How to Choose a Bowling Ball

Want to become a pro at bowling? Well, getting a custom bowling ball perfectly fit for your style of bowling is a great start if you are looking to get more control of the ball and make better shots to score more points. This is probably the first step in learning the ins and outs of this game. Once you know everything about the types of bowling balls, you will be able to move forward.

But the real question is, how to choose the perfect bowling ball? No need to worry, though, because I have got you covered.

In this article, I am going to talk about how you can choose the perfect bowling ball. From the type of finish to the ball’s weight to the drilling, I am going to make sure you learn everything you need to know before you choose the perfect ball for yourself. So, keep on reading this article till the very end.

How to Choose a Bowling Ball

Choosing the Right Bowling Ball

Why is it important to choose the perfect bowling ball that fits your hand and style of play? Why not use a house ball in your common bowling alley if you are good enough? That is because a house ball does not provide the same comfort and feel like a custom ball, and a custom bowling ball is perfectly designed for your hand, your style of play, your weight, and your skill level.

That is why choosing the right bowling ball is so important. So, let us look at some of the major factors that you need to know about before you get the perfect bowling ball for yourself.

Type of Finish

Bowling balls come with many different types of finish or cover stocks, as they call it in the bowling lingo. In terms of friction, speed, durability, and other aspects, these finishes differ greatly. Let us look at the major types of bowling ball finishes that you will want to choose between for your ideal bowling ball.

Polyester Ball

Polyester finish, more commonly known as the plastic finish, is a prevalent and durable bowling ball. This is the perfect bowling ball for beginners since it can take quite a rough beating in the learning phase.

It is an exceptionally smooth finished ball. This ball’s friction is minimalistic, and that is why it is best for a uniform throw. Ideal for spares, a plastic finish ball moves over the lane quicker and has a faster moving speed. If you are looking to getting your starting ball, polyester will be a great choice.

Urethane Ball

Urethane balls are less smooth than plastic finish bowling balls. They are also durable. Most commonly, urethane bowling balls are used by intermediates and professionals because of their high friction ability.

This friction allows you to hook the ball, making it a better choice for getting a strike through a pocket. These balls are more commonly found in bowling alleys because of their balance between speed and control. However, if you are a beginner, it will not be a bad idea to use a urethane ball.

Reactive Resin Ball

The type of finish that offers the most friction on the bowling lane is the reactive resin bowling ball. It has the least smooth surface. Incredibly experienced professionals mostly use these balls.

The balls provide the least speed and low control, but they are perfect for getting the ideal hook into the pin arrangement due to their highest degree of friction. These balls are also incredibly amazing for pin deflection. As a beginner, you should not mess around with reactive resin balls, but as your skills and technique develop, you can switch to this ball to get the best scores with perfect hooks.

Here is a list of the best-selling bowling balls.

Weight of the Ball

Another essential aspect that you need to consider before buying the perfect bowling ball is its weight. You need to make sure that it is not super light, but at the same time, it is not unbearably heavy either. It needs to be perfectly sized and perfectly weighted.

According to bowling gurus, the ideal bowling ball weight should be 10 percent of your body weight. This is valid for only up to 16 pounds which is the maximum ideal bowling ball weight. However, it is perfectly valid if 10 percent of your body weight amounts to less than that. For example, if you are 150 pounds, a 15-pounder bowling ball would be ideal for you.

A house ball in your nearest bowling alley might be perfectly weighted for you. However, getting a custom-designed bowling ball would be the ideal choice if that is not the case.

You need to make sure that the ball’s weight is heavy, but the heaviness is just enough to bear. A bowling ball that is heavy enough that it still feels comfortable to throw is the perfectly weighted bowling ball, in my opinion, and that is what you need to go for.

Finger Holes

You might not think that the finger holes on a bowling ball are essential, but they are. The house balls in a common bowling center might have average-sized finger holes that you can play with, but they will not feel as comfortable as you would like.

That is why it is ideal that you get the ball drilled by a professional bowling shop to achieve maximum grip and comfort. You will have to provide your hand measurements to get the holes drilled accurately.

Believe me when I say this, once you get the perfect holes drilled into your custom bowling ball, it is going to feel better than ever. The grip, the hold, the comfort, and the throw, everything will be butter smooth resulting in a better play.

Conclusion

Choosing a bowling ball can be difficult for a beginner. That is why I believe this guide is so important for all you bowlers out there. Make sure that you follow all the guidelines and get your custom bowling ball designed amazingly. One thing I can assure you is that a custom ball will surely make your game better. I hope you have an incredible bowling experience with your ideal bowling ball.

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