Choosing a bowling ball to use is not as simple as finding one that you can lift comfortably. A number of other factors---such as bowling style and aspirations---must be considered, and this can be a challenge for new bowlers that are less familiar with the game. However, choosing a bowling ball that suits your playing ability is both economical and will improve your score.
History
Prior to the 1960s, bowling balls were made almost exclusively of hard rubber. These balls were not durable, however, and were soon replaced with plastic balls. Plastic balls with an elliptical core were the industry standard for many years and are the most common type of "house ball" in bowling alleys today. In the 70s, balls with a urethane cover stock became popular because of their greater hooking potential. In the 90s, resin particles were added to the urethane balls, which allowed the ball to grip the lane even more and hook farther.
Types
Bowling balls are generally divided into two types to a suit a bowler's play style: hook balls and straight balls. Rubber and plastic balls are used for straight bowling and are easier to control down the lane because of their balanced cores. Urethane and resin balls are more difficult to control, as they have imbalanced cores to increase hooking potential.
Features
The main features that must be analyzed when choosing a bowling ball for a beginner are the cover stock material, size, and weight. The Professional Bowlers Association states in its rulebook that a ball must have five holes or less for gripping, be no more than 27 inches in diameter, have a cover stock material that meets or exceeds a 72 on the Durometer scale and weighs 16 lbs or less.
Considerations
For most beginning bowlers, it is wise to purchase a plastic ball first and learn straight bowling. Aim is a fundamental skill of bowling that straight balls develop and they are cheaper than urethane or resin balls. Weight and hole placement are also major factors to consider when finding your first ball. The weight of the ball should be heavy enough to knock down the pins, but not so heavy that it is difficult to control in your backswing. Most adults have a ball that is between 12 and 15 lbs. For children under 12, the ball should weigh the same as their age. The holes of the ball must be spaced so you can insert your middle and ring fingers to halfway between your first and second knuckles when your thumb is fully inserted in the ball.
Potential
While most beginning bowlers use a straight ball, a hooking ball may be worth using if you plan to stick with the sport and grow your game in the future. The learning curve is steeper for a hooking ball, but they are the industry standard for bowlers that consistently score highly. However, even if you use a straight ball initially, it does not become obsolete once you learn how to throw a hook. Many professional bowlers own a straight ball and use it to pick up spares where a hook is less desirable.
Member Comments