Bowling Equipment for Beginners

Comfort and quality remain the cornerstones of good bowling equipment for beginners. Many pro shops, sports stores and online warehouses offer a wide selection of bowling balls, shoes, bags and other accessories. Someone new to the recreational sport may feel weighed down by so many choices; however reviewing such considerations as style, design, material, color and quality before making a purchase narrows the focus and makes the buying decision easier.

  1. Bowling Shoes

    • Bowling alleys spray shoes with disinfectant, but newcomers to the sport aren't always comfortable sharing shoes with strangers. Most bowlers purchase bowling shoes for that reason and to get the right fit. Manufactured with skid-free material on the sole, bowling shoes reduce excessive sliding once bowlers take their approach. Some custom-made shoes provide more or less slide on the lanes; however, beginners need not worry about such high-end equipment. The basic footwear styles--athletic bowling shoes or performance bowling shoes--provide enough slide and traction when learning the sport.

    Bowling Ball

    • Weight, size and color factor into choosing the right bowling ball.

      Beginners choosing this key piece of equipment can find themselves overwhelmed by the variety of sizes, weights and colors. In addition, different materials used in the construction of bowling balls--polyester, urethane, reactive and particle--offer different production technology and performance levels. Many pro shops and bowling alleys have personnel to assist customers with selection and fitting. Weight remains a critical factor in the purchasing decision. If too heavy, the ball potentially injures the wrists. As a general guideline, men usually purchase balls weighing between 14 to16 pounds; women choose between 10 to 14 pounds, and youth generally get 6 to 14 pounds. When purchasing a bowling ball, consider the comfort of the grip and the ease in which the ball is released. The comfort of the grip relates to the size and location of the finger holes on the ball, in addition to the space between the finger holes.

    Bowling Bag

    • The bag becomes the carrying case that protects the ball from dings or scratches. Bags come in different styles and colors, but the primary function lies in carrying the ball, shoes, towels and other accessories. The beginner, therefore, does not have to invest in an expensive bag.

    Wrist Support

    • If you suffer from wrist problems or arthritis, using wrist guards helps minimize pain and reduces the injury. Twisting and tweaking the wrist remains part of the bowler's approach and ball release when learning to bowl. Wrist guards help protect and prevent wrist injuries while playing. Selecting the right wrist guard means trying on different brands and making sure the bowler feels support and comfort.

    Towel

    • Most bowlers carry a towel in their bag so they can wipe down the excess oil the ball accumulates while rolling down the lane. Bowling towels are available, but a beginner can use a regular-size kitchen or hand towel.