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!
Contents
- 1 What Is a Bowling Ball Spinner?
- 2 Signs You Need a Bowling Ball Spinner
- 3 How to Use a Bowling Ball Spinner
- 4 Do You Need Your Own Bowling Ball Spinner?
- 5 How Much Does a Bowling Ball Spinner Cost?
- 6 Pros and Cons of Buying a Bowling Ball Spinner
- 7 DIY Bowling Ball Spinners
- 8 Top Bowling Ball Spinners Online
- 9 Should You Go Cheap or Expensive?
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.
Key Takeaways
- Bowling Ball Spinners: are essential tools for maintaining your bowling ball by cleaning, sanding, and polishing. They come in electric and manual versions.
- Signs You Need One: If your bowling ball is losing its hook, has visible scratches, or you've purchased a used ball, using a spinner can restore its performance.
- How to Use: Secure the ball on the spinner, apply a cleaning or polishing agent, and spin. Remember to treat all sides for even maintenance.
- Cost Considerations: Prices vary from around $20 for basic, manual models to over $600 for professional electric spinners.
- Pros and Cons: Spinners provide thorough cleaning and maintenance but can be costly. Evaluate your bowling frequency and budget before purchasing.
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.
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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.
Kira Byrd, a Certified Fraud Examiner, holds a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. With a passion for bowling from her childhood, Kira has poured her expertise and personal experiences into creating and nurturing Bowling For Beginners. Kira's mission is to meet new bowlers where they are and guide them toward consistently achieving higher scores. With a focus on skill development and strategic techniques, she empowers readers to take control of their game and unlock their true potential.
Bowling For Beginners embodies strict editorial integrity, ensuring reliable and unbiased information. Kira's commitment to delivering valuable insights and practical strategies is reflected in every article. Here's an explanation of our editorial policy and how we get money.
