What To Look For
Bowling balls that are considered legal by the American Bowling Congress may be no heavier than 16 pounds and must range in diameter from 8.500 to 8.595 inches. Know how you throw the ball before you buy, because hook potential is an important consideration when purchasing a bowling ball. There are four types of bowling balls--plastic, urethane, reactive resin and particle--which each give the ball different ways to track the lane.
Common Pitfalls
Buying a bowling ball that is too heavy or too light can throw off your game. A ball that is too light will not carry enough power and will be inaccurate. A ball that is too heavy may cause back strain as well as inaccuracy. For bowlers age 6 through 14, it is recommended to match the pounds to the age.
The bowling ball must also be made out of materials that react with how you throw the ball. Although plastic balls are most common, they will not help your hook. Urethane bowling balls have a softer polyurethane cover, which causes high friction on the lanes, allowing a hook. Reactive resin balls contain resin in the urethane cover, which causes the ball to slide then snap-hook into the pins. Particle bowling balls contain ceramic or glass particles in the cover which provide a better grip on the lane and a more consistent hook. Particle balls are best used on oily lanes and typically by experienced bowlers. If you're using different balls for the first shot and and the pick-up, the extra hook may not help a spare shot.
Where To Buy
You can purchase a bowling ball from the manufacturer's website and take it to a bowling shop to get drilled. Bowling stores and pro shops sell bowling balls in less of a selection but often with drilling included. Beginner bowlers may wish to visit the pro shop to seek recommendations on which type of ball to purchase. Plastic balls are often a low-cost option for a child bowler since he will soon outgrow the ball.
Cost
Plastic bowling balls typically range from $60 to $100. A reactive resin ball may cost between $150 and $200. Particle balls, which are primarily used by experienced bowlers, may range over $200.
Accessories
Bowling shoes are often a great accessory to pick up when purchasing a bowling ball. Depending on the brand, bowling shoes may range from $30 to $140. If you are a frequent bowler, purchasing your own pair of bowling shoes will save shoe-rental money in the long run.
Insider Tips
Consider finger tip inserts for the middle and ring fingers if you want to hook the ball. Tips allow only the tip of the finger to be inserted into the ball. If inserts are used, the ball will roll off the finger tips, allowing for a greater hook potential.
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