Chances are your first experience bowling included a ball provided by the bowling lane and rented shoes. If you decide to make bowling a regular activity, you'll want your own bowling ball, shoes that fit properly and other accessories. Good bowling equipment isn't just about looks and comfort, though. The right ball, gloves and other items will help you improve your game.
Balls
There are several factors to consider when you select a bowling ball. Weight is one. A good rule of thumb is that your ball should be about 1/10 of your body weight. For example, if you weigh 160 pounds, you want a 16-pound ball. You will have better ball control if you have the finger holes drilled to fit your fingers.
Bowling balls are categorized according to their composition. Plastic balls are better for novice bowlers because they offer good control and are inexpensive. Urethane balls tend to produce better hook shots and are ideal for more advanced bowlers. Reactive resin bowling balls are urethane bowling balls with particles of resin added that improve the ball's performance. Finally, particle balls take reactive resin a step further by incorporating glass or ceramic particles to improve the ball's ability to grip the lane surface.
Shoes
Nearly all bowling alleys require bowlers to wear bowling shoes in order to prevent damage to the hardwood surface of the lanes. When you join a league or begin to bowl on a regular basis, you'll want to buy your own shoes. As with any footwear, make sure you have a comfortable shoe that fits properly.
There are two categories of bowling shoes. Athletic bowling shoes are designed to give you good traction without scuffing the lanes. Experienced bowlers often move up to performance bowling shoes. With performance shoes, the shoe on the side opposite your bowling hand is designed to slide. The other shoe has a non-skid sole.
Accessories
Many bowlers wear a specially designed bowling glove that has a brace incorporated into the glove. The brace supports the wrist and improves ball handling and control. Another piece of bowling equipment you will find handy is a good bowling ball bag. Bags are made of reinforced material like heavy cotton and shaped to accommodate a bowling ball. Many bowling ball bags include pockets for your shoes and other accessories.
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