Bowling is one of those sports that pretty much anyone can enjoy. Like golf, people of all skill levels can participate in bowling and have a good time. But there is more to the game than just picking up the ball and throwing it down the lane. In order to have at least some success, you have to pick a ball that works well with your hands and body. Picking the right ball can sometimes make the difference between a gutter ball and a strike.
Weight
The first, and perhaps most important, factor when selecting a bowling ball is the weight of the ball. If your ball is too heavy, you won't be able to propel it down the lane fast enough to make quality impact with the pins. If your ball is too light, you'll have trouble controlling the trajectory once it comes off your hand.
The standard rule for selecting the weight of your ball is that it should be roughly 10 percent of your body weight. For example, if you weigh around 185 lbs., choose a ball that weighs about 18 lbs. This will give you the correct ratio you need in order to have the proper bowling mechanics.
Finger Holes
The finger holes on a bowling ball vary in size and distance from each other. If the holes are too big, you'll have trouble gripping the ball and thus controlling its trajectory. Too small, and your fingers either won't fit, or, even worse, the ball could get stuck on your hand, causing you to commit a foul by stepping over the line or even falling down, resulting in potential injury.
Make sure the finger holes are big enough to comfortably fit your fingers inside, but with a little bit of snugness to help you grip. Also make sure the holes are close enough together to help you hold onto the ball during your back swing.
Material
But for the serious bowler, what your ball is made out of can make all the difference. Most of the balls on the racks at your local bowling alley are made up of just regular, hard plastic. This is a good material if you're looking for an inexpensive bowling ball, but if you're looking for more precision, consider a more expensive material like urethane or resin.
Urethane has a surface that allows more control over the ball, and is preferred by bowlers who like to hook the ball. Resin is a cover that some ball manufacturers put over a urethane ball to make it even tackier to the surface of the lane, but it also makes the ball skid more, giving you a higher velocity on impact.
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