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There are millions of people all around the world who love to bowl in their spare time, and some take it more seriously than others. Some consider bowling a fun first date, while others bowl professionally or in local leagues. Either way, one of the critical decisions that you have to make before you bowl is choosing a bowling ball.
You will want to choose a bowling ball that doesn’t weigh too much so that you can bowl effectively. However, that isn’t the only factor to consider. What material should the bowling ball be made of? What grip makes sense? Here is some advice regarding how to choose a bowling ball that makes the most sense for you.
The Right Weight
There are many different types of bowling balls, and they typically weigh between 6 and 16 pounds. The lighter bowling balls are typically used for kids who want to bowl, while the heavier balls are meant for adults.
The 10% Rule
As a general bowling rule, your bowling ball should weigh around 10% of your body weight. If you weigh 200 pounds, it won’t make much sense for you to bowl with an 8-pound bowling ball because it might feel ridiculously light to you. Since the heaviest approved bowling ball is 16 pounds, if you weigh 160 pounds or more, you will most likely use a 16-pound ball. If you are an adult male, you will probably want a bowling ball within the 14-16 pound range. Adult women are usually comfortable with a ball in the 10-14 pound range.
It should be noted that there are exceptions. For example, if you’ve had a recent arm or back injury, you should make sure that you are totally comfortable when you bowl rather than put too much stock in the ball’s weight.
Thumb Fit
One way to choose a bowling ball is to make sure that your thumb fits comfortably. If your thumb can slide in and out too easily, it means that the bowling ball won’t be optimal for bowling. The best bowling ball is one where your thumb should barely be able to reach the side of the bowling ball inside the hole. Simply put, make sure that your thumb fits snugly and that the thumbhole isn’t too tight or too loose.
Material
The material of the best bowling ball for you largely depends on your skill level. If you are a beginner, the best option is to go with a plastic cover or a polyester bowling ball. These are also the most inexpensive options, which is vital for those trying to figure out how to choose a bowling ball on a budget.
There are urethane bowling balls and reactive-resin bowling balls for intermediate and advanced players if you want to step up your game. There’s a lot to consider here, and it involves the best bowling ball for throwing a “hook.” The urethane balls are easier to curve, but it should be noted that the reactive-resin bowling ball is the best bowling ball for hooks. It also provides the most friction between the ball and the lane, and the reactive-resin bowling ball is considered a professional-grade bowling ball. It is also the most expensive.
Consider Lane Conditions
Lane conditions greatly impact the performance of a bowling ball. How much oil is on the lane, oil patterns, and the lane surface type can all determine how much a ball hooks or slides. For example, on heavily oiled lanes, a ball with a stronger grip (or more surface texture) is ideal. On drier lanes, a smoother ball can help prevent too much hooking. Choosing the right ball gives you better accuracy and consistency based on the lane conditions.
Bowl Like Never Before at Stars & Strikes
If you’re still wondering what the best bowling ball is for you, the best way to find out is to go bowling!
Whether you’re a first-time bowler or a PBA pro, you’ve got to come check out Stars & Strikes! Enjoy premium lanes, delicious food, and other fun activities at one of our 17 locations across Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Find the location nearest you and come have a blast!
