I hate using the “house balls” at bowling alleys, so it’s time for me to get my own ball. I’m a recreational bowler, pretty much straight shooter, so it doesn’t make sense for me to get the highest tech, most expensive ball. On the other hand, I am trying to get better, so it doesn’t make sense for me to have the cheapest “kiddie” ball, either. So my question is actually two-fold:
What considerations should I keep when choosing a bowling ball? What manufacturer? What material?
And, more specifically, can anyone recommend the best bowling ball for my criteria?
i mid range ball for around a hundred or so would be nice get something that is reative resein… go to a bowling alley and ask if they have a pro shop..i bet most are having an end of year sale to get ride of old stock..also check to se if they have any used bals that are cheaper since you are only rec, bowler
Talk to the guys at the pro shop where you usually play. Tell them your bowling style and the price range you want to stay in. They should be able to match you up with a ball that will work well with the oil patterns they use on the lanes.
well i think u should start off withe a resin or particle and the best brand would probally be either brunswick or ebonite… and i think u should get the either one of brunswicks’ infernos or a ebonite one…
Hey there. I’ve been bowling for over 25 years now…..and Im only 30….I grew up in a bowling center, my father owns a shop and my mother manages a bowling center, in addition I met my hubby there and he now manages my dads bowling shop. So you can trust my word. You could go one of 2 ways….you can start with a plastic ball which would work great for you since your just starting out, learning and throw it straight this is great because it helps you learn the basics of hitting your mark with consistency this would only run you $60-70. Or you could take a next step up and get a urethane ball which would run $80-100. This way when your ready to take the next step you can have it plugged and move onto fingertip which is the next step. These urethane balls tend to have duller surfaces which grip the lane and will give you some turn on the ball. Hope this helps.
I just went through the motions with my son when considering a bowling ball for someone starting to improve.
Price is definitely a consideration. Reactive urethane, particle (abrasive bits in the bowling ball’s surface) and reactive resin bowling balls will cost anywhere from $35 to $100+ (bowling.com, bowlingballsales.com, Buddies Pro Shop, and bowlersparadise.com)
Manufacturers vary, but the performance of their equipment can differ due to the coverstock materials and shape of their cores. I’ve bowled with Brunswick and Columbia 300 equipment for over 25 years and have been comfortable with their product.
For you, I would recommend a reactive urethane coverstock bowling ball. Brunswick has their “Groove” series in the $50-$60 range. Storm has their “Tropical” series in the same category. Also, Columbia has their “Scout” series too. Price range should be the same for those manufacturers. I’d say that they are “entry level” bowling balls and when you learn to hook the ball, not that much modification is needed to your finger holes and the transition should be smooth.
Good luck!