You’re in the market for a bowling ball – but not just any ball…your own personal ball. This may be the ball that may even lead to a trophy or two. However, you are just not sure what ball is the perfect investment. Never fear – this article will help you become an informed bowling consumer in the hunt for a perfect ball.
Why Buy A Personal Ball?
The main reason for buying your own ball, of course, is the ability to completely customize and personalize it. You can have the holes drilled for your fingers, you can choose the right weight for you, and you can even have a better grip, which will lead to better timing and delivery.
A personal ball may also lessen the chances of calluses, blisters, and may even prevent injuries such as tendonitis and pulled muscles.
The Four Schools of Bowling Balls
There are four main types of bowling balls. You will have to consider your own style and level of play to determine which type of bowling ball is best for you.
First, there is the plastic or polyester ball. If you’ve ever borrowed the balls in your local bowling alley, this is most likely what you’ve used. The plastic bowling ball is great for straight bowlers, spare shots and dry alleys, and it is also very durable – which is exactly why bowling alleys keep these balls on hand.
The second type of bowling ball is urethane, which has a higher friction surface, making it better for hooking.
The third type is reactive resin, a fairly new option in the history of bowling. Experienced bowlers prefer its stronger striking power and increased skid.
The final type is a particle ball. This is a combination of urethane for its controllability and smoothness and resin for its power. A particle ball is essentially only used for oily lanes, but new combinations are being developed that will allow this ball to have more versatility.
Which Type is Right for You?
If you are a beginner or just an occasional bowler, the plastic/polyester ball is probably the best one for you. It’s easy to control and can be useful for learning accuracy. Professional bowlers typically utilize this type of ball when they shoot spares. However, the hooking capability is indeed limited with a plastic or polyester bowling ball.
For moderately advanced bowlers, the urethane ball is a great option, both in terms of pricing and its hooking capability.
If you are an experienced bowler, however, and are accustomed to hooking, a particle or resin ball is best because of its greater power. Although these are the most expensive types of balls, you get the greatest hooking results.
Other Factors to Consider
When you are choosing your bowling ball, your weight, along with the angle of the drilled finger holes, are also important. As a general rule of thumb, the weight of your ball should be approximately 10% of your weight – but professional bowlers tend to choose the heaviest ball they can comfortably utilize.
With some insight into your bowling style and goals, along with experimenting with the right weight for your bowling style, you are well underway for choosing the right bowling ball for your game.
