. These are clear indicators that your ball could use a clean-up and possibly a polish.
• After Resurfacing or Sanding: If you've had your ball resurfaced or sanded to alter its reaction, polishing it afterward can help you achieve the desired surface finish.
• Frequency of Use: For regular bowlers who hit the lanes multiple times a week, a bi-weekly or monthly polish might be beneficial. Casual bowlers might only need to polish every couple of months or longer.

Timing Considerations to Keep In Mind

If you use your bowling ball regularly, it’s essential to think of things in terms of timing. Here are some timing considerations to keep in mind as you’re planning out how often to polish your bowling ball:

• Before a Tournament or Important Game: Many bowlers like to polish their balls before big games or tournaments. Just make sure to test the ball out after polishing, as the ball's reaction might be different.
• Changing Lane Conditions: If you know you'll be bowling on lanes that are heavily oiled, you might want to polish your ball to help it skid through the front part of the lane more easily.
• After Deep Cleaning: It's a good practice to polish your bowling ball after you've given it a deep clean, to restore its original luster and performance.
• Seasonal Changes: Some bowlers find that their ball behaves differently with seasonal humidity and temperature changes. A polish can help recalibrate its performance.

What Is the Best Product to Clean a Bowling Ball?

When it comes to cleaning a bowling ball, the best approach largely depends on what exactly you're trying to remove—whether it's just lane oil or more stubborn gunk like belt marks. Generally speaking, a specialized bowling ball cleaner is a safe bet. These are products explicitly formulated for this purpose - and many times, they are approved by the United States Bowling Congress (USBC).

A couple of the best bowling ball cleaners include "Lane Ghost" or "Monster Tac." These cleaners are specifically designed to remove lane oils, dirt, and minor scuff marks, helping to restore the original performance characteristics of the ball. They're also generally safe for all types of coverstocks (the material the ball's surface is made of).

If you're in a pinch, DIY solutions work as a decent stand-in for a specialized cleaner. It can cut through the lane oil but might not be as effective for more stubborn marks or long-term maintenance. Plus, it lacks the additional reactive agents found in specialized cleaners that not only clean but also rejuvenate the coverstock.

Remember, a clean ball not only performs better but also lasts longer. So, it's well worth the effort to keep it in tip-top shape. To learn more about cleaning bowling balls, read this article.

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So, there you have it - everything you need to know about bowling ball polishing and cleaning. By this point, you should be able to find a good bowling ball polish and cleaner to bolster your ball care routine. We hope you found all the information you were looking for, and we wish you the best with your bowling ball maintenance routine.

Now, you can play with a clean bowling ball that serves you best on the lanes.