Bowling Ball Advice

If you're getting more serious about your bowling game and want to take it to the next level, then the first step is purchasing your own ball. This process is a lot different than choosing a used ball at the local lanes. It is all about style, preferences and the way you bowl.

  1. Weight

    • Choosing a weight is about simple math. If you are used to using a bowling alley's standard ball, then your weight is pretty much figured out. If you have no clue which weight to purchase, figure out 10 percent of your body weight. This gives a ballpark figure because you can adjust the weights by holding the balls and testing them.

    Drilling

    • When purchasing a ball, make sure to get it drilled according to your hand size. This will make the ball a lot easier to hold and grip. The custom drill job is necessary for better accuracy, more strikes and more control over the ball.

    Material

    • The majority of bowling balls are made out of polyester plastic material, but more expensive and professional balls are made out of different types. If you are a hook shot bowler, you should purchase a "particle" ball. These balls are made of different materials and they provide the best materials for shooting hook shots. Other materials include resin and urethane, lower-end models compared to resin balls.

    Design

    • Choosing a design is simply set on preference. Sports fans can purchase a ball designed with their favorite sports logo. Pop culture fans can purchase balls featuring superheroes, cartoon characters and logos like Budweiser. Other designs include skulls, aliens, fruit and flames.

    Engraving

    • To help personalize your ball even more, you can choose to have a custom engraving. The engraving can feature your initials, name, nickname or even a bowling team name. These engravings help label your ball for more personalization and to help prevent any potential ball theft.