How To Pick The Bowling Ball That Is Right For You

Twenty years ago, bowling balls were significantly less high-tech and specialized than they are today. There are vast technical variances between the performance levels of various balls.

There are several factors you need to consider when choosing a bowling ball, which include:

  • Pick a bowling ball that fits your fingers.
  • Pick a bowling ball according to your body weight.
  • Pick a bowling ball between hook and speed.
  • Pick an appropriate bowling ball for lane conditions.

There is no best ball, as each ball is tailored to a specific skill level or style of play. Bowling ball behavior and performance vary with weight, hole size and patterns, hook, speed, and lane conditions, among other characteristics. These factors all impact your overall bowling performance.

Pick A Bowling Ball That Fits Your Fingers

A good bowling ball should fit your fingers perfectly. Each ball has three finger holes, which are large enough to allow one to easily remove and enter their fingers. You can test out different types of balls to find one that fits your hand well.

If you are playing with house balls, you might want to use an insert for your own. These can help strengthen your grip and provide the same feel for the ball. Due to the increasing use of these products, you should be able to find them at a pro shop.

Pick A Bowling Ball According To Your Body Weight

Ideally, you should be able to throw a ball that’s about 10% of your body weight. However, if you play at a bowling alley, you might want to use a lighter ball since house balls have a poor grip.

Although weight can be an excellent quality indicator, it does not mean you are doing it correctly. For instance, if you throw the ball several times during a game, your ideal weight may feel very heavy by the end of the evening.

Pick A Ball Between Hook And Speed

There are two main factors that you can consider when choosing a ball: its speed and its hook. Varying ball varieties can increase the speed, but you must sacrifice the hook if you have difficulty getting the ball to the other side of the lane. The less friction the ball’s surface has, the faster it moves. A higher coefficient of friction can make dull-looking balls easier to direct.

The method of throwing a ball is known as “hooking,” which involves tossing it in a way that curves toward the left or right. It is a technique that is usually only used by experienced bowlers.

Urethane balls are great for bowlers who want to get faster while keeping their hook. 

These are better than their faster counterparts due to their better hold and hook properties. You can use these to improve your hook if you are an expert at throwing balls.

Although plastic balls are ideal for beginner players due to their tendency to travel in a straight line, they do not have the same speed or hook as other types of balls. Polishing can be done in a professional shop to improve the ball’s speed and reduce the hook.

According to experts, around 60% of a ball’s performance is attributed to its coverstock. Changing the coverstock can make a big difference in its overall performance.

Pick An Appropriate Bowling Ball For Lane Conditions

Another answer to your question, “Which bowling ball is right for me?” Please make sure the bowling ball you choose is good for the conditions of the lanes you plan to use it on. Check the condition of the lanes you’re visiting and see if they are oily or dry. You might want to consider using a smooth ball instead if they are. If the ball is skidding out of control, try switching it to a ball with less shine.

It’s hard to tell if the lane has been greased properly. Even if you ask the staff, you’ll want to use the warm up period to check the condition and behavior of the lanes with a few different balls and throwing techniques.

Remember that uneven oiling of the lanes is a common issue. It can cause the ball to lose control and slide into the gutter. Since more oil is applied to the middle, it’s less likely to go into the gutter. 

Sometimes, the front of the lane gets greased more than the rear, which can cause the ball to slip down the path more quickly. If the oil’s location affects your game, you might want to switch to a ball with less friction.

Sizes of Bowling Balls Matter

The weight of a bowling ball is dependent on its size. The balls are generally around 8-16 lbs and have an 8.6-inch diameter. Since some players use heavier balls, it can be hard to choose the right one.

The weight of a bowling ball can have a significant impact on its impact on pins. A heavier ball will not be able to knock them well, and if you throw it at a fast pace, it may lose its momentum. You can use more force to knock them down, but you might get hurt.

The pros and cons of using heavier or lighter bowling balls are similar. Since some players prefer to use a 10-pound ball, their weight also depends on height and skill. Physics determines the effects of the weight on the ball.

The heavier the ball, the more momentum it has at a given speed. To maximize its advantage, find the fastest ball possible. You can also determine the angle and revolution of the ball with your skills.

Heavy bowling balls can also lead to injuries and fatigue, and they can cause players to lose the game. It’s essential to note that the ball’s weight is a player-specific issue. To determine the right weight, it’s essential to look at the ball’s different parts.

Also, try swinging a heavy object around at home to improve your bowling swing. Doing 23 sets of this exercise will test your arm strength.

Conclusion 

While selecting the perfect bowling ball, several factors include weight, hole fitting to your fingers, hook and speed, and lane condition. All of these things are interconnected, and they all affect how well you bowl.

Read my thoughts about when to consider buying your own bowling ball.

After you have determined the appropriate weight and cover stock for your ball, you can choose from a wide range of balls available on the internet or through a pro shop. You can choose from various groups of balls, but you can usually learn what you need by talking to a pro.

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