Whether you're a beginner or advanced player, the right bowling ball can improve your skills and maximize your bowling experience. Different types of bowling balls can be distinguished by the material they're made from, which affects everything from ball speed to striking power. As you compare different types of bowling balls, consider factors like lane conditions, playing skill and budget to find the best unit for your needs.
Plastic
According to WorldwideBowlingSupply.com, plastic balls made from polyester are one of the oldest and most affordable types of bowling balls. They feature a smooth surface for low friction, which helps keep the ball rolling straight. Polyester balls are known for their durability, and are widely used by many bowling alleys as the "house" ball for players who don't have their own ball. Because of the inability to control the angle or hook of these balls, they are best-suited to novice players.
Urethane
According to BestBowling.com, the urethane ball was created during the 1970s to give players a better-performing alternative to traditional plastic balls. Urethane or polyurethane balls tend to produce higher friction than plastic as they roll down the lane, which gives players more control over hooking the ball to strike the pins. These balls are best-suited to dry lanes because of the high level of friction. Many players sand or polish urethane balls to customize their bowling experience. Sanding and polishing changes the texture of the ball's surface, which can affect speed, hook potential and power.
Reactive Resin
Reactive resin balls are made from composite resin-based particles. This type of ball offers the highest level of rolling friction over the lane according to BestBowling.com, making them well-suited for players who like to "hook" the ball. The resin particles create a tacky surface, so the ball may skid on oily lanes. On dry lanes, this tacky surface helps to create more striking power, especially when the ball is hooked. Because of their speed and power, reactive resin balls are the primary choice of ball for most experienced players according to WorldwideBowlingSupply.com.
Particle Balls
Particle-style bowling balls combine the smooth, easy control of urethane with the striking power of a resin ball. They feature a composite base, with small particles of glass or ceramic materials mixed in to increase texture on the surface of the ball. The textured surface improves the ball's grip over oily lanes, and these balls are generally considered too textured for dry lane conditions. According to BestBowling.com, particle balls offer the highest hook potential of all types of bowling balls, and are the choice of most professional players.
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