Bowling Ball Selection Guide

For most people, bowling is a recreational activity that's enjoyed a few times a year among friends. While most recreational bowlers are happy to knock down a few pins -- and a few cold brews in the process -- the game is always more fun when you do well. Selecting the right ball for your age, strength, skill level and the lane conditions will improve your form and raise your score, as well as your enjoyment of the game.

  1. Regulation Size

    • The American Bowling Congress, which regulates the sport, mandates that professional bowling balls measure between 8.5 inches and 8.59 inches in diameter. Most manufacturers strive to consistently make bowling balls that meet these ABC standards, so finding a regulation ball at your local alley should be easy. Look for a ball that feels smooth and perfectly round, and does not have noticeable damage to the surface.

    Weight

    • Bowling balls weigh between 6 and 16 lbs. Balls that are too light or too heavy will be difficult for the bowler to control. A good rule of thumb when selecting bowling ball weight for bowlers ages 6 to 14 is to choose a weight that correlates with the child's age, according to BowlingBall.com. Most adult women will be able to handle bowling balls between 10 and 14 lbs., while adult men are generally comfortable with 14- to 16-lb. bowling balls. To select one, start by choosing a ball that equals about 10 percent of your body weight. If you can hold it out in front of you for five seconds without trembling, it is light enough to control.

    Finger Fit

    • Finger holes are generally drilled in proportion to the ball weight. This can make the choice tricky for a small woman who can handle heavier weights, for example. The best fix is to purchase your own ball so you can have the holes drilled to your finger size. However, for most occasional bowlers, this isn't considered a cost-effective option. Instead, look for a ball that allows your fingers to fit loosely into the holes without too much space and without snugness. You should not have to stretch your hand uncomfortably to reach the finger holes, or scrunch your hand to grip the ball. To test the hole fit, place your thumb in the thumb hole and stretch your fingers across the other two holes; your fingers should cover the holes without any of the hole showing on either side of your fingers.

    Considerations

    • If you choose to buy your own ball rather than use a house ball, the rules on weight change a bit. You may wish to choose a ball that is a pound or two heavier than the in-house bowling balls you've used in the past. Since the finger holes will be drilled to fit your hand precisely, your custom-fit ball will feel lighter to you during play.