Selecting a Bowling Ball that Suits You Best

Tap to Read ➤ Mukulika Mukherjee

How do you choose a bowling ball that best suits your style of play? Here's a brief guide for you. Take a look!

Did You Know?

Your browser doesn't support HTML5 video. Most professional bowlers use a 16-pound bowling ball.

Choosing a bowling ball that's just right for you is not as easy as it seems. There are a few different factors that you should take into consideration, and this may lead to confusion. However, the fact remains that, for a great bowling experience, you should first have the right ball.

The balls that you find at bowling alleys are known as house balls and are not of very high quality. If you're truly passionate about bowling, you should invest in a ball that is best suited to your style of play. This story talks about the key factors that you should consider in your quest to find the right bowling ball. So, let's get started.

How to Select the Right Bowling Ball

When it comes to choosing the right bowling ball, there are four factors you should consider. They are as follows:

Weight of the ball Grip Cover Stock Hook Potential Let us look at them one by one.

Weight of the Ball

The primary factor that you should consider while choosing your bowling ball is its weight. It's said that the weight of the ball should be approximately 10% of your body weight, the maximum weight being 16 pounds. However, that does not mean that it is compulsory for you to use one.

Remember that the weight of the ball should be such that you're comfortable holding it in your hands and rolling it along the lane. Some female players even settle for a 14-pound bowling ball. To determine the right weight of the ball you're most comfortable in, visit a store, and try different balls.

Grip

In order to have a better control on the ball, it's essential that you can grip it firmly in your hands. The grip depends on the cover stock, but the perfect grip is offered by a ball that is customized as per your hand measurements.

Cover Stock

Once you've found a ball of the right weight, the next important factor to consider is the cover stock. The cover stock is the material that lines the ball and plays a key role in determining its price.

It's important to choose the cover stock carefully, because it is the surface that comes in contact with the lane and determines your performance. There are four different material that cover stocks are made of.

Polyester

The least resistive of all cover stock material, polyester is a plastic and used in most house balls. It is also the least expensive, but is highly durable. Polyester balls are low in friction and roll straight. They are the best bet for beginners and casual players. These balls are best used on dry lanes.

Urethane

Urethane balls are meant for serious bowlers as they are softer, with an enhanced hook potential. These balls can be polished or sanded, thus, increasing or decreasing their hook potential. These are more expensive than polyester balls.

Resin

Resin balls are for advanced players and suitable for most lane types. They are sticky, and hence, provide enhanced grip, also allowing for the greatest hook potential.

Particle

Particle balls are nothing but resin enhanced with glass or ceramic particles. These balls are used by professional players as they provide incredible grip, allowing for better control.

Hook Potential

Hook potential is the ability of your ball to bend sideways when you throw it on the lane. Hook potential depends on the flare potential rating and RG (radius of gyration) rating. You should look for a 6-inch flare potential rating or higher than that.

That was all about the different criteria for choosing the right bowling ball. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead, and choose a ball that best suits your style of play.