What to Look For
As a general rule, women should use balls weighing between 10 and 14 pounds, or about 10 percent of their body weight. You can use heavier balls when the holes are custom-fit to your fingers, because you will be able to grip the ball better. Heavier balls knock down more pins, but lighter balls are easier to control.
Polyester and plastic balls are good for beginners, while urethane balls are best for advanced bowlers using slightly oily lane surfaces. Advanced bowlers using more heavily oiled lanes should try resin balls.
Common Pitfalls
If you can't hold the ball for at least five seconds, it is too heavy for you. Also, buying the wrong type of ball for the bowling lanes you use will make it harder for you.
If you're a beginner, you may have trouble with resin balls, and with high-RG, or Radius of Gyration, balls because they carry more weight around the outside of ball than at the center. This is good if you know how to make the ball spin intentionally for a hook effect, but it can be difficult for beginners to control.
Where to Buy
Sports Authority is a chain with stores in almost every state. They sell a few of the most well-known brands of bowling balls and offer free shipping if you buy online. Bowling.com sells several different brands and styles and they offer free shipping as well.
Cost
Bowling ball prices typically range from $50 to $250. Recreational or beginner balls made from plastic or polyester will generally be cheaper, while high-performance resin and urethane balls are more expensive. If you're just starting out, cheaper balls will work well for you until you have a better feel for what you prefer, and what lane surfaces you will be bowling on.
Custom drilling holes into a ball will cost between $30 and $70.
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