Choosing the Right Bowling Ball

Weight Matters

Bowling balls come in a wide variety of weights. Common sizes for bowling balls range from around six pounds all the way up to around sixteen pounds, but you can commission the creation of a bowling ball that is a different weight. The weight you choose has a lot to do with what weight you are comfortable using. One of the best ways to decide this is to go to a local bowling alley and try a variety of balls with different weights. For example, you may have always used an eight pound ball but after trying many different balls you discover that a twelve pound ball enhances your performance greatly.

Choosing the Right Bowling Ball Finish

Not every bowling ball has the same finish. You can purchase balls that have a hard finish or a soft finish, and some in between. Generally, bowling balls with soft finishes grip the lane better than bowling balls with hard finishes, but this may also depend on how exuberantly the bowling alley oils the lanes. If you are only buying one bowling ball, request one with a soft finish.

Finger Holes

If possible, purchase a bowling ball that has customized holes created specifically for your fingers. You will find that not only is your hand more comfortable during the game, but your performance will probably improve too. When the ball is comfortable in your hand it is easier to control.

Where to Buy

Many bowling alleys offer balls for sale, although you may find that the price is a little higher than what you would pay if you purchased the ball elsewhere. Local sporting goods stores may offer bowling balls that can be fully customized including weight, holes, color, and design. If you take the time to do a little research you may be surprised at the interesting designs you can find for bowling balls.

Plenty of online retailers offer bowling balls for purchase. Be sure to choose a retailer who offers simple returns in case the ball you receive is not comfortable or does not match what you ordered. Here is a brief list of online stores offering bowling balls:

• BowlersGuide.com offers an impressive selection of bowling balls for both adults and kids. Brands offered include Brunswick, Elite, and Roto Grip, among other well-known brands.
• Bowling.com has a wide variety of available bowling balls. This distributor also has a liberal return policy for defective bowling balls.
• eBay sellers sometimes offer bowling balls at great deals, so if you bid wisely you may wind up with an excellent bowling ball at a reduced price. This site also offers an excellent guide to choosing the right bowling ball for reference prior to bidding.

This is merely a brief listing of the many sources available online for purchasing a bowling ball.

Expert Recommendations

Bowling experts suggest that serious bowlers purchase more than one ball. Different bowling scenarios call for different balls, so if you play on a league or simply want to enhance your performance you may want to look into purchasing a few balls with varying features.

Accessories

Although most bowling alleys supply just about anything a bowler might need, many serious bowlers prefer to have their own equipment. Additional accessories you may want to consider purchasing include:

• Bowling gloves
• Bowling ball cleaner
• Bowling ball polish
• A bag for your bowling ball
• Bowling shoes
• Bowling towel
• Ball buffer

These items can be purchased at the same retailers offering bowling balls. You can also personalize many of these items including a bowling ball bag and your shoes. Although this will not enhance your performance as a player it may help you feel more confident in your display of style..