What To Look For
You should choose a ball based upon its quality and materials. Polyester balls, the least expensive bowling balls, are best on dry lanes and probably the best choice for the beginning bowler. They have a tendency to skid, however, and roll straight with very little hook in them. Serious bowlers tend to prefer urethane balls, which have softer cover stocks that provide better hook potential. For the advanced bowler, tacky reactive resin balls are best; they increase the ball's grip on the bowling lane, have the greatest hook potential, skid on oily lanes and hook on dry ones.
Common Pitfalls
Not all bowling balls will work on all bowling lanes. Polyester balls do not tend to work well on oily lanes because the material tends to become slick. A good way to remedy this is to purchase two balls, a polyester ball for dry lanes and a reactive resin ball for oily lanes. Serious bowlers also invest in a "strike ball" with a lot of hook potential and power, as well as a "spare ball" that can barrel down the lane. Make sure that your ball fits your fingers well. Some bowlers even custom-drill their bowling balls to fit their hands.
Where To Buy
The best way to find the best bowling ball is to visit your local bowling pro shop. They will be able to help you access your bowling needs, find the right ball for you and adapt it to your skill level. Bowling ball manufacturers can provide you with information about the specifics of their products. Brunswick's website offers the best variety of bowling balls, as well as many services for the bowler.
Cost
Polyester bowling balls, the least expensive balls on the market, tend to sell for under $100. Urethane bowling balls, depending upon their weight, grip strength and drilling options, sell for an average of $129. Reactive resin balls, which sell for $250, are worth the extra cost because most bowlers agree that they result in extra strikes and spares.
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