Most casual bowlers use the house balls available at many bowling alleys – they’re sufficient in this case. And if that applies to you, great! But if you’re serious about your game, you’ll want to have a ball that’s specifically designed for how you bowl.
A custom bowling ball sounds like it might be expensive, but what does it cost exactly? That’s what we’ll be looking at in this article.
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How Much Is a Custom Bowling Ball
How much does a custom bowling ball cost? The type of bowling ball you want will dictate the price you’ll ultimately pay. Most people in the market for their own custom balls will choose from entry-level, mid-range, and high-end balls for pros.
- If you’re looking for an entry-level custom polyester bowling ball, you’ll spend between $75 to $150.
- Intermediate-level custom balls run between $150 to $250.
- High-end custom reactive resin bowling balls and particle bowling balls for pros often cost more than $250.
Factors Affecting the Price of a Custom Bowling Ball
When you’re looking to buy almost anything, you’re bound to have different price points to choose from based on the item’s value. This applies to custom bowling balls, of course. Here are some factors that will affect how much you pay for your new ball.
- The brand of the ball – Not surprisingly, some brands will charge more for their custom balls than others. This is purely based on demand and popularity
- The type of ball – Polyester balls, for example, are going to be less expensive than urethane or a reactive resin bowling ball in most cases. Reactive resin balls are the most expensive type, as they offer the best performance.
- The weight of the ball – Heavier balls typically cost more than lighter ones. This comes down to the amount and type of material used in the ball’s construction.
- The features of the ball – If the ball has unique color patterns or other special features, it will likely cost more. More on that later.
- The shop where you buy the ball – Some stores charge more for their custom balls than others, especially those located in high-traffic areas.
Bowling Ball Customization Options
Once you’ve decided to invest in your own customized bowling ball, get ready to have some fun with the customization process. Here are some options you might consider as you make your selections:
Material
You have options regarding the ball’s coverstock material – your choices generally are plastic, urethane, and reactive resin. Plastic is best for beginners and anyone who’s budget-conscious. They are also ideal for spares.
A urethane bowling ball is good for bowlers who want a ball with a little more hook potential than polyester bowling balls to improve their scores. Reactive resin is the best choice for avid and pro bowlers who want strong hooks and the best in performance.
Colors
You’ll find an endless variety of color schemes to choose from when customizing your bowling ball. You can go with your favorite colors or choose a design that’s eye-catching and unique.
Also, if you love a sports team, cartoon character, or other passion, you can customize your ball to reflect it. Some retailers have pre-designed options for you to choose from, while others can etch a personalized design into the surface.
Core
You can decide whether you want a symmetrical or asymmetrical core in our ball. Some bowlers enjoy the predictability of a symmetrical core, while others may enjoy the challenge and increased hook potential of an asymmetrical core.
Weight
You can select how much your customized ball will weigh. If you’re unsure what the proper weight should be, you can go by the general guide stating that your ball should be about 10% of your body weight up to 16 lbs.
Experienced bowlers don’t always go by that rule but instead by their performance when using a specific weight.
If you have the opportunity, bowl using different weights at your local alley and pay attention to your game. You’ll know when you find the perfect weight for you – things will just feel is the right bowling ball for you.
Finger Holes
You can get your finger holes drilled specifically for your hand. If you want to have your holes accurately drilled for your fingers, buy your ball from a local pro shop and have it done there. If you opt to buy your customized ball online, take it to your local shop and get the holes drilled in your new ball for your specific grip.
Benefits of a Custom Bowling Ball
Customized bowling balls aren’t just for show – they can actually help improve your game. Here are some benefits you’ll enjoy when you switch to a ball that’s customized for you:
Improved Skill
When you have your own ball and use it exclusively, it can help you to improve your game. If you’ve been using the house balls (e.g., plastic bowling balls), you likely adapted as best as you could from one ball to the next.
With your own ball, you can take the time to get to know it and how to leverage it in each game. Since it was made with your bowling needs in mind, the consistency of using your ball can help you grow into a better bowler with each roll.
Lower Illness Risk
Having your own customized ball keeps you safer than using any house ball. With house balls, you can’t be too sure of their cleanliness and who used them before you.
If someone with a communicable disease used the ball before you, you could be at risk. When you have your own ball, you can be certain of its cleanliness since you’re the only one using it.
Game Diversification
A custom ball helps you to diversify your game. Plastic bowling balls (house balls) aren’t designed with a specific bowler’s style and needs in mind. This can lead to games where players decide against learning advanced techniques due to equipment limitations.
Your own ball enables you to work on hooks or unique shots that a house ball would not allow.
Self-expression
When you want to express yourself while bowling, you can do so with a customized ball design. Many customization services allow customers to select their own colors, finish, and/or design. When you have your own customized bowling ball, you can bring more of who you are to every game.
Lower Injury Risk
When you use a house ball that isn’t suited to your needs, your risk of injury goes up. If the ball is too heavy for you, it can cause problems with your arm and shoulder. Sometimes, it can even lead to chronic injuries that plague you long after your game is done.
However, when you use a custom ball that’s just right for you, you can avoid these risks and enjoy a safer game.
Do You Need a Custom Bowling Ball?
Whether or not you need a custom bowling ball isn’t all that simple. You can play only using your favorite lane’s house balls for a long time. You may feel satisfied with your scores and never want to change.
In this case, you may not feel the need to purchase a custom ball, and that’s okay! For anyone who wants to learn and excel at bowling, a custom bowling ball can help them to achieve that goal.
If you’re frequently using different lane balls and not getting the results or feel that you want, a custom ball may be a good investment. It can help you to improve your game and enjoy a safer, more personalized experience.
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So, there you have it – custom bowling balls may cost a pretty penny upfront ($75 – $250+), but they can be a great investment for avid bowlers who want to improve their game. We hope this article has helped you to better understand the world of custom bowling balls and come to the right decision for you. Happy bowling!
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.