When about to make the decision to buy bowling pins, there are several things that should guide you. First, bowling pins are made from different types of materials that, include synthetic plastic, Rock Maple wood, and nylon.
That implies different types of materials will attract different prices.
In this article, we’ll explore all these factors so that you have a clear picture of what to expect in terms of bowling pins prices.
Let’s dive right in.
Contents
How Much Do Bowling Pins Cost?
New bowling pins cost between $150 and $195, depending on the type of material used to make the pins. Synthetic pins are the most expensive in the market, as they fetch an average of $195. You also have the option of going for used bowling pins, whose prices can range from $45 to $100.
Types of Bowling Pins
There are several types of bowling pins, including Duck-pin, Five-pins, Ten-pins, and Candle-pins. The differences are their design, appearance, weight, and the type of material they are made of.
Based on this criterion, the prices of these pins will vary. But in the United States, Ten-pins are the most common in the majority of bowling alleys. But other types of bowling can be found in different states.
How about we take a closer look at each of these pins? Shall we?
1. Five-Pins
These have no finger holes. They take the V-shape at the end of the lane, and in terms of appearance, they’re shorter as compared to the ten-pins. They weigh about 2 pounds and 7 ounces with a base diameter of 2 and height of 12”.
They also have different scoring criteria. For example, if you strike and knock down all five pins with the first ball, you clinch 15 points. In addition, you get two more balls in the next frame.
Five-pin bowling is popular in Canada, where it’s offered by the majority of bowling alleys. This bowling variant can be alone or can also be offered in combination with the ten-pins.
How Much Do Five-Pin Bowling Pins Cost?
There are many different brands of bowling pins available. They come in various sizes, colors, and styles.
Five-pin bowling pins start at around $10 to $70, while professional-grade ones cost roughly $100 a set.
You can also find alleys that rent out pins for a small fee, and you can purchase accessories like bumpers and slides to customize your experience.
2. Ten-Pins
If you’ve been to bowling alleys in America, you’ve most definitely come across ten-pin bowling. They’re taller than their five-pin counterparts, standing at 15 inches tall with a base diameter of 2.75 inches.
They weigh about 3 pounds and 6 ounces, and as you would expect, they’re quite heavy. Due to their heaviness, it’s not that easy to knock them down with the bowling ball.
Why would they be made to be that heavy?
The heaviness of ten pins is meant to give you an extra challenge during your game. You’ve got to master the sturdiness of the pins so that you’re able to calculate and make maneuvers that will topple the pins down.
That’s how you become a professional ten-pin bowler.
How Much Do Ten-Pin Bowling Pins Cost?
The cost of ten-pin bowling pins depends on the manufacturer, the style and quantity of pins, and the location.
They are relatively inexpensive. Whether you buy them in bulk or purchase them individually, the cost will be within a reasonable range.
The average cost of a set of ten-pin bowling pins can range anywhere from $150 to $250 for a set. An individual pin can cost between $15 to $50.
3. Duck Pin
Duck pins have a unique appearance, but if you don’t take a keener look, you’d be tempted to think you’re looking at the ten pins.
The one thing that sets Duck pins apart from any other type is that they’re chunkier in the middle, with a height of 9” and a total weight of 1.5 pounds.
Connecticut and Maryland are the two places where duck pins bowling is the most common type of bowling. In other places, these alleys have been transitioned into ten-pin bowling alleys.
How Much Do Duckpin Bowling Pins Cost?
Duckpin bowling pins are typically priced between $7 per piece and $150 per set.
However, the cost of a set of duckpin bowling pins depends on the brand, size, and quality. Higher-quality pins are typically more expensive but are also more durable.
Some brands also offer custom-designed pins at a higher price point. These custom designs are often more intricate than other brands’ standard designs and can be very attractive to bowlers who want to stand out in the lane.
4. Candle-Pin
Candlepin bowling is most common in the States of New England and the eastern coast of Canada.
The pins derive their names from their cylindrical shape, that gives them an appearance similar to candlesticks.
Candle pins weigh an average of 2.4 pounds, with a base diameter of 2.12 and a height of 15 inches.
How Much Do Candle-Pin Bowling Pins Cost?
The price of candlepins depends on the type of material they’re made from. You can find them either in the form of hardwood, plastic, ordinary wood, or foam.
For those who purchase their pins from a candle-pin bowling pin store, the cost of a candle-pin bowling pin can vary from $36 to $120.
However, there are also some options for purchasing pins that are much cheaper than other options. For instance, it is possible to purchase candle-pin bowling pins online for around $50.
How Much Do Synthetic Bowling Pins Cost?
The average cost of a pack of 19 synthetic pins can run you around $180. But you’ll find some variations by the country or place you’re buying the pins from.
The best option would be to go for synthetic pins that are approved by the United States Bowling Congress (USBC). A good example of pins that meet the USBC standard is Twister Synthetic Pins.
Are there other types of synthetic pins found online besides the Twister brand? Yes, plenty of pins that bear the “synthetic” mark. Some of them are genuinely synthetic, and many more are not made from real synthetic material.
One way to avoid getting a raw deal would be to look for those that are USBC approved since they’re already known to tell apart the fakes and the originals.
Professionals prefer synthetic bowling pins because they are long-lasting. You can put them to continuous use without having to worry about them breaking.
Do Bowling Alleys Sell Used Pins?
Most bowling alleys do sell used pins. If you want to have the pins but your budget can’t allow you to get new ones, you could consider your local bowling alleys as an alternative source.
If you’re interested in buying them as keepsakes or souvenirs, you don’t have to buy new ones since used pins will still serve the purpose perfectly.
Sometimes, you may find that your local bowling alley doesn’t have them in stock. But if they have a waiting list, ask to have your name added for the next available pin(s). If you’re in urgent need, you can check in or call the other bowling alleys in your locality.
How Many Bowling Pins Come in a Case?
A standard bowling pins pack carries 10 bowling pins. That’s irrespective of whether you’re talking about candlepins, duck-pins, five-pins, or ten-pins.
However, things are now changing, and now you’ll even find merchants or online sellers who are selling a pair of bowling pins.
At the end of the day, it’s about what you want. If you’re looking for an entire pack of 10, you’re sure to find it. And if you also want a pair, perhaps for replacement, you’ll also find that too.
What Are the Other Uses for Bowling Pins?
The primary use of bowling pins is to be a target at the end of the bowling lane. But with ingenuity and creativity, bowling pins can be customized for other purposes:
Winter Craft Ideas
Valentine Day Ideas
Fall Craft Ideas
Paint Craft
Garden Ideas
Theme Ideas
How Are Bowling Pins Made?
If you’re the creative type, you could also carve your own artwork into beautiful bowling pins. However, if you’re planning to put the pins on sale, then you’ll need to make sure that they meet the industry standards before you can release them into the market.
That includes ensuring you get right the measurements, such as the weight, height, and base diameter.
You can’t also afford to compromise on the structural integrity and symmetrical properties of each of the pins that you’ll make.
Again, the USBC will have to approve the pins before you can be allowed to use them commercially.
The materials you use must be strong enough such that they can resist the constant heating and falling that the pins will be subjected to.
If you can find synthetic or maple wood, you’ll have an easier time coming up with pins that will last for long.
The procedure for making basic bowling pins is not as complicated as it seems. The first step is to shape them into their traditional shape.
After that, you can coat them with your preferred colors and stripes. Depending on how far you want to take your creativity, you can even paint them such that they glow when in the dark.
How Long Do Bowling Pins Last?
The average lifespan of bowling pins is 2 years.
They could stay longer or shorter depending on the frequency of use and the quality of care they receive. You could even end up getting 3 years of service if you use them in the correct manner.
Where Can You Buy Bowling Pins Online?
You can also consider buying directly from the manufacturer’s websites.
The internet is full of places you can buy bowling pins; whether new or used. The most common ones include Facebook Marketplace, Amazon, and eBay.
What Were Old Bowling Pins Made Of?
Back in the 1800s, bowling pins were made from maple wood.
The wood had a reputation for being solid and long-lasting and, therefore, largely preferred in the making of the pins. Even to this day, you’ll find many pins still made of solid maple wood.
How Much Does a Real Bowling Pin Weigh?
The average weight of an ordinary bowling pin is about 3 pounds and 6 ounces.
The heaviest will be about 3 pounds and 10 ounces. These are the recommendations of the United States Bowling Congress (USBC).
Related Articles
- Pins and Pockets
- How Much Does It Cost to Build a Bowling Alley
- How Bowling Balls Are Made
- Can Bowling Balls Freeze
In the end, it’s about what you want. You can buy and use bowling pins for bowling or even as souvenirs and keepsakes, with a general idea of the cost associated with bowling pins. We’ve focused on the prices of new and used pins, as both options are available.
Be creative!
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.